In what may be the first step in the eventual privatisation of Junkanoo, Culture Minister Neville Wisdom announced that a Bahamian company has been awarded a five year contract to oversee the bleachers and ticket sales for the 2003/2004 Junkanoo parades.
This decision comes on the heels of last year’s controversial million dollar bleachers and what may be considered to be exorbitant ticket prices.
Mr. Wisdom said the ministry and the government sought out persons internationally and nationally to carry out the seating and ticketing.
Six companies responded to the minister’s request in conjunction with the Ministry of Works and tendered bids.
“The government decided it wanted to make a business opportunity for Bahamians and C3 Seating Company was not only a fully owned Bahamian company but they prepared an offer to the government, which was acceptable to Cabinet, and they were selected,” he said in a press conference at the Ministry yesterday.
The contract now means that C3 will have sole responsibility for obtaining the seating for the three Junkanoo parades – Junior Junkanoo to be held on December 11 and the two major Boxing day and New Year’s day parades.
By Cara Brennen, The Tribune
