Government has done a U-turn on National Heroes' Day switching it from October to June after public protests.

The switch begins this year, meaning a public holiday on June 15, and no holiday on October 12, similar to when the Queen's birthday was celebrated.

Moving the holiday to October had upset Comet racers who traditionally used the June holiday for comet races between Somerset and St. George's and the fitted dinghy races in Somerset.

And there was controversy last year when Monday, October 14, was the day set for the first-ever Heroes' Day celebration, devoted that year to the life of Dame Lois Browne-Evans.

But then the day of celebration was shifted to Sunday the 13, with suspicion it was because the public holiday coincided with the first day of the PGA Grand Slam when many VIPs including the Premier attended the Pro-am golf.

Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler told the House yesterday: "Since the establishment of National Heroes Day there has been strong public sentiment to celebrate that public holiday in June rather than October."

Strong sentiment had been expressed at town hall meetings in March when Government sought input said Mr. Butler.

"Public opinion was unanimous that National Heroes' Day should be celebrated in June rather than October," said Mr. Butler who said he also took numourous phone calls on the subject.

"This Government listened to the people and has now reconsidered its position on the matter."

Government will have to re-amend the Public Holidays Act 1947 after the switch.

Explaining the U-turn to the House Mr. Butler said: "In our quest towards establishing our national identity there will be teething problems. You have an idea and you consult and at the end of the day you make a decision.

"The initial thrust was to have Bermuda Day renamed National Heroes' Day. That was rejected by the public just prior to implementation.

"In an effort to choose our own holiday Government established the second Monday in October as National Heroes' Day.

"This has not gone down well and we have had feedback from all quarters of our society, and as representatives we have been bombarded to reconsider.

"To bring about a change in such short order would be welcomed, I believe, by all quarters and as the Minister responsible for that change in public holidays, some might say we are playing ping pong.

"But as Government who listens and as a leader we have to reconsider. I, as the Minister, apologise for the date which has proved to be unpopular.

"Government has heard all of the feedback and has now reconsidered."

Mr. Butler added that changing the holiday to the third Monday in June, this year, would enhance Bermuda's 400th anniversary celebrations due to the planned departure of tall ships from Bermuda on Monday June 15.

United Bermuda Party MP Charlie Swan said: "The United Bermuda Party is extremely pleased at this climbdown by Government.

"The shift of the public holiday to October from June where it has been celebrated across three centuries did not work for a large majority of Bermudians.

"The return of the holiday to June where it has been celebrated for three centuries will please virtually everyone, and then to celebrate our national heroes on that day will simply enrich the annual celebration.

"So, on behalf of my party, we congratulate Government for finally seeing the light on this issue, for listening to and hearing the people."

n Comet fleet rejoice after Government change holiday date – Sport, Page 19