ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominica government Wednesday said it would be “unlikely” that it would follow other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries and observe July 4, CARICOM Day, as a public holiday in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the regional integration movement.
The decision regarding the national holiday was among matters discussed at the CARICOM summit in the Bahamas in February of this year, as the grouping will celebrate its golden jubilee under the theme `50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build on”.
But speaking at a news conference here, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit hinted at the possibility of Dominica not following suit and declaring July 4 a national holiday.
“We have not yet in Dominica taken a decision. It is left to individual countries to make that determination. It was not an imposition by CARICOM on member states,” Skerrit told reporters.
“There are a couple of member states who have made a declaration. I would say that it is doubtful that that decision will also be made in Dominica.”
Skerrit said, “Public holidays bring a specific cost, especially to small businesses. Because once you have a public holiday, you must be paid, but the employer is making no money on that day. With all of our challenges, I am unsettled in my mind about taking the matter to the Cabinet and seeking Cabinet approval on this.
“But if we are to consider it, I would like for us to have consultations with the private sector entities before to get their feedback.
“From the government’s standpoint, it is easy to do, but from the private sector standpoint, it can pose a challenge to them,” Skerrit said.
CARICOM came into existence with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4, 1973, when Prime Ministers Errol Barrow of Barbados, Forbes Burnham of Guyana, Michael Manley of Jamaica, and Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago signed the accord in Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago will host the CARICOM summit next month, coinciding with the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary.
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