Public Holidays Amendment Act

What this bill does

This bill makes two main changes to Bermuda's public holidays. It renames "Somers Day" to "Mary Prince Day" and changes when Bermuda Day is celebrated from the last Friday in May to the Friday before the last Monday in May.

If passed (voted YES)

• Somers Day will officially become Mary Prince Day, honoring the enslaved Bermudian woman who became a prominent abolitionist
• Bermuda Day will move to an earlier Friday in May in most years, potentially changing the timing of the annual parade and festivities
• All official government documents and broadcasting regulations will reflect the new holiday name

If rejected (voted NO)

• The holiday will continue to be called Somers Day, named after Sir George Somers who shipwrecked in Bermuda in 1609
• Bermuda Day will stay on the last Friday in May as it currently is
• No changes will be made to existing holiday schedules or official documentation

Who it affects

This affects all Bermuda residents, as it changes official public holidays that everyone observes. It particularly impacts those involved in organizing Bermuda Day events, government workers who manage holiday schedules, and anyone interested in how Bermuda's history is officially recognized and commemorated.