National

Proposed Junkanoo Bill Prompts JCNP To Suspend Junkanoo Activities

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – All Junkanoo-related activities across New Providence have been immediately halted, according to a statement from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence.

Published

5 months ago

July 22, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – All Junkanoo-related activities across New Providence have been immediately halted, according to a statement from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence.

Sources close to the matter telling us the move was a direct response to the release of a draft bill proposing the creation of a National Junkanoo Authority to oversee all Junkanoo parades nationwide, which has been receiving mixed reviews from the Junkanoo community.

A statement from the JCNP reads, “while the suspension is in effect, only the following will be allowed: memorial services, fundraisers, civic events that have received prior approval.”

The statement adds the decision was unanimous among the leaders present at that meeting.

If enacted, the bill would strip the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence of its sole authority over parades in the capital, placing responsibility instead in the hands of a new independent body.

The proposed bill would also formally assign parade management to the new authority and include Junior Junkanoo.

In a letter penned to Youth Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg, the group says, “we would wish to record respectfully that we do not agree with, or accept the proposed bill as presented.”

The letter says history records that in 2004, then Prime Minister Perry Christie, “challenged the Junkanoo community to assume responsibility for the management of their own parades. This visionary step towards the empowerment of the Junkanoo community was met with full agreement and commitment by the Junkanoo community, borne out by the JCNP’s successful management of the parades these twenty-one years.”

The group says it’s puzzling, why the government would wish to reverse the decision made back in 2004 after 21 years of determination, harmony and success?

The JCNP said if the government wants to turn Junkanoo into a state-run performance, then they want to be paid like professionals to the tune of $45M per year.

An attached budget outlines $26.6M for A groups, $16M for B groups, and smaller but notable sums for fun groups, individual performers, and administration.

The JCNP argues Junkanoo is a cultural expression, not a commercial production, and insists parade creators should remain managers.

We understand a meeting is being held with the JCNP and government Wednesday to discuss the bill which has been released for consultation.

A gag has been placed on group leaders until after that meeting, but Junkanooers say they will not be sidelined and allow the government to dictate to them.