Cultural Events of National Importance
Junior Junkanoo Groups
Ms. Sandra North - Leader
Ms. Althea Conliff – Co-Leader
P.O.BOX G.T. 2027
NASSAU, BAHAMAS.
TELEPHONE: (242) 325-6214. 324-2740, 322-4433, 326-7030
Synopsis
The Aztec Juvenile Junkanoo Group was formed by Ms. Sandra North in 1979. Several years later, Ms. Althea Conliff joined and is presently my co-leader. This particular group of youngsters was joined together mainly by courage, determination and with the help of family members. The group consists of school children between the ages of five and sixteen years. These children come from various schools and neighborhoods.
I took the responsibility of housing and clothing these children at my home for four days prior to the Junkanoo parade. The Aztec is self-sponsored from inception to today. We paid others to transport us back and forth to the annual parade. Despite all of this, we never gave up. This group can be seen on Bay Street when others can’t be found.
Over the years, we have won many first place trophies. These children, many of them are very tired and exhausted during the parade; however they have the determination to strive on. After the parade, our children were rewarded with a special treat. Even today many of them, who have outgrown the group, still remember us.
The Aztec Junkanoo Group
Leader: Sandra North
Mr. Tyrone Curry a former member of Barabbas and the Tribe as their PR officer was inspired to create The Foundation Junkanoo group in November 1999. As a result of his counselling and coaching kids that wanted to be apart of a junkanoo Parade.
Funding for the group was provided by Mr. Curry. At the time there were 75 to 100 persons, but the group grew to over 300 persons.. The nucleus was comprised of children between the ages of 8 to 18 years of age.
The Officers for the Group are Mr. Tyrone Curry the group leader, Mr. Emerson Wright the Deputy leader, Barry Wilmont the treasurer, and Joanne Powell the secretary.
The group's goal is to continue to build the group while moulding and shaping the minds and characters of the young persons involved. To provide employmnent opportunities and stimulate Junkanoo potential.
Long Term objective is to afford kids an opportunity to attend University. This plan is already being realized, with Mr. Chris Blackwell's assistance, two members of the group are studying abroad in New Hampshire and Florida.
The group would like to provide long term employment opportunities via Junkanoo for members. Additionally, there also exist an opportunity to forster more discipline and provide exposure for many of our youth; by changing the mind set of most of them towards more positive goals.
The main shack for this group is in Chippingham but there also exist satellite shacks in Bain Town near Robinson road. Past themes have included a Tribute to the Arawak Indians; Africa on Our Mind: Youth in Crisis; Our God is an Awesome God; Give Thanks and Significant Events in the NEw Millennium. To date, the group has placed second on three different occassions