By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
ALTHOUGH the decision to host Junior Junkanoo at the national stadium met with considerable criticism, officials said that the government saw a reduction in expenditure thanks to the move.
Speaking to The Tribune, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Dr Daniel Johnson said Saturday’s parade cost taxpayers $50,000 less compared to previous years.
However, when asked if he could recall the average cost of Junior Junkanoo, Dr Johnson could only say that records have shown any parade held on Bay Street registers at a few hundred thousand dollars.
He said: “There were savings that we generated because we have a box office here, we have bathrooms, that’s stuff we don’t have to lease. Otherwise we have to get 150 porta-potties, railings, extra bleachers, extra tents, extra this and extra that. So you affect savings in that way.
“The major thing for us was safety. I think for families and children, Junior Junkanoo is more of a family event where thousands of young children come out. It was imperative for us to make sure that they were in a safe space and the stadium provides that. It is very easy to secure because there are only two roads in and two roads out with 2,500 parking spaces. So that aspect we are very proud of.
Responding to claims that Junior Junkanoo was a failure, Dr Johnson insisted that the event was quite the opposite. He later admitted that there were some challenges, but he said they were expected.
“We tried to let people know that we offered 3,000 free seats and children under five were free. I’m not sure if the public got the message.
“There were some logistical things we could have improved, but all in all the kids from the family islands were astonished because they had never been in that space the coordinators had a really good time.
“We have to hear all sides and we have to listen to criticisms. We can improve, but it its up to the co-ordinators to suggest what they would like to see so we can improve. That’s the way culture is. Culture is always moving but it definitely wasn’t a flop.”
Co-ordinators of the Junior Junkanoo said on Monday it was likely that the parade will be permanently moved to the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.
Comments
positiveinput 11 years ago
The government may have spent $50,000 less, but at the same time I am sure they didn't gain $1 more. To have to rent 150 porta-potties reflects the turn out of individuals expected on Bay Street. Whereas it is certain that there are not 75 male and 75 female bathroom stalls in the Stadium (total 150 stalls). Now with mentioning saving to not rent the potties, lets remember to include the fee to keep the restrooms clean and stocked during the event and the overall cleaning after. Extra bleachers, for what, when the bleachers are already put in place weeks prior for the annual Boxing Day and New Years Parade. Also with the bleachers which are paid to be seated on (not 300 seats free), a means of generating profit for something that was purchased years ago has now been erased. Or are the bleachers dug up out the ground every ending of the year. Need it be mention that the excitement and dancing associated with Junkanoo, the bleachers can withstand. Could we say the same thing for the Stadium furniture? So lets minus that repair cost from the so call profit. Another thing, who the hell wants to experience Junkanoo 50+ feet away from the parade. Gee its like watching a 3D movie without the required glasses.
Once again a part of the Bahamian Culture is up for sale but if you look at the empty seats in the photo one will see that Bahamians are not selling out. By the way, since safety is the key for the venue change, pray tell where is Boxing Day and New Years Parade going to be held now that Bay Street has been deemed unsafe. Those two parades are mega to that of Jr. Junkanoo, so lets see the safety measures with those.
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