The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has announced its plans to increase public service salary and benefits by 10% in 2022/2023 through the introduction of a new Pension and Gratuity Programme (6%) and an across-the-board salary increase (4%).
Commenting on this initiative Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick said:
“As a major part of my governments’ focus on human capital development, my government is fully committed to improving the pay and working conditions of the public service which is the engine of the government.
In 2021/2022 my government budgeted $2m to fund the initial injection into the new Public Service Pension and Gratuity Programme, which I am pleased will come on stream in 2022/2023; and will go a long way in helping to improve the compensation package provided to public servants as well as to assist in preparing for their retirement.
I am pleased as well to advise that my government has budgeted this year for an across the board 4% increase in public service salaries, some seven years since the last increase took place in 2015, during my last term in office.
This investment to the tune of $9m demonstrates our commitment to the Public Service of these islands and our intention to continue to transform lives in these Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams commenting on the initiative said:
“Following months of technical planning, consultation and other meetings, I am pleased to announce that the new Public Service Pension and Gratuity Programme is well on its way towards implementation, with the first draft of legislation having already been prepared and shortly to be debated in the House of Assembly.
This is a momentous achievement for the Turks and Caicos Public Service following the cessation of our previous programme which created a significant disparity in the public service between pre and post 1992 employees that received different post-employment benefits.
This new programme seeks to recognize and to appropriately compensate our long serving employees by ensuring that when they leave the civil service they are assisted in meeting the financial demands that still remain with them at that time.
The government this year will make a major investment in the public service by budgeting for the 6% Pension and Gratuity Programme, while at the same time providing a 4% across the board salary increase to all employees, resulting in a 10% increase in pay and benefits.
We recognize and appreciate the work that our public servants do in all facets of society and hope that this will help to improve their lives and livelihood as we continue to build and to expand the public service across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”