Bahamas News
Royal Caribbean International and Music Makers Set to Make Some Music
Cruise Line Executives Visit Junkanoo Group’s ‘Shack’
#TheBahamas, December 20, 2022 – Three years after first meeting, the top executives of a Bahamian junkanoo group and Royal Caribbean International enjoyed time together to gain an even greater sense of appreciation for Junkanoo. 
“We’ve been treated to several performances by the Music Makers onboard our ships for special occasions, including our return to service following the pandemic or for inaugural sailings,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“We’ve even flown them to the Berry Islands, to entertain onboard and dockside at our private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay, but we wanted to see them in their own home grounds, the place where all the magic is created. It was fascinating to listen, to see and to learn how the pieces are made and carried.”
The visit took place at one of two ‘shacks’ occupied by the Music Makers on Fowler Street in the heart of the inner city of Nassau.
Music Maker’s Chairman Gary Russell played host and shared, “a medium piece like this can weigh up to 60 pounds and the larger pieces up to 200 pounds,” explained the attorney, performer and long-time chairman, who has been a member of the Music Makers from his wheelchair since before a tragic accident took his legs, but not his spirit. “Only one man or woman can carry a piece and they have to dance with it, though the largest pieces we now have permission to put on wheels.”
Bayley first met Russell at the Fox Hill Community Centre in 2019 as the cruise line was exploring ways to link with Junkanoo, wanting to lend support to the national cultural phenomenon. Impressed, he and the team began including the Music Makers, retaining them to perform at special events.
The following year, as Bayley was speaking at the grand opening of the Bullock’s Harbour Community Centre funded
by Royal Caribbean, he announced a major sponsorship for the Music Makers.
“When Mr. Bayley announced Royal Caribbean would sponsor us for $100,000, I was so excited I leapt up in the air, wheelchair and all,” said Russell. “If someone had not been holding me down, I would have gone up in the air and over, that’s how excited I was and in disbelief. We can never thank Royal Caribbean enough. They have given us new life.”
With the Junkanoo parades back on tap this year for Boxing Day and New Year’s following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Music Makers will return to Bay Street.
“We are going to make Royal Caribbean proud,” he said. “With their permission, we have renamed ourselves the Royal Caribbean Music Makers and we are going to make some music. We’re in it to win it.”
Photo Captions:
Royal Caribbean Music Makers Chairman Gary Russell, seated, explains how a Junkanoo piece is made to Royal Caribbean International President & CEO Michael Bayley during a visit to the group’s shack on Fowler Street off East Street and Ross and Gibbs Corner.
Bayley examining the craftsmanship on the junkanoo pieces and conversing with Music Makers Chairman Gary Russell.
(Photos by Cay Focus Photography for DPA)
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “
Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.
“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.
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