National

Today in History: December 29

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, in 2019, Junkanoo groups were preparing for the 2020 New Year’s Day parade.

Published

1 year ago

December 29, 2022

Kendeno Knowles

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history, in 2019, Junkanoo groups were preparing for the 2020 New Year’s Day parade.

It was the last in-person parade before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the various Junkanoo groups had set their sights on the New Year’s Day title of 2020 but the Valley Boys were named the unofficial winners of that parade. The win was short-lived though, as the Saxons were named the official winners day later, giving the group two years of bragging rights.

Two years later in 2021, Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville announced over 50 percent of population had been vaccinated.

At the time he said just over 154,000 Bahamians and residents had gotten a first and second dose.