Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, the Hon. Leslia Miller-Brice recently provided an update on relations between the Government and the Junkanoo community.
The National Junkanoo Authority Bill was passed in Parliament in March, 2026. This came after a period of contention between the Government and the JCNP (Junkanoo Corporation New Providence), in 2025, which led to the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) taking over management of the 2025 Boxing Day and 2026 New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades.
Miller-Brice told reporters this week that meetings have been held with the Junkanoo community. She said, “the meeting was productive. It was fruitful. All of the Junkanoo organizations were present. They gave their input. We had a meaningful and lengthy discussion and they were definitely engaged. They were also thankful that the ministry gathered everyone together so that we could hear feedback from them so that when I go to Cabinet that I can sit and act and speak on their behalf, so it was very important for us to do that.”
According to the culture minister, the people identified to be part of the National Junkanoo Authority have been contacted and letters should be distributed this week.
