Dear Editor,

I am not proposing a reduction in the number of public holidays, as indicated by Timothy Cawley in his letter published on Tuesday, October 14. My proposal is for Independence Day and Emancipation Day to be celebrated on Monday and Friday, respectively.

I agree with Mr Cawley that public holidays are meant for “rest, reflection and in some cases, celebration”, and assert that these goals would be greater served if non-religious, national holidays are observed at the end of the week, rather than midweek.

Under my proposal, the public has access to a long weekend for celebration, uninterrupted by working days in-between, and the business sector can more efficiently manage downtime/loss of productivity and lower cost of manufacturing overheads.

Further, there may be a boost for our hotel, entertainment and transport industries as families visit resorts across Jamaica and there are opportunities for more national celebrations and family-based entertainment activities.

Keeping the same number of public holidays, but restructuring the day of the week on which they are observed is a position supported by many members of the business and manufacturing sector.

I am confident that with this clarification, many will agree that we can dedicate Saturday and Sunday for God, Monday for Independence and Tuesday we get back to work.

Lascelles Chin

Chairman,

Lascelles Affiliated Companies