Treasury Memo Limits Office Decorations to September Celebrations and Christmas

The Treasury Department told its finance officers that the only decorations allowed in its offices are those for the September Celebrations and Christmas.

An internal memorandum dated October 26 says, “Effective immediately, the only approved decorations permitted within the Treasury Department and all Sub-Treasuries are those associated with the September Celebrations and Christmas.”

The memo asks all finance officers to “take note of and ensure compliance with this directive.” It was signed by Sharlene Jones, Administrative Officer III, for the Accountant General.

The memo does not say why it was issued. It does not define when the September Celebrations or the Christmas decorating period start and end, and it does not mention any other holiday or occasion by name.

That leaves several occasions outside what it approves. Indigenous People’s Resistance Day was observed on Oct. 12. Garifuna Settlement Day, a public holiday, falls on Thursday, Nov. 19. We are told that the National Garifuna Council is expected to make a statement soon.

Halloween, All Saints’ Day and Día de los Muertos are not official public holidays in Belize, but many people decorate with those themes around the dates, which were Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and 2.