|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
|
Bimini, Bahamas –The first annual Bimini Junior Junkanoo Parade presented by Resorts World Bimini (RWB) was a tremendous success, so much so that the organizers of the event are beaming with pride that the parade was so well received. A large crowd of locals and visitors alike gathered at the Bayfront Park in North Bimini for the parade which featured scores of the island’s children – from preschoolers all the way up to teens – displaying remarkable skills in drumming, cow belling, dancing and more.
Three groups performed during the parade namely, the Bimini Stars (Pre School) who presented the theme Bimini Under the Sea; the Bimini Pacers (Primary) who rushed under the theme Back in the Day with Fashion and Music; and Bimini’s Finest (Secondary), whose theme was Comin’ From Africa. The children who had been practicing for months, performed masterfully with goat skin drums, cowbells, whistles, horns, and scrapers, producing pulsating rhythms to which the dancers energetically performed.
|
RWB General Manager Ray Valentino said the resort welcomed the opportunity to support such an important event.
“We understand the prevalence of Junkanoo in Bahamian culture,” he said. “You cannot have a major celebration here on the island without a junkanoo parade, which our guests always thoroughly enjoy. By sponsoring the Junior Junkanoo parade, we are helping to ensure that this wonderful tradition continues for generations to come.”
The Bimini Junior Junkanoo parade judging system was unlike those of its counterparts on other islands. As opposed to schools competing against each other for top prizes, the groups were made up of students from multiple schools, and awards were handed out to individual junkanooers from each age group. Awards were presented in each category as follows:
|
Preschool Division Best drummer: Garcio Marshall Jr.
Best scraper: Javon Williams
Best horn blow: Alaya Culmer
Best Cow Beller: A'mari King
Best Dancer: Makayla King
Primary Division
Best drummer: Andrew Adderley
Best scraper: Benjamin Demeritte
Best horn blower: Nativian Charlton
Best Cow Beller: Steven Sweeting
Best Dancer: Navaya Stuart
Secondary Division
Best drummer: Jordon Varella
Best scraper: Darren Hinzey
Best horn blower:Jaquan Brennen Best Cow Beller: Rockey Saunders Jr.
Best Dancer: Breanna Roberts
Among those on hand to witness the parade were the Director of Culture Dr. Linda Moxey-Brown, Assistant Director of Culture Edison “Fast Eddie” Dames; and the Director of Junior Junkanoo Henry Higgins. The inaugural Bimini Junior Junkanoo parade was held in honor of the island’s junkanoo pioneers Mr. Glenroy Rolle Sr. and Mr. Chester Rolle Sr.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
