National

Saxons And Residents React To Junkanoo Drama

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Residents react to the JCNP dropping a bombshell Monday morning, announcing their intention to postpone the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades.

Published

2 days ago

December 9, 2024

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Junkanoo Corporation of The Bahamas dropping a bombshell Monday morning, announcing their intention to postpone the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades. A leaked email from JCNP Chairman Dion Miller revealed the postponement came because of political involvement. However, a statement from the Attorney General’s Office reminded the JCNP that they nor the government have the authority to postpone or cancel Junkanoo, which is a national event owned by the Bahamian people.

It came after a statement from the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture stating the government will remain impartial on the matter, recognizing both the Way Forward and the World Famous as registered groups eligible to participate in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades in the A category.

Shell Saxons Superstars Chairman Toby Austin telling us this is the first time they’ve ever experienced such interference.

Toby Austin – Chairman, Shell Saxons Superstars
“It’s just been crazy, the way the government is trying to twist our hands. Like I say, the JCNP has rules and regulations, so all the groups have to follow that, and what is so crazy is these are the rules that we ourselves, Junkanoo, put in place. So how is it now that the shoes are on the other foot with the Valley Boys, and they don’t want to follow the rules? That’s just crazy.”

Junkanoo groups have been preparing for months for both parades, and all groups have already chosen their entry numbers for the parade. This is the first time the JCNP has proposed postponing the event for this reason. Residents are weighing in on the drama.

Resident
“It’s probably going to be very consequential for the governing party. I will put it like that.”

Rubin Johnson – Resident
“I don’t think government should interfere with any kind of activity where the majority of Bahamians go. They politicize everything, and they shouldn’t.”

Resident
“That’s sad. I don’t know what to say, but that’s sad because I was looking forward to it. Practicing and everything. Every evening I used to go to practice, I was waiting to go sit up on the bleachers now.”

The drama started a few months back when the Valley Boys Junkanoo group split. A battle over who had rights to the name eventually ended up in court.

But not everyone agrees. This resident believes both groups should be allowed to rush this year.

Resident
“Whatever is going on internally with the Valley Boys shouldn’t reflect on the other groups. Show them respect where respect is due. They are ready to compete, and Valley Boys should as well, whether they have internal issues, they separate if they feel the group is too big, this one wants to have their way. It shouldn’t reflect on the whole A group category. If they are not ready to perform on Bay Street to compete, they shouldn’t be.”