Closed petition Make Monday 11 May, 2020, a public holiday to fully celebrate Liberation 75.
Liberation 75 will be a milestone celebration for our Island. May Day is being moved to Friday 8 May, 2020, to celebrate VE Day 75, and as Liberation Day will fall on a Saturday, I propose that Monday 11 May, 2020, be an official public holiday so that all islanders can enjoy an extended weekend.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
1,179 signatures
5,000
Ministers responded
This response was given on 24 July 2019
The Council of Ministers recognises the importance of Liberation 75 and is proposing the 8th May as a bank holiday in addition to the 9th. As such, a bank holiday on the 11th May is unnecessary.
Whilst the Council of Ministers welcomes the rationale behind the petition’s proposal to make the 11th May a bank holiday, it is felt that given that the Council of Ministers is already proposing to make the 8th May a bank holiday (in addition to the 9th, a Saturday), no additional holiday is required to enable the 75th anniversary of the Island's liberation to be suitably marked. The Council of Ministers also notes that the Assembly will be able to decide whether to amend their proposition, when it comes before the Assembly.
The 11th as well as the 8th May were considered by the Council of Ministers as possible public holidays. It was determined, that given the 8th is Victory in Europe (VE) Day and this sits alongside Liberation Day, the 8th was a better day to choose for the bank holiday. This also aligns Jersey with the United Kingdom’s decision to move their bank holiday from the 4th May to the 8th May, which will allow remembrance and celebrations to be more closely aligned.
In addition to celebrating and remembering on May 8th and 9th, the Council of Ministers are determined to have a year-long commemoration and promotion of Jersey, which leaves a lasting legacy for the Island.
Liberation Day is the focal point of our celebration of freedom from occupation and the 75th Anniversary of our liberation from occupation is in itself a significant event.
The Council of Ministers also hopes that Liberation 75 will be a launch pad for a wider promotion and celebration of the best aspects of our Island. This could be about our heritage, culture or economy, as well as what we contribute overseas through aid and expertise. In other words, what makes up the Jersey “identity”.