By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A Supreme Court judge has granted a request to allow the Way Forward Valley Boys Junkanoo Group to be included in the ongoing legal battle with rival faction, The World-Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Club.

The ruling follows a temporary injunction issued by Justice Darron Ellis in September, which blocked the Office of the Registrar General from removing The World-Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group from the list of non-profit organisations.

The World-Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group is the first claimant in the case, with The Valley Boys Junkanoo Club Ltd (Way Forward) as the second claimant. The Registrar General is listed as the first defendant, while the Attorney General is the second defendant.

The dispute stems from a split within the Valley Boys Junkanoo Group.

Trevor Davis, interim chairman of the Way Forward faction, registered his group as a non-profit organisation first, while Brian Adderley, leader of the original group, registered his organisation later. The Tribune understands that the Registrar General’s Office had insisted that Mr Adderley’s faction drop the “Valley Boys” name.

Despite this, Dion Miller, chairman of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP), has said the group led by Mr Adderley will not be required to change its name in order to participate in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades. He said only Mr Adderley’s group will be recognised to compete in the A category, while Mr Davis’s faction will participate as a “fun group.”

In a statement released after yesterday’s court proceedings, Mr Davis expressed optimism about the outcome, claiming that the decision brought them one step closer to victory. He also said that he hoped their legal challenge would gain further momentum at the next court date.

“Our next court date is set for November 29, 2024, where we’ll address critical matters regarding the injunction and the application for leave for the judicial review,” he said.

“This date represents an important opportunity to solidify our standing and continue advocating for the success we all believe in. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our mission have fuelled our progress, and we look forward to moving forward with all of you by our side. Let’s keep up the momentum as we work toward the victory we know is within reach!” the statement read.

Bjorn Ferguson represents Mr Davis in this matter.