Public servants within the Ministry of Homeland Security are expected to receive 40% of their outstanding salary arrears, as Government has allocated funding for the payments in the 2027 fiscal year.
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander made the announcement during the Standing Finance Committee, while explaining the Ministry’s $2.103 billion allocation.
“Facilitate the 10% increase in salary based on the 2014-2019 salary negotiations. And the funds has been allocated to cover the 40% payment of arrears to staff in all divisions under Homeland Security.”
The allocation also includes $165 million for overtime payments to prison officers, with $135 million in outstanding overtime accumulated between 2011 and 2025.
Minister Alexander attributed the arrears to manpower shortages, saying ongoing recruitment is expected to help address the issue.
He also revealed that the Government is considering relocating prisoners from Carrera Convict Prison.
“There is a Revitalisation Blueprint for Carrera and we might be moving prisoners away from Carrera in the not too distant future. Just like in Port of Spain.”
Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has been allocated $3.049 billion for the 2027 fiscal year.
Minister Alexander said the funding is intended to strengthen the Service’s capacity to tackle crime.
“Allocation for the TTPS is clear, the indication of the Government’s determination to provide our Protective Services with the resources, capabilities, infrastructure necessary to effectively confront crime, restore a greater sense of safety and security throughout Trinidad and Tobago.”
The allocation also provides for upgrades to the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain and development works at the Police Academy in St James.
Minister Alexander said staffing shortages within the Police Service are also being addressed through recruitment, with the aim of reducing the overtime burden.
“There were problems with recruitment, as your administration did not properly calculate the attrition rate of the police, and now we are short by several thousands. So what we are trying to do is fix it at this stage; that is why you are seeing from time to time the overtime rate seems to always be an issue.”