The Ministry of Education has begun distributing $3 million in back pay to teachers following their recent reclassification.

Permanent Secretary Ena Dalso-Henry said the cheques are being issued at the Antigua State College Auditorium, with distribution running on Tuesday and Wednesday between 9:30am and 1:00pm, and again from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Around 1,400 teachers are due to receive payments, with the Treasury Department having already prepared 1,000 cheques for immediate collection. Dalso-Henry confirmed that the remaining 400 are being finalized and will be issued shortly. On the first day of distribution, approximately 500 cheques were collected.

She added that the overall payout to teachers this year is expected to reach nearly $3 million, with an additional $2 million still outstanding for the period January to June.

Teachers collecting cheques are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID. Those collecting on behalf of teachers must provide a signed authorization letter, a copy of the teacher’s ID, and their own valid government-issued photo ID.