Putting his personal touch on the mural entitled “Heal,” Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis topped the list of many who stopped by the community project in Downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama when he visited on April 18, 2024.

The masterpiece, a creation of Bahamian artist Ben Ferguson, Jr. which got underway on April 2, is situated on the south wall of the Seventeen Centre and is part of an inter-island travelling exhibition (ITE) sponsored by The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

The goal of the ITE Community Mural Project is to create murals that comment on the indomitable Bahamian spirit through the lens of climate crisis and speaks to healing, survival, humanity and rebirth.

Before initiating the piece, Ferguson, a Grand Bahama native, invited members of the community to join him in creating the artwork which depicts the journey of healing and the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions post Hurricane Dorian and the Covid 19 pandemic.

Over the next two weeks, individuals from all walks of life, from bankers, to security officers, construction workers, lawyers, teachers, students, artisans, aspiring artisans and those who didn’t believe they had an artistic bone in their body, stopped by to lend a helping hand and put their stamp on the artwork.

Prime Minister Davis commended the artwork's role in sparking conversations and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.

The mural is also intended to spark discussions on the importance of preserving and sharing Bahamian history, culture and traditions with future generations as an invaluable educational tool.

Ferguson is looking forward to creating more indoor and outdoor murals to enhance spaces and captivate viewers.

He also hopes his Heal mural, which symbolizes resilience and the need for a supportive community in addressing mental health challenges, will serve as a catalyst for continued dialogue and action surrounding mental health on the island, encouraging individuals to seek help and support when needed while inspiring understanding, empathy and healing within the community.

Putting his personal touch on the mural entitled “Heal,” Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis topped the list of many who stopped by the community project in Downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama when he visited on April 18, 2024. The masterpiece, a creation of Bahamian artist Ben Ferguson, Jr. which got underway on April 2, is situated on the south wall of the Seventeen Centre and is part of an inter-island travelling exhibition (ITE) sponsored by The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. The goal of the ITE Community Mural Project is to create murals that comment on the indomitable Bahamian spirit through the lens of climate crisis and speaks to healing, survival, humanity and rebirth. Before initiating the piece, Ferguson, a Grand Bahama native, invited members of the community to join him in creating the artwork which depicts the journey of healing and the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions post Hurricane Dorian and the Covid 19 pandemic. Over the next two weeks, individuals from all walks of life, from bankers, to security officers, construction workers, lawyers, teachers, students, artisans, aspiring artisans and those who didn’t believe they had an artistic bone in their body, stopped by to lend a helping hand and put their stamp on the artwork. Prime Minister Davis commended the artwork's role in sparking conversations and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting mental health initiatives. The mural is also intended to spark discussions on the importance of preserving and sharing Bahamian history, culture and traditions with future generations as an invaluable educational tool. Ferguson is looking forward to creating more indoor and outdoor murals to enhance spaces and captivate viewers. He also hopes his Heal mural, which symbolizes resilience and the need for a supportive community in addressing mental health challenges, will serve as a catalyst for continued dialogue and action surrounding mental health on the island, encouraging individuals to seek help and support when needed while inspiring understanding, empathy and healing within the community.

Edwourral "Eddie" Daxon is a prominent balloon twister from Nassau, Bahamas, who travelled to Chicago, Illinois, in March 2024 to compete internationally. He left with the mindset of winning one category but returned home on March 21, 2024, with three.

"We are thrilled to present Eddie Daxon with these well-deserved awards," said Patty Sorell, organizer of Twist & Shout, now in its twenty-fifth year. "Their creativity in the various events is a fantastic showcase of their abilities in a high-pressure international competition. The highest points earned determine the winner's placement, and 223 competitors from over 12 countries battled it out to win prestige in the industry."

Daxon placed third in the 10-minute timed competition by making a turtle, and in the stage performance event, where he presented a choreographed story through acting and balloons, showcasing originality and technical skills. He placed second in the 12-minute timed competition by shaping a large headpiece.

"I left home determined to win at something but was surprised and shocked when I earned three wins among hundreds of competitors," he said.

The Twist & Shout Balloon Convention is an annual event involving education, camaraderie, competitions, and the latest innovation where the most talented "twisters" in the world participate. Daxon started in the balloon sculpting business over a decade ago but had never competed at this level.

