Last year, pensioners received a one-time $500 payment during this same period. A government release disclosed that a total of $1.863 million was spent to achieve this year’s goal.

“Today, 3105 pensioners paid by the Government of Saint Lucia will receive a one-time payment of $600 along with their monthly pensions. A total of $1.863 million will be directly pumped into the local economy through this relief effort. Last year, a one-time payment of $500 was also paid,” a statement from the Prime Minister read.

According to the release, the government is beginning discussions to increase the pensions of eligible citizens. This comes after increases in the salaries of public servants, as well as the payment of owed backpay sums.

“We have begun discussions on increasing the monthly pensions to our eligible citizens, following a 4.2% increase to all pensioners under the National Insurance Company,” the Prime Minister said in a release. Continuing that, “[my] administration will continue to provide relief to our citizens as we grapple with imported inflation and other external shocks affecting our people.”

This payment also follows an initiative by the government to settle its outstanding dues to local contractors. In a Nov. 2, 2023 press release from the Office of the Prime Minister said in March 2021, the government owed $174 million to government contractors. That amount, the release added, has been more than halved.

“By September 2023, domestic payables have declined by more than 50% from $174 million in 2021 to $88 million. Releasing more than $80 million worth of domestic payables into the economy promotes business continuity and stimulates growth in the private sector,” the release informed.

The government has been implementing policies to add relief to the citizenry, who are grappling with the increased cost of living.