Prime Minister Dr. Drew announces ‘double pay’ payment for civil servants in November – ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 15, 2022 (SKNIS) – Public servants received good news today, as the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honorable Dr Terrance Drew, announced the payment of an additional month’s salary on November 22, 2022.

Prime Minister Dr Drew made the announcement during his press conference held today, Tuesday, November 15, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Ballroom.

“Your government has been methodical, prudent and pragmatic in carrying out the mandate you gave us. I am therefore pleased to announce that after careful consideration, a salary supplement of one month’s salary, or what is called ‘double salary, will be paid on Tuesday, November 22, 2022… to all officials and Auxiliary State Employees (GAE) of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Island Administration of Nevis (NIA), including retirees and STEP workers,” said the Honorable Premier minister.

In making the announcement, Prime Minister Dr Drew also urged statutory companies to make similar payments to their employees during this period as well.

In addition, the Minister of Finance indicated that citizens and residents will also benefit from three days of reduced VAT rates, the first day being set for Friday, November 25, 2022.

Dr Drew said: “As we navigate life after the pandemic, we continue to roll out our COVID-19 recovery plan initiatives. In this regard and following consultations with the Ministry of Finance and others, the Cabinet has approved reduced VAT rate days on Friday 25 November – in this first day vehicles will not be included – and on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 December which will include vehicles.

On reduced VAT rate days, all VAT-registered businesses charge value added tax at the rate of 5% on the sale of goods only. All tangible items that are currently subject to 17% VAT will be eligible for the reduced VAT rate.