Should Election Day be a public and bank holiday?

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Published by BBN Staff at September 25, 2020

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Posted: Friday, September 25, 2020. 1:43 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: While considering the amendment of the Representation of the People Act to extend the time in which sales of intoxicating liquor on election day is restricted, Leader of the Opposition John Briceño brought up making Election Day this year, whenever it is formally called, a public and bank holiday.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow says he agrees in principle, as does UDP Leader-Elect Patrick Faber, but the decision lies in the hands of the Minister responsible for Holidays, Attorney General and Minister of National Security Senator Michael Peyrefitte.

The Holidays Act, Chapter 289, makes provision for declaring holidays in such circumstances, which has been done before.

But as the Prime Minister noted, the businesses often “scream bloody murder” because of losses in revenue and increase in payment of wages.

Nonetheless, keeping people at home in this COVID time makes them more available to vote, in Briceño’s judgment.

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