Fall 2013 Digital

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ON THE COVER On the cover- Angelique Sabrina

Pop sensation & Face of Cable Bahamas Credits : Photographer: Barry Williams Photographer’s assistant: Gregg White Styling: Theodore Elyett, Mission Catwalk 3 Winner Hair: Yashicka Carey, Afrotique Hair & Nail Studio Make-up: Italia Williams, Eye Candy Make-up Co. Pants: From Theodore Elyett’s winning collection for Mission Catwalk Season 3 Bracelets: Cute Confections

Cover Design: Amelia J. Amoury

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CONTENTS Fall 2013

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32 9. Publisher’s Note 11. Contributors

NU PROFILES 14. Adria Jenee- Singer/songwriter 24. Lauryn Rolle- 2013 Primary School Student Of The Year 26. Victoria Russell- Young Bahamian Swimming Sensation.

28. Monty Knowles- Architect, Visual Artist & Photographer 55. Ricardo Clarke

FEATURES 48. Angelique Sabrina- pop sensation and Face of Cable Bahamas 52. Miss Bahamas Galaxy Queens 58. The Bahamian Icon Awards- The Bahamian Icon Awards announce the 2013 award recipients.

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CONTENTS 62. Ruqayyah Boyer- Miss World Guyana

Real Life 56. Island Waves Creative Community Cultural Centre.

FASHION FEATURE 18. Theodore Elyett- Mission Catwalk Season 3 Winner.

30. JunkaMove -Junkanoo in Motion Our JunkaMove editorial depicts Junkanoo in two fashions. Part 1- portrays Junkanoo

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CONTENTS in motion & Part 2- displays the expression of Junkanoo through a painted Junkanoo Nymph. Photography by Vijay Subramanian and Monty Knowles.

65. David Rolle- Bahamian Designer and Mission Catwalk 3 Finalist.

Special Feature 13. Who Am I? By Georgette Gray.

**DIGITAL BONUS!** 68. Additional Junkanoo Nymph ImagesMonty Knowles shows us an unpainted ‘Nymph’ plus new Nymph images.

73. The Heat Is OnThe Miami Heat visits the Bahamas for a training camp.

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Erica Meus Saunders COPY EDITOR Tanya Simmons Assistant Copy Editor Nasia Colebrooke CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erica Meus-Saunders Heike Dempster Georgette Gray CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Barry Williams Monty Knowles Vijay Subramanian Derek W. Smith Mei-Lin Wong Scharad Lightbourne Erica Meus Saunders Saske Lee Photography Derek Smith (BIS) Tim Garces GRAPHIC DESIGN Amelia J Amoury Erica Meus-Saunders MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION Email: info@nuwomanmagazine.com OR nuwomanbs@gmail.com Tel: (242) 676-7908 Mobile: (242) 445-6415 NU WOMAN MAGAZINE is printed four times a year.

PUBLISHED BY NU WOMAN LTD Freddie Munnings Manor P.O. Box CB 13236 Nassau, Bahamas Web: http://nuwomanmagazine.com Š 2013 Nu Woman Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Online subscriptions are now available, visit us on the web to sign up.

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EDITOR’S NOTE This past July, Nu Woman reached another milestone and celebrated six years in circulation. For the upcoming seventh year of publication our magazine will be undergoing many changes, the major one being that we are leaving a print format and going all-digital. The Fall issue will be the last print edition.

Why Digital you may ask? The answer to that is easy: a wider readership and circulation and a better gauge on our audience; just this past year with the help of our digital issues our subscribers have increased by 20,000 plus and growing.

Our publication is eager and ready to welcome new talent and will be expanding its contributors list and giving more coverage to the various Caribbean islands. In this issue, we welcome two new photographers - Monty Knowles and Vijay Subramanian - and poet Georgette Gray. Exciting times are ahead and we are looking forward to sharing them with you.

The Fall issue is focused on showcasing young Bahamian talent and achievers in honor of the Bahamas 40th year of Independence. Our featured Bahamian talent begins with our cover girl, Angelique Sabrina, photographed by Barry Williams, and goes on to showcase Adria Jenee, our Miss Bahamas Galaxy Queens; Victoria Russell, a young swimming sensation; and Lauryn Rolle, Primary School Student of The Year.

We also talk with Mission Catwalk 3 winner, Theodore Elyett, and share highlights from the Bahamian Icon Awards.

In this issue we present a two-part Junkanoo editorial spread: JunkaMove that is presented by photographer Vijay Subramanian and painter and photographer Monty Knowles. Vijay focuses on capturing the essence of Junkanoo through movement with photographs of actual Junkanoo performers, while Monty presents his version of Junkanoo through a painted Junkanoo Nymph photographed with an original Junkanoo head piece.

We encourage you to sign up to our newsletter to receive Free digital copies for the first few issues of 2014, and to check out our new digital rates via our media kit:- http://issuu.com/nuwomanbs/docs/ nuwoman_mediakit_2013 .

Also check out the Editor’s Blog to stay updated: - http://nuwomaneditorsblog. wordpress.com/ Enjoy!

Erica Meus-Saunders Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Publisher’s picture by Barry Williams Make-up: Italia Williams Earrings: Cute Confections

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Contributors Barry

Heike

Latha

Dempster

Jayakumar

Barry Williams “My journey to photography has been an eventful evolutionary process - beginning a few lifetimes ago.

In another time, I was but a mere camera part; in another life after that I was most likely a camera (probably a Canon). So, it makes perfect sense that this time around I amassed such great karmic fortune to be born a photographer. If I’m unable to afford a Hasselblad during this lifetime, maybe I’ll wish hard enough to be that camera the next time around :).”

Heike Wollenweber is a publicist, journalist and radio personality based in Kingston, Jamaica and Miami. As a graduate from London Metropolitan University Heike started her company Axe-s Media in 2006 and has been primarily working in music and fashion, adding fine art to her portfolio more recently. Heike currently represents various Jamaican and Bahamian musical artistes internationally and her radio show All Axe-s is on air in the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos as well as online and on iTunes.

