Thousands of spectators and junkanoos, who expected to converge on Bay Street for Junkanoo Monday morning, will now have to wait at least until Saturday. Safety concerns spurred by windy conditions and a gloomy forecast, forced officials Monday to move the Boxing Day parade to 2 a.m. Jan.1 and the New Year’s parade to 9 p.m. Jan. 7.
“If your costume [is] big, you can’t rush in this wind tonight,” one spectator advised another, as howling winds, which reportedly exceeded 24 miles-per-hour, rushed through the open-ended white tent, bending some costumes and snapping others. The wind struck as judges prepared to assess huge float pieces and individual ones at the old Straw Market site Sunday evening.
The spectator was right. Not only were these costumes kept from Bay St. for fear they might uncontrollably swirl and harm participants and onlookers, but officials also postponed the entire parade, promising to announce a new date Monday.
After almost four hours of deliberation Parade Management Board, individual Junkanoo groups, Bahamas Junkanoo Corporation, and Ministry of Youth and Sports officials among others, emerged from the Cabinet building at 3 p.m. Monday with the decision.
Youth and Sports Minister Neville Wisdom explained that all possible avenues were explored to arrive at the most appropriate decision for junkanoos, spectators, and others concerned. However, in the final analysis Mr Wisdom said, the winds which exceeded the 20 mph ceiling, in the parade rules, had been surpassed and were forecasted to be sustained through Wednesday with the possibility of scattered showers.
“It is simply an act of God,” said Mr Wisdom, noting that the only alternative was cancellation of the Boxing Day parade.
The weather policy governing Junkanoo parades calls for the Bahamas Meteorological Department to provide reports of conditions one week, 48 hours, and 6 hours, respectively, prior to the parade.
Rainfall and winds of 20 knots (24 mph) are stated reasons for rescheduling or postponing a parade. During Monday’s meetings Senior Meterologist Godfrey Burnside represented the Meteorological Department. He advised that a window between 7 p.m. and midnight would allow for suitable Junkanoo weather .
However, it was determined that this five hour period would not be sufficient for the entire parade.
Other concerns were also addressed during the meeting Monday, including possible refunds for tourists holding tickets for the parade but are and now unable to attend, following cancellations. Also discussed was the destruction of costumes by looters and winds. Apparently, some of the intricate pieces were significantly damaged.
Raymond Kongwa, The Nassau Guardian
