Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg is hopeful for a reconciliation of the Valley Boys Junkanoo group.   The group is embroiled in a dispute since its recent split into two factions.

Bowleg said, “Junkanoo in New Providence is run by the JCNP (Junkanoo Corporation New Providence).  The JCNP determines who are A group and who are B group. It’s my understanding that any new group joining the parade has to go as a B before they become A.  Now as it relates to them receiving direction for a name change again I’ve heard that but I’ve not seen that in writing or any proof to that as yet.

The Minister said there are meetings planned between this week and next week to discuss the matter with a view to resolving it as quickly as possible.

Chairman of the Valley Boys: The Way Forward, Trevor Davis announced earlier this year that he had registered the group’s name, had registered the group as a non-profit organization and trademarked the group’s logo.

The World Famous Valley Boys headed by Brian Adderley is the other faction of the once dominant Junkanoo group.  Representatives of the group say they expect to receive seed money and participate in the upcoming Junkanoo parades.

Minister Bowleg said, “what they need to do and that is to come together for the purpose of the group and the history of the group and also for Gus Cooper.  I think that question that each and everyone of them should ask themselves is if Gus was alive what would he have done.  And I think once they answer that question they’ll be able to make the best decision for the purpose of the group.  And I think that Valley Boys has one of the largest followings in the country and it is important that they get themselves together  and be on one accord and head to Bay Street that’s what I would like to see as the minister.”