Gov. Kenneth Mapp on Wednesday issued a proclamation granting administrative leave for the holidays to nonessential government workers on all three islands, plus a day of leave for nonessential workers on St Croix for J’ouvert.
Christmas Day and New Years Day, both legal holidays, fall on successive Sundays this year. Workers are being given a half day this Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and the same hours on Dec. 29. They are also off for the holidays this Monday and Jan. 2.
The first week of January will see the climax of the Crucian Christmas Carnival. For nonessential workers on St. Croix, Mapp proclaimed a day of administrative leave on Jan. 4, when J’ouvert will take place, along with the Food, Arts and Craft Fair.
The carnival’s Children’s Parade falls on Jan. 6, and the Adult Parade the following day, and Mapp urged all workers to support those events.
"At this time of year, we should focus on family, community and holiday festivities," Mapp said in issuing the proclamation. "Educating our children and young ones about the value of our traditions and rich heritage will help to build self-respect and pride among all. To the adults, I encourage you all to come out to support the Children’s Parade and inspire our youth to develop their creativity.”
The leave granted does not apply to essential employees and employees on a regular or rotating shift, the governor’s statement noted.
The scheduled leave days are:
TERRITORYWIDE:
– Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 from 1 to 5 p.m.
– Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– Monday, Jan. 2
ST. CROIX ONLY:
– Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
