Director of Finance and Economic Affairs, Ian Carrington, today sought to explain the terms under which the Government of Barbados will be making a payment to former LIAT workers.
In a media release, Carrington acknowledges Government has already given two monetary gifts and a loan and has “no legal obligation to settle any indebtedness to the workers”.
As a result, this action, which was announced in the 2023 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, has a maximum cash value of $75 000, with anything in excess being paid in Series J Bonds.
Government has set aside about $10 million for the 89 eligible workers.
The statement follows in full:
The Government of Barbados notes that it has no legal obligation to settle any indebtedness to former LIAT (1974) Ltd. (LIAT) workers.
To date, some workers have received two monetary gifts and a loan from the Government of Barbados. In addition, some workers who contributed to the Barbados National Insurance and Social Security Scheme have received what they are entitled to from the Scheme.
The Government of Barbados will offer an ex-gratia payment to former Barbadian workers of LIAT.
The ex gratia sum offered to each former employee will be no greater than the sum due to them from LIAT (1974) Ltd as a consequence of the termination of their employment following the Administration of the Airline.
In calculating the Government’s ex gratia offer, the loan and other payments already received (not including gifts) will be deducted from the offer.
A maximum cash offer of $75 000 will be made. Where after deductions, the balance is greater than $75 000, a portion will be paid in Series J Bonds.
Persons will be contacted by email. (PR/SAT)
