FNM Leader: Junkanoo Should Be Managed By Junkanooers

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With the divide widening in the Junkanoo community, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard says the government should take its hands out of Junkanoo and leave it in the hands of junkanooers.

He says the back and forth is unhealthy and unhelpful for the parades.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement  
“Junkanoo is not a political prize to be captured or controlled. It is a national treasure, and its future must stay in the hands of the Junkanoo committee.”

As the government moves forward with the National Junkanoo Authority bill and plans to take over parade management this Junkanoo season, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard says Junkanooers should have full power on the committee.

The decision comes after a dispute with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, which has managed parades on New Providence for two decades.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement  
“The government must step back and listen, I mean, we’re only a few months away from the actual festivals. With the peak of the Junkanoo season approaching, we believe the government should make sure that nothing hinders the smooth operations of the parades.”

The ministry noted that Junkanooers supported a change of parade management from Junkanoo groups, a claim the JCNP denies.

But Pintard says the division is hurting the community.

Michael Pintard – leader, Free National Movement  
“This vitriolic back and forth is unhealthy, unhelpful for the parades. Would it not make more sense for that in January, the government to convene with Junkanoo leaders a national conclave for full consultation, full planning, and full validation of the draft bill?”

Pintard believes the conversation can address a wider topic about land grants for Junkanoo groups and the construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose Junkanoo group. 

According to culture minister Mario Bowleg, the bill should be tabled this month, but Pintard says it can use some work.

Michael Pintard – leader, Free National Movement  
“We are prepared to go through the bill with the practitioners and to share our views. The bill can be improved dramatically.”