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The House of Assembly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, advanced legislation aimed at strengthening financial protection for daily-paid and non-pensionable public officers while also pausing its proceedings to honor the life and legacy of Caribbean cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers.

Leading tributes at the start of the sitting, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday, described Sir Garfield as one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever produced, noting that his extraordinary talent, elegance, and contribution to the sport inspired generations across the Caribbean and the wider world.

The House later turned its attention to the second reading of the Compassionate Gratuity Bill, 2026, presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, Hon. Major St. Clair Leacock.

Minister Leacock said the legislation seeks to provide compassionate gratuity payments for eligible daily-paid and monthly-salaried public officers upon retirement or death in service. He explained that the Bill was refined through consultations with a Parliamentary Select Committee and representatives of several trade unions and stakeholder organizations.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the legislation reflects the government’s commitment to placing people first by ensuring that long-serving public officers who are not pensionable receive financial recognition for their service.

Contributing to the debate, the Minister of Housing, Informal Human Settlements, Lands and Surveys, Hon. Andrew John, described the Bill as a landmark piece of legislation that addresses a long-standing issue affecting many public servants.

Drawing on his experience in the education sector, Minister John said many non-pensionable workers have retired after decades of service without adequate financial support. He welcomed the legislation as an important step toward providing greater dignity, security, and fairness for public officers.

The Compassionate Gratuity Bill forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the public service and improve workers’ welfare while promoting a more inclusive and people-centered system of governance.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information (API)