National holiday committee to be set up Indian Arrival, Independence days mooted Stabroek News May 4, 2000 The government is looking into making Indian Arrival Day and Independence Day national holidays. A press release from the Guyana Information Services (GIS) states that "President Bharrat Jagdeo has tasked Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Reepu Daman Persaud, to establish a special committee of the National Assembly to examine the calendar of national holidays with a view to incorporating Independence Day (May 26) and Indian Arrival (Immigration) Day ( May 5)." There have been several calls for the recognition of these days as holidays. However, many persons, including those from the private sector, are concerned with the large number of holidays the country enjoys. There are 13 national holidays. The release noted that the calendar currently recognised religious holidays for all of the major religions as well as historical events such as Republic Day (February 23) and Emancipation Day (August 1). The special committee is to comprise representatives of all political parties in parliament and will examine and review the national holidays structure in consultation with religious, private sector and labour groupings.