There should be a public holiday for the International Day of Happiness

Dear Editor,

The United Nations recently declared that March 20 each year will be the International Day of Happiness – and it wants everyone to join in the fun.

That resolution proclaiming the new commemoration adds to an already packed UN calendar of international days, from World Poetry Day to World Migratory Bird day.

“The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal,” said the resolution which was passed by consensus in the 193-member UN General Assembly. That new resolution calls on all member states “to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness activities.”

Securing happiness day was part of a diplomatic campaign by the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, which already has its own gross national happiness index.

Many citizens of the world now say that new elements, including happiness, must be included in ways of measuring prosperity which are now dominated by economic indicators. We hope that consideration would be given here locally that the day be considered a public holiday so that Guyanese can spend a restful day happily with their families and friends at home and in their respective communities, sharing happiness.

Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)