Many spectators attending the Junior Junkanoo Parade, held for the first time on the Cable Beach Strip Friday, agreed that the event defied critics, who had said that the new venue was a bad idea that would destroy the flora and fauna of the strip and limit access for Bahamian families who have long looked forward to the annual parade.
“It’s a fabulous idea,” said Austin Weekes, a spectator. “You see little kids out here sitting down, giving the parents a time to come out in a huge environment in terms of seating space and enjoy themselves with their kids.”
Thousands of spectators viewed the parade from their seats on the newly erected bleachers which line the roads along the Cable Beach thoroughfare. Those bleachers were rented from a Canadian company for $1 million, which created much controversy leading up to the parade.
“The bleachers are quite comfortable, and where I am sitting the visibility is very clear,” said Wrensworth Butler, as he waited for the parade to begin.
“I think the money is very well spent; I think that this is an investment that will certainly pay off even if not this year or next year. I’m quite sure this is something that we could just give back to the people so they could come somewhere, sit down comfortably and watch our culture at its best.”
Walkways beneath the bleachers provided several access points to the rear of the bleachers where patrons were able to purchase refreshments and use restrooms.
But some said the many rows of seats, though spacious and well constructed, were excessive.
“I think it’s too high because I’m scared of heights,” Pauline Bevans said. “I don’t know if the bleachers are very strong because when you walk you feel a lot of shaking. Right now I’m even scared to stand up.”
Weeks after erection of the bleachers on Cable Beach, the bleachers are still surrounded by much controversy.
“I think they could have found a better buy, or shopped around. I’m quite sure they could have found something for less than $1 million. The seats are fine. I like the concept and I welcome the change, but I feel [that] we could have gotten it for less than $1 million.”
“Where is the leeway for the disabled. We’re up at row 35 and I don’t see any way that the disabled person can get up here as far as a wheelchair is concerned. If it’s one million all the facilities need to be in place,” she said.
Gladys Fraser, a visitor from Ontario, Canada said the bleachers felt a little bit wobbly, especially when people started dancing. “I think it’s a lot of money to spend on bleachers. Personally I think it’s unnecessary; it could have been more cost-effective.”
Meanwhile, the controversial shuttle system arranged between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Omnibus Owners Association, designed to transfer patrons in to and out of the immediate parade area was well received.
Thirty designated shuttle buses transported ticket holders from parking areas at either Fort Charlotte or the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre to the Junkanoo site on Cable Beach and back.
“The shuttle bus was smooth but it took a little while because there was plenty traffic on the road,” Rudolph Clarke said.
As passengers dismounted the busses, police officers directed the way to the seating area.
Shuttle users said the system worked smoothly without any problems.
“The shuttle service was smooth all the way through,” said Gary Cox. “I’m impressed all over.”
Junkanoo fans were entertained by the performances of groups from fifteen pre-school, primary, junior high and senior high schools.
Themes depicted included, “Road Safety,” “The Greatest Love of All – Love,” and “Future Generation of The Bahamas, Be Yourself Follow Your Dreams.”
Winners in the various categories were One on One Pre-school in the pre-school division, and Woodcock Primary in the primary school division.
C.H. Reeves Junior High and Government High School won their respective categories.
Within an hour of the parade’s final performance, work crews from the Department of Environmental Health – Roads, parks and grounds beautification department, who worked throughout the event removing trash, began the process of restoring the area to its pre-parade condition.
