William Tubman’s Birthday in Liberia
Liberia marks William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman’s birthday each year on November 29 as a national public holiday. The holiday was established by an Act of the Legislature to honor Tubman’s service and policies; Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the law called for the anniversary to be commemorated annually.[1][4]
A national day in Tubman’s honor
The holiday is specific to Liberia: it commemorates a former Liberian president and was created by the country’s legislature. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs report says the Act passed during the third session of Liberia’s 42nd Legislature. It describes the reasons for the commemoration as Tubman’s public service and policies, including integration and women’s suffrage, as well as his contributions to social and economic development.[1]
Tubman was born in Maryland County, according to William V. S. Tubman University, which was named in his honor. The university’s history describes him as Liberia’s 19th president. The holiday’s official name and annual date appear on the Liberian Embassy in Belgium’s public-holiday list.[3][4]
The holiday remembers Tubman’s legacy in Liberia. A 2017 Ministry of Foreign Affairs report identifies the Integration Policy, the granting of suffrage to women, and policies connected with socio-economic development among the contributions recognized by the legislature.[1]
Legal status and the day off
A public service manual from Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Commission lists November 29 as William V. S. Tubman Birthday among official national or public holidays. It says employees are not required to work on those holidays and are entitled to pay. The International Labour Organization’s record identifies Liberia’s Decent Work Act, 2015, as national legislation on labour and employment conditions; the holiday listing and employee provisions cited here come from the Commission’s manual.[2][5]
A presidential proclamation in 2017 directed government offices, business houses and market places to close for the holiday. Check opening arrangements with the relevant business or service before visiting.[1]
The Commission’s manual says a national holiday falling on Sunday is officially observed the following day.[2]
What visitors can expect
November 29 is the fixed annual date listed by the Liberian Embassy in Belgium. The calendar identifies the day as a national holiday commemorating Tubman’s birthday.[4]
Check with local organisers for details of ceremonies, regional customs, foods or annual events for this holiday. Check opening hours and arrangements directly with the office, business or transport provider before you go.[1][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is William Tubman’s Birthday?
It is marked annually on November 29, according to the Liberian Embassy in Belgium’s public-holiday list.[4]
Is it a day off?
A Liberian public service manual lists it as a public holiday and says covered employees are not required to work and are entitled to pay.[2]
Do offices and businesses close?
A 2017 presidential proclamation directed government offices, business houses and market places to close for the holiday. Check opening arrangements with the relevant business or service before visiting.[1]
What does the Commission’s manual say happens when a national holiday falls on Sunday?
The Commission’s manual says it is officially observed the following day.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for William Tubman's Birthday in Liberia:
- President Sirleaf Declares Wednesday, November 29, Late President Tubman’s Birth Anniversary as A ‘National Holiday’- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia
- PPCC Administrative Manual & Organogram- Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Republic of Liberia
- History of William V.S. Tubman University- William V. S. Tubman University
- public-holidays- Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Belgium
- Decent Work Act, 2015.- International Labour Organization, NATLEX