2023 Holidays - Dominica

Dominica Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Substitute Day Provision: Many public holidays are observed on the day they occur. However, for key fixed holidays (e.g., Independence Day or National Heroes Day), if the holiday falls on a Sunday the government may designate the following Monday as a substitute day to ensure a full day off.

- Official Confirmation: The annual public holiday calendar or government decree will specify which holidays are “mondayized” when they fall on a Sunday.

- Employer Obligations: Employers must follow the official schedule. If a substitute day is declared, employees working on that day are entitled to overtime pay or compensatory time off as per labor regulations.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- Observed on the Calendar Date: If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, it is generally observed on that day. There is no automatic shift to another day unless specified in the official calendar.

- Compensation: Employees who work on a Saturday holiday should receive overtime or compensatory leave according to the labor code.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- No Automatic Bridging: Dominica does not automatically create extra “bridge” days to extend holidays into long weekends.

- Ad Hoc Adjustments: Occasionally, the government may announce extra days off to create a longer break; such decisions are specified in the official holiday calendar.

- Employer Discretion: Employers may offer additional leave beyond statutory requirements at their discretion.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Fixed and Religious Holidays: Many public holidays (e.g., Independence Day on November 3) are fixed and observed on their set dates. Religious holidays (e.g., Good Friday, Easter Monday) follow their traditional calendars.

- Weekend Substitution: For some fixed national holidays, if they fall on a weekend, the government may substitute the holiday to the next working day—typically Monday—as indicated in the official calendar.

- Local Variations: Some local or cultural observances may have unique rules; refer to the published holiday schedule for complete details.

5. Additional Notes

- Official Calendar: The government of Dominica publishes an official public holiday calendar each year, which serves as the definitive guide for observance.

- Legal Framework and Compensation: Public holidays are established by law, and work performed on these days must be compensated with premium pay or compensatory time off in accordance with Dominica’s labor laws.

- Employer Flexibility: Employers may provide extra bridging days or additional benefits beyond statutory minimums at their discretion.