The St. Kitts-Nevis government says it has agreed to pay a “double salary” as a bonus to public servants this year even as the twin island Federation continues to face many challenges resulting from the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
A statement from the governing Cabinet said it had deliberated “at length over the matter of a Christmas bonus” to be paid to all civil servants, pensioners, government auxiliary employees (GAEs), skills training and empowerment program (STEP) employees and workers at all statutory corporations.
Fiscal accounts show surplus
The statement noted that as at September this year, “the fiscal accounts reflected a surplus on the recurrent account, the overall account and the primary account.
“All economic indicators also point to robust growth for 2018. Several capital projects are expected to come on stream and various private developments are anticipated,” the statement noted indicating that the Timothy Harris government had taken the decision “to approve the payment of a double salary for the second consecutive year.
Spend wisely
“Recipients of this extra salary are encouraged to spend their money wisely. Those who still have repairs to make to their homes are encouraged to take advantage of the duty-free concessions being offered by the government.
“The bonus payment is indeed expected to bring cheer to all families in St. Kitts and Nevis and can be considered as the government’s Christmas gift to our hardworking and deserving citizens,” the statement added.
