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House of Assembly February 14, 2020

Public Holidays Amendment Act

Passed
Chamber House of Assembly
Date Feb 14, 2020
Result Passed
Simplified for You

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.
Vote counts are not published. The Bermuda Parliament does not publicly record individual vote counts or how each member voted.
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Related Bill

Public Holidays Amendment Act 2019/2020 · Passed
Download bill PDF