Bermuda scraps Royal holiday

A decision by Bermuda to scrap a public holiday honoring Queen Elizabeth's birthday has stirred protests in Britain's oldest colony.

The mid-Atlantic island's centre-left Progressive Labour Party government announced plans last week to eliminate the Queen's Birthday holiday that gave workers a day off in June, and replace it with a National Heroes' Day in October.

Outraged, more than 2,000 of the island's 65,000 residents have signed an online petition to retain the holiday.

"Clearly, the removal of our sovereign's birthday as a public holiday is inexcusable," petition creator Cameron Hollis said, calling the decision "a blatant insult to Her Majesty."

Several former British colonies, including Australia and New Zealand, celebrate the birthday with a day off work but Britain itself does not.

Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926. But she celebrates her official birthday in June when there is less risk of cold, wet weather spoiling parades and outdoor events.

Bermuda marks the day with a military parade that draws hundreds of spectators. It is set this year for Saturday, June 14, with a day off work on Monday, June 16.