Mapp Grants Administrative Leave To Gov’t Employees As V.I. Carnival Takes Center Stage

ST. THOMAS — Governor Kenneth Mapp and Lt. Governor Osbert Potter are encouraging all Virgin Islanders to take part in the Virgin Islands Carnival celebrations, and reminded residents that they should enjoy the festivities responsibly.

Mr. Mapp, by proclamation, has granted administrative leave for government employees to enable their participation in major Carnival events this week, according to a release Government House issued Thursday. Government offices will be closed during these periods.

For employees in the St. Thomas-St. John District, leave is granted on Wednesday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., which is Food, Arts and Craft Fair Day and on Thursday, April 27, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., for J’ouvert. Friday, April 28 is a legal holiday in the territory so non-essential employees territory-wide may participate in the Carnival Children’s Parade.

“During this historical and festive season hundreds of families, friends, visitors, and supporters will be visiting the territory to enjoy and partake of our cultural activities, and the sights and sounds of Carnival,” the governor wrote in his proclamation. “This annual celebration provides a tremendous financial boost to our economy and helps to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Carnival and our culture.”