
Junior Mas is more than a parade. It is a catalyst for youth development, economic resilience, and cultural continuity. Yet it remains under-documented in academic literature and under-supported in national policy. This research seeks to correct that oversight by framing Junior Mas as:
A critical site of learning (SDG 4)
A driver of local economies (SDG 8)
A vital community builder (SDG 11)
A potential model of inclusive governance (SDG 16)
To do so requires shifting perceptions: seeing Junior Mas not just as entertainment, but as living heritage — rich in pedagogy, economy, and civic value.
If Trinidad and Tobago is serious about meeting its SDGs, then Junior Mas must be recognized, researched, and resourced accordingly. From schoolyards to Savannah stages, the transformational power of this tradition can help shape more equitable, empowered, and culturally confident futures for our children.