Latha Jayakumar is a writer & life enthusiast based in New York, NY. She fell in love with The Bahamas while attending medical school there; although her career path changed she remains an ‘island girl’ at heart.

Her quest for knowledge & fascination of the world has brought her through various continents and through various fields. Her dynamic character has landed her a smorgasbord of projects, everything ranging from top fashion shows to the data systems of NYC’s government website.

Contacts: M: 431-7678 Email: barrywilliamsphotography@ gmail.com

Heike Wollenweber AXE-S Media • 876 484 6023 (Jamaica) • All AXE- S Radio

Williams

Monty Knowles

Monty Knowles is Bahamian visual artist, an architect and a fine arts photographer who is creating quite a buzz with the painting and photography of his “Nymph” themed artwork.

“When I body paint, I follow the shape of the body to create a variation of the body’s form. To me, the skin is not a canvas as it is to most body painters. Instead, the body is a form to enhance and accentuate with painting.”

Check out Monty’s Junkanoo Nymph on page 40 of this issue.

Email: montyknowles@yahoo.com www.montyknowles.com

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Contributors Amelia Amoury

I’m Amelia, a graphic designer with over 5 + years of experience in the field. I’ve been surrounded by technology my whole life, so it was natural for me to take my creativity and make it digital. I’ve worked in both freelancing and for a number of successful print companies, which has allowed me to polish my skills. I am currently based in Nassau, Bahamas and have a strong focus on print design. To find out more about me you can visit www.ameliajamoury. com to view my portfolio.

Facebook: AJDesigns • www.ameliajamoury.com

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Nasia

Tanya P.

21-year-old Nasia Rená (pronounced Naja) is a senior at The College of The Bahamas, studying English Literature. She enjoys reading, creative writing, amateur photography, scary movies and comedies.

Nasia describes herself as a culturist and is proud to be a part of the Caribbean.

She believes in the oneness and the uniqueness of Caribbean people and all ‘the flavor’ we have to offer to the world.

She hopes to be a part of a more eclectic Bahamas, where the Arts are more appreciated, celebrated, and offered in the job market.

Nasia encourages the youth of the Caribbean to always follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional or “out of the box” they may appear to be. To achieve a better world she says, “we must all be the change we want to see”.

Nasia has recently earned the title of Assistant Copy Editor

TANYA P. SIMMONS Tanya P. Simmons is a graduate of C.R. Walker Secondary School, The College of the Bahamas and the University of Central Oklahoma. She is an avid reader who enjoys traveling and the occasional jet boat ride over rapids.

Tanya is Nu Woman Magazine’s Copy Editor

Colebrooke

Simmons

Ontahya Ross

Ontahya is freelance writer, entrepreneur, and author.

Lover of life, positivity, and growth Ontahya penned the book In Between My Legs.

She has written several articles for Nu Woman Magazine.

She is also the owner of inspirationallife.com.

Ontahya is currently working on her second book and expanding her brand.

Website: www.inspirational-life. com Facebook: ontahya Email: ontahyaross@gmail.com

Who Am I?

By Georgette Gray They call me winter As if I have a cold heart Summer because I beat the rain Gain because I can take the pain Life because death and I Are no friends I am versatile with Brains of a dreamer Eyes of an inventor Mouth of many strong women Ears of a prophetess The person you wear Around your neck in a locket Ambition so rare You’d like to pocket Feet of a world class runner Hottest thing on the Bunsen burner Hands articulated to build open gates Instead of bridges or walls to avoid Welcoming mountains for disaster Breaking down barriers like Rabbits chasing carrots and Bugs me like bunny Take my word Send it to the press Put the propaganda to rest Copyright it to my life and Frame it for my time of strife I’ve got my head on control My existence on a roll I am the warden of life lessons The testimony of life’s blessings I am the one they confide in When everyone is dividing The truth you cherish when Tradition lied to you and Said it was normal to be fighting Cream of the crop Can of coke you’d like to pop I’ve got what it takes to Make your whole soul rock That voice you hear when Others choose to be in silence I chose to put a damper on the violence The coffee you drink in the morning Like the next day you keep on longing The swift wind blowing in a storm The body that keeps you warm Water that pumps to help you function The “T” you can’t seem to avoid at a junction Air you breathe but never see Just particles of dust in sun rays When the darkness falls it fades I can force audiences to Sit and listen to me as though I was ordering out citations For legal migrations in wealthy cities Across the universe So who am I again?

They call me different because I AM NOT ORDINARY THEY CALL ME WOMAN!

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ADRIA JENEE’ Singer & Songwriter

guys who are in the music industry here - S Types music group (Stereotype Music Group). They saw my original song that I had uploaded and they told me to remove it because of copyright issues. Then they just snatched me up and said, ‘we have to record this, do some tracks with you’ and that’s when I got into it. I was still in school but I wanted to pursue music professionally.”

Adria talks about a recently released single, “Fall in Love”, that she made with fellow Bahamian artist, Christopher “Sketch” Carey.

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wenty-year-old Adria Jenee is an upcoming Bahamian singer, songwriter and actress.

She spoke to Nu Woman about how she got her start.

“I wanted to do it since I was 11, which was when I started writing and I told my parents I wanted a guitar. I had never played it before, but I wanted it. I taught myself how to play, but I was too shy to actually go out there and connect with people involved in music. I was too scared.”

Adria shared how she got noticed on Youtube. “I posted something on YouTube when I was 14, and it got noticed by some 14 nuwomanmagazine.com

“Sketch and I met years back, on the set of a music video, when I got in touch with the guys in S-Type, but we never got the chance to work together. We always said that we would. He called me and told me that he was back in town and he had a few tracks that he would like to collaborate on.

Then, we got into the studio, and he was in the process of making the beat. I just gave a little bit of input and right there, on the same day, the hit was made. So yeah, it was really easy.”

