ECA announces public holidays

In a release to remind employers of “the importance of following established legislation with regard to time-off for employees on official holidays” the ECA said, public holidays are authorised by law and limits work or official business on those dates.

As such all government offices, banks and most businesses are closed on public holidays in Trinidad and Tobago.

With regard to the upcoming Christmas Day which falls on Sunday, December 25, 2016 and Boxing Day which falls on Monday, December 26, 2016 the ECA said, it should be noted that according to the Public Holidays and Festivals Act Chapter 19:05, Act 10 of 1872, Amended by 104/2002, Section 3 (2): “where a public holiday falls on a Sunday or where two (2) holidays fall on the same day, the next following day that (apart from this subsection) is not a public holiday, shall be a public holiday”.

As a consequence, the ECA said, since official holidays fall on Sunday, December 25 and on Monday, December 26, it should be noted that Tuesday, December 27 will also be a public holiday.

Following this legislation, and as a result of the New Year’s Day holiday being on Sunday, January 1, 2017, employers should note that Monday January 2, 2017 will be a public holiday.

Apart from this, any unscheduled absences or time-off taken by employees should be treated in accordance with existing company policies and established practices.