The government's endorsement of the high ticket prices for the New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade held Down Town, Freeport, on Friday evening proved a terrible blow for the enjoyment and advancement of Bahamian culture. Only ignorance, greed and or an outright lack of common sense could have driven such prices for the limited seating. As if early attempts to charge people for standing room was not mind boggling enough, tarp covered the barricades on the Mall Drive where less fortunate families and junkanoo lovers traditionally watch the parade. It took strong protest to have the tarp removed.
It seems every possible effort was made to block thousands of Grand Bahama residents from viewing and enjoying what is uniquely Bahamian. While the Free National Movement forced the government's hand to increase seed money for Grand Bahama junkanoo groups as was done for New Providence, as inequitable as it was ($30,000 for Nassau A Groups verses $6,500 for Grand Bahama A Groups), it is regrettable that the ticket prices denied so many from seeing the cultural show first hand. In such a challenging economic climate, where local businesses sacrifice much to help sponsor the participating groups, it is a shame that a significant fraction of our Junkanoo fan base was deprived.
Group leaders and members here on Grand Bahama are talented, dedicated and truly committed to keeping the rich spirit of junkanoo alive. Unfortunately, we have a government that is out of touch with the financial strains being faced daily by our people. The government must come to realize that junkanoo leaders continue to attract hundreds of young people to participate in the annual parade and it is painful to note that many parents and family members could not afford a seat to witness the production and performances. It is a known fact that comfortable and affordable access to the senior parades inspires many of our young people to be a part of junior junkanoo and some eventually join one of the major groups.
The sad saga of this year's parade mirrors the relationship this PLP government shares with the people of Grand Bahama: You can hear the loud noise and sounds of how good things are, but the poor is being blocked from seeing or feeling it first hand.
Source: thebahamasweekly
