As fireworks lit the midnight sky early Independence morning on Clifford Park, the pulsating sounds of cowbells, whistles and drumbeats echoed throughout Bay Street several hours later in celebration of the country’s 30th milestone.
Distinguishing the Independence Day “People’s Rush” from the regular Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades proved difficult, as droves of spectators congregated on Bay Street to watch the massive Junkanoo groups perform as if competing to win the top prize.
All groups however, showed their patriotism to the country, displaying Junkanoo pieces and adorning costumes depicting the colours of The Bahamian flag.
Before the Independence Day parade officially kicked off on Elizabeth Avenue, the Junkanoo Development Association launched the first annual Junkanoo achievement award presentation at Rawson Square, where six Junkanoo icons who contributed to the development of Junkanoo throughout the years were honoured.
The honourees included: Maurine Duvalier, Walton “Sax” Taylor, Alfred Fountain, Reverend Prince Hepburn, and John “Chippie” Chipman, and Donzel Huyler Sr., who was honoured posthumously.
Individual jackets of honour and gold medallions were presented.
Maurine Duvalier was awarded for being the first woman to take a group of women to dance on Bay Street. She was also the first woman to hold office in The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union, and is also considered to be a pioneer for women participating in Junkanoo.
The late Donzel Huyler Sr. was honoured for being the first Bahamian to make cowbells locally. At a time when all cowbells used in Junkanoo parades were imported, Mr. Huyler opted to make his own. His cowbells forever changed the sound of Junkanoo music. He continued to make cowbells until his death in 2002, and inspired many to follow in his footsteps.
Walton “Sax” Taylor taught young men in the West Street area the craft of Junkanoo. The group he taught became known as the West Street Boys, and was eventually changed to the Punch Bowl.
They were known as a force to be reckoned with in the 1950s and 60s, competing with groups such as the Vikings, The Music Makers and the Westerners.
When the Punch Bowl indicated that they would discontinue sponsorship because of economic reasons, Mr. Taylor called a meeting and informed the group that the Punch Bowl’s name would be changed to the Saxons.
Alfred Fountain was invited in 1947 to join a committee known as the “Citizens Masquerade Committee” to petition the government to have Junkanoo reinstated on Bay Street, after a five year ban, following the Burma Road Riot of 1942.
The government granted permission for the parade to resume on a trial basis on New Year’s Day, 1948, and after realizing that the committee did a good job, it allowed the parades to continue.
Rev. Prince Hepburn contributed greatly to the development and growth of Junkanoo. He served as treasurer of the Citizens Masquerade Committee from 1947 until the management of the parade was taken over by The Bahamas Government in 1973.
Mr. Hepburn fondly remembered the morning when Junkanoo groups were awarded cheques for the first time. He joked that he had to run away from certain Junkanooers who opened their envelopes and did not see cash.
John “Chippie” Chipman, known as “the grandfather of modern day Junkanoo,” is a legend in the history of Junkanoo and entertainment in The Bahamas.
He began his professional career in entertainment by dancing with his late wife Rebecca, performing at various major night- spots in the 1970s. He eventually moved into drumming where he was known as a premier Junkanoo group leader in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
He was also instrumental in the change from the wooden salt beef keg, to a tin barrel used as a drum.
Chairman of the Junkanoo Development Association, Michael Foster, said at the brief ceremony that the JDA was proud to hold the first annual Junkanoo achievement award, in addition to the Fourth Annual People’s Rush.
He said that some four years ago, the Junkanoo Development Association was asked to put plans in motion to establish a rush for the people. And upon making their plans a reality, the Association is now “astounded” with the support they have received.
“Most worthy of this event, is the fact that we set out to ask the people of The Bahamas in our celebrations to celebrate our flag and I think all of you can see that our efforts have paid off,” he said.
Meanwhile, after the six Junkanooers were awarded, it was time to officially kick off the Independence Day People’s Rush. First in the lineup was the Valley Boys, who poured onto Bay Street with a drum-beating vengeance.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAHAMAS- Fire works light up the sky during the 30th Independence anniversary celebrations on Wednesday night at Clifford park. (Photo by Patrick Hanna)
Playing the “Oh Sam” calypso song on its orchestra, dancers dressed as Valley Girl cheerleaders swayed to the music, while some men with aquamarine vests and matching shorts, attacked their drums with a rhythmic beat.
However, the highlight of the Valley Boys rush onto Bay Street was a fruit vendor on wheels who gave onlookers various fruits from his basket on wheels.
Other groups participating in the rush-out included: The Prodigal Sons, who displayed a massive lead piece of the late Sir Lynden Pindling. The Saxons Superstars followed in full force under the theme, “Proud to be a Bahamian, come celebrate with us”; while Colours, One Family, Roots and the Music Makers followed with dancers and music that all depicted an independence theme.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Neville Wisdom congratulated the Junkanoo Development Association for organizing the Independence Day parade. He said he was happy that all groups appeared on Bay Street, in addition to the public being well behaved.
The Youth Minister further commented to The Guardian that in celebration of The Bahamas’ 30th anniversary, the Association thought it fitting to honour the “greats” of Junkanoo.
“In the Ministry of Culture, we are going to find a number of creative ways to recognize Bahamians who have done good things for the country. I think that all of this bodes well as we try to move our country to be even more culturally conscious,” he said.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
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