GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has confirmed to The People's Tribune that the process for the 2.5% salary indexation for civil servants, including retroactive payments dating back to January 2026, has been completed, with payment expected on Friday, October 23, as part of the October payroll.
The Minister also indicated the same in her responses to questions from Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams during Parliament's handling of the draft 2027 national budget. Wescot-Williams had sought clarification on whether the 2026 indexation had been paid and whether another salary adjustment was included in the 2027 Budget.
According to Gumbs, the 2.5% indexation and the corresponding retroactive amount were provided for in the 2026 Budget. With the necessary process now completed, civil servants are expected to receive both the adjusted salary and the retroactive payments covering the period from January 2026.
The Minister explained that the regular salary payment date of October 25 falls on a Sunday this year. Consequently, Government intends for the October payroll, including the indexation and back pay, to be paid on Friday, October 23.
The confirmation provides clarity for civil servants who have been awaiting the salary adjustment and retroactive payments following the approval of the 2026 Budget.
However, Gumbs also confirmed that the draft 2027 national budget does not include another general salary indexation for civil servants. Although personnel expenditures are projected to increase next year, she explained that the additional spending relates to other personnel expenses, including the filling of budgeted vacancies and existing staffing obligations.
The increase in overall personnel expenditure should therefore not be interpreted as provision for another across-the-board salary adjustment in 2027.
The Minister's confirmation means that the administrative process for the 2026 indexation has been completed, with the remaining step being the actual disbursement through the October payroll. Civil servants are expected to receive the adjustment and retroactive amounts on Friday, while no additional general indexation is currently provided for in the 2027 Budget.
