Monday, September 19, the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, will not be observed as a public holiday in Jamaica.
“It is not a discussion or a contemplation at this time; and I would have to be guided otherwise for a national holiday to be declared for this matter,” said Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with responsibility for information, as he addressed Tuesday’s (September 13) sitting of the House of Representatives.
Morgan was responding to questions posed by Leader of Opposition Business Phillip Paulwell, who sought clarification on a document tabled in the Lower House detailing activities during the period of mourning, being observed from September 8 to 19.
WHAT ARE OUR IMPERATIVES?
“This document… is pretty much a general understanding of what is to take place during the period. When an incident, as what has taken place, happens, there is a standard operating procedure that is a part of the protocols. Some are optional, and some are pretty much standard,” Morgan said.
He added that the Government then has to decide which aspect of the process to follow, “based on the context of our society and what are our imperatives”.
Said the minister: “This is the standard operating procedure. But the Government makes decisions, over time, as to which aspect it will follow. But this is a very good guide, generally, to members of the public and other members as to how things should be done or could be done.”
“For clarity, members of the public who wish to partake in the period of mourning may choose to act with constraint during this period. However, private events are not prohibited. Citizens may go about their normal affairs.”
Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for information
In the meantime, Morgan noted that mourning procedures apply largely to the Government, ministries, departments and agencies.
Accordingly, no celebratory activities should take place within the public sector during this period.
“For clarity, members of the public who wish to partake in the period of mourning may choose to act with constraint during this period. However, private events are not prohibited. Citizens may go about their normal affairs,” Morgan said.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Prime Minister Andrew Holness will attend the State Funeral for The Queen, at Westminster Abbey in London, on September 19.
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