PRESS RELEASE

The Junkanoo Beach Association welcomes the recent meeting with the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Tourism, and Hon. Randy Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary, as a significant and positive step forward in the revitalization, development and long-term sustainability of Junkanoo Beach.

Also in attendance was Ms. Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, along with representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and the Junkanoo Beach Association Executive Team.

The meeting provided an important opportunity for the Ministry of Tourism, government representatives and the Junkanoo Beach Association to engage in open, constructive and respectful dialogue concerning the future of one of Nassau’s important tourism attractions.

The Association is particularly encouraged by the Minister’s commitment to a collaborative, mature and professional approach to addressing the challenges facing businesses and stakeholders at Junkanoo Beach.

Safety and Compliance Must Come First

The Association acknowledges that several businesses were recently required to close temporarily because of outstanding fire-safety and related equipment requirements.

While those closures were unfortunate and undoubtedly difficult for the affected businesses, the Association recognizes that fire prevention and public safety must remain a priority.

Recent fires in and around the tourism and hospitality sector—including the fire at Junkanoo Beach, the fire at Drunken Monkey, and the recent fire at Goldie’s Restaurant, along with other neighboring establishments that have suffered devastating losses—serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of being properly equipped and prepared.

In that regard, the recent compliance exercise has also produced a positive outcome. Businesses have taken steps to ensure that the necessary fire and safety equipment is in place, strengthening the overall safety of Junkanoo Beach for employees, residents and visitors.

The Association is grateful that the Minister was able to intervene and assist in facilitating a constructive way forward for the affected businesses.

A New Approach: Communication Before Enforcement

Going forward, the Association welcomes the agreement that businesses will be given the opportunity for proper engagement, guidance and reasonable time to comply with regulatory requirements.

Rather than an approach that creates a perception of an “I-got-you” or “catcher” situation, the Association believes that government agencies and businesses can work together to identify deficiencies, explain what is required and provide sufficient time for those requirements to be addressed.

This does not mean that regulations will be ignored. Quite the opposite.

The Association fully supports compliance with the laws and regulations of The Bahamas. However, compliance is most effective when it is supported by communication, education, cooperation and accountability.

We believe this approach creates a healthier environment in which government agencies can perform their regulatory responsibilities while businesses are given a fair opportunity to meet the standards required of them.

There will be no “us versus them.” There will be no unnecessary division, hysteria or confrontation.

Instead, we are committed to building a culture of communication, cooperation and mutual respect.

Every Bahamian Deserves an Opportunity to Succeed

The Association also recognizes the concerns surrounding construction and development on the beach, including the recent situation involving a vendor whose business was destroyed by fire.

The vendor understandably wanted to rebuild as quickly as possible so that she could return to work and continue providing for herself and her family. While the regulatory process must be respected, a temporary arrangement has now been made to allow her to operate from a tent while the necessary regulatory matters are addressed.

Importantly, the broader revitalization of Junkanoo Beach provides an opportunity to ensure that she, along with other affected vendors, is included in the process.

The Association’s position is clear:

We want every Bahamian to have an opportunity to succeed on Junkanoo Beach.

The revitalization process should not be about excluding people. It should be about creating a better, safer, more attractive and more sustainable environment in which Bahamian entrepreneurs can thrive.

A Shared Vision for a Better Junkanoo Beach

The meeting also addressed a number of important priorities, including:

* Improved compliance and regulation of vendors;
* Enhanced fire, safety and security measures;
* Standardized employee identification;
* Bathroom renovation and modernization;
* Enhanced lifeguard services;
* Improved visitor safety monitoring;
* A Ministry of Tourism Welcome and Information Booth;
* Improved signage and visitor information;
* Visitor maps, welcome flyers and assistance services;
* Greater Ministry presence on-site;
* Solar energy and other sustainability initiatives;
* Environmentally responsible operations;
* Climate-resilient infrastructure;
* Cultural programming that celebrates Bahamian heritage; and
* The establishment of focused subcommittees to address specific issues.

The Association strongly supports the creation of these subcommittees because they will allow stakeholders to address individual matters in greater detail and develop practical solutions together.

A Partnership for the Future

The Junkanoo Beach Association is committed to forming a genuine partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of The Bahamas.

Where government has responsibilities to fulfill, the Minister has committed to doing what is necessary on the government’s side.

Where responsibilities rest with the Association and individual vendors, we commit to doing our part as well.

We will respect the laws.
We will respect the regulations.
We will respect the protocols.
We will communicate.
And we will work together.

We also recognize that there may be times when stakeholders agree to disagree. That is part of any healthy relationship. What matters is that disagreements are handled respectfully, professionally and through dialogue rather than division.

The Association welcomes this new spirit of engagement and believes it represents an important turning point for Junkanoo Beach.

Moving Forward Together

The Junkanoo Beach Association sincerely thanks Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, Parliamentary Secretary Randy Rolle, Permanent Secretary Lorraine Armbrister, the Ministry of Tourism team, government representatives and all stakeholders who participated in the discussions.

We particularly welcome the Minister’s willingness to listen, engage and work toward practical solutions.

We are committed to the Minister’s success because her success in advancing the revitalization of Junkanoo Beach ultimately means success for the destination, our visitors, our businesses, our employees and the Bahamian people.

Junkanoo Beach is a vital part of Nassau’s tourism product. With the right partnership, the right standards and the right spirit of cooperation, we believe it can become an even safer, cleaner, more vibrant and world-class experience for visitors and Bahamians alike.

This is not about government versus business.

This is not about one stakeholder against another.

This is about building a better Junkanoo Beach—together.

The Junkanoo Beach Association looks forward to continued dialogue, continued engagement and continued progress as we work collectively toward the successful revitalization of Junkanoo Beach.

Together, we can get this right.

Together, we can build better.

Together, we can make Junkanoo Beach an even greater symbol of Bahamian hospitality, entrepreneurship and culture.

— Junkanoo Beach Association

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