08/05/2020
Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK has confirmed an additional Bank Holiday is being planned during the summer and apologised for the lack of information being made available on this matter.
The proposed date is being established in recognition of the efforts being made by health and social care staff, key workers and the community while the Island deals with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The suggestion was contained in a letter to Tynwald members outlining the reasons behind withdrawing the Senior Race Day Bank Holiday, scheduled for June 12. This year’s Isle of Man TT Races were cancelled on March 16 as the Isle of Man Government stepped up preparations in readiness for the impact of the pandemic, and to provide clarity for stakeholders.
Minister Cannan said:
‘There has been considerable economic and employment disruption that has already taken place across many industries and given that the primary purpose of the Bank Holiday - TT racing - is no longer relevant, it is considered appropriate to remove any confusion and cancel this event.
‘It is, however, appropriate to consider a further Bank Holiday later in the summer to recognise and celebrate the efforts of health and social care staff, key workers and the whole community in meeting the challenges of the pandemic, and to do so at time when it is hoped some restrictions will have been lowered.’
Minister Cannan added:
‘This has been discussed with the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers and is provisionally being planned for Friday 28 August. This will hopefully mean that more families and friends can come together to properly mark the occasion and that more local businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector will benefit.
‘I apologise for a lack of information being made available on this until now, and look forward to a formal confirmation taking place next week.’