The Cook Islands government has had to issue a special clarification: Tomorrow is, in fact, not a public holiday. But they would like people to treat it as one.
The week before her funeral, the Prime Minister Mark Brown announced that 30 September would be a one-off public holiday to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Unfortunately, his cabinet were quick to point out, he did not have the power to do so.
In the Cook Islands, the number of public holidays are defined by constitutional law and without changes to the law can not be added to. So, the holiday was put on hold, with nobody sure of whether it would go ahead or not.
Today a clarification was issued by the Prime Minister's Office, along with a second opinion from the King's Representative, which gave the recommendation for the day to be observed as a one-off holiday in the circumstances.
There is still confusion as to whether Cook Islanders get the day off.
The Cook Islands Government "is hoping that employers will act in good faith" and give staff the day off to "mark the passing of our country's Sovereign."
Prime Minister's office chief of staff Ben Ponia was asked by the Cook Islands News why it had taken so long to legislate the day off and for the Prime Minister's to clarify this issue.
"What has been used in this situation, but which under the circumstances was deemed necessary, is an unprecedented use of a Constitutional power that has been rarely invoked." he said.
Ultimately, Friday will not be a 'stat day' in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, but businesses are asked to use their own judgement to observe public holiday opening hours and rates of pay.
