National

NJC Promotes Unity As Unanswered Questions Remain

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) gathered major category leaders for a press conference on November 7th, hoping to present a united front ahead of the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. Instead, long-standing tensions within the Junkanoo community resurfaced, raising new questions about who is actually participating in this year’s event.

Published

2 months ago

November 7, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder opened the meeting with a call for unity, stressing that the moment “is not about ownership or exclusivity, but about stewardship” and ensuring the parade belongs to the community. He confirmed that preparations for the 2024–2025 parades are well underway.

But the tone shifted when questions turned to internal disputes—particularly within the Shell Saxons Superstars. When asked about conflicting leadership between himself and chairman Toby Austin, longtime leader Percy “Vola” Francis chose not to elaborate, saying only that he personally appointed Austin and had nothing more to add. The vague response reignited speculation about whether the group is aligned behind one unified direction.

Other A-category groups, including One Family, also attended the press conference. The group recently announced that despite earlier alignment with the JCNP, they will be on Bay this season. One Family’s chairman downplayed reports of internal departures, saying practices remain strong and preparations continue without disruption.

A representative from The Way Forward Valley Boys was also present, though officials confirmed that the world-famous Valley Boys, led by Brian Adderley, are not currently registered to participate.

Much of the uncertainty stems from a meeting held earlier this week between the NJC and JCNP. Some believed it signaled potential collaboration, but Pinder clarified that it was only a discussion to gather ideas, not a planning partnership. The JCNP, he said, will not be involved in parade management this year.

Parade Management Chairman Douglas Hanna said the parades will proceed under a structure similar to past years, with only minor adjustments already communicated to groups. He noted that at this stage, major changes would disrupt months of preparation.

Despite the public show of solidarity, the underlying fractures within the Junkanoo community remain unresolved, casting a complicated backdrop as the 2025 parade season approaches.