Governor Albert Bryan on Thursday announced administrative days for government employees in the St. Thomas-St. John District and one territory-wide administrative day to “encourage greater participation in the Food Fair and to enhance the celebration of the St. Thomas Carnival for all residents and visitors,” he said.
“As the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s important to remember that many people are experiencing our traditions and tidbits of our heritage thousands of miles away from our shores,” Mr. Bryan said. “Capturing the true essence and spirit of our carnival celebrations and festivals will inevitably shape the identity of the Virgin Islands for the world to see.”
According to Government House, the St. Thomas Carnival has become one of the region’s top festivals, attracting thousands of people to the island over the years; the island has also been Airbnb’s top destination in the Caribbean since 2018, making the new booking-solution a welcome addition to the territory’s tourism product and a tremendous boost to the Virgin Islands economy.
Mr. Bryan has granted non-essential employees residing in the St. Thomas/St. John District:
- Wednesday, May 1, 2019 – Food, Arts and Crafts Fair Day – 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 2, 2019 – J’ouvert – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The governor also granted one administrative day for non-essential government employees Territory-wide:
- Friday, May 3, 2019 – Children’s Parade Day 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The leave granted above shall not apply to essential employees and employees on a regular or rotating shift. Employees on annual or sick leave immediately or immediately following the time period administrative leave is granted, will not receive administrative leave, Government House said. Future leave will not be substituted for employees who are considered essential and/or whose shift happens to fall on a day in which other employees are granted administrative leave.
This annual celebration that takes a unique form on each island provides a tremendous economic boost to our local economy and helps to promote greater understanding and appreciation of carnival and the territory’s culture worldwide.
As residents and visitors observe the traditions and heritage of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Bryan asked that residents partake in cultural activities, art, foods, and music that binds the Territory’s rich culture together. Through our music, foods, storytelling, and art, Virgin Islanders can breathe new life and meaning into traditions that will be passed down to future generations.
View Governor Bryan’s proclamation granting administrative leave for St. Thomas Carnival here.
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