Adria revealed more about the new single.

“It’s on Sound Cloud ah, it’s actually the one single (“Fall in Love”https://soundcloud.com/sketchcarey/sketch-carey-adria-jen-efall) that I’ve posted that is getting the most feedback and I think

it has to do with the fact that Sketch is already out there, he has a name for himself and I’m still kind of ‘up and coming’, but he has his fan base. He has been sharing it, I’ve been sharing it and it’s gotten a lot of positive results.

So, I’m excited about it.”

She says that she wrote most of the lyrics and talks about her parents’ reaction to it saying, “It wasn’t something I was too excited to run and tell my mom or my dad, because of the content (giggles) so I was pleasantly surprised that they both like it.”

Yet, Adria’s parents have always supported her. She noted, “I get a lot of support especially from my mom because she wanted to pursue music when she was younger, but she never really got the chance to and she never pushed me into it either. She felt like if she pushed me, I would just turn away from it, but I love it! She just wants me to do whatever it is that I love and she supports me in that.”

Adria says that working with Sketch on the single was fun and easy. “There weren’t any hang-ups, “It was just, “Hey what’s up?” *Daps* (she gives a fist pump) and we just got right into it.

So it was fun”.

Adria talks about her Miss Bahamas Universe experience in 2012 The pageant was awesome! It was fun.

I never was really into pageants, but I was supposed to go off to New York for film school and felt as if the pageant experience would help. I didn’t have the funds for film school and I had just gotten a job, so I figured that I would be here for some time and that the pageant would be a great way for me to get more skilled doing interviews, impromptu talk shows, and being in front of the camera, working with people, stage presence, photos and all. I felt that it would go hand in hand with the music career. So, I went into the pageant and it was awesome.

Adria details a few of the activities that were required of her.

“Throughout the pageant they would make us do these little tasks and 15

would randomly spring a radio interview on us. Two of the contestants had to act as the host and the guest and that actually taught me a lot about ‘things you shouldn’t say on the radio’.. On a personal level it also taught me about dieting; having a healthy diet and exercising. We really had to kick butt to get into those swimsuits! And it gave me a different outlook on pageantry. It was really different, but it was definitely a good thing.”

Callender and he is great at what he does because he teaches you the breathing techniques as well, so it will help with performances especially when you have to move around on stage and hold notes, at the same time. In addition to this, he started to teach me to play the piano. They say that once you master piano you basically can play any instrument. So I think it would be a great idea if more young artists look into vocal lessons and vocal training.”

We got into a discussion about many of the young artists that are coming up and the fact that they don’t play instruments and many times lip sync at live performances. Adria shared her opinion, saying, “I noticed that, like a lot of the modern artists, they are studio bound and when you see them on the awards shows they don’t really perform..they lip sync. I think it may be a good idea if some of them get voice lessons. That will help them a lot.”

She describes a regular work day as being A LOT of work, stressing, “Work and lots of kids; loads of kids from 2 years old.. Sometimes, I am a nurse. I take splinters out of feet, I have to be a babysitter, guidance counselor (laugher), everything. The kids start at 2 years old (they have to be potty trained), but we go straight up to adults. Sometimes, I even baby-sit adults (laughter).”

She continued, “A lot of people feel as if they can sing and that they don’t really need voice lessons, but it’s not just voice lessons and teaching you how to sing. I had a few vocal lessons with Lee

Her short-term goals.

Adria lets us in on what she has in store.

“Well, I have a couple tracks lined up at the moment. My cousin and I, have enough to complete an album. I want to complete those with Daynez, and do my own EP (extended play). I also work at the National Dance School in Centreville and they work hand in hand with Emanji (an all Bahamian circus) and they used my song in a production in April. I want to do more songs so that they can be used for the choreography at the dance school and also some songs for the circus that’s coming up in December.”

Adria was given the opportunity to perform with Emanji last month as a ghost, describing it as “fun”.

Her 10 years projection Adria also spoke about where she sees herself in ten years.

“Hmmm. 10 years? I will be thirty.

Wow! In ten years I would like to be well into my career, having at least three albums out. I would want to be not exactly settled but to have a place to call my own AND I want to find someone that ‘is down for the cause’. I use that phrase because that would mean that they are a true member; that they are there not because of my money, etc. and I would like to have met them by this time because it may become more difficult afterwards.

So I want that to be sorted. I also want to find somewhere for my

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mom, also, and get them, (my family) comfortable because my Grammy is like my best friend. If she isn’t staying with me, I’d at least want her to have a comfortable place where she can stay. So yeah, I’ll have to work on these.”

Adria reveals that she is an introvert and does not have much of a social life, describing her social life as jokingly being “pretty much nonexistent”, saying, “Right now, we are like best buds, you and me. Most of my close friends have left to go to school.”

Adria also talks about what motivates her.

“When I think about my parents and the way they work so hard, I want to make use of what I have, of what’s been given to me and not just settle for anything, but push harder, show them that it can be done. The things that this generation has access to that my parents didn’t. Happiness comes easy and I’m more into the simple things. I don’t need the big flashy stuff. I feel like if you really want something you should get it, so never give up on your dreams. I guess I’m motivated by hard work.”

Email Adria at: jeneeflowers@gmail. com Photography: Mei-Lin Wong of M. Wong Photography

THEODORE

ELYETT MISSION CATWALK

SEASON 3 Winner

Theodore’s picture by Saske Lee Photography

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S

eason 3 Mission Catwalk was the most exciting yet! Why? Simply because two top Bahamian designers competed Theodore Elyett and David Rolle, both of whom Nu Woman had featured in past issues.

We caught up with Theodore 2-3 weeks after his win and talked to him on his Mission Catwalk experience and his BIG win.

