Although a “computer glitch” delayed the printing of seed funding cheques to be dispersed for this year’s Junior Junkanoo parade, representatives from 42 schools waited patiently on Monday to receive their portion of a $33,000 lump sum set aside for this years parade, scheduled for Dec. 16.
Participating New Providence high schools and primary schools received $1,500, and $1,000, respectively, while Family Island schools got $500 during a seed funding ceremony held at the Nassau Beach Hotel.
This year, 14 schools are expected to participate in the 17th annual New Providence parade, while separate parades will be held at Eleuthera, Abaco, Mayaguana, and San Salvador.
And, despite being ravaged by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, Grand Bahama will also hold a parade, but not until January.
Speaking at the annual seed funding presentation, Minster of Youth, Sports and Culture, Neville Wisdom, stated that staging the annual Junior Junkanoo parade is becoming increasingly expensive. Therefore, the Ministry wants participating schools and sponsors to plan for the parade early in the year. He also expressed his desire to create Junkanoo programmes during the summer, so that youngsters would begin to build costumes while school is still closed.
“The reality is, if you start early enough and you spread your time over a long period, you would accomplish even better costumes with less stress,” he advised.
Mr Wisdom also lauded the dedication of the schools that prepare for the annual parade, as well parents for their support and encouragement.
According to Minister Wisdom, the Ministry has already purchased bulk start-up materials, such as crepe paper, contact cement, white glue, wire, paint, and Junkanoo instruments. Two hundred and fifty gallons of contact cement have also been contributed by Mr Brent Burrows of Commonwealth Building supplies for Family Island schools, he said.
This year, winners of various categories would be presented with computers, keyboards, televisions, VCRs, and trophies. Each participating school would also be issued a $200 gift certificate to aid its library.
Focusing on safety and security at all Junior Junkanoo parades, Mr Wisdom claimed there has been a significant reduction in the number of arrests and disturbances at recent parades because of proper planning, organisation and the creation of a no drug, no bottle zone. He also urged merchants on Bay Street to appreciate that the parade is a “children’s parade” and “family-oriented”; therefore, the government will not allow alcoholic beverages to be sold.
Also, said Mr Wisdom, Esso Standard Oil, a major sponsor of the parade since its inception in 1988, has agreed to be more “generous” with their donations this year because of the devastation by hurricanes in some areas.
Retail Territory Manager of Esso, Mr Omar Martin, expressed that Junior Junkanoo has been a productive training ground for major Junkanoo groups in The Bahamas, as it ensures the continued growth of Junkanoo.
Mr Martin said Junior Junkanoo also enhances young people’s artistic abilities. He noted that Esso was proud of the success of the parades over the years and would continue to lend their support.
The schools participating in this year’s New Providence Parade are:
Pre Schools
* One-on-one (2002,2003 champions)
* Funshine Academy
* Our Lady’s Pre-School
* Revere Academy of Excellence (first time participants)
Primary Schools
* Our Lady’s Primary
* Ridgeland Primary
* One-on-One Primary
* St. Thomas More Primary
* St. Bede’s Primary (first time participant)
* Gambier Primary
* Revere Academy of Excellence Primary
Senior Schools
* Government High School
* Central Andros High School (first time participant)
Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
