By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

genea@nasguard.com

With only one month left before the annual New Year's Junkanoo parade, group leaders on the island are feeling the effects of the country's economic situation and are appealing for more funding to make the parade a success.

Ken "Motorboat" Ferguson, leader of the Classic Dancers, said that Junkanoo is an expensive product and without funds readily available it is difficult to produce the type of parade that most groups want to bring to the streets.

In Grand Bahama, Ferguson said it seems as if residents are not cognizant of the expense or effort that is put into a parade or they are not concerned about the furtherance and development of our culture.

Even with the poor financial state of the economy, Ferguson said he watches with great interest the thousands of dollars that are donated to groups in Nassau, without much consideration given to those in Grand Bahama.

"Every major group in Nassau has a sponsor that they are recognized with and its not the same here... We don't have that support," Ferguson said.

He added that his group needs close to $35,000 to compete and their main disappointment is with the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Committee (GBJC), which he claimed has not held any meetings to discuss the particulars of the parade and has not taken an activate role in helping the groups raise funds.

"If they would go out and fight our plight like the organizers and group leaders in Nassau, we could make the parade much better and we would be able to get more financial assistance," said Ferguson.

The Junkanoo enthusiast said they have costumes on the drawing board to produce and complete, but without the resources they would have to save those plans for another parade.

"We are out of glue, paper and other materials that we need so we have to appeal to the public for funds," Ferguson said.

He said that those directly involved in Junkanoo know and understand that there are more important things going on in the country that outweigh Junkanoo, but noted that Junkanoo is used for more than just entertainment.

He explained that for at least four to five months out of the year Junkanoo is used to keep young men and women off of the streets and involved in something productive.

"We teach them an art and craft that is truly Bahamian and it provides an excellent opportunity for them to be a part of a culture that is theirs," Ferguson added.

Father Reggie Demeritte, leader of Majestic Crusaders, shared similar views, in confirming that sponsorship for the parade has been slow, but they are continuing to work hard and sacrifice.

His group, however, was fortunate to receive a donation from Vopak and is hosting smaller fund-raisers to defray some of the cost.

"We got something from Vopak and we will carry their banner, but we are trying to do what we can to help ourselves, given the situation," said Father Demeritte.

He is also hoping that the GBJC would meet with the groups to adjust the amount of prize monies that are to be given, but he has not heard from anyone as yet.

" I don't know if they are waiting or what they are waiting for, but they can't wait too long because time is almost here," Father Demeritte said.

He added that bringing everything together and putting the finishing touches on their work is the most difficult part of the parade and he estimated that his group is about $15,000 short of completion.

He agrees that the Grand Bahama parade should be given more consideration as is the case in Nassau, but admits that it is a "two-way street."

'It goes both ways. Junkanooers have to maintain a standard by which we present great work but the lack of funding has often prevented that," Father Demeritte said. "Given our economic situation, unfortunately Junkanoo is so expensive, but as they say you can't put a price on art."

Anthony "Huck" Williams, leader of The Swingers group, said that with the slowdown in the economy it is harder to "pull off" the parade.

"It's just not a financial problem, but some of the guys cannot help like they used to and most of them are out of work," said Williams, adding that most times there are no funds available to even buy them a meal or give them something for their hard work.

"The times have put an effect on the whole process, so right now we are just hoping for the best and we will do our best," Williams said.

He said his group has had some faithful sponsors who have come through for them, but some have backed out because they are unable to afford it this year.

Williams said The Swingers still need about $15,000 to complete their costumes and are also appealing to cooperate citizens for help.

As for the GBJC, Williams said its officials have not showed much interest in the parade and their lack of support does not give them much encouragement.

"You sometimes question why you are even doing it if the generals don't check, why should you?" Williams questioned.

The Junkanoo leaders agreed that the parade in Grand Bahama is like night and day compared to that of Nassau and suggested that Grand Bahamians should focus on becoming more culturally aware.