Last night there were calls for calm and reason as the controversial New Yera’s Day parade result brought an angry backlash.
One judge, who is afraid to reveal his identity, said, “If we are not careful the Junkanoo Committee will not find Bahamians who are willing to be judges.”
“I do not appreciate people coming up to me and telling me that we cheated and what could happen to me,” the upset judge said.
“I am very disappointed that Junkanoo members and the public are harrassing the judges,” said William (Bill) Wallace, chairman of the National Junkanoo Committee.
“If this is true, we are in trouble. Junkanoo is an integral part of our culture. It is not about who comes in first or second, it is more about what our heritage is all about, it’s the expression of freedom. How do we sell Junkanoo packages to tourists if the locals cannot appreciate what it is we have?”
Source: Clement Johnson, The Tribune
