The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE countdown is on for the start of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival next weekend in Freeport.

Festival consultant Ginger Moxey is promoting the inaugural carnival event, which expects to significantly impact the Grand Bahama economy.

Ms Moxey, president and CEO of Immerse Bahamas, said Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is about creating cultural entrepreneurs and providing income-producing opportunities for people involved in the business of culture.

“I believe that the concept of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is good for our people; good for our island; and good for our country,” she told the Rotary Club of Freeport at Ruby Swiss Restaurant. The reality is…our people are benefiting from Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival... It is impacting our local economy.”

The event is set for April 17 and 18 at Taino Beach, Grand Bahama where thousands are expected to attend the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival’s Music Masters semi-finals competition.

Flanked by two beautiful models clad in carnival costumes, Ms Moxey said that her greatest moment has been seeing so many formerly unemployed Junkanooers who are now earning a living through the production of costumes for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.

“This, for me, is what it’s all about… creating a sustainable industry for our island and our country. This is what brings me joy and fulfilment,” she said.

Ms Moxey admits that there have been some bumps and challenges in the road along the way.

“In order for us to make this happen for us, we had to appeal to corporate Grand Bahama to assist, and find other creative ways to ensure that our island benefited from this major undertaking,” she said.

She commended businesspersons and corporate entities which have come onboard to get the Grand Bahama Cultural Carnival Company off the ground and launch “The Grand Life” carnival brand.

Investor and businessman Peter Hunt, of Port Lucaya Marketplace, and Businessman Mario Donato, initially made personal contributions. Soon after, more corporate entities came onboard.

Ms Moxey said GBCCC comprises all Junkanoo groups, cultural product providers, musicians, artisans, and others to form one combined group for the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival – a true representation for the island of Grand Bahama.

In Grand Bahama, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival will kick off at 6pm Friday, April 17.

Part one of the Music Masters Semi-Finals song competition will start at 8pm, featuring Bahamian musicians and artists, including Terrelle Tynes-Wilson and Georgina Ward Rigby, two of the semi-finalists from Grand Bahama.

There will be an all-star Bahamian concert with Jay Mitchell, Dyson Knight, Julien Believe and Stileet. At midnight, Saturday, April 18, there will be a Midnight Rush.

Other activities include a 6.30am mass fitness work-out session at Taino Beach, the inaugural Junkanoo Carnival Beach Olympics with corporate entities on Grand Bahama competing in various sport and fun activities.

Ms Moxey said proceeds from the Beach Olympics would go to Special Olympics of Grand Bahama.

Part two of the Music Masters Semi-Finals competition will also take place on the evening of April 18, when the top 10 participants will be selected to go on and compete in Nassau on May 8.

Ms Moxey said there also will be musical performances by local singers Avvy, D-Mac, and Grammy nominated T-Connection, of Grand Bahama. Fireworks and an all-star Junkanoo Rush-Out will close out the event.

Carnival is scheduled for May 7-9 in Nassau.