The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE New Life Classic Dancers Junkanoo group is preparing to put on a show for spectators during the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade in Freeport on January 1 after a financially challenging year.

Ken “Motorboat” Ferguson, the group’s leader, was thankful to the Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) business units and other corporate sponsors for their much-needed donation to help them during a difficult year to find sponsorship.

“Materials are becoming more and more expensive and there is limited sponsorship available on Grand Bahama. We are really happy that Hutchison and other operations assisted with our efforts,” said Mr Ferguson.

The Classic Dancers are regarded as one of the top groups on the island, having won several championships.

There are 10 groups competing this year - Western Star Titans, Showtime, Bushwackers, Sting, Swingers, Kingdom Culture, Top Performers, Platinum Knights, Superstar Rockers and the New Life Classic Dancers.

“While the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture lends support to the participating groups with seed funds to prepare for the annual parade, without companies like Hutchison coming on board there would be no parade, or certainly nothing residents or visitors would truly enjoy,” Mr Ferguson said.

“It is our hope that businesses and individuals would follow the lead of Hutchison and others and make donations to ensure a quality parade and fascinating performances. We are still in need of some last minute help.”

Godfrey Smith, HPH Bahamas representative, was pleased that the Classic Dancers and other groups are progressing well and looked forward to an exciting and competitive parade.

“Ken Ferguson’s expressed gratitude is humbling, but far beyond any public recognition for our contributions, Hutchison is committed to the growth and development of Junkanoo and all other positive aspects of Bahamian culture,” Mr Smith said.

“We are in fact grateful to those leaders like Ken Ferguson, who give so much of their resources and time to keep this great Bahamian tradition alive.”

Mr Smith said Junkanoo is so much more than an isolated parade, but rather an activity that helps with the development of the youth.

“It is the thousands of young boys and girls who develop the required discipline and broaden their skills in the areas of costume construction, music, dance and teamwork. We wish the organisers and all participants the very best and pledge Hutchison’s continued support to keep the beauty of Junkanoo on the local, national and global stage,” he said.