“With Or Without Them, Junkanoo Will Go On”

smb('loadExternalVideo', 'watch', 'https://player.vimeo.com/external/1106593020.m3u8?s=b57ed62cb0b35abd8b294c8db74c39babcb62b04&logging=false', 740, 416, 'my_frame', 0);

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Fox Hill Festival Committee is pressing forward with this year’s Emancipation Day celebration, parade and all, regardless of the ongoing Junkanoo controversy.

At least one group has confirmed their participation. The Genesis Warhawks announced they will be rushing at midnight on Emancipation Day, standing firm in their commitment to cultural expression despite threats of suspension from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP).

The tension follows a call from JCNP earlier this month to suspend all Junkanoo-related activity, amid unrest surrounding the proposed National Junkanoo Authority Bill 2025. Still, the Genesis Warhawks say they won’t be silenced, promising to “keep the drums beating for unity.”

Their decision has drawn criticism, but it hasn’t swayed the Fox Hill Festival Committee. Chairman Warren Davis made it clear: the show will go on.

WARREN DAVIS – CHAIRMAN, FOX HILL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
“Oh, definitely we rushing. We’ll be here. The minister will be here. I’ll be here. Some of the Fox Hill group members will be here to rush.”

The celebration officially kicks off at midnight with a Junkanoo rush-out, followed by an ecumenical service, a senior luncheon, and a full day of cultural activities, from watermelon eating and grease pole climbing to live music and traditional games.

Davis is calling on the entire community to come out and celebrate.

WARREN DAVIS
“This is how we did it back in the day, coming together as one to rush through the streets of Fox Hill. We’re urging everyone to come out, bring your cowbells, horns, and whistles. The movement is on.”

Also showing support was Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell, who emphasized the deeper significance of the day.

FRED MITCHELL – MP, FOX HILL
“In 1942, after the Burma Road riots, the colonial government tried to stop Junkanoo and couldn’t. The drums beat anyway. What matters now is providing a safe space for people to come out and participate.”

Despite the debate over who will or won’t show up, Davis says the spirit of Emancipation Day is too powerful to be deterred.