Days after word came that the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival would be postponed as a result of possible conflict with the upcoming general elections, the event has been rescheduled for its original dates set for April 28th -29th in Grand Bahama and May 4th-6th in New Providence.
It is believed that backlash the government received after changing the date initially, prompted yesterday’s decision.
Prime Minister Perry Christie on Monday said the Commission met and agreed to suspend or extend the date because of the possibilities of it affecting the upcoming general elections.
It was announced on Tuesday that the new dates for the event was May 18th – 20th.
Earlier this week, Fusion Mass Band Leader Trevor Williams and Rhythms Bahamas Leader Dario Terelli expressed that they were disappointed with the postponement.
After news came of the sudden date change, many individuals expressed their disappointment on social media lamenting the losses they would have incurred as a result.
Many lashed out at the government for the fact that international visitors had made reservations to attend the event.
It was believed that this would have negative repercussions internationally, perpetuating a “bad name” for the country.
Agriculture Minister V. Alfred Gray said on Tuesday that those who made the decision to postpone the event must have weighed out the options and come up with the best possible solution for the time being.
“I’m sure that reasons would be given for the need to postpone it and no matter what you do somebody is going to be disappointed. So I’m sure that the organisers and those who have the capacity to postpone it would’ve acted in the best interest of the Bahamian people,” Mr. Gray said.
Trinidadian stars including Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin are expected to headline this year’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
Last year’s festival saw $578,342 in revenue, at a cost of more than $9.8 million overall.
The inaugural event in 2015 cost the government $11.3 million, which exceeded its initial budget of $9 million.
The inaugural festival cost $12.9 million overall.
About 39,700 people attended the festival in Nassau last year and 21,000 in Grand Bahama.
