The Tribune

MEMBERS of the Saxons and Valley Boys junkanoo groups are protesting what they term “late changes” to the judging and scoring systems for the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the two A-Class groups said that the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) has taken a decision to amend the rules and procedures for the selection of judges, judging and scoring.

“While we have no difficulty with positive amendments to any rule or procedure, we are of the opinion that it is far too late to make such fundamental changes as groups have already made and, in some cases, completed preparation for the parades on the basis of compliance with the current rules and procedures agreed earlier this year – 2013.

“In the best interest of junkanoo, we asked the JCNP to defer this decision until next year when there would be sufficient time to review the existing system.”

According to the groups, the JCNP has ignored their concerns and is proceeding with these changes despite protests from both of their groups that the move is in violation of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

“We believe that making changes to the two most important aspects of the parades, ie judging and scoring, should be done by consensus and only after a thorough consultative review with all stakeholders.

“We encourage all junkanoo groups to make recommendations to improve systems. We have been the leaders in this regard.

“However, in our opinion, junkanoo groups, in particular active and participating members of these groups, should not be involved in the selection of judges and the management of the parades. \

“These tasks should be performed by an independent body.

As junkanoo is a national enterprise, we are requesting the minister responsible for the management and administration of Junkanoo, the Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, to intercede in this looming and inherently destructive matter as we feel the transparency and integrity of the upcoming parades are in jeopardy,” the statement read.