The Tribune

ESSO Bahamas Limited is again supporting Junior Junkanoo this year. On Monday, the company hosted "The Draw", which determines the order of the schools taking part in the parade, at its Esso Tiger Market on Baillou Hill Road. The event also marked the launch of Esso's annual Christmas promotion, which will feature daily giveaways of Samsung Galaxy Tablets for 40 days, beginning December 5. Esso country manager Valentino Hanna stressed the importance of partnering with programmes such as Junior Junkanoo. He said: "We believe that if we invest in our children - time, love and money - our community will reap the benefits socially, spiritually and financially." Mr Hanna also mentioned Esso's "Pennies at the Pump" initiative, which will see the company donate one cent from every gallon of fuel purchased during the promotion to support Junior Junkanoo. In attendance at The Draw were Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard, who was the keynote speaker; Director of Culture Dr Linda Moxey-Brown; Junior Junkanoo national co-ordinator Percy "Vola" Francis; and Assistant Director of Culture Eddison James. Representatives of participating schools were also invited. During his address, Mr Maynard noted the importance of corporate sponsorship to youth-based initiatives. "Working with young people is the best way to ensure that they get the right kind of exposure to prepare them for the challenges that are out there," he said. The Junior Junkanoo parade, now in its 24th year, kicks off December 8. Esso's promotion runs from November 28, 2011 until January 17, 2012.