The Tribune

YOUTH Sports and Culture Minister Daniel Johnson has announced that the Junior Junkanoo parade will now be free of charge to all spectators in Grand Bahama.

The decision came after meetings with leaders from senior and junior groups and the National Junkanoo Committee.

“Two fantastic things emerged from it,” Dr Johnson said. “One, the junior parade which is the feeder and the future of Junkanoo in the Bahamas, we’re going to make those parades in Grand Bahama this year free access. We’re making sure the art, the fun and the joy of Junkanoo is foremost in the minds of our young people and therefore, we are granting free access to everyone to come and see what these young people can do.

“This is the end of National Youth Month, and this is the gift I wanted to come and bring to Grand Bahama.”

Dr Johnson also said that the local organising committee of the Junkanoo Committee will now take control of the marketing, ticketing, promotion and organisation of the local parade.

Kaylesa Beneby, co-chairperson of the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee, added that it is expected that there will be a great turnout this year. With the announcement of Junior Junkanoo being free this year, it is hoped people will come out in “full force.”

“Grand Bahama is going to turn up,” she said. “Being challenged with finances after the season of Christmas, people find it hard to come out and spend the extra money.”