The government is aiming to complete outstanding retroactive payments to public servants by the end of March, after disbursing more than $28 million as part of a multi-year settlement programme.

Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet received a detailed update from the Treasury on progress made so far.

“As of January of this year, a total of 28.6 million dollars has been disbursed to eligible public servants,” Merchant said, outlining payments across several categories of workers.

The payments cover the period 2018 to 2023 and include established and non-established workers, weekly paid employees, pensioners and separated workers.

Despite the progress, officials acknowledged ongoing challenges, including incomplete submissions and gaps in records that have delayed some payments.

“There have been individuals who have been complaining that they have not received their retroactive pay,” Merchant said.

To address these concerns, the Treasury has established a dedicated help desk to handle queries and resolve outstanding issues.

“A specific department… will accommodate persons’ queries on what they may deem as being outstanding retroactive payment,” he said, encouraging public servants to ensure their records are accurate and up to date.

The government has set the end of March as a target for completing payments, though officials indicated some flexibility may be required.

“While there are deadlines, it’s not etched in stone… but there must be a period whereby there needs to be some finality to the programme,” Merchant said.

Authorities say the initiative reflects a commitment to settling outstanding obligations in a structured and transparent manner, while improving systems to prevent similar delays in the future.