PM urges public servants to ‘Come back to Work’

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has once again appealed to public servants who were deemed absent without leave, and dismissed from their positions during the COVID-19 pandemic to return to work.

He said that these dismissed workers would not lose any of their benefits if they choose to return.

In 2021, frontline public workers including police officers, teachers, and healthcare workers were required by the Public Health (Public Bodies Special Measures) Rules, 2021 (Special Measures) to be vaccinated or be deemed absent without leave, and ultimately dismissed from their positions.

Several workers did not take the vaccine and, as a result, were dismissed. Some have returned to work while others have refused to do so.

Speaking on Monday, June 16, 2025, during the launch of Public Service Week Dr Gonsalves said he has never operated in any politically partisan or discriminatory manner when it comes to public servants.

“If anybody ever tell you that about me that is only old talk… that’s not the way I’m made, that’s not the way I have functioned… and if I am lying, God will burn my tongue and I don’t intend for that to happen for me,” the Prime Minister commented while speaking at the launch of the activities.

He said he is aware that the government and some public servants have some differences, and he is hoping that the issues can be worked out.

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