January 04, 2005
Is Big Prize Money Ruining Junkanoo?
The Bahama Journal reports that this year's Boxing Day Junkanoo results are disputed, once again. Apparently, irate Junkanoo leaders left a closed meeting with members of the Junkanoo Corporation on Monday evening after claiming that there were inconsistencies in the judging of the Sammy Thompson Boxing Day Parade. The paper says they were "furius".
Of course, the disputed results are a throwback to the controversy that erupted last year following the New Year’s Day win of the Valley Boys. It makes you wonder if the Junkanooers in Eleuthera don't have the right idea.
From the Tarpum Bay website:
"Last night's Junkanoo affair in Tarpum Bay was not a traditional Junkanoo contest. There were no winners and loosers. The two rival Junkanoo groups decided that this was the best way to demonstrate the support and improved conditions in the community by non-competition. Just showing up out of the interest of entertaining the community and having a great time creating and enjoying Junkanoo. That goal was served well last night. The evening grew on to become a night of entertaining, enjoyment in the artform and healing for the groups and the community."
Now, before you tell me what a dumb idea that is, remember, a smaller, more organised, less contentious parade would have a better opportunity of receiving an international television contract which would benefit the groups, the Junkanoo Corporation and the tourism industry. A several million dollar TV deal would be more money than the groups currently receive and pleasant international exposure would benefit tourism.
Posted by admin at January 4, 2005 07:56 PM