This morning, the Government of The Bahamas hosted the first in a series of public consultations on the National Junkanoo Authority Bill 2025. The government extends heartfelt thanks to the Junkanoo groups from the Family Islands and Freeport who made every effort to attend. The government especially thanks the Family Island and Grand Bahama groups who flew into Nassau on short notice, travelling from as far as Exuma and Inagua, to be part of today’s session. Your presence, and your expressed support for the proposed bill, are deeply appreciated.
The government has been advised by the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence Ltd. (JCNP) that they and their member groups were unable to attend this morning’s consultation. The government respects their position and understands the realities of preparing for such important discussions.
As part of this process, the government has also met with some of the major sponsors, including the title sponsors, to educate them on the contents and objectives of the bill. Their role in supporting Junkanoo is critical, and ensuring they have a full understanding of the legislation is an important step in building shared commitment to its success.
The government wishes to assure the public and all stakeholders that this process will not conclude in a single day. Multiple consultations will be held, all of them open, televised, streamed online, and accessible for virtual participation. The JCNP has shared that they will be available on August 30th, and the government is pleased to confirm that the necessary arrangements will be made to accommodate them on that date. That meeting, like all others in this process, will be open to the public, televised, streamed online, and accessible virtually to ensure the widest possible participation.
The government wants the Bahamian people to see, in the open, the questions the JCNP wishes to put to the government. This openness will bring clarity, strengthen public understanding, and demonstrate the transparency with which the government is conducting this process.
The government views the JCNP as an important partner in this process. The government will ensure that the August 30th session provides the space for their questions and concerns to be addressed directly and transparently. The shared goal is to strengthen and protect the future of Junkanoo, and the government remains committed to working with every stakeholder to achieve that aim.