Culture Minister Presents Groups With More Than $700k in Seed Funding

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Monday evening’s seed funding presentation at the Breezes Resort brought together Junkanoo group leaders from across all divisions.

The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage distributing more than $700,000 to eight A-Division groups, 10 B-Division groups, and a selection of D-Category and F-Category groups.

A-Division groups received $40,000 each in seed funding. B-Division groups received $20,000.

And the funding wasn’t just limited to New Providence Junkanoo groups.

There were also Family Island rushers from Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and Andros.

National Junkanoo Authority Chairman Dr. Christopher Curry was on hand for the presentation and says the success of this season depends on partnership with the groups themselves.

Dr. Christopher Curry – Chairman, National Junkanoo Authority
“The power of partnership. As I have said, in our last listening session, and in my communication this past weekend, we, the authority for Junkanoo, are powerless without the input and collaboration from you, the Junkanoo groups. This partnership is expressed in tangible ways in our listening sessions where we heeded your guidance and suggestions for improving the rules and guidelines for this upcoming parade season.”

While the seed funding gives groups the resources to help compete on Bay, it also comes with clear expectations.

The ministry and the authority have emphasized that contracts must be honored, and showing up on Bay is part of the deal.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Leslia Miller-Brice making it clear accountability will be enforced.

Leslia Miller-Brice – Minister, Culture, Arts and Heritage
“There are repercussions when organizations, Junkanoo groups, and individuals don’t show up tonight. There is a clause in their contract that says that they’re not able to come back the following year, or they must give the money back. And so the clause is in there. And so the ministry, including the National Junkanoo Authority, we will hold those individuals responsible. We’re looking forward to an amazing Junkanoo season this year, Bahamians near and far. We just want to say thank you to all of the creatives. We want to say thank you to all of the stakeholders, all of our Junkanoo leaders.”