Gov. John deJongh Jr. has announced the administrative leave schedule granted to government employees during the Christmas holiday season and for the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival.
“During this holiday season, many hundreds of visitors come to our islands to enjoy the sights and sounds of the territory,” deJongh said, noting that the season is one of merriment, of gathering family and friends, and of many cultural traditions.
Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2012) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2013) are both legal holidays and fall on Tuesdays this year. Christmas Second Day (Dec. 26, 2012) is also a legal holiday pursuant to V.I. Code, Title 1, section 171.
The overview schedule of granted leave is as follows:
– Dec. 24: Normal work day;
– Dec. 25: Christmas Day – Legal holiday;
– Dec. 26: Christmas Second Day – Legal holiday
– Dec. 27: Normal work day;
– Dec. 28: Normal work day;
– Dec. 31: Normal work day;
– Jan. 1: New Year’s Day – Legal holiday;
– Jan. 2: Administrative leave for St. Croix from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Normal work day for St. Thomas/St. John;
– Jan. 3: Normal work day;
– Jan. 4: Administrative leave from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. territorywide;
– Jan. 7: Administrative leave from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. territorywide.
The traditional St. Croix Festival J’ouvert will be held on the morning of Jan. 2, 2013, followed by the St. Croix Festival Food, Arts and Craft Fair that afternoon.
The St. Croix Children’s Festival Parade will be held Jan. 4. The St. Croix Adult’s Festival Parade will be held Jan. 5.
Three King’s Day, a territorywide legal holiday pursuant to Title 1, section 171, Virgin Islands Code, is Jan. 6.
“The Festival provides a boost to our economy and helps to promote an understanding and appreciation of our culture. It is also an opportunity for Virgin Islanders to play the role of goodwill ambassadors for the territory,” deJongh said.