The pressure was on for this Bahamian balloon artist in the 10-minute match, where he leaned in on new skills learned from recent conventions to present his work more intensely and reduced 10 seconds off the time limit. "I made a new turtle design that I learned in January at another convention from Mr. Jack, a German balloon artist who gave me his blessing to use it in this competition. Also, other balloon instructors contributed, giving me an edge."

Known as "Eddie," this balloon artist was ecstatic over his wins and the opportunity to showcase his expertise. "Because I made the large duck headpiece for the tourists at home and other clients, I was comfortable doing so. I was grateful that it earned me second place in the twelve-minute competition."

Balloons and magic bring happiness to the lives of adults and children. Daxon operates his business full-time, working at top hotel resorts and events, and gives back to the community by working with NGOs. To book "Eddie", visit the "Magic for the People" on Facebook and Instagram.

Edwourral "Eddie" Daxon is a prominent balloon twister from Nassau, Bahamas, who travelled to Chicago, Illinois, in March 2024 to compete internationally. He left with the mindset of winning one category but returned home on March 21, 2024, with three. "We are thrilled to present Eddie Daxon with these well-deserved awards," said Patty Sorell, organizer of Twist & Shout, now in its twenty-fifth year. "Their creativity in the various events is a fantastic showcase of their abilities in a high-pressure international competition. The highest points earned determine the winner's placement, and 223 competitors from over 12 countries battled it out to win prestige in the industry." Daxon placed third in the 10-minute timed competition by making a turtle, and in the stage performance event, where he presented a choreographed story through acting and balloons, showcasing originality and technical skills. He placed second in the 12-minute timed competition by shaping a large headpiece. "I left home determined to win at something but was surprised and shocked when I earned three wins among hundreds of competitors," he said. The Twist & Shout Balloon Convention is an annual event involving education, camaraderie, competitions, and the latest innovation where the most talented "twisters" in the world participate. Daxon started in the balloon sculpting business over a decade ago but had never competed at this level. The pressure was on for this Bahamian balloon artist in the 10-minute match, where he leaned in on new skills learned from recent conventions to present his work more intensely and reduced 10 seconds off the time limit. "I made a new turtle design that I learned in January at another convention from Mr. Jack, a German balloon artist who gave me his blessing to use it in this competition. Also, other balloon instructors contributed, giving me an edge." Known as "Eddie," this balloon artist was ecstatic over his wins and the opportunity to showcase his expertise. "Because I made the large duck headpiece for the tourists at home and other clients, I was comfortable doing so. I was grateful that it earned me second place in the twelve-minute competition." Balloons and magic bring happiness to the lives of adults and children. Daxon operates his business full-time, working at top hotel resorts and events, and gives back to the community by working with NGOs. To book "Eddie", visit the "Magic for the People" on Facebook and Instagram.

Scores of residents braved the cold to cheer on their favorite group at the 2024 New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade in Grand Bahama, with all its colourful splendour.  

They were viewing, as were spectators in the capital and around the country, a unique and exhilarating cultural expression that has been affirmed by UNESCO.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, in declaring the parade in Grand Bahama open, highlighted the fact that the UNESCO Governmental Committee inscribed Junkanoo on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in October 2023.

Minister Bowleg further explained that our national cultural festival is now legally recognized world-wide.

“So when we come here and we say, ‘the best show on earth,’ it is no longer the best show in The Bahamas, it’s the best show in the world,” he said, while pointing out to the residents and Junkanoo enthusiasts that they have much to be proud of.

A moment of silence was also observed for fallen Junkanoo Icon, founder and leader of the Swingers Junkanoo group, Anthony “Huck” Williams, who passed away just days ahead of the parade.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, in issuing a statement on Williams’ passing, hailed him as a man whose love for Bahamian culture was unquestionable and his contributions to the development of Junkanoo in The Bahamas, immeasurable.

Williams spent more than 40 years shaping the lives of hundreds of young men and women by instilling the value of our heritage and culture in Grand Bahama.

The nine groups participating in this year’s parade were Showtime, Superstar Rockers, Bushwhackers, Classic Dancers, Sting, Platinum Knights, Da Women Dem, Swingers and New Generation.

