THE ISLE of Wight got a taste of the Caribbean this week — and not just because of the glorious weather.
Angelique McKay and associates from the Bahamas Ministry of Culture and Manager of The National Junkanoo Museum of The Bahamas dropped into Ryde for a dual purpose visit.
Firstly, to see the progress being made on the Isle of Wight’s planned new carnival learning centre, which is set to open its doors in spring.
Secondly, to review all the preparations being made to accommodate Bahamian Junkanoo artists that will be conducting workshops and masterclasses at the centre in the months to come. This cultural exchange will be first visit of its kind to The United Kingdom, and is supported nationally by the Arts Council.
During her visit, she met up with council carnival staff and Isle of Wight Council leader David Pugh for discussions about the centre’s forthcoming “Junkanoo” project.
Performers of the traditional Bahamian Junkanoo will be taking up a teaching residency at the carnival centre when it is opened where they will train Isle of Wight residents in the art of Junkanoo.
Junkanoo is a celebration that is unique to The Bahamas which features staggeringly beautiful and colourful hand made costumes as well as music peculiar to the Islands of The Bahamas.
The relationship between the two islands was formerly recognised earlier this week when centre staff travelled to London where they met with The Bahamas High Commissioner His Excellency Paul Farquarson.
He pledged his support to the project and involvement with the Centre’s launch event which is scheduled to take place at the end of April. The High Commissioner will also attend the Arts Parade in Ryde in July which will feature an all star Junkanoo Troupe from The Bahamas,
Councillor David Pugh Isle of Wight Council leader and cabinet member for community and leisure facilities said: “These are extremely exciting times for carnival on the Isle of Wight.
“We are looking forward to working with the people from the Bahamas in order to cement an extremely productive working relationship with them and carry forward the tremendous work which is planned to take place this year.
“The council is very much looking forward to the grand opening ceremony in the spring.”
