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Bahamas Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lauds Junkanoo Commandos

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#Bahamas, November 3, 2017 – Nassau – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard recently commended the Junkanoo Commandos for the work they have done in helping to promote and enhance the Bahamian cultural art form of Junkanoo and for the recognition and awards they accumulated while doing so.

“One of our goals is to assist Junkanooers in making sure that Junkanoo is a ongoing concern, that it is able to generate employment and income,” Minister Pintard said during a courtesy call with the award-winning group.   “In order to accomplish that, we need to work with organisations that are able to stage events, create places where Bahamians and visitors can enjoy a part of our culture – Junkanoo being the most popular expression of Bahamian culture – and we need organisations who are able to internatonalise aspects of our culture.

“The Junkanoo Commandos is one of the best possible examples of an organisation that is doing that.”

The Junkanoo Commandos is an organisation comprised of young Bahamian men and women from various New Providence Junkanoo groups, and its members have traveled nationally and internationally, showcasing the various expressions of Junkanoo and Bahamian culture for at least a decade.

CEO and Founder Angelique McKay said that one of the many things that makes her proud of the Junkanoo Commandos is that its members destroy the myth of the “tribalism” amongst the various Junkanoo groups.

“That myth is dispelled by the cohesion in our organisation because are made up of members from Valley Boys, Saxons, Roots, One Family and Genesis; and you do not tend to see the tribalism that people in the general population speaks about,” Ms. McKay said.   “Everyone moves as one unit to showcase Junkanoo, with one common goal; so I’m proud of the fact that they are in the position to dispel that myth that Junkanoo has become totally ‘tribal’ amongst the groups.”

Ms. McKay pointed out that she wanted to put the Junkanoo Commandos forth for consideration as “cultural ambassadors for The Bahamas – when it comes to cultural exchange programmes because it was something that the organisation had been doing for years.   She wanted to familiarise Minister Pintard with what the Junkanoo Commandos has done in terms of teaching the creative arts of Junkanoo, highlighting Junkanoo as a cultural expression of the people of The Bahamas.

Locally, the Junkanoo Commandos organisation has conducted national workshops throughout The Bahamas, since 2007, designed and built lead costumes for stage plays produced by Shakespeare in Paradise, introduced and judged the off-the-shoulder category in Junior Junkanoo, raised funds for various relief efforts, appeared in music videos and even donated 500 books to Stephen Dillet Primary School when the school won the primary school Junior Junkanoo Division.

Internationally, the Junkanoo Commandos lists in its accomplishments the honour of conducting Junkanoo workshops on the Isle of Wight, UK; performing at the Grand Opening of The Carnival Learning Centre there, as well as being included as part of the first-ever Junkanoo Backline National Tour of the United Kingdom, in 2008.   From there, they conducted workshops and performed in festivals throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe – including the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Nice (France) Carnival, the Broughhaha Festival in Liverpool, and the Virginia Carib Fest.

One of the highlights of the Junkanoo Commandos history was performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the “I Have A Dream” Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The fact that the Junkanoo Commandos was the only international act that performed at that venue, at that historic event – in the presence of three U.S.   Presidents and we performed immediately after the (then) Prime Minister of Commonwealth of The Bahamas spoke; and the fact that that was the widest broadcast, to date of Junkanoo globally – I would say that that is the proudest moment that we would have had,” Ms. McKay said.   “We were actually a part of history and with the importance of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., did, it makes us even prouder to have been an instrumental part in the 50th Anniversary.

Among the accolades and awards that the Junkanoo Commandos have attained, two of particular note were received this year – the U.S.-based International IndigoLife Black Life Treasure Award and, closer to home, the Cacique Award in the Creative Arts from the Ministry of Tourism.

“The Cacique Awards recognises the best in our preeminent industries, and for them to have achieved that is an outstanding accomplishment and is a testimony to the power of Junkanoo and the discipline and teamwork of the Commandos,” Minister Pintard said.

Ms. McKay said that she wanted Minister Pintard to see that the Junkanoo Commandos takes the creative arts very seriously, in that they had created a business from it, and its members move as artists.

“We are self-sustaining,” Ms. McKay pointed out. “We have created our line of products that we generate revenue from for the organisation, and (utilise) the best practices for a cultural entity, taking advantage of the fact that the ‘orange economy’ is growing.

“We are an example of the success of Junkanoo, being able to be exported as a creative art.”

“We are proud of the work that they are are doing,” Minister Pintard said. “We are honoured to be partnering with them and we encourage other groups to look at this successful programme, and model themselves after them or adopt portions of their programme.”

