The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Music Makers Junkanoo group yesterday announced that it would not be participating in either of the upcoming holiday parades, with officials blaming the effects of Hurricane Matthew for the group’s inability to field a performance.

In a statement released to the media last evening, group organisers said their hopes of returning to parades routes were “crushed” by the unfortunate devastation inflicted upon their shacks and costumes by the passage of the massive category four storm in early October.

Monday’s statement read: “The Music Makers Junkanoo group has a rich and winning legacy that dates back to the early 1970s and this year we were anticipating that we would return with the competitive spirit and pride through costuming and performance, that had once propelled us to the top.”

It continued: “Unfortunately, due to the devastation that Hurricane Matthew left on our shacks and costumes, our dreams of a triumphant return to the top were crushed.

“In light of this horrific fact that has been documented, the executives of our group were forced to make a rather difficult decision of not participating in this year’s Junkanoo parades.

“We intend to refocus and reorganise ourselves. Our desire is to pick up and create the spirit of excellence once again and settle for nothing less.

“The message must be clear that we wish to compete and be taken seriously by all junkanooers and fans alike. We want to give sponsors, our fans and spectators their monies worth.”

The announcement marks another set back in the group’s storied history.

The group finished fifth in last year’s Boxing Day Parade in the A Division, and was disqualified from the 2016 New Year’s Day Parade for failing to complete the compulsory third lap - the second lap on Bay Street.