There may only be one Junkanoo Parade this upcoming season as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson said.

"What the different Junkanoo groups are discussing in light of the damage seen in their shacks is if that was something they could be doing," Johnson told The Nassau Guardian.

"I think they're meeting this week to gather support from the various groups to see what they would like.

"As the minister responsible for Junkanoo, I'll support whatever their recommendation is, but of course we'll put it together. We will still have Junkanoo. Everyone is practicing.

"We got some damage but we will be alright."

Johnson also addressed concerns some have that Junkanoo is suffering as a result of the government's investment in Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.

"That isn't the case," he said. "The balance is there.

"The various agencies will be doing what they should do to make sure that the culture of The Bahamas continues to grow.

"I hope people understand there are three levels to this.

"These festivals are for job creation and economic stimulus.

"[We want to] have more cultural activity extended throughout the year with more and more festivals that can be privatized so we will have less and less government expenditure.

"We have artisans.

"Because you have year round cultural activity they can see a way to make a living all year long in their art.

"The third part is making sure that the identity of young Bahamians, their creativity, art, passion and powers get out to the word.

"So we are not only doing things here."

New Providence, North Andros and Grand Bahama were most impacted by the recent hurricane.

Some Junkanoo shacks were badly damaged.

"Although we are just coming from the storm, we have to get back to it," Johnson said.

"We have to create revenue. No matter how hard things get, they're Junkanooers. They'll keep going."

Johnson said the decision on whether to eliminate one of the major parades will be made by the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP).

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

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