The Bahamas’ Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Mario Bowleg, has announced a comprehensive audit of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) amid escalating tensions over the management of the nation’s iconic Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. The minister has also ruled out approving any private parades organized by the JCNP, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and accountability. “The public will be very surprised by the audit’s findings,” Bowleg stated, emphasizing the need for transparency in the use of public funds. The government has transferred parade management to the newly established Parade Management Committee, chaired by veteran Junkanooer Douglas Hanna, which will oversee the 2025 and 2026 events. The JCNP, which has managed the parades for decades, has protested the decision, claiming it will suffer significant financial losses, including unpaid sponsorships and recent investments in scoring systems. Despite the backlash, Bowleg defended the move, stating it was based on a vote by Junkanoo groups, with 19 in favor of the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) taking charge. The government has also unveiled plans to expand Junkanoo into a two-week festival, aiming to boost cultural and economic impact. Opposition Leader Michael Pintard criticized the government’s approach, calling it politically motivated and urging a delay in major changes until after the holidays. Bowleg dismissed the criticism, asserting the decision was driven by the wishes of Junkanoo practitioners.