Valley Boys Lead Junkanoo Spotlight Amidst Controversy and Competition
- Al Rahming Photography
- December 13, 2024
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From 2000 to 2023, the Valley Boys were the most dominant group in the Junkanoo parades, securing 16 victories (11 Boxing Day and 5 New Year’s Day wins). They are followed closely by the Saxons Superstars with 14 wins, and One Family with 10 wins.
Despite this stellar history, controversy has rocked the Valley Boys this year, leading to a split within the group. “THE Way Forward Valley Boys,” led by Trevor Davis, will take part in the upcoming parades in the A category but will not compete for a prize or place, as announced by Junkanoo and government officials.
Members of the splinter group, however, remain steadfast in their mission. Executive member Deyvon Jones emphasized their determination: “The powers that be have made their decision, and I think the ultimate judge is going to be the public. We’re not going to stop; we’re going to keep moving forward.” He promised that their performance on Bay Street will reflect their passion and commitment, saying, “It’ll be quite a treat.”
Operating without government seeding funds, the group has financed their preparations through grassroots efforts like cake sales, car washes, and community donations, with additional sponsorship from Think Simple, Breezes Resort, Mario’s Bowling, and Alpha Sounds.
Senior member Peter Turnquest highlighted the group’s push for reform, stating: “We’re fighting for a cause… accountability and transparency. Can’t ask for anything better than that.” While acknowledging the pain of division, he expressed pride in the younger generation’s commitment to their values.
As both factions of the Valley Boys prepare for the parade, many Bahamians are left wondering: which version will capture the public’s imagination? With Junkanoo set to proceed as usual, all eyes are now on Bay Street for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades.
So, Bahamians, who do you think will reign supreme in this year’s Junkanoo parades? Will it be the traditional Valley Boys, the splinter group “THE Way Forward Valley Boys,” or another powerhouse group like the Saxons Superstars or One Family? Let the debate begin!
Here’s the breakdown of the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade winners from 2000 to 2023. This data highlights the results in the A-category groups, which include leading teams like the Saxons Superstars, Valley Boys, One Family, and Roots.
The Breakdown of Victories
2000–2009:
- 2000 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2000 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2001 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2001 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2002 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2002 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2003 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2003 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2004 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2004 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2005 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2005 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2006 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2006 New Year’s Day: One Family
- 2007 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2007 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2008 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2008 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2009 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2009 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
2010–2019:
- 2010 Boxing Day: One Family
- 2010 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2011 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2011 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2012 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2012 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2013 Boxing Day: One Family
- 2013 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2014 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2014 New Year’s Day: Roots
- 2015 Boxing Day: One Family
- 2015 New Year’s Day: Valley Boys
- 2016 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2016 New Year’s Day: One Family
- 2017 Boxing Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2017 New Year’s Day: One Family
- 2018 Boxing Day: One Family
- 2018 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2019 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2019 New Year’s Day: One Family
2020–2023:
- 2020 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2020 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2021 Boxing Day: Canceled due to COVID-19
- 2021 New Year’s Day: Canceled due to COVID-19
- 2022 Boxing Day: Valley Boys
- 2022 New Year’s Day: Saxons Superstars
- 2023 Boxing Day: One Family
- 2023 New Year’s Day: One Family
This list showcases the competitive spirit of the Junkanoo parade over the years, with the Valley Boys, Saxons Superstars, and One Family emerging as dominant groups. Some years might require further verification for specific placements; I recommend consulting Junkanoo organizers, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, or archived media coverage for complete accuracy.
