The NJC announced that its decision to overturn the Valley Boys’ first-place win still stands. This revelation came as the Independent Review Committee, headed by attorney Paul Adderley, continued its work.
Bill Wallace, NJC Co-chairman, said Thursday that his committee was not entitled to take into account the work being done by Mr. Adderley’s committee.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Neville Wisdom appointed the Independent Review Committee two weeks ago to review the judging, scoring and penalty systems of the parade as it relates to all of the ‘A’ category groups that participated in the New Year’s Day parade and determine the rightful winner.
That Commission is expected to release its report on January 31.
But Mr. Wallace said that Mr. Adderley and his team could not complete their work without receiving the NJC’s official results.
Mr. Adderley confirmed that he received the results, but he said he was not aware that a public announcement had been made regarding the official results.
But Mr. Wallace said that the independent committee could only report on their findings based on the NJC’s official results.
The controversy over who won the New Year’s Day parade has created much frustration among Junkanoo enthusiasts.
In a press release Thursday, members of the Valley Boys said, “the government of the Bahamas appointed an Independent [Committee] to review the 2004 parade and to make specific recommendations, the main one being the official winner of the parade. In view of this we are disappointed that the NJC has chosen to announce officials scores with no reference to or consultation with the government appointed Independent [Committee] or the Junkanoo Community.”
The release also said the confusion surrounding the outcome of the 2004 New Year’s Day Parade should not be characterized as an issue between the Valley Boys and the Saxons, “but instead a choice between right and wrong.”
“Our position is simple and without contradiction, in the best interest of Junkanoo,” the release continued. “We would rather lose doing what is right than win doing what is wrong.”
It was disarray in Rawson Square on New Years morning when the Valley Boys group was declared the winner of the Walton “Sax” Taylor 2004 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.
The Valley Boys Group was announced the winner even after the Saxons won six out of eight categories. The Saxons immediately protested, claiming that the judges erred in their decision.
Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
