2021 Holidays - Guyana

Guyana Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. General Observance

Public holidays in Guyana are established by national legislation and published in the official holiday calendar. These holidays are observed on the dates specified in the calendar unless otherwise noted by a government decree.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically moved to the following Monday.

- This substitution ensures that workers receive a full weekday off.

- Employers must adhere to the official holiday calendar; employees working on the substitute Monday are entitled to overtime pay or compensatory time off according to Guyanese labor law.

3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on that day.

- There is no automatic substitution or shift to another day.

4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- Guyana does not have a statutory mechanism that automatically adds extra “bridge” days to extend a holiday into a long weekend.

- Any additional days off beyond those specified in the official calendar are determined by specific government announcements or provided at the employer’s discretion through collective agreements.

5. Additional Notes

- The official public holiday calendar is published annually by the Government of Guyana and serves as the definitive guide for holiday observance.

- Employers must comply with the official calendar and any subsequent government directives.

- Employees working on a public holiday—whether on the original date or on a substitute day—are entitled to premium pay or compensatory time off as mandated by Guyanese labor law.

- For the most current and precise information, always consult the latest official holiday calendar and any recent government announcements or legislative updates.