Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts invites all Junkanoo Carnival critics to “eat crow” because the festival was proven successful.

As Roberts congratulated the prime minister and the government for the event’s success, he said the doomsday prophets, naysayers and critics can “eat crow” liberally because they had selfish hidden agendas and their tirades were not associated with the advancement of Bahamian culture, empowering Bahamians or stimulating the economy.

“They were all betting against the Bahamian people and they all lost,” Roberts said in a statement.

He added that Free National Movement leader Dr. Hubert Minnis, “that poor hapless fellow,” was again on the wrong side of history and on the wrong side of the national discussion on culture regarding the integration of Junkanoo Carnival into the national economy.

“Minnis is on record as saying that at the first opportunity, the FNM ‘will discontinue carnival.’ Minnis is hell bent on foisting the disastrous policy of ‘stop, review and cancel’ on Junkanoo Carnival if given the opportunity by the Bahamian people,” Roberts said.

He added that after three years as opposition leader, Dr. Minnis remains “a risky proposition and a lost soul still unable to get out of his own way.”

However, the Progressive Liberal Party congratulated Prime Minister Perry Christie and the government for their vision, leadership and focus in making the first Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival a huge success.

Roberts said the world watched as The Bahamas took to the stage in a colourful display of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

“The Bahamian people demonstrated that they are the greatest fans in the world and are to be commended and thanked for their continued support for and ownership of all things Bahamian,” the PLP chairman said.

He pointed out that CARICOM ministers saluted Prime Minister Christie in Martinique this past Saturday for the great success of Junkanoo Carnival.

Roberts also commended the more than 500 entertainers whose talents drove the entire celebratory event.

“They liberally and joyfully shared of their time and talents in the name of national development. The masters and legends are all winners in my book. I also commend all of the participants and salute all sponsors in particular the Bahamas Telecommunications Ltd. that led with a contribution of $1 million,” he said.

Roberts also thanked the Bahamas National Festival Commission and its Chairman Paul Major for their hard work.

“I look forward to a super and exciting Junkanoo Carnival 2016 which will again be embraced by thousands of Bahamians and visitors,” he said.