YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said he expects that Junkanoo parades will not only be held in New Providence this year, but in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands after a two-year hiatus of the cultural event.

“Junkanoo is a true Bahamian celebration, a unique cultural phenomenon that reflects the proud spirit of the Bahamian people,” Mr Bowleg said during his budget contribution in the House of Assembly yesterday.

“It is the biggest cultural festival of The Bahamas, celebrated in two spectacular parades. The breath-taking costumes made from cardboard, wire, and crepe paper,, are paraded through the main streets to the pulsating sounds of the goatskin drums, horns, cow bells and whistles.

“We are optimistic that after a two-year hiatus, Junkanoo parades will be held this Boxing Day and on New Year’s Day, 2023, in New Providence. It is also expected to be held in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.”

The Boxing Day and New Year’s parades were put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic.

After assuming office last year, Minister Bowleg said the Davis administration hoped to have the events scheduled this year.

Yesterday, the minister maintained that plans were underway to facilitate the return of the parades and advised jukanooers to get ready, saying  “Junkanoo is back.”

He added “Valleyboys, Saxons, Music Makers, One Family, Roots, prepare yourself.”

In his contribution, Mr Bowleg also pledged more support for the Junkanoo Development Programme through the NJC National Junkanoo Committee for Junior Junkanoo and Family Island Junkanoo organisations.

“We know that our creative communities need a place that they can call home,” he said.

“The way forward and only solution, as stated earlier by my colleague from Englerston, is a national school for the creative and performing Arts. I echo the words articulated by our Prime Minister …. ‘ and I want everyone in The Bahamas to know that active steps are being taken to make this vision a reality.

“Young people, we got you. Our Blue Print for Change clearly shows this fact and more. It speaks about creative spaces, and the fact that culture, the heartbeat of our country, will get more support. We are providing grants for the creative entertainers and the performing arts and grants of half a million dollars has been allocated for this initiative.”

He said as a result, creative Bahamians will have more financial support and have access to more opportunities for exposure among other benefits.

“The cultural sector makes a huge contribution to this economy and has a great impact, although it isn’t considered or viewed as important by many – and this government is going to change that. We are going to change the narrative,” the minister continued.

According to Mr Bowleg, the ministry has received a 25 percent increase in its budget allocation, equating to “just a little over $5.8m.”

He said the funds will be divided among three departments under his remit, including youth, sports and culture.

“This will allow my ministry to further educate, impact and empower lives of our youth, bring economic boost through the impact of sports in paradise while preserving and cultivating the authenticity of Bahamian culture,” he added.

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