By: Eric Rose (BIS)

Photo caption: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard pictured with senior Ministry officials and representatives of the Cacique-Award-Winning Junkanoo Commandos (JC), during a recent courtesy at his Ministry.   Shown (from left) are Permanent Secretary Nicole Campbell, JC Strategic Analyst and founding member Dr. Erecia Hepburn, Minister Pintard, JC CEO and Founder Angelique McKay, Director of Culture Rowena Sutherland, JC Administrative Coordinator Shereka Pinder, and JC Project Manager Jamal Riley.

(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

 

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Mother’s Pride Headlines Bahamian Takeover at Sixers-Heat Clash in Miami

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The Bahamas, March 30, 2026 – The voice of a proud mother captured the spirit of a nation Monday night, as Bendra Rolle shared heartfelt reflections on the overwhelming Bahamian support for her son, VJ Edgecombe, during the Philadelphia 76ers matchup against the Miami Heat in Miami.

“The patriotic support and scenery at my son, VJ Edgecombe’s NBA game… was overwhelming,” Rolle said in a statement issued following the game. “The arena in Miami was lit. Bimini and the Bahamas showed up and showed out.”

Her words come amid what has already been widely described as a remarkable showing of national pride, with Bahamians traveling in large numbers to South Florida to witness the young guard’s continued rise. For Rolle, however, the moment extended far beyond basketball.

“Beyond VJ’s basketball talents, I’m so moved by his magnetic personality and personal journey to inspire and excite an entire nation—our beloved Bahamas,” she said. “I thank God for VJ’s humility and for his hunger for greatness. He never forgets how far God has brought us.”

While the Sixers did not secure the win on the night, Edgecombe delivered a solid individual performance, finishing with 13 points and five assists. He made an early impact on the game, showing confidence and poise before foul trouble disrupted his rhythm, but still managed to leave his mark in meaningful minutes.

The game itself evolved into a cultural showcase, with Bahamian flags waving throughout the arena and chants ringing out in support of Edgecombe. Much of that presence was bolstered by a coordinated travel push from Bahamasair, which helped facilitate fan travel and added to the electric atmosphere in Miami.

Rolle said the emotional weight of the moment was deeply felt by her family, as they witnessed firsthand the unity and pride of the Bahamian people.

“Thanks and love for the tears and overwhelming joy on Monday, Bahamas,” she expressed. “The Bahamian flags were love, loud, and proud. On my own behalf, VJ, and the entire family, I am ever grateful for the indescribable experience.”

Her closing words underscored what many have described as the true victory of the night—not the final score, but the powerful display of national pride and support surrounding one of The Bahamas’ rising stars.

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Bahamasair Backs Surge as Bahamians Flood South Florida for V.J. Edgecombe Showdown  

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PHOTO BY SIXERS NATION

 

Bahamian pride is already on full display in South Florida, with fans arriving in strong numbers ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated NBA matchup featuring VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Helping to power that movement was Bahamasair, which rolled out a strategic promotion to facilitate travel, turning the game into a full-scale national showing.

And the celebration started early.

A “Bahamas Invades Florida” pre-party over the weekend set the tone, with Bahamian fans, DJs and supporters converging in Fort Lauderdale to build momentum ahead of the game.  The event, marketed as a major cultural gathering, has spilled into Miami, where a strong Bahamian presence is expected inside the arena tonight.

This is no ordinary road game.

The Sixers enter the matchup healthy and are favoured to win, adding to the anticipation surrounding what many expect to be a standout performance by the Biminite guard.

Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been electric in his rookie season — delivering high-scoring performances and quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.

But beyond the stats, it’s the moment that matters.

With South Florida just a short flight away, Bahamians have seized the opportunity to show up in force — flags, energy and all — transforming the game into something far bigger than basketball.

A national turnout.
A rising star.
And a night where the Bahamas is expected to be felt — from tip-off to final buzzer.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas Warns Travellers as UN says Middle East Conflict May No Longer Be Contained

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The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – Twenty days into the latest Middle East escalation, the United Nations is warning the conflict is spreading beyond its original battlefield, as the death toll rises and governments around the world issue urgent travel advisories — including The Bahamas.

In a March 17 statement, the UN Secretary-General’s office said the war must stop and called for all Security Council resolutions to be respected, noting with concern that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.

The current round of fighting began February 28 with strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iranian-linked forces, followed by missile and drone attacks across Iraq, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf.

International monitors report more than 1,300 people killed in Iran alone, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf states. U.S. officials confirm at least 13 American service members have died since the escalation began, while reports indicate additional senior Iranian military leaders were killed in recent strikes.

Despite the growing violence, several NATO countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have not joined offensive operations, instead calling for diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening.

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a travel advisory, warning Bahamian nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon and to reconsider travel across much of the Gulf region due to the risk of sudden escalation, flight disruptions and security threats.

Officials say Bahamians already in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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