Culture Min.: Independence Day Parade Possible

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The royal visit also proved to be a treat for Junkanooers who got the chance to touch Bay, after missing two parade cycles due to the pandemic.

Now many want to know whether in-person Junkanoo will make a return in the near future.

Keile Campbell reports.

According to Bowleg, there’s a ‘great possibility’ of junkanoo happening on Independence Day.

Bowleg says with COVID levels remaining low, The Bahamas is in a better position to have a rush out celebration which hasn’t taken place during the past two Independence Day holidays.

When asked to respond to criticisms of the needing to be a royal visit for Junkanoo to return to Bay Street, Bowleg says had the duke and duchess visited during a spike, there would’ve been no Junkanoo downtown.

Bowleg added the parade served as a test run for holding future Junkanoo events

Bowlegs says the Ministry Of Youth, Sports And Culture intends to work in conjunction with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence and the National Junkanoo Committee in ensuring protocols are in place to prevent a super spreader event.

Bowleg added he regularly communicates with the Minister Of Health with cultural issues involving large gatherings.

Legendary leader of the Shell Saxon Superstars Percy ‘Vola’ Francis expressing optimism about the return to Junkanoo on Bay Street

But he quickly adds that Junkanoo organizations need to come together to improve parade conditions before heading back to Bay Street.