The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (M.C.I.L.) has declared Monday a public holiday to mark Mother’s Day 2021, Samoa's most significant holiday of the year.

Mother's Day will fall on Sunday, 9 May, and will be followed by a Monday holiday.

The public holiday was announced on Tuesday by M.C.I.L.'s Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.), Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling.

The annual Mother’s Day holiday notice was made in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008. Shops that plan to open on 10 May are advised to follow the Act's rules. 

Employers are reminded to comply with Section 39 of the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 that concerns holiday wages that should be paid to employees who work on public holidays.

“In accordance with section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, the public, government agencies, and the private sector are hereby advised that Monday, 10th May 2021 is to be treated as a Public Holiday for Mother’s Day Holiday,” the M.C.I.L. statement reads.

“Shops selling goods may open during Public Holidays in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008. However, employers are reminded to comply with section 39 of the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 in relation to the rate of wages to be paid to employees who work on Public Holidays.”

M.C.I.L. advises the public to take note that state of emergency orders remain in effect. 

“Accordingly, the public and private sector must adhere to [these orders]," the Ministry said. 

"The opening hours for supermarkets are as follows: 6am – 10pm, Monday to Saturday and 3pm to 10pm on Sunday."