By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ALL major Junkanoo A-groups will return to Bay Street for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, ending weeks of uncertainty about whether the nation’s premier cultural events would proceed without them.

At a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) confirmed that the Shell Saxon Superstars, Valley Boys, Roots, One Family, Genesis, and Music Makers will all compete. The announcement, which came after a tense standoff between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP), the traditional manager of the parades, created uncertainty about the JCNP’s role in the national festival.

The dispute began when the government transferred oversight of the events to the NJC and ordered an audit of the JCNP. The change sparked complaints about consultation, transparency, and funding, prompting the JCNP to privately claim that the groups would sit out this season’s parades.

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said last month that “there will be no private parade that competes” with the official events, adding that the audit was intended to improve accountability and public trust.

NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder described the renewed unity as “a defining moment” for the Junkanoo community. “For too long, our beloved tradition has carried the weight of confusion, mistrust, and division,” he said. “This morning, we stand together as one community, one movement, one Bahamas.”

He said the NJC is committed to fair, efficient, and timely parades under the supervision of Parade Management Team leader and former Deputy Commissioner of Police Douglas Hanna. “Fairness is not a privilege in Junkanoo; it’s a right,” Pinder said.

NJC Co-Chair Kishlaine Smith said the committee will strengthen Junkanoo beyond New Providence, with enhanced Family Island parades and greater support for Junior Junkanoo. “The Family Islands and Junior Junkanoo are not side events — they are the foundation of our cultural future,” she said.

Bahamas Junkanoo Festival Co-Chair Anthony Bostwick announced a 15-day national celebration alongside the parades, featuring Bahamian music, art, fashion, and cuisine in a new cultural district east of East Street. “We are transforming Junkanoo from an event into a season, from a celebration into an experience,” he said, noting that UNESCO’s recognition of Junkanoo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has drawn new international attention.

Leaders of all six major A-groups confirmed their participation. Valley Boys representative Davon Jones said the group is “ready and well prepared.” Genesis leader Theo Cooper said his organisation remains focused on “developing our youth and preserving culture.” Roots Chairman Dwayne Ellis declared, “Junkanoo belongs to all of us. When the lion roars, the jungle trembles. The Roots Junkanoo Group will participate in both parades, so be very afraid.”

Music Makers Deputy Leader Nathan Duncan said, “We kept on beating and blowing throughout our communities. Music Makers will be there to make us proud.” One Family leader Vernon Rolle urged unity, saying, “Let’s put differences aside and make this parade the best ever.” Saxons leader Percy “Vola” Francis vowed, “We shall be on Bay Street on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to maintain our crown.”

Mr Hanna said his management team is “99.9 percent complete” and fully prepared to oversee operations, safety, and judging. He said most of the JCNP’s existing rules will remain in place this year. “There will be no major changes this year. The focus now is on preparation, safety, and ensuring a smooth parade,” he said.