NASSAU, Bahamas — Prime Minister Perry G. Christie said many persons rushed to judgement after he made the announcement during the 2013/14 Budget Communication that the Government intends to sponsor a Bahamian festival.
The Prime Minister explained during his presentation of the Closing Budget Statement to the 2013/14 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 that he made the announcement on behalf of the Government, which saw a festival as both a major economic intervention and cultural expansion.
He said many critics questioned why should The Bahamas copy Trinidad or Brazil, and why should the country move away from Junkanoo, which is spectacularly Bahamian.
Prime Minister Christie said, “Let me say at the outset that prior to making my announcement I consulted with several icons in the world of Junkanoo and without exception they were fully supportive of the idea and immediately confirmed their willingness to work with the committee, which will be appointed to prepare The Bahamas and the world for this new festival.
“It will be essentially Bahamian but also include thousands of visitors who will be attracted by what will be an absolutely fabulous affair.”
He explained that the Government would shortly appoint the committee, and has taken the liberty of inviting Paul Major, a former banker and Junkanoo participant to chair the committee and intend to formally invite Robert Sands and Ed Fields and other major figures in the cultural field – in painting, music, drama all of which are a part of this new enterprise.
“I expect the committee to hold full consultations with all of the major personalities of Junkanoo, and associates.”
The Prime Minister said, “I will for my part advise the committee that I do not wish them to interfere with Junkanoo. This is a separate and different activity.”
He noted that the major Junkanoo groups and their leaders will be advised that the Government does not propose to licence those groups, unless there is overwhelming evidence of general acceptance by the rank and file.
Prime Minister Christie said for the groups to be licensed, they would have to form themselves into a company and operate as a business.
“This is a massive undertaking which will receive very careful consideration of the Government.”
He said, “This is very necessary as the corporate groups will be advertising abroad and inviting persons to purchase costumes online as well as from store fronts in a cultural village or elsewhere.”
The Prime Minister said the committee would ultimately move recommendations to the Government for its consideration.
Prime Minister Christie also noted that he met with Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian of Baha Mar and advised him that this festival was one of the major promotions the Government was putting in place in view of his introducing 2,200 new hotel rooms in December 2014.
“He liked the idea. The committee will recommend whether there should be a preferred resort destination or leave it to the choice of visitors.”
Carnival worldwide industry
The Prime Minister said Carnival is part of a worldwide masquerade industry.
He explained that this industry has been successful in attracting costume makers, wire benders, painters, designers and performers at some of the largest festivals in the world.
“It has an export dimension. We know of major festivals in Trinidad, Brazil, Toronto, Barbados, New York, Miami and London.
Carnival in the Diaspora generates hundreds of millions of dollars and creates many jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“It is big business and it requires business planning, management, marketing of products and organisational structure.”
Prime Minister Christie said costumes from carnival inspired designers show up in New York, Toronto, Notting Hill, London, Miami and many other centres in the USA.
“The committee will be briefed and have the opportunity to visit carnival enterprises in Brazil, Trinidad and even Toronto where carnival has become arguably the largest festival in the world.”