Theodore talks about what prompted him to enter the competition: “I was online one day and I saw it on Facebook, and I just had to look at its page. Then I found it on YouTube and I watched it”, Theodore explains. “I think what stood out to me was the quality of the show. A lot of the time when we find out that something is Caribbean-based we kind of ‘poke fun’ at it to find the flaws. But, from a video editing perspective (as you know I have a background in journalism), it really impressed me. Then I looked at the prizes. I get a chance to showcase in London and go to school in London and that’s my biggest thing, always trying to get a scholarship to get back in school. So that’s why I ended up in the competition, and I guess the rest is history.”

Nu Woman: So what was the application process like?

Theodore Elyett: Crazy. I applied while Season 2 was still going on, so they took forever to get back to me. I had applied probably when they were in the middle of the season and never heard back from them. So I ended up calling one of the judges on their job and she was like, “You know there is nothing I can do for you, I’m only a judge.” (Laughter) She said she would pass on the information for me and I never heard back from her. So I applied for school. The hurricane came and delayed the application by at least three weeks, so my application did not get there till three weeks after the deadline, and I wasn’t accepted for school. A week after that, I decided to Google the producer, called her up at the number I found through Google, and then she said she would get back to me, and never got back to me till about a week into filming. They THEN called and asked if I would be able to produce an online portfolio and I did that, and four days before the competition, they called me up and said you have been selected and flew me over and that was it, right at the last minute.

NW: On arriving in Jamaica and meeting the contestants, how did you feel, were you nervous?

TE: I wasn’t nervous; I was just excited for the

experience. I was a pageant producer, so I know about competing and mixing with different nationalities, but for me it was also just staying focused. That was the hardest thing in the competition, to stay focused. You were away from your family...and on top of that you had to deal with different personalities and the added stress of reality TV. You (the audience) only see the end product of actually being on a television show; it isn’t as easy as it seems.

NW: How long were you away?

TE: We were away for about two months and then we had three months to produce our collection for the finals, but of course we couldn’t talk about it. But, on arriving in Jamaica, it was cool.

At first, all the signs of the Olympians greeted you. That’s the one thing that stood out to me, how much national pride they have. For me, this would have been the first time the Bahamas would have been competing in the competition. I just wanted to put my best foot forward and represent the Bahamas as best as I could.

NW: Have you been to Jamaica before?

TE: That was the first time I was there.

How does the food compare to here?

TE: I just think it’s two different cultures. Their culture is mixed with the Rastafarian culture, the West Indian culture. Here, we just have our Bahamian thing. I was able to try some of the Rastafarian food and some of the West Indian food, so it was a good mix. I can’t compare it.

NW: After the first challenge competed in the competition, how did you feel? What were you thinking?

TE: I knew it was mine after that (laughter). I got knocked a lot in the social forums about being cocky and overconfident on the show.

I think sometimes I did it intentionally just to be annoying to the other contestants.

But, honestly I knew after I’d mastered the first challenge, that I could just kind of coast through the competition, and pull out the big win at the end. Part of my strategy was to just try to make it through every challenge after I’d won the first one. I think I had already proved to myself and the judges that I was serious as a designer, so it was kind of a fun ride from there.

Theodore talks about key lessons learnt.

“I think for me and or any persons who participated on the show, at the end of the

day it was the quality of the products as the theme for this season was “Runway to Retail”.

So, we had a huge focus on producing quality products that were not only good for custommade garments for clientele but also for retail purposes. For every challenge we got the opportunity to have retail sales in Jamaica, so that was one of the main things. We had to focus on quality.”

Theodore further explains what it was like to work with the legendary Kay Davitian, saying, “She is a Jamaican and has worked with companies such as Jones and Co., and Ralph Lauren. She has worked around the world and is like a hawk in the factory. Also, and most importantly, she really honed us. That’s the thing that I would hear in the 3 months that I was producing my collection.”

Theodore continues, “This season we were more of a focused bunch.. Focused effort on completing the challenge... You were there for a purpose. I had Kay in the back of my head, saying, “Make sure this is right. Make sure this is...” That’s a sign of a good teacher, that when you are not around you are still hearing that voice to kind of direct you. I think that was one of the key things I walked away with. And having a better eye for quality control.”

NW: In every television show, everyone seemed so happy and so friendly was there any real rivalry out there?

TE: I think this season we were a more focused bunch. I think everyone came there with the mission to walk away as the winner. Even in the sewing room, sometimes, it was always just a focused effort on just completing the challenge. At the beginning they would give us two days for filming and then we would do a judging process. But I think when they found that we were so good, they were trying to weed out persons in an easier fashion, so they made the challenges more difficult and they gave us less time to produce pieces.

So there wasn’t really time to have any drama.

You were there for a purpose and either you made it or you didn’t make it. I mean, I tried to start some drama of my own (laughter), but it was fruitless.

NW: I’m sure you would recommend this opportunity to some other designer.

TE: Of course I would recommend it to someone else. I wouldn’t do it again though. It’s just one of those things that you do, and you look back on it and you laugh and you learn. To do it all over again is too much. Too much energy. But, 19

I would definitely recommend it to any young designer who is prepared and equipped to go ahead and do it. I wouldn’t say to go on the show if you don’t know how to sew because it’s kind of pointless you know. I would definitely recommend it.

Details on the Final Collection for Mission Catwalk Theodore explains his thought process in creating his final collection, saying, “I came home in February and I was so stuck on trying to make something the judges would like. My first collection was horrible (laugher) because it was everything I imagined the judges would like.

And then I started a second collection and I thought to myself, “What are David and Renardo going to come with?” I started designing pieces I sort of knew they were going to go for and tried to add my flair to it, but it wasn’t working. So I went back to the drawing board in New York and did some fabric scouting because touching the fabric inspires me. I came back home and I told myself, “You know the end process, the end goal after this is for me to end up in London.” I then decided that I would have a collection inspired by London and produce pieces that could be showcased at London Fashion Week, if necessary. It was a 12-piece collection and I actually had about 14 pieces. Then I edited down when I got there, and even with my final critique with Kay, she basically hated everything (laughter) but that’s typical Kay. But, it just pushed me to edit the collection even more. In the four days we had between the final critique and the final show, I changed basically everything in the collection, having to edit and create new pieces. So there are a lot of things that I tweaked and changed about the collection. But, definitely London-inspired.”

