Governor de Jongh Grants Administrative Leave for St. Croix Festival Celebration; Government Workers to be Paid on December 30 instead of December 31

Before departing the Territory this morning for Washington D.C., Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. issued a proclamation authorizing administrative leave to government workers on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the proclamation provides leave for government employees to enjoy the festival season and encourage greater participation in the annual food, arts and crafts fair. 

The Government House proclamation provides that commissioners and agency heads in both island districts may grant administrative leave to employees on Christmas Eve, December 24, and on New Year’s Eve, December 31, from 12 noon – 5 p.m. In addition, in the district of St. Croix only, administrative leave is granted from 8 am – 5 pm on December 30th, the date set aside for the Festival J’ouvert and for the annual arts, craft and food fair. 

The governor’s proclamation noted that “the festival is a boost to our economy and helps to promote an understanding and appreciation of our culture. It is also an opportunity to play the role of goodwill ambassadors for the Territory.” 

de Jongh also said on Monday that the Department of Finance will be paying government employees on Wednesday, December 30 instead of Thursday, December 31 to accommodate the holiday schedule. “As a practical matter, those employees receiving Direct Deposit will be paid effectively on Tuesday evening while those who receive payroll checks will receive them on Tuesday afternoon but the checks will be dated for Wednesday, December 30,” said Finance Commissioner Angel E. Dawson, Jr. Dawson said that banks will be open on Wednesday and on Thursday morning. 

Dawson pointed out that only five to ten percent of the government’s workforce is not enrolled in Direct Deposit. “We are hoping that they will be encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit when they see the timing difference in getting paid when compared to those in the Direct Deposit program. Our ultimate goal is 100% participation in Direct Deposit as it is more efficient and cost-effective for the government.” 

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