Bahamas Information Services Updates
GB Junkanoo groups ‘excited’ to receive seed funding early
By Andrew Coakley
Oct 2, 2018 - 3:41:26 PM

JUNKANOO SEED FUNDING – Grand Bahamian Junkanoo leaders were excited to receive their Junkanoo seed funding from the Government, during a recent visit by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, pictured centre, along with Director of Culture, Rowena Poitier Sutherland (fourth from left) and Cultural Officer in Grand Bahama, Monique Leary (third from right), and some of the Junkanoo leaders in Grand Bahama who received their seed funding following a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, on Friday, September 28, 2018. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Junkanoo leaders in Grand Bahama were excited to have the Minister of Culture in town on Friday, September 28, 2018.  The Minister presented them with their seed funding for this year’s Junkanoo parades.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle said that the distribution of the funds this early in the year was historic within itself. Normally, funding for Junkanoo groups are distributed in December, during which time many of the groups would have completed their costumes and Junkanoo pieces.

“I am told that this is the earliest distribution of seed funding in history: this is a result of the team work of my Ministry and our partners,” said Minister Rolle, during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

“The purpose behind it all is for us to make it a great day and for you here in Grand Bahama to have a great time. I believe that if we get a good start, we increase our chances of making a great finish.

“Indeed, this government is committed to ensuring the preservation, success and growth of our cultural product and we believe that the spirit and ideals of Junkanoo, its rhythms and sounds are at the heartbeat of who we are and what we do.”

According to Minister Rolle, this year’s funding for Junkanoo totals $648,000, of which proper allocation to the approved groups in Grand Bahama was carried out.

During her address to the Grand Bahama Junkanoo leaders present at the press conference Minister Rolle noted that Bahamian ancestors celebrated the art of Junkanoo long before Bahamian independence. This art that has become a deep-seated tradition ingrained in the hearts, minds and souls of the Bahamian people.

She pointed out that Junkanoo tells the story of Bahamians – who they are and how far they have come.

“On that premise, I wish to say thank you to the Junkanoo leaders, Junkanooers and Junkanoo fans who continue to ensure that we preserve our identity and our history through this rich cultural experience called Junkanoo,” said Minister Rolle.

The Culture Minister noted that Junkanoo has the ability to transcend political landscapes, break through religious barriers, engage a wide cross section of people, inspire Caribbean neighbors, entertain visitors and unite every Bahamian.

The Government’s seed funding will assist 14 groups in Grand Bahama to purchase the necessary materials needed to prepare for the upcoming parades. In Grand Bahama there are five Division A groups, seven Division B groups and two fun groups.

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