Bahamians are extremely excited!
“We’re rushing, we’re rushing, we’re rushing through the crowd, ain’t nobody can take it from you”. Boy, Junkanoo is sweet, but could it get any better?
A cherished treasure, Junkanoo could be even more valuable with enhanced accountability and organization. The long-awaited National Junkanoo Authority is on the horizon, and the time for its establishment is now. The anticipation among true Junkanoo enthusiasts for its implementation is palpable, and any delay in making this a reality is a disservice to our cultural heritage.
Last year, the JCNP Chairman threatened to postpone or suspend the parade due to personal feelings. The public was annoyed when threats were made, angering Bahamians who planned their lives yearly around the “greatest show on earth.” It was a stark reminder of the need for a more robust management system.
The magnitude of the benefits for all Bahamians cannot be left to kids’ play. The public was annoyed when threats were made, angering many, who planned their lives yearly around the “greatest show on earth”. We cannot risk something as powerful as Junkanoo in the hands of those who lack the mettle to control it.
There is no question that the movers and shakers of the past want to keep control of our prized possession. It is no secret that some who had the helm for many years before are trying to manipulate everything again.
This legislation is not just necessary, it’s imperative. Maturity and sober-mindedness must guide us in moving Junkanoo to the heights it can reach. With a structured management system, Junkanoo can attract international attention, secure more funding, and most importantly, preserve our cultural heritage.
The JCNP does not own Junkanoo; it is our cultural heritage, and ALL BAHAMIANS must take ownership of its future.
The proposed authority is not a hindrance but an avenue toward progress with greater vision. It is a catalyst for it. The authority is designed to give Junkanoo a stronger and progressive-minded management structure. This structure would oversee various aspects of Junkanoo, from event planning to cultural preservation, and catapult it to expand its reach and impact. It is time to address the limitations and advance an aggressive approach toward selling it to the world.
Junkanoo is ripe for new, fresh, and appreciated ideas. These ideas, from artists who can see beyond Bay Street, have the potential to revolutionize Junkanoo. It’s time for Junkanoo to be a year-round celebration, culminating in the parades. It deserves innovative planning, accountability, and a disciplined, cutting-edge organization. What could be wrong with such a forward-thinking approach?
Junkanoo must be free to expand its influence and not be held back by those who believe they are the sole authority. It’s time for a change in management, a shift towards a more inclusive and progressive approach. We, as Bahamians, have the power to shape Junkanoo’s future.
Certainly and automatically, the JCNP must have a seat around the table and welcome growth if they want it to evolve above the parade results. Therefore, any attempt to keep a stranglehold on management must know that there have been too many examples where more intelligent decisions could have sometimes avoided the unsettling chaos experience.
The authority would bring a structure that strengthens the existing cooperation.
There can be no sober-minded person who would object to Junkanoo advancing worldwide and being appreciated to attract investors and donors waiting to help develop the cultural expression and related benefits, which would attract overseas donors like the National Art Gallery Board.
The NAGB is a prime example of how these things work. Because of the NAGB, we don’t see the artists pouting while folding their easels and putting up their brushes. The same principles apply.
The National Junkanoo Authority, like the National Art Gallery Board, provides much-needed structure. We should not let anyone’s selfishness prevent the Bahamas’ cultural expression from realising its full potential; that would be dereliction of the highest order.
The most patriotic thing to do would be to embrace what is being proposed and not look for negativity to prey on the minds of the people who don’t read or who can be manipulated with insatiable gossip. There is no need for gaslighting when the country is going to benefit.
The number of years you rushed is not a sensible way to determine whether you are looking out for the best for our country and culture.
The JCNP is true to form, advising Junkanoo groups to suspend practising because of this proposed bill, which is par for the course. These thinly veiled protests were not surprising, since the JCNP Chairman tried this before.
There is always a challenge to changing the status quo. Imagine using rotary telephones with overseas operators to now using cell phones that can call everywhere without operators for free. Operators objected and had much to say about losing their jobs. I am sure the naysayers had much to say because of their narrow-mindedness, but look where we are now. Imagine what we would lose if we stayed stuck doing the same old things, worrying about the ostrich whose head was stuck in the sand.
It is time to take Junkanoo to the world, first class. It’s now or never!
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