The topic of whether or not an extra month’s salary (colloquially known as a double salary), will be given in December continues to be discussed across the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. It has become the norm that civil servants, pensioners and GAE’s (Government Auxiliary Employees) benefit from the extra month’s salary in December.

But what has the SKN Labour Party (SKNLP)-led Federal Government said thus far? PM and Minister of Finance, Dr. Terrance Drew has stated that with the Federal Government’s 8 percent salary increase for civil servants and pensioners in January 2024, it provides “stability” where one can be in a better position for loans, for example.

Earlier in November, a claim circulated on social media, suggesting that salary increase is a replacement for the December “double salary” bonus. However, the SKNLP issued a statement saying it is “inaccurate” and that the “salary increase and December bonus are designed to co-exist, offering immediate relief and long-term benefits.”

Commenting on the topic, the People’s Labour Party (PLP’s) Leader and former Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris stated during the Party’s press conference late last month:

PLP’s Leader, Dr. Timothy Harris. To date, no announcement has been made about a payment of the extra month’s salary.