Clarification on Government Grants to Government-Assisted Schools
The Government of Dominica has noted a letter circulated by staff of the St. Mary’s Academy on February 4, 2026, and provides the following clarifications in the interest of accuracy and public understanding.
Government-assisted schools operate as independent institutions and receive a monthly grant from the Government to assist with the payment of staff salaries. With the exception of St. Martin Primary, St. Luke’s Primary and St. John’s Primary Schools, teachers at Government-assisted schools are not Government employees, and the handling of salary payments is managed by the respective school authorities.
Notwithstanding, through the Ministry of Finance, Government maintains an established practice of ensuring that grants to government-assisted schools are paid no later than the last business day of each month, once all requirements are met. While staff employed at these schools are not public officers, the Government has consistently supported them through the salary grants and the facilitation of salary increases and back-pay, including the recent 3% and 2% adjustments negotiated with the Dominica Association of Teachers.
The Government recognises the important role played by government-assisted and private schools in the national education system. As independent institutions receiving Government assistance, employers are encouraged to collect grants promptly once they become available to facilitate timely payment to staff.
The Government of Dominica remains committed to supporting education across all sectors and encourages continued dialogue and cooperation to ensure that concerns are addressed constructively and in the best interest of students and teachers.
