The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

DOWNTOWN Nassau stakeholders have been "assured a new protocol" will be put in place for Junkanoo bleacher placement starting next year, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Ed Fields, the Downtown Nassau Partnership's (DNP) managing director, also suggested that an earlier parade start could both benefit the Junkanoo groups and ensure Bay Street was ready for normal trade and commerce to resume the following morning.

Controversy surrounded this year's Boxing Day parade after it was postponed from Christmas night to Boxing Day evening, to the dismay of many fans, after the forecast rain never materialised.

"The matter was discussed with me directly prior to the parades and we gave our input," said Mr Fields. "The streets were accessible on Wednesday earlier than they have ever been, due in part to the very early completion of the Junkanoo Parade. When I came in to town yesterday morning around 7.30am traffic was flowing, and most of the clean-up was done.

"Though I do not speak for anyone else, I can say that we should consider starting Boxing Day Junkanoo much earlier on Christmas Day. If Junkanoo were to start earlier on Christmas Day and go into Boxing Day, three laps could be easily accommodated and would result in downtown coming back on stream earlier. This is the sort of co-existence everyone seeks."

Mr Fields added: "When I left downtown on 2am on Wednesday morning, quite understandably, it was a mess. At 7:30am yesterday morning it was almost back to normal. The result clearly demonstrates that with proper management and oversight we can accomplish that which is required.

"The bleacher issue is another and separate matter, and we have been assured that a new protocol will be put in place with respect to bleacher placement for the parades in 2018-2019, which will result in the Christmas spirit being restored to downtown."

Extended bleacher placement following the Junkanoo parades has been blamed in the past for causing a drop in retail and restaurant sales on Bay Street due to the reduction in walk-in traffic.