New post: “Sluggish Economy” takes toll on Junkanoo (http://cli.gs/UVrGL)
As Music Makers leader Gary Russell looks around his group’s shack, he notices one major difference: There are fewer people working on costumes this year compared to last year.
The dramatic economic downturn has affected the membership of the group, said Russell, adding that many of the members have indicated that Junkanoo is no longer an exercise that they can afford to take part in.
That, coupled with the sharp decline in sponsorship, has left the Music Makers slightly diminished.
“The foremost challenge is financial,” Russell said.
“Because Junkanoo is all voluntary we rely heavily on donations of corporate citizens. Along with that all materials we use are purchased outside of The Bahamas except for cardboard and paint. And with the economic downturn, we find ourselves in a very disadvantaged position. We currently don’t have a sponsor which makes it really tough. The banks have cut down on the donations and some aren’t donating at all so we’re having a really, really tough time ensuring that we fund both programs for Boxing and New Year’s Day.”
Russell said the group’s sponsors have been cut collectively by about 70 percent.
He added that several of his group’s members have been laid off from various hotel properties in the last several months and just cannot afford to participate in this season’s Junkanoo parades.
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