MEDIA

27 Jan 2026

“More Than a Welcome”: Nassau Cruise Port Supports the Next Generation of Junkanoo Through C.H. Reeves Junior High School Donation

As C.H. Reeves Junior High School prepares to compete in the 2026 Junior Junkanoo Parade with hopes of securing a historic third consecutive win, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) has donated $2,000 to support the students’ participation under its More Than a Welcome community commitment. The donation reflects the cruise port’s broader positioning as a cultural and community-centered hub — one that welcomes the world while uplifting the people and traditions that make The Bahamas unique.

The donation will assist C.H. Reeves Junior High School students with costume creation, materials, and preparations as they bring the spirit, creativity, and storytelling of Junkanoo to life — one of the Bahamas’ most celebrated cultural traditions. This year’s parade will take place on Thursday, January 29th on Bay Street in Downtown Nassau.

“At its core, More Than a Welcome is about showing up for our community in meaningful ways,” said Maya Nottage, Regional Marketing Director. “Junkanoo is not just a parade — it is living culture, passed from one generation to the next. Supporting C.H. Reeves Junior High School is about investing in our young people, honouring our heritage, and ensuring that the rhythm, artistry, and pride of Junkanoo continue to thrive.”

Nottage added that the port’s approach to community engagement goes beyond transactional support, focusing instead on long-term relationships that strengthen cultural identity, support environmental sustainability, contribute to the welfare of our community, and create opportunities for youth expression.

Dr. Sterling McPhee, Principal of C.H. Reeves, expressed his team’s appreciation for the donation. “We are deeply grateful to Nassau Cruise Port for their timely support of our Junior Junkanoo program. This investment in our students and our culture helps us continue the important work of building the future through education and instilling pride in who we are as Bahamians.”

As part of its More Than a Welcome philosophy, Nassau Cruise Port continues to collaborate with local schools, artists, cultural and environmental organizations, and community leaders to ensure that guests experience an authentic sense of place, and that the community benefits from its presence.