National Junkanoo Corporation Will Manage National Parades

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg has confirmed that the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) will remain responsible for managing the country’s major Junkanoo parades.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Bowleg said that despite speculation, the NJC will oversee the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. He noted that the decision followed a vote taken among Junkanoo groups over the weekend, where 19 of the 21 ballots cast supported the NJC.

“The NJC, which is a statutory board appointed by Cabinet and made up of representatives from groups across New Providence and the Family Islands, has decades of experience managing parades,” Bowleg said. “They will oversee the national parades with the support of individuals who have managed them in the past.”

His comments came just one day after Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) chairman Dion Miller disputed the results of the vote, claiming that the JCNP still had the support of 10 Junkanoo groups. Miller also announced that while there will be one set of national parades, groups supporting the JCNP will compete separately under a new “League of Champions.”

Bowleg, however, stressed that the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day events are government-funded national parades, and the government will not support private alternatives. “The government of The Bahamas is responsible for the national parades. If groups wish to host their own parades, they are free to do so, but they will not be funded by the government,” he stated.

Some members of the Junkanoo community welcomed the minister’s clarification. Genesis Warhawks public relations director Angelique McKay said the decision brought much-needed certainty. “I’m very happy that a decision was made. Now we know which body is managing the parade, and that there is one parade, no division,” she said.

Dr. Anne Higgins, co-founder of Conquerors for Christ, also expressed relief, saying the debate had caused unnecessary tension. “We go on Bay Street to win souls, not to win parades. We’re happy the decision has been made, and nothing will hinder us,” she said.