The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE 19th Annual City of Freeport Junior Junkanoo Parade has been suspended due to the unfavourable weather forecast for Grand Bahama on Saturday.

Meteorologist Kirk James has advised that strong winds would be a significant factor because the forecast calls for winds at 20 knots, with gusts as high as 30 knots, and a 20 per cent of chance of rain.

Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee co-chairman Kevin Russell announced on Friday at its headquarters in the Kipling Building that a decision has been taken to postpone the parade due to expected inclement weather.

He said that the decision was made after consultation with various stakeholders, including the Bahamas Meteorology Department, the City of Freeport Council, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, and the Police.

“We always try to do what is best for our people, particularly the children. We felt it was the best thing to do after having a vote by the schools to postpone it,” he said.

Mr James said that the primary weather concern is the winds and warned that forecasted easterly winds, with gusts “above 25 knots is far too strong for the parade.”

“Rain chance is about 20 per cent or less, however winds are going to be a significant factor and it is advisable to postpone due to the threat of strong winds.

“We have gale force winds predicted for Grand Bahama and Nassau has the same prediction after many models that the 20 knots and 25 knots should hold steady.”

Mr James noted that while winds tend to drop off sometimes after sunset, it is going to be strong for much of the day.

Yvonne Ward, Superintendent at the Ministry of Education, said the ministry agrees with the GBJC and the Met Office about postponing the parade.

“We are very concerned about the weather and do not want our little preschoolers in that bad weather. We know that parents are excited about them being in the parade, but the children’s safety is of utmost importance,” she stressed.

Chief Supt Loretta Mackey said the main priority for the police is to ensure public safety. “We are here in support of the committee and their decision, and to let them know that we will be out there in high visibility when a later date is set to make sure the parade is safe for everyone,” she said.

Kendal Culmer, Chief Councillor of the City of Freeport Council, said they are looking forward to the public’s full support when a new parade date is set.

Monique Leary, a representative of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, said that a new date for the parade would be determined after further consultations with the MOE, and Bahamas Meteorology Department and other stakeholders. She also stated that tickets purchased will be honoured on the new date.