Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government paid public sector salaries and wages by the 24th of February without borrowing from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, marking what he described as a sign of improved fiscal stability.
Browne said the early payment reflects stronger revenue performance and tighter financial management.
“By the 24th of the month, you know? And by the end of the month, we don’t have to borrow,” he said, contrasting the current position with previous periods when the government relied on short-term borrowing to meet payroll obligations.
He recalled that in earlier years, the administration sometimes had to seek assistance from the Central Bank or even request access to portions of other countries’ credit limits to cover salaries and wages.
“That’s how bad it was,” Browne said, referring to the fiscal challenges faced when his administration took office.
He argued that improved revenue collections and economic growth have placed the government in a stronger position, allowing it to meet payroll obligations on time and use remaining monthly revenues to service debt.
“We’re just sailing to the extent that by the 24th, we’re paying you without borrowings,” he said.
While acknowledging that fiscal challenges remain, Browne maintained that the government’s financial position has “improved remarkably” compared with previous years.
The prime minister’s comments come amid ongoing debate over public finances and economic management, as the administration continues to highlight what it describes as steady fiscal progress.
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