A well-coordinated and spacious Junior Junkanoo Parade led to a quiet night for police officers. The same goal is being sought at next week’s Boxing and New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parades.
When Esso’s 2002 Junior Junkanoo made its Cable Beach debut last Friday, it proved to the best spot, despite protests from various persons for the annual cultural event.
“Junior Junkanoo was a quiet night for us,” said Superintendent Hulan Hanna, Press Liaison Police Officer, on Sunday. “There was a controlled amount of space. There was space between the bleachers and the actual parade for persons to walk about. People could walk and not interfere with the parade. There wasn’t any shoving or pushing from persons watching the parade.
“Food vendors was stationed in the back for easy access, and cameramen and photographers were able to get their shots. Basically, police officers hardly had to deal with any mischief at all during the parade. We were hardly needed, because everything was done in a orderly fashion,” he said.
Although some spectators were skeptic, Superintendent Hanna said there were no reports of theft or vandalism to vehicles that were parked at the Queen Elizabeth’s Sports Centre.
Compared to Cable Beach, Down Town, Bay Street, where the major parades are staged, is more congested and tight.
Mr. Hanna noted that because of the Bay Street building’s structure, criminals could hide and run behind and between buildings.
Usually the congested area leads to shoving and pushing as people attempt to walk around the area, which then leads to stabbing incidents, molestation against women and petty fights.
“Police will rise to the occasion,” he said, before making a special plea to mothers. “Parents, in particular mothers, need to advised their young sons not to come onto Bay Street with any weapons. Persons found with knives, cutlasses or guns will be arrested immediately.
“In many instances, young men try to bring their feuds to the parade, looking for revenge. If you feel that you are going to bring feuds onto Bay Street stay home. Watch the parade from home on T.V. or listen to it on the radio,” warned Mr. Hanna. “Don’t disrupt the Holiday spirit for everyone else.”
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
