By GLADSTONE THURSTON

NEW Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Daniel Johnson has given the green light to plans for the Junior Junkanoo Silver Jubilee celebration.

The event will bring together schools and youth groups from across the Bahamas in a three-day cultural extravaganza.

The government has promised to create a 12-day Junkanoo season ending on New Year's Day, and it is being proposed that three days, beginning December 13, be set aside for Junior Junkanoo.

Already on board are the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Tourism. The proposed theme is "Keep on rushin' / children are the future"

"To achieve the ultimate goal, it is imperative that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education foster a greater relationship and become partners in the on-going development of Junior Junkanoo and the implementation of Junkanoo arts and craft in the schools' curricula, be it music, dance or craft," said Dr Johnson.

Esso Bahamas Limited, platinum sponsors from the inception of Junior Junkanoo, has confirmed its "unwavering support" for this year's milestone celebrations.

Participation is open to all public and private schools in the categories of pre-school, primary school, junior and senior high school.

Some Family Island schools will participate in the New Providence event. Others are invited to celebrate on their respective islands.

The 25th anniversary Junior Junkanoo souvenir booklet steering committee is headed by Sonia Gibson, marketing specialist at Esso Bahamas, and Percy 'Vola' Francis, national co-ordinator for Junior Junkanoo.

"This is a national event," said Dr Johnson. "A number of persons will be honoured on this special occasion.

"The Silver Jubilee jamboree of Junior Junkanoo will be an integral part of the 12 days of Christmas concept.

"It is anticipated that a record number of schools will be involved. As many as 45 schools are being targeted.

"All city councils and Family Island administrators are requested to assist with Local Government involvement in this event as it relates to their districts."

The reigning Junior Junkanoo champions are One-On-One Preschool, Woodcock Primary School, and Government High School.

Junior Junkanoo national co-ordinator Mr Francis called on parents; Junkanoo leaders, co-ordinators and groups; and the corporate community to take part in the historic event.

"To realise our aspirations for the Junior Junkanoo 25th Anniversary/Silver Jubilee jamboree festival," he said, "we need as many schools on board as possible, especially those schools which have participated before.

"All schools participating in the Junior Junkanoo parades are asked to celebrate this 25th anniversary on their respective islands.

"In order for Junkanoo to survive for further generations, we must ensure that our children are exposed to this aspect of our culture," said Mr Francis, leader of perennial senior champions the Saxons Superstars.