Theodore talks about some of the inspirations behind some of his pieces, saying, “When you look at the fringe skirt that was made out of upholstery fringe, that was inspired by the bear hats that the guards wear and the printed patterns on some of the skirts. The cobblestone streets and the circular patterns inspired the trench coats. The British actress and model Twiggy inspired the plaid pants and the shift dress.

All-in-all, there were some heavy influences that I got from London for the collection.”

NW: With the final collection and the pieces were you as designers allowed help?

TE: No, no help at all. I think that was why they gave us so much time.

Every season they allow about three months for contestants to produce it and they trust us enough to go home and produce it. I think you will be doing yourself a disservice if you bring someone on because at the end of the day you are supposed to be learning how to produce quality garments, so that when you do hire people, you can know the ins and outs of what to do. So no, we weren’t allowed any help. It was all just hands, needles and sewing machines for three months day and night.

When I look at the pieces I’ve produced, I think I’ve grown so much from what I’ve produced in my last collection to now. My last collection just looks like crap. I would have sold those pieces but when you look at the quality of those compared to what I produced for Mission Catwalk it fails in comparison.

But they say that’s how you are as a designer, you know, you grow and then you kind of hate the things previously produced.

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On what’s coming up..

“As of August, I move back to Jamaica for three months for a manufacturing, training program. After that, it’s London Fashion Week, with a 24-piece collection for February! Then, I fly back to London in June for school courses to the London College of Arts. Now, it’s only a four-month program, just like what I did at Parson’s. It’s a really intensive summer program but hopefully I can secure a four year scholarship at the same time.”

Theodore further explains that while he’s in Jamaica, his contract will take place with Mission Catwalk and the retail boutiques in Jamaica. He says, “I’ll also be producing my collections for the boutiques there, while simultaneously completing the manufacturing program over there.”

NW: So you are going to be very busy.

TE: Very busy. But even outside of my contract, I had decided to meet with additional boutiques on consignment contracts with them as well.

NW: So you are preparing for London Fashion Week in February?

Are you making an entirely new collection?

TE: Yes, I’m making an entirely new collection. It would be an injustice to myself to carry the same collection and just add twelve pieces.

I want to have new aesthetics. I think for me as a designer, in each of my collections I’ve shown a more mature side of what I feel a woman is and I’m allowing my clients to speak to me when it comes to what I think the collection should be and what she is looking for.

What I would like to take to Fashion Week in London is a more mature approach, especially as a Caribbean designer in London. I think that persons are going to expect just the typical Caribbean-style clothes.. the flowing pieces... But I want to carry structure as well as a nice island aesthetic to London.

NW: So are you nervous about London Fashion Week?

TE: I’m excited. And social media is so funny... I tagged one of my pictures on Instagram #London #fashion and so many students from the college actually started adding me and following me on different social platforms, so there is a body that is already eager to accept me at the school. I’m looking forward to the schooling experience as well as London Fashion Week. I was also able to connect with people who work with some major designers in London, and kind of see the work that they produce for London Fashion Week.

When I go over, I’ll be showcasing as an emerging designer. So I kind of know the aesthetic that they are looking for and my aim is to kind of blow them away, I don’t want to be the typical Caribbean designer that goes there and says, “Okay, it was a nice show”. I want the buyers and the magazine editors there to say, “We want that piece for a show, for a collection for our boutique”. My goal at the end of the day is to try to get some business why I’m over there, so that while I’m in school, I’ll be able to support myself.

NW: So you are going to London Fashion week in February and will be starting school in June of next year?

TE: Yes. I will be starting school next year June at London College of Fashion. It’s a four-month dual course between London and Paris. But, I’m really working to see if I can get a four-year scholarship for Central St. Martins College of the Arts and Design, as it is one of the leading schools for fashion in the world. It’s where Alexander McQueen went. So

Theodore Elyett - Designer Scharad Lightbourne -Photographer Nestaea Sealy - MUA Erin Brown - Hair Stylist LVF of Cute Confections - Accessories Shanae & Morgan - Models Kenton Ferguson - Grip David Alexander - TE Brand Assistant

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hopefully I’m able to score that.

Future Forecast NW: So where do you see your brand in the next 5-6 years?

TE: I think that’s too shortsighted for me. Over the next 5-6 years I want to focus on my education. I want a Bachelor’s in Fashion Design and in Fashion Business. I want to spend 10 years in a design house so that I can learn the intricacies of fashion design with a major design label. I want to learn what goes into manufacturing, producing and marketing a label.

Then in another 10 years start getting into my own label, so it’s kind of a 20-year plan that I have for myself. And when you look at designers like Michael Kors, he says that sometimes it takes big name designers

40 years to actually break into the industry, so I want to cut that in half and I’m going to give myself about 20 years to see if I can actually be a global player.

I think the most encouraging thing for me in the entire process was the guest judge on Mission Catwalk, Bruce Baas. He served in many capacities with Michael Kors. He basically rebranded Michael Kors’ company. He has worked at Bergdorf Goodman in the United States. For him to make a comment like “my showcase could have been in New York or Paris and that I definitely have the potential to be a global player”, that kind of gave me the added confidence to know that for someone who has worked in the industry and who has rebranded a company like Michael Kors could see my potential, it made me feel good, especially coming from an island nation like the Bahamas.

At the end of the month I head off to New York to sit down with him, just to go over details and steps that are needed as an emerging designer, so that I’m headed in the right direction.

FYI - Kay Kavitian passed away a few months after this interview.

She touched the lives of many through her involvement in Mission Catwalk.

Rest in peace Kay.

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Windermere was born over 65 years ago with a single stylist’s chair in a small shop located in the heart of downtown Nassau.

