President Adama Barrow has ordered the ‘standardisation’ of the national public holidays, State House said on Monday.
The president had last week declared only Tuesday a public holiday on the observance of this year’s Eidhul Adha. The one-day declaration was met with criticism from many Gambians.
But State House in a dramatic twist said on Tuesday: “Considering the logistical difficulties involved in the planning for public holidays for individuals, families and businesses, H.E. President Adama Barrow has ordered the standardisation of national public holidays for effective and efficient planning. Henceforth, both Eid-Ul-Adha (Tobaski) and Eid-Ul-Fitr (Koriteh) will be two-day public holidays.
“While there are fixed dates for the Christian feast and events, the Muslim events are subject to the sighting of the moon, hence press releases will be published to confirm the dates.
“Also, whenever a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be declared a public holiday. Such Muslim events are also times when families reunite, and many people travel back to their communities to celebrate these feasts.
“As a result, His Excellency President Adama Barrow has declared Tuesday, 20th July 2021 and Wednesday, 21st July 2021 as public holidays throughout The Gambia, in observance of the Muslim Feast of Eid-ul-Adha.
“On behalf of the First Family and the Government, President Adama Barrow seizes this opportunity to thank all Gambians for their cooperation and wishes them, Eid Mubarak.”
