According to a ZJB report a new date has been announced for the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. The information reportedly came from the Office of the Deputy Governor that the celebration traditionally held on a Saturday would be held on Monday, June 13, this year.
The radio report said the change has been approved by Cabinet and the Queen’s birthday will now be celebrated annually on the Monday following the second Saturday in June, that day has been designated the official holiday observance.
The celebration of the Queen’s birthday has added significance this year as the Monarch is celebrating her 90th year. Preparations are underway from all reports for what will be a grand celebration and parade at Salem Park.
Her Excellency the Governor Elizabeth Carriere speaking on the change, says this year is especially important because it celebrates the Queen’s 90th birthday. She explains some changes in the activities.
“Some of you will know I hosted a delightful event on the 21st of April the actual birthday date of the Queen’s birthday with a number of Montserratians who turned 90, or will turn 90 this year. We had a wonderful time with songs, skits and laughter.” she said.
She said noted that the Queen’s birthday parade which takes place at the Salem cricket field will be held on Monday which is a holiday rather than the Saturday. She explained that will change the date “from when we usually hold it. This change is to allow for a greater number of participants to be part of the march than had been possible before, as well the actual evening event,” pointing out the party will also take place on the evening of the same day, June 13.
She also pointed out that she is working with a number of community groups to make sure that they have a visible presence at the party which has not always been the case in the past. “…because this year for the party we will have some people invited who haven’t been invited in the past,” she said.
She warned, “it does mean that some people who have come before will not receive an invitation this year.”
“…I’m sorry about that. If I had my way I’d invite every single person on Montserrat to the party but we all know that that’s neither practical nor affordable, but I’m sure that these people will understand and support the notion that we need to make our celebrations diverse and inclusive and they will be pleased that this means that someone new has a chance to come to the party this year.”
She said she will continue to open up the residence to a number of events throughout the year to ensure a wide cross-section have the opportunity to attend events at Government House.