Originally named ‘Barbara’s Beauty Salon’ Windermere was named after its creator Barbara Brice Paton, known to all as ‘Bobby’. Bobby was fully trained in New York City and opened her first salon at 16 years old. Very quickly one shop grew into being 16 locations on three different islands! Bobby became an Avon distributor as well as the first representative for Wood Smoke cosmetics in the Bahamas.

In 1984 Bobby purchased her childhood home, ‘Windermere House’ and converted it into her dream salon, spa and fitness facility, proudly named Windermere.

In 1991 Windermere moved into our current eastern location in the Harbour Bay Plaza and in November 2005 Windermere West was opened in the Caves Village Plaza. Our most resent treasure is located in the LPIA International Departure Lounge at the airport in Nassau, Bahamas.

Today, with our three state of the art locations, we are proud to provide quality service to Bahamians and visitors alike, with well-known professional products and personnel.

Windermere Day Spa & Salon Harbour Bay Shopping Centre East Bay Street P.O. Box N-72

Nassau, Bahamas

Ph: 242-393-8788 or 242-393-0033 242-394-6804 fax

windermere@gussiemae.org

customercare@gussiemae.org Salon and Spa Hours:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday & Tuesday

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday thru Saturday Windermere West Day Spa & Salon

Caves Village Plaza

West Bay Street & Blake Road

*SPA SerVICeS

Nassau, Bahamas

DeTOx HerBAL WrAP

P.O.Box N-72

Ph: 242-327-6135 or 242-327-6136 242-394-6804 fax

ww@gussiemae.org

customercare@gussiemae.org Salon and Spa Hours:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday & Tuesday

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday thru Saturday

BODY SCruB ArOmATHerAPY mASSAge OxYgeN mASque FACIAL HOT STONe THerAPY WAxINg *SAlOn SerVICeS CuT & STYLe

Windermere Nail & Massage Bar

STreAkS AND HIgHLIgHTS

P.O.Box N-72

SPeCIAL STYLINg

Ph: 242-702-7209

PeDICure

customercare@gussiemae.org

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kerATIN STrAIgHTeNINg SYSTem

Nassau, Bahamas

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242-394-6804 fax

Salon and Spa Hours:

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7 days a week.

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ISLAND HOPPIN FOOT mASSAge We reeCH NeCk AND BACk mASSAge BreezY POLISH CHANge PROFILES98 Spring 2013

23 www.profiles98.com

Lauryn Rolle

2013 Primary School Student Of The Year!

Age: 11 years old Photography. Scharad Lightbourne

Nu Woman Magazine is about promoting outstanding Bahamian talent and we are happy to feature Lauryn Rolle of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Primary School. Lauryn won the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation’s ‘2013 Student of the Year’ edging out over 122 other outstanding students from primary schools throughout The Bahamas. This title came with a $5,000 scholarship donated by Bank of The Bahamas and a computer courtesy of Dr. Jonathan Ford.

Lauryn’s mother Pia Rolle is well-known in all circles and has worked along with the magazine in many capacities - talent scout, sponsor, judge on the Nu Face Model Search show and adviser. She is also the CEO of PTG Modeling Agency.

We had a chance to talk with mother and daughter.

Nu Woman: How did it make you feel to know that your daughter had won this prestigious award?

Pia Rolle: There was a range of emotions. I went from extreme anxiety, to eventual euphoria! For the months leading up to the final night, I went up and down between confidence and unsurety. Lauryn though, was always 100% confident that she would win...until the final night, when I watched her anxiety unfold, culminating with an emotional outburst when her name was finally announced as the 2013 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year!

Nu Woman: What was Lauryn’s initial reaction?

Pia: As Lauryn sat through the ceremony, twitching, moving, occasionally peering at me and her father, I could see her anxiety. I tried to mask my own anxiety and give her a reassuring smile every time she looked at me, as I could see that she was slowly losing her composure. Once her name was announced, she became uncontrollably emotional. As she listened for her name, she tugged on her ‘’Jesus” charm (which she turned back for earlier that day when she was on her way to the ceremony and realized that she didn’t have it!) After she composed herself, she managed to smile and take it all in.

Nu Woman: What do you credit to her success? Are you a strict parent?

Pia: I credit Lauryn’s success to a few factors: A) God has blessed her life since birth with favor in all she does; B) Lauryn is naturally a very disciplined, goal oriented and focused young girl; C) My husband 24 nuwomanmagazine.com

and I are a balance of strict and lenient; we complement each other when it comes to parenting styles, and that provides for a perfect balance in Lauryn’s life.

NW: What guidelines do you set when it comes to studying?

Pia: We encourage Lauryn, and all of our children, to review their work every evening when they get home from school. If there is something they don’t understand we assist them by going over it with them and explaining it until they understand, even if that means researching it further on our own. Then we encourage them to complete ALL homework and projects to their absolute best.

Once exam time comes, we only need to review what we have already enforced throughout the year. Basically, making the time to “parent” our children and not relying on the teachers, but instead reinforcing what the teachers have begun in the classroom.

Lauryn’s Interview NW: What are your hobbies?

Lauryn: I enjoy dance, gymnastics, swimming, skating, bowling, sewing, and I love social media.

Pia: And she does very well at all of her extracurricular activities. Her sewing has now become her latest entrepreneurial venture!

NW: What is your favourite food?

Lauryn: I like many different foods, but my all-time favorite is Sushi!

Lauryn talks about what she wants to be when she grows up: “I originally wanted to be a marine biologist, but after I researched their earning ability on the internet, I decided that I would become a Neurosurgeon as their earning ability/income far exceeds the marine biologist! I also hope to become a world-class dancer and I enjoy modeling.

Lauryn is now a student of St. Augustine’s College and says that she ‘absolutely loves’ her new school! Though, she still highly anticipates going to Bishop Strachan School in Toronto, Canada in Fall 2014.

Lauryn is an excellent mentor to her younger sisters, Kaylee (6) and Jayda (4). She is also still a volunteer for Hands for Hunger (H4H) and advocates for new volunteers with almost everyone she comes in contact with. Due to a very hectic summer, she was unable to volunteer as much as she wished during the school break, but is anxious to get back on track with her H4H and food rescue advocacy.

