Minister Mario Bowleg: The Man Who Saved Junkanoo

In a time when the very soul of Bahamian culture faced a dangerous crossroads, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg stood firm in defence of the people’s heritage. Amid was described as a “well-orchestrated political attempt” to destabilize the country through division within the Junkanoo community. Bowleg’s leadership proved decisive and unwavering.

A group led by two former chairmen of One Family reportedly sought to encourage the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP) to continue a course that would have undermined the unity and independence of Junkanoo. Their intent, many believe, was to use the cultural platform for political ends. But Minister Bowleg, guided by principle and an unshakable belief that “Junkanoo belongs to the people,” refused to yield to those pressures.

The two former chairmen continued to fan the flames of chaos that prolonged the JCNP saga as long as it did. At the same time, the organisation boasted about being community-minded, sowing seeds of discord. Selfishness, arrogance, and greed, while salivating for the “big bucks” derived from Junkanoo, seem to be the driving forces. None of the naysayers who boast about running things for 20-plus years ever confess that the JCNP did not pay VAT and cannot explain where millions of dollars disappeared to.

Minister Bowleg’s resolve and integrity ensured that Junkanoo remained above partisan manipulation. By holding firm to transparency and fairness, Bowleg not only preserved the integrity of the festival but also reaffirmed its purpose — as a celebration of Bahamian creativity, unity, and pride.

Today, the widespread support from major groups — Roots, Music Makers, Genesis, One Family, and Saxons — stands as a testament to the strength of Bowleg’s vision and leadership. These organisations have shown, through their solidarity, that they recognise and appreciate the minister’s courage in protecting what is rightfully theirs: the heartbeat of Bahamian culture. The visionary Junkanoo leaders present prove that they want to be part of building rather than those who are obsessed with tearing down.

Minister Mario Bowleg is truly worth his salt — a leader who rose above politics to protect the cultural legacy of a nation. His courage and persistence have ensured that Junkanoo remains in the hands of the people, where it has always belonged.

We congratulate Minister Bowleg for his steadfast commitment to preserving Junkanoo — not just as a festival, but as a symbol of Bahamian identity and national pride.

Now, let us all give the NJC our support.

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