NASSAU — While the government has pulled its subvention from Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, which was relaunched privately this year as “Bahamas Carnival”, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard said yesterday the government is seriously considering whether it should introduce a code of conduct for the event to ensure the interactions among carnival revelers do not become indecent, the Nassau Guardian reported on May 9.
Apostle Raymond Wells, senior pastor of Living Waters Kingdom Ministries, delivered a scathing sermon on Sunday that hit out at revelers’ “unshaved”, “bad-shape” bodies and what he called demonic dancing.
Pintard, who spoke to the media at the Office of the Prime Minister, said some consideration could also be given to participants’ costumes, though he acknowledged this is a more sensitive affair.
He said the government does not want to be discriminatory, acknowledging that tourists traverse the downtown area and elsewhere in bathing suits and revealing attire.
According to the minister, there must be a discussion about alternative measures to satisfy participants’ enjoyment and expectations, and the expectations of the wider community.
“This is a debate that we must have as a community, and then we must make a firm determination as to whether or not the law is, in fact, being followed, and if it is not, law enforcement has an obligation to intervene,” the minister said. “But I believe the entrepreneurs are wise enough to vary what they do in the Bahamian version of this carnival, to make sure they keep a certain standard that does not adversely affect their brand and their business.”
