Non-essential government employees will be expected to go to work on Thursday, April 29, the work day following J'ouvert.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull issued a statement Friday granting leave to non-essential employees from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, for Carnival Food Fair and all day Friday and Saturday, April 30 and May 1, for the Carnival parades.
Last year Gov. Roy Lester Schneider granted all non-essential employees three full days of leave beginning on Wednesday and running through Carnival weekend.
In granting 1 1/2 days of administrative leave this year Turnbull said, "Carnival is an opportunity for Virgin Islanders to play the role of goodwill ambassadors for the territory" to the hundreds of visitors who come here to celebrate.
"Carnival is a boost to our economy," he said, "and it helps to promote an understanding and appreciation of our culture."
Turnbull reminded workers that the leave does not apply to essential employees or those on rotating shifts or sick leave.