ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, Monday 12th December, 2016 –GIS: The wages and salaries measures announced on December 9, 2016 during the 2017 budget presentation, spanned salary increments, to one off payments and even solutions for those patiently awaiting pension reform.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, announced that two installments of salary increments - one for the 2014 and another for the period January to June 2016 - will be paid on Friday, December 16, 2016.
He also said there will be a one-off payment, which will be made to all public servants, who served a substantial portion of the period 2013 to 2016, in recognition of their contribution and shared sacrifice, during the implementation of the Homegrown Programme. Government aims to disburse these payments in February 2016.
The Prime Minister announced that negotiations for salary increases and fringe benefits for the period 2017 to 2019 are underway and should be complete at the end of 2016. Once agreements have been reached, with partnering unions, new salaries are expected to be implemented with effect from January 1, 2017.
“Our records show that we continue to be a responsible and progressive economy, for the benefit of all Grenadians” The Prime Minister said.
Additionally, as part of the fiscal relief package, Grenadians will experience cheaper gas prices. The price of a 20 pound cylinder of Liquid Petroleum Gas will be reduced from $42 to $40 from January 2017.
The announcements left smiles on the faces of many in attendance, who in some cases openly cheered.
Prime Minister, said, “Even before we implemented these new relief measures, our tax rates – and that must be noted – are among the lowest in the ECCU. Check the facts. In fact, the only other country lower than Grenada is Antigua.”
Government says based on the performance of finances and a review of the tax system, further relief could also be on the way, in the new fiscal year.
