![PM Pierre, cabinet ministers and officials with employees [Photo credit: OPM]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PM-Pierre-cabinet-ministers-and-officials-with-employees.jpg)
This initiative mandates that individuals employed for more than two years with the government will be recognized as full-time employees, effective August 1, 2025.
Permanent Secretary in the Department of the Public Service, Janet Barnard, emphasized the importance of this transition after years of temporary employment.
She stated, “The government is fulfilling its promise of Putting People First. Effective August 2025, all non-established employees with a minimum of two years of continuous employment in the public service will receive permanent status.”
Barnard confirmed that this policy decision will benefit over 1,000 non-established employees across various government agencies and departments who have demonstrated “loyal, dedicated, and faithful service” to the country, with some having served for as long as 30 years.
The employees impacted include caretakers with 22 years of service, cleaners with 27 years, domestic assistants with 26 years, labourers with 26 years, receptionists, drivers, community health aides, security guards, and sanitation workers, among others.
“This opportunity will significantly boost morale, reduce attrition, and provide security of tenure and permanence to these non-established employees,” Barnard stated.
She also highlighted the importance of this transition in granting these workers access to financial institutions, which has been a barrier for too long.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered a compelling address, asserting that this decision stems from a profound commitment to the nation’s workers.
“The workers of this country must reap the benefits and produce results that enhance our productivity,” he emphasized.
He made it unequivocal: “Workers must receive just rewards for their contributions. I believe in a fair day’s work for fair pay, and it’s essential that workers are treated fairly and given opportunities for advancement.”
The Prime Minister also pointed out that additional categories of workers are set to receive permanent status, including 22 nurses, 30 youth officers, and earlier this year, 17 doctors were granted permanent status.
“Across the board, we are providing security of tenure and reinforcing the principle that all citizens must have a stake in their own country,” PM Pierre stated firmly. “Our cabinet stands resolutely behind this notion that workers should benefit from their contributions.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving working conditions for essential services such as the fire service and police officers, including the provision of new equipment and upgraded facilities.
PM Pierre urged employees to embrace their new status responsibly and excel in their roles.
Minister for the Public Service and Labour, Dr. Virginia Albert Poyotte, highlighted that the cabinet made a commitment on August 18, to ensure the permanent employment of non-established workers.
Poyotte detailed the breakdown of workers benefiting from this transition across various departments:
– Ministry of Education: 290 persons
– Department of Finance: 23 persons
– Department of Housing and Local Government: 164 persons
– Department of Infrastructure: 89 persons
– Department of the Public Service: 54 persons
– Department of Agriculture & Fisheries: 172 persons
– Department of Health & Wellness: 295 persons
“Job security boosts morale,” Minister Poyotte affirmed. “This government prioritizes fairness, rights, freedom, and justice for all government workers, and we are fully committed to delivering on that promise.”