BY ARIANNA NEELY
BAHAMA JOURNAL WRITER
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg says the country is on solid footing heading into the 2025 Junkanoo season, noting that parade preparations, group registration, and government support are all firmly in place as the national festival approaches.
Bowleg said his ministry has been closely coordinating with National Junkanoo Committee, Chairman Andrew Pinder and other parade officials, and reports indicate that planning is progressing smoothly. Meetings, he noted, have already taken place with potential judges and with representatives of every Junkanoo group to finalize the rules that will govern the upcoming parades. According to the minister, only slight adjustments were made this year and the groups have accepted all updates ahead of Bay Street competition.
From the government’s side, Bowleg said all logistics are “ready to go.” Infrastructure work has already begun, with bleachers and roster squares erected along sections of the parade route. He emphasized that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has completed its share of the preparations and that the focus now shifts to the groups themselves as they finalize costumes, themes, and choreography for the major events.
Bowleg also addressed ongoing questions surrounding an audit of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence . While he stressed that the ministry does not have the legal authority to conduct an audit, Bowleg confirmed that the government-requested audit has begun. “I was advised that it has commenced, and when it is done, then the report will come out,” he said.
Concerns about group participation were also clarified. Bowleg said that all Junkanoo groups have received their seat funding, including both factions of the Valley Boys, which have been operating separately in recent months. He explained that government has taken no position on internal disputes within the group, saying its only responsibility is to administer the laws governing Junkanoo registration. “Every group has received seat funding. There’s no group in this country who did not receive seat funding,” he said. He added that both Valley Boys factions are registered and will appear on Bay Street under the established rules.
As for reports that the Congos will not be participating this year, Bowleg confirmed their absence but said it was by the group’s choice. They had received government funding but requested that it not be disbursed due to issues the ministry was not briefed on. Every other major group, however, is confirmed to be participating.
Bowleg underscored that regardless of internal tensions, disputes, or management questions within or among groups, government’s role remains administrative. He stressed that all groups must register with the ministry to legally participate in any parade, whether or not the JCNP is involved in managing a particular event. “No matter what, even if this parade was managed by the JCNP, all groups still have to register with the government,” he said.
With all funding, registration, and major logistics settled, Bowleg said his ministry is now focused on ensuring smooth, safe, and successful Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. The season, he said, is shaping up to deliver the energy, artistry, and competition that Bahamians expect each year.
