This year’s Independence Day, November 1, falls on a Saturday and the Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet is following the law by advising that the public holiday will be observed on Monday November 3, 2025.
In doing so, Cabinet sources say the government is being guided by the law of the land in this regard. The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 spells out exactly what is to happen whenever Independence Day, November 1, falls on a Saturday or a Sunday.
In the ‘Schedule’ of the Act, No.2, it states clearly; INDEPENDENCE DAY: The first day of November in each year. When the first day of November falls on a Saturday or Sunday the following Monday shall be a public holiday and on that day shall be held all the official acts and activities in celebration of the anniversary of Independence.
Members of the Adventist Community had complained about being ‘left out’ of the Independence celebrations with the publication of the ‘Official Schedule of Events’ published by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission.
That schedule lists Saturday November 1 as the day when the ceremonial parade and food fair will take place.
However, with Cabinet’s intervention and in adhering to the law, those activities will now take place on Monday November 3, which will be designated a public holiday.
