The President of Dominica has signed a proclamation declaring Thursday September 19th 2019 as a public holiday to be observed throughout the state. (S.R.O. 35 of 2019).
Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit said “It is official. Thursday, September 19, 2019, will be a full public holiday. I want it to be a day of reflection for all Dominicans, as we celebrate how far this country has come after the passage of Hurricane Maria.”
A press release states "Thursday, September 19th 2019 has been described as a day of celebration of hope and thanksgiving in observance of Dominica's remarkable and extraordinary achievements post-Hurricane Maria. A special praise and worship concert dubbed "And Can It Be” will be held at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium from 4:00pm on Thursday, September 19th 2019.”
The concert features world-renowned gospel artists Rev, Shirley Caesar and Kirk Carr, as well as Dominica’s very own Ophelia Marie, Michele Henderson and Colton T. Performances, are also expected from Edwin Yearwood, Sarah Ikumu, a mass choir and dance groups.
The release adds, "Hurricane Maria struck Dominica on Monday, September 18, [2017] leaving us almost with nothing. Since then the country has seen a massive recovery programme which has including the continuous repairs to homes and the construction of new resilient homes for Dominicans, extensive dredging of rivers, and major improvements to infrastructure."
The proclamation declaring a public holiday is made by the President under section 5 of the Public Holidays Act, (Chap. 19:10).
