NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Daniel Johnson held a press conference primarily to express the Ministry’s gratitude for the support it received from industry partners during the recent 2012/2013 Junkanoo parades including the Junior Junkanoo parade.
Minister Johnson extended “congratulations” to the Junior Junkanoo champions, Spanish Wells All Age School; second place winners the Harbour Island All Age School; and South Andros High, the third place winners. “The results of this parade are a clear indication of the success of the Junior Junkanoo programme over the years,” he said. “It has truly grown to become a national event.” He said the parade just past marked its Silver Jubilee, and on behalf of the government of The Bahamas extended “heartfelt appreciation” to Percy “Vola” Francis, the officer in the Ministry who has headed the programme over the years and who will soon officially retire from the Public Service.
“I wish to congratulate the Baha mar/Bamboo Shack Valley Boys and the Shell Saxon Superstars, the A-division winners of the 2012 Boxing Day parade and the 2013 New Year’s Day parade respectively, for their victories and fantastic performances. I would also like to extend congratulations to Colours Entertainment, the winners of the B-division at both parades,” said Minister Johnson. He said that hosting the annual Junkanoo parades in New Providence and throughout the Family Islands is no small feat, and recognised the contribution of the staff of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence Limited (JCNP) and its parade management team for the administration of the two New Providence parades and the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) for ensuring that all of the parades throughout The Bahamas thus far, were a total success. “The public should be aware that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and its industry partners are committed to the development of Junkanoo, the art form and the economic benefits that it can bring to our communities and therefore we shall continue to extend this unique art to all our communities throughout The Bahamas,” said the Minister.
Dr. Johnson recognised the diligent work of Commissioner of Police, Ellison Greenslade, and his team of officers that were led by Assistant Commissioners Leon Bethel and Stephen Seymour. This team of men and women kept both the parade route and neighbouring areas secured, thereby ensuring that the participants and spectators alike felt safe as they enjoyed the spectacular performances.
“Thanks are also extended to The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) for its corporate partnership with the JCNP, as well as the Burns House Group and Kalik Beer for once again re-joining our Junkanoo family.” “As my Ministry continues its promotion of our Art and Culture, I expect that Junkanoo, in its various forms, will be featured prominently on our agenda. It is anticipated that islands will be further assisted in developing their talent not only in the adult groups, but through our youth, who have already demonstrated their enthusiasm and ability to carry on this great tradition as seen at our last Junior Junkanoo parade,” said Minister Johnson.
Minister of Youth Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson with remarks during a press conference January 4. Also pictured from left to right: Douglas Hanna, Silbert Ferguson, Georgie Bethel, Minister Johnson, and William Wallace. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
