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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019 - 4:24:37 PM |
Junkanoo Commandos’ relationship with Norfolk’s Caribbean Community results in donation of hurricane relief supplies
By Matt Maura
Oct 23, 2019 - 4:30:52 PM
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Ms. Angelique McKay, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Junkanoo Commandos cultural organization (second left) presents Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell with the paperwork to twenty-two, 55-gallon barrels filled with hurricane relief supplies to the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development - the result of a Bahamas Hurricane Relief Extravaganza organized by the Caribbean People Organization (CPO), Inc. a 501c3 organization, based out of Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America. Also pictured (far left) are: Ms. Kim Sawyer, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; Ms. Phedra Rahming, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development (second right), and Mr. Treilon Stuart, Artistic Director, Junkanoo Commandos. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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Nassau, The Bahamas – Executives of the Junkanoo Commandos cultural organization turned over the paperwork to twenty-two, 55-gallon barrels filled with hurricane relief supplies to the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development -- the result of a Bahamas Hurricane Relief Extravaganza organized by the Caribbean People Organization (CPO), Inc. a 501c3 organization, based in Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America.
The extravaganza was held Sunday, September 29 at the Chinese Community Association of Hampton Roads. Thirty Caribbean-owned businesses that are based in Norfolk participated in the Hurricane Relief effort.
Ms. Angelique McKay, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Junkanoo Commandos, said the collaboration was the result of the Commandos’ longstanding relationship with the City and its Caribbean Community. The Commandos have been participating in the City’s Caribbean Carnival for the past eight years, showcasing junkanoo.
Organizers of the Bahamas Hurricane Relief Extravaganza held at the Chinese Community Association of Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia, are photographed during the event. Thirty Caribbean-owned businesses based in Norfolk participated in the effort. Pictured (from left) are: Derek Greaves, President, Virginia Guyana; Abby Mills, President, Caribbean People Organization, Inc., Cavelle Mollineaux, Treasurer, Caribbean People Organization Inc., and Isheba McClary, Secretary, Caribbean People Organization Inc.
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“As such, friendships were created and lifelong bonds formed,” Ms. McKay said. “When the Caribbean Community of Norfolk heard of the devastation to parts of Abaco and Grand Bahama at the hands of Hurricane Dorian, they immediately mobilized to assist.
“Initially, they had targeted twelve, 55-gallon barrels for donation to The Bahamas, but the support/response to the drive was so overwhelming that they were able to fill 22, 55-gallon barrels with all of the items NEMA (the National Emergency Management Agency) would have listed as necessary to the hurricane relief effort.
“Our organization decided to reach out to the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development as we are cognizant of the fact that the Ministry and its Departments and Divisions have helped to play a vital role on the front line of the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.”
- Participants in The Bahamas Hurricane Relief Extravaganza held in Norfolk, Virginia, with a portion of the twenty-two, 55-gallon drums that were filled with hurricane supplies prior to shipment to The Bahamas. Pictured standing (from left) are: Phil Harrison, Trudi Harrison, Judymae Mott and Derrick McFarland. In front row (from left) are: Flavel Blyden, Derek Greaves and Sheryl Blyden.
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Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, applauded the efforts of the Junkanoo Commandos, the Caribbean People Organization, and the 30 Caribbean-owned businesses that participated in the drive.
Minister Campbell said the relationship/partnership the Junkanoo Commandos have been able to build through their participation at the Caribbean Carnival in Norfolk, and various other carnivals and festivals around the world, speaks to the importance, value and positive effect, public private partnerships/relationships can have on societies.
“I promote the value of public private partnerships/relationships and the kinds of positive impacts they can have on society as a whole all of the time,” Minister Campbell said.
“I appreciate your efforts. I appreciate your organization and the businesses that would have come together to show this kind of support to the hurricane relief efforts in The Bahamas. I am satisfied to note that your presentations abroad must be of that level of impressiveness to cause persons to want to work through and with you to assist The Bahamas.”
Ms. McKay said the organization, comprised of members of the Valley Boys, Saxons, Roots, One Family and Genesis Junkanoo Groups/Organizations, are committed to the ideal of being their Brother's Keeper.
“We travel the world showcasing the creative arts of junkanoo via educational presentations, professional artistic workshops and full-fledged junkanoo performances at various festivals, conferences and carnivals around the world,” she said. “The mission of the Junkanoo Commandos is to: ‘positively change the world through the creative arts of junkanoo while empowering others.’ We are also cognizant of the fact that we are our Brother's Keeper. This collaboration allows us, the community of Norfolk, the Caribbean People Organization and the 30 Caribbean-based businesses that participated in the drive to do just that.”
© Copyright 2019 by thebahamasweekly.com
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