Government Holds First Public Consultation On Proposed National Junkanoo Authority

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The latest chapter in the Junkanoo saga unfolded today as the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture held a public consultation on the National Junkanoo Authority Bill, which has been sparking widespread discussion.

The new bill proposes a major shift by removing the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence as the sole authority over Junkanoo parades in New Providence.

Instead, it will establish an independent body that will also oversee both the Boxing and New Year’s Day parades, among other responsibilities.

At a session held today at the Goldwynn Resort, authorities explained the bill and fielded questions. Dr. Christopher Curry, Associate President at the University of the Bahamas and Bahamian historian, elaborated on what the new authority will entail.

DR. CHRISTOPHER CURRY – BAHAMIAN HISTORIAN
“This bill aims to provide a unified approach to the management of Junkanoo, ensuring consistent standards for events across the island, supporting long-term planning, cultural preservation, integrating Junkanoo International, tourism, and educational strategies, and establishing a framework for sustainable funding, enabling continuous development and wider participation.”

Of all these changes, funding is considered the most crucial, as Junkanoo is costly to maintain.

DR. CHRISTOPHER CURRY – BAHAMIAN HISTORIAN
“The authority will be responsible for operating and supporting its programs, providing grants, prizes, and seed funding for Junkanoo groups, preserving cultural works, supporting educational initiatives, and developing year-round events and promotional activities.”

A pension scheme for employees will also be implemented after five years.

MARIO BOWLEG – MINISTER, YOUTH SPORTS AND CULTURE
“I think we’ve been mixing up overseeing and organizing. The authority will oversee and organize the parades. The Junkanoo corporations will decide the rules and regulations that govern them and execute the parades. Once the authority receives funding from the bleachers, it will pay for the seed funding and ensure that the groups still receive prize money.”

Concerns about Family Island involvement, communication, and proper regulation were raised, and the consultation will continue before the bill is tabled and debated in Parliament when the House of Assembly resumes in October.