Scores of residents braved the cold to cheer on their favorite group at the 2024 New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade in Grand Bahama, with all its colourful splendour.   They were viewing, as were spectators in the capital and around the country, a unique and exhilarating cultural expression that has been affirmed by UNESCO. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, in declaring the parade in Grand Bahama open, highlighted the fact that the UNESCO Governmental Committee inscribed Junkanoo on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in October 2023. Minister Bowleg further explained that our national cultural festival is now legally recognized world-wide. “So when we come here and we say, ‘the best show on earth,’ it is no longer the best show in The Bahamas, it’s the best show in the world,” he said, while pointing out to the residents and Junkanoo enthusiasts that they have much to be proud of. A moment of silence was also observed for fallen Junkanoo Icon, founder and leader of the Swingers Junkanoo group, Anthony “Huck” Williams, who passed away just days ahead of the parade. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, in issuing a statement on Williams’ passing, hailed him as a man whose love for Bahamian culture was unquestionable and his contributions to the development of Junkanoo in The Bahamas, immeasurable. Williams spent more than 40 years shaping the lives of hundreds of young men and women by instilling the value of our heritage and culture in Grand Bahama. The nine groups participating in this year’s parade were Showtime, Superstar Rockers, Bushwhackers, Classic Dancers, Sting, Platinum Knights, Da Women Dem, Swingers and New Generation.

THE Shell Saxons Superstars unofficially won the Boxing Day Parade, dominating the major categories with its Ancient Rulers theme.

This was the iconic group’s first victory since 2019 when it won the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, and a big comeback after placing fifth in last year’s Boxing Day parade. The group scored 94.03 points, edging the Valley Boys with 92.14 points. The group paid homage to kings and queens of the past, rocking Bay Street and Shirley Street with its music. Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis rushed with the group as usual. The Saxons won eight Division A categories: best free dancer, best Shirley Street performance, best step down, best lead costume, best overall costume, best banner, best-choreographed dancers and best music. As with most Junkanoo results, the Saxons’ victory was not well received by all, with some highlighting similarities between the group’s performance and One Family’s winning warrior concept in last year’s Boxing Day parade. The Valley Boys rushed under the theme “Once Upon a Time”, depicting popular children’s stories and folklore like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, and Pinocchio. The group’s Cinderella carriage blew glitter into the air, dazzling the crowd at Rawson Square. Roots finished third with 87.92 points, Genesis finished fourth with 85.79 after a two-point penalty, and last year’s winner, One Family, placed fifth with 82.59 points and an six-point penalty. Music Makers was disqualified for unclear reasons. Junkanoo groups were restricted to one lap on Bay Street and one lap on Shirley Street after the parade was postponed because of inclement weather that never came. “It’s been quite an exhilarating experience,” Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said of the parade. Colours was the unofficial winner of the B division with a score of 77.81. Fancy Dancers came second with 75.08 points. The Immortals placed third with 70.26, Original Congos finished fourth with 68.76, and Body of Christ came fifth with 68.36.

This was the iconic group’s first victory since 2019 when it won the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, and a big comeback after placing fifth in last year’s Boxing Day parade.

The group scored 94.03 points, edging the Valley Boys with 92.14 points.

The group paid homage to kings and queens of the past, rocking Bay Street and Shirley Street with its music. Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis rushed with the group as usual.

The Saxons won eight Division A categories: best free dancer, best Shirley Street performance, best step down, best lead costume, best overall costume, best banner, best-choreographed dancers and best music.

As with most Junkanoo results, the Saxons’ victory was not well received by all, with some highlighting similarities between the group’s performance and One Family’s winning warrior concept in last year’s Boxing Day parade.

The Valley Boys rushed under the theme “Once Upon a Time”, depicting popular children’s stories and folklore like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, and Pinocchio. The group’s Cinderella carriage blew glitter into the air, dazzling the crowd at Rawson Square.

Roots finished third with 87.92 points, Genesis finished fourth with 85.79 after a two-point penalty, and last year’s winner, One Family, placed fifth with 82.59 points and an six-point penalty.

Music Makers was disqualified for unclear reasons.

Junkanoo groups were restricted to one lap on Bay Street and one lap on Shirley Street after the parade was postponed because of inclement weather that never came.

“It’s been quite an exhilarating experience,” Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said of the parade.

Colours was the unofficial winner of the B division with a score of 77.81. Fancy Dancers came second with 75.08 points. The Immortals placed third with 70.26, Original Congos finished fourth with 68.76, and Body of Christ came fifth with 68.36.