Lauryn is very proud of her accomplishment (Student of the Year), but also says that this victory has increased her drive to succeed, especially since she knows rising to this platform will put her more in the critical eye of the public. She is enjoying the events, courtesy calls, and opportunities that have come to her through the title and thanks the organization, judges, Bank of The Bahamas and other sponsors and especially Mr. Ricardo Deveaux. Lauryn is surrounded by a network of support that she is humbled by and grateful for. As a praying youth of strong faith, she has sought out prayers and guidance from many family and friends in covering her life. She believes in God and knows that her achievements are only through His will over her life. She has received personal mentorship from Bishop Neil C. Ellis and Prime Minister Christie that she obviously values as she refers to their advice continually. Her personal mentors also include her parents - Pia and Herman Rolle, grandparents – Kay Francis and

Quentin Glover, Aunt and Uncle - Shanta and Anthony Richardson, and other family and friends: Jody, Dana, Makeva, Felecia, Kenica, June, Brynda, Linda, Charles, Keya, Barbara, Thelma, Margarita, Tonique, Teddy, Leslia, Anishka, Sharie, Taunya Chea, Lawrence Carroll, Sonovia Williams, and many others.

Bottom left: Lauryn with parents Pia and Herman Rolle Bottom right: Lauryn with Prime Minister, The Honourable Perry Christie

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V

ICTORIA RUSSELL

Young Bahamian Swimming Sensation Victoria’s time in the 100-meter Breast was 1.18.79, which beat Victoria Miller’s record, which had stood for 13 years.

Victoria, who has been swimming competitively for five years, says she just took it seriously last year. We took a few minutes to sit and talk with Victoria on her recent accomplishments.

Nu Woman: What was it like competing at CARIFTA? Victoria (V): I was very nervous. I had not won an individual medal before. I made it to, like, one final in Nationals.

That was last year, which was like my first big step coming out of nowhere.

But it was fun.

NW: 50-meter Breaststroke is the race that you first set the record in.

Is that the race that you are most focused on?

V: My main race is the 100-meter Breaststroke, and then there is the 50-meter Breaststroke.

NW: How did you feel when you broke the record?

Victoria: At first I didn’t know that I broke the record, so I wasn’t really that focused on breaking it.

I

hope to be the first Bahamian to get a gold medal in the Olympics, and after I do that, I hope to become the fastest female swimmer in the world!” These are the goals of 12-year old, Victoria Russell, who has already set a few new swimming records in April of this year. Victoria set a new national record, winning the Silver in the 100-meter Breast and the Bronze in the 50-meter Breast at the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) Championships.

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mornings, sometimes.

NW: How often do you train?

V: Right now, because it’s off-season, I try to go every day, and then we go

Victoria talked about how she got involved in swimming. She explained, “We decided to do it when I was about seven (7) and after that I just moved up each grade in swimming. Soon after, we went

to the Olympics and we watched it in London on TV. Then, I got motivated and said, “One day that could be me.” So I really wanted to try.

NW: Did you watch any of the races that Arianne Vanderpool-Wallace swam in?

V: Not personally. We just watched most of it on TV. NW: Did the entire family go? How long did you stay?

V: The whole family went and we stayed for about five weeks.

NW: Did you have a chance to explore the city?

V: Yes. We went to a lot of the local markets and the fairs. They had a lot of Olympic fairs for the tourists too, and we went outside the gates and took pictures so we could see the athletes.

On school work and staying balanced.

Victoria confesses that it is difficult sometimes to balance schoolwork and swimming, saying, “Sometimes you will have a ‘project due tomorrow’ and have to be up till 12 most nights finishing homework and then practice the next morning. But, usually I try to take schoolwork first and then swimming second.”

Victoria set another record in the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) Championships in July. She talks about the meet: “It was nice, but not that nice because I had to stop training because I wasn’t feeling good. And a week after Nationals, we had to go straight on a plane and get there. Then, we had about a day to rest before we had to swim and I didn’t train before Nationals because I was really sick, but I did pretty well. But If I was in better shape, I could have done a lot better.”

quickly shower and change and go straight to school for the day.

After school, I’ll try and get like, one piece of homework done, I’ll eat and go to swimming practice. Then after that, I’ll come home and do my homework.

NW: What’s your favorite food to eat?

V: I like pastas, sushi and salads.

NW: What are some of the lessons learnt in the past year?

V: I don’t usually hold my head down in Breaststroke. Most people say I can be a lot faster, but my technique is off, but my times are there. I learned how to keep my head down better. I learnt how to glide more for my start. I start late by 2 seconds, so if I started earlier, I could beat a lot of people. I’m trying to work on my dive to improve my time, as I’m always the last out of the block.

NW: Who are some of the people that you look up to in sports?

V: Rebecca Soni and Ruta Meilutyte.

NW: Why? Victoria: Because of what they have accomplished and are accomplishing and that’s what I hope to accomplish in the future.

NW: Who are some of the people that you look up to in general?

Victoria: Martin Luther King is one of these persons because he decided to make a difference in the world. Usain Bolt because he is just awesome all around.

NW: So how was that experience compared to CARIFTA? The competition part, was it tougher?

V: I actually had the same people competing against me. Like, all my friends were there from different countries: the same girl from Aruba, the same girl from The Netherlands Antilles. The girl that out-touched me in CARIFTA beat me again and I got Silver again. Another girl that came 6th in CARIFTA, she came and she beat me in the 50-meter Breast.

Victoria talked about her hobbies and what she does in her down time: “I try to do gymnastics at home to stretch a lot. I like to run sometimes. I like to have fun with my friends.”

She admits to liking social media. “Yes, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Yeah, I use them a lot.”

NW: What did you do this summer?

