📅 Emancipation Day reinstated as public holiday in Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Cabinet has approved the reinstatement of Emancipation Day as a public holiday, with the first observance set for May 2024. The decision follows a year-long examination of concerns related to the country's cultural heritage. Emancipation Day was previously observed in the Cayman Islands but was replaced with Constitution Day in the 1960s. The reinstated holiday will now be commemorated on the first Monday in May, replacing Discovery Day. The decision was made in recognition of the Cayman Islands' unique history with emancipation, according to officials. 🎉

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage established a task force last year to address concerns about the decline in the significance of local culture. The task force presented its findings in September 2023, highlighting the need to preserve traditions and restore a missing piece of history. The reinstatement of Emancipation Day is seen as a significant step towards honouring the country's unique history and cultural heritage, providing a significant tie to the country's history and providing context to commemorations. The move is also seen as an opportunity for the community to learn and connect with aspects of Cayman's history that are currently missing. 📚

In addition to reinstating Emancipation Day, the Cabinet has also approved the start of a public survey to formalize additional national symbols. The goal is to enhance the significance of existing recognised National Symbols and foster a sense of patriotism. The public is invited to participate in the upcoming campaigns by visiting the ministry's website and following on Instagram@mysch_cayman or Facebook and by attending upcoming events. 🇰🇾