Nassau, The Bahamas] Approximately 120 entrepreneurs, cultural leaders and Junkanoos participated in a two-day business workshop held recently for companies registered for Road Fever, one of the four scheduled events of Bahamas Carnival.

Specifically designed to empower participants with the tools necessary to launch a successful business, the workshop also increased the awareness of Bahamas Carnival, its goals and objectives.

Bahamas Carnival is a collage of Bahamian culture, a festive occasion for Bahamians and visitors. The events are underpinned by indigenous Bahamian cultural expressions, including music, art, and Junkanoo, setting the stage for Bahamian recording artists to nurture their sound and express themselves in front of a global audience.

The workshop provided information on The Vision of Bahamas Carnival, The ABC’s of a Successful Carnival & Road Fever, the Four Main Carnival Events, Product Design and Use of Materials, and Writing Your Business Plan, among others.

Presenters included; Paul Major, Chairman BNFC, Roscoe Dames, CEO, BNFC, Ed Fields, Co-Chair, Events Committee, Dr. Ann Higgins, Research and Special Projects Officer, Clarence Moe, Consultant, Trinidad and Mark Turnquest, Marketing and Business Consultant.

Speaking to the long term vision for this initiative, Major noted, “This is an opportunity that will provide global exposure for all creative entrepreneurs who have the foresight to prepare and present their best product and services.

All events scheduled will be an expression of the level of creativity, community and culture that The Bahamas offers.”

Dames further noted, “We were extremely pleased with the participation at the workshop. Individuals are taking advantage of this economic opportunity that gives them a chance to demonstrate their business savvy and creativity. The countdown is on and activities are progressing well. We are anticipating nothing less than success.”

Moe spoke to the financial costs and economic benefits of a carnival. “The power of carnival can bring people together,” he said. Some of a carnival’s direct returns that Moe discussed include: the sale of costumes, food and beverage, merchandising and memorabilia, performance fees, broadcasting and recording of Carnival, royalties to the entertainment industry, employment in Support Services i.e. Health and Safety and Security among others.

The conscience intent of Carnival Bahamas is to stimulate economic growth in diverse sectors of our country, including the straw industry.

As a result, the Commission is strongly encouraging the use of indigenous materials in costume production.

Dr. Higgins informed that there are over 100 registered suppliers who have materials available and are ready for sale in their natural and cured state.

“The opportunities are limitless if we seek to use products that are locally produced by our suppliers. Some indigenous products that can be used include shells, burlap, and straw.The world will have an opportunity to view and purchase local goods, while our suppliers will have new avenues to market and distribute their products,” she added.

Providing tangible and technical assistance in developing success strategies for a winning business, Mark Turnquest, conducted the business-training segment on day two of the workshop. Topics included the 8M’s of entrepreneurial success, accounting and financial planning.

“Participants were motivated to operate a business and this was my main objective,” said Turnquest. “I focused on training the company owners on how to manage cost, and how to make a profit beyond image perception and how well the groups are appreciated by Bahamians. There is a cultural appreciation by Bahamians for Junkanoo, however, there is a distinct difference between how Junkanoo is operated compared to the business of Carnival,” he further added.

Participant Angelique McKay, said, “My most significant take away was the realization that the Government would be assisting with all aspects of the festival to ensure its success by aligning the newly formed companies and their management teams with the relevant professionals in the industry.”

She added that she would encourage others to participate in Bahamas Carnival because of the high volume of potential visitors that are expected to be a part of this event. “It will offer significant financial returns to all involved if these proposed numbers are realized.”

As it relates to her business, she added, “The Bahamas Carnival will impact The Junkanoo Commandos by affording us another dimension to our overall business offerings. In addition to our current offerings we can now invite artists and carnivalparticipants and organizersand participants to come to The Bahamas and perform alongside us in the Spring.

Road Fever, the masquerade party that closes out Bahamas Carnival is one of the four events scheduled. Other events include, Music Masters, an all star Bahamian concert, Midnight Rush, a participatory Junkanoo Rush party, and Junk-A-Mania, a musical event showcasing Junkanoo.

Carnival Bahamas is powered by the Bahamas National Festival Commission, whose vision is to be the catalyst for sustainable economic growth in the cultural industry sector. The Commission is committed to expanding our tourist product offering, to provide benefits across The Bahamas.

For further information, contact The Bahamas Festival Commission at 356-2100.