V: After Costa Rica, I relaxed. I trained with a swim Club called Alpha for the rest of the summer and after that, I took a week off again. Now I’m training with SWIFT (Swimmers With Incredibly Fast Times) again.

NW: Is SWIFT the team that you normally train with?

V: Yes. NW: School starts again, how will your schedule change? What would your days be like?

V: If it’s morning practice, I’ll set my alarm for about 5:15am, get up, and then eat breakfast. I don’t eat that much in the mornings, sometimes a cereal bar. Then I’ll go to morning practice. I’ll come from that, then I’ll 27

Monty Knowles Architect Visual Artist & Photographer all art forms. The body painting grew out of a photography project we dreamed up and the resulting art still holds more fascination to me than canvas painting.

Although ephemeral, it is beautiful to see these nymphs in motion for as long as the paint lasts.

NW: How long did it take you to develop the technique? Were you always an artist?

MK: All of my art is still developing, but in general my body paintings are intended to accentuate and enhance the model’s form. Perhaps you remember ‘drawing’ butterflies in school? We always formed the swirls and patterns to follow the shapes of the wings. Nobody draws city skylines, trees and other objects on the wings.

M

onty Knowles is Bahamian visual artist, an architect and a fine arts photographer who is creating quite a buzz with the painting and photography of his “Nymph” themed artwork.

I first glimpsed Monty’s work during an article published via Tribune 242 and I was truly impressed. I was aware of his work as an architect through another source who had worked closely with him for years and though it was impressive, it was the painting and photography work of the “Nymphs” that left me a little bit in awe.

Excited and hot on his trail, I contacted him and attempted to set up an interview, which took place over the span of several weeks, as Monty was traveling and working in Paris, and then later on to China. We also began to plan a Junkanoo themed nymph painting and photo shoot for an editorial in Nu Woman.

Monty’s Interview Nu Woman: Tell us a little about your Junkanoo Nymphs.

Monty Knowles (MK): Junkanoo Nymphs, like all of the other nymph paintings, allow people to appreciate the beauty of the human form as art. Junkanoo, in its present state, is primarily about the costumes. The people are simple transportation for the art. The Junkanoo nymphs are an interpretation of these beautiful costumes that allows us to appreciate the inherent beauty of the Junkanoo dancer as a person.

Nu Woman: How did you transform from an architect/ photographer into body painting?

MK: It’s not much of a transformation really as they are 28 nuwomanmagazine.com

When I body paint, I follow the shape of the body to create a variation of the body’s form. To me, the skin is not a canvas as it is to most body painters. Instead, the body is a form to enhance and accentuate with painting.

Art has always been a part of my life. Whether it was drawing at the dining room table during summer vacations, photographing, or practicing architecture.

NW: You have done many projects as an architect in Nassau and around the Bahamas, when did you begin to take your photography seriously again?

MK: Photography has been a passion since I was a kid... long before architecture. But the digital revolution in photography really caught my attention again about ten years ago when I bought an SLR for a trip to India.

NW: I read in an article that you studied both architecture and photography in college. What has this experience in visual photography and body painting been like for you in the past year?

MK: Pretty much the same as the past years. A lot of fun, laughs and rewarding images.

NW: How do you balance it all?

MK: Scheduling! Scheduling! Scheduling! The most important tool in my life has been the calendar, along with an ability to focus on doing the things that I want to do, instead of what other people want me to do.

NW: How strenuous is body painting? How much stress on the body (your body) to complete a painting, or concept? How do you stay in shape?

MK: Usually, body painting is a stress-free meditation...or an opportunity for laughs and good conversation, especially when there are friends participating. I do, however, tend not to eat much when I am painting, so after 4 days in a row I can lose quite a bit of weight. Depending on the complexity, each painting can take between 3 and 10 hours. I lead a pretty active lifestyle that keeps me in shape, which these days can include martial arts, yoga, or simply walking, and riding a bicycle in different cities.

Check out the Behind-the-Scenes video of the making of a Nymph here - https://vimeo.com/channels/nuwomantv To learn more about Monty Knowles Photography find Monty Knowles on - https://www.facebook.com/montyknowlesphotography Website: www.montyknowles.com

NW: What is the initial reaction displayed by most persons in viewing a nymph photo?

MK: Almost invariably it is very positive. It is amazing and rewarding to see how many people appreciate these photographs. Even more rewarding is to walk behind a painted nymph in public and listen to the comments.

NW: What are three things you can’t live without?

MK: Well on a philosophical level, the answer is nothing (perhaps with the exception of my heart). But I am very appreciative of my family, amazing friends, and happiness.

NW: In celebrating our 40th Anniversary of Independence, there is a great deal of emphasis placed on Bahamian culture. How important would you say that Junkanoo is to our culture?

And what are some of the ways that we can better market it to the world?

MK: Junkanoo is our most important cultural expression, and proper marketing to the world will attract European and Asian visitors who can find ‘sun, sand, and sea’ a lot closer to home.

We could create a roving Junkanoo exhibition using 40-foot containers that are brightly colored with Junkanoo motifs and display them in the major cities around the world like London, Paris, and Beijing. Add in Junkanoo Dancers putting on a Cirque du Soleil style show, and we would have a major marketing tool that could be brought back to Nassau and put on display at the cruise ship port.

We would also benefit from hiring a professional company to organize and market Junkanoo pageants, shows and other events to keep Junkanoo rolling throughout the year.

Monty’s photos are processed with Lightroom software, which allows the photographer to develop photos digitally in a way that mirrors the darkrooms of the past. Monty’s images explore the wonder of the human form without Photoshop, stencils or airbrushing.

Monty Knowles’ Junkanoo painting and photography begins on page 40 of this issue.

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Junkanoo, which occurs on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day, is a very integral and celebratory part of the Bahamian culture. Thousands parade down Bay Street, Nassau’s busiest and most tourist-centric location, like a wild ocean of colorful costumes, with deep goat-skin, cowbells and brass horns rhythms reverberate in the bottom of the bellies and souls of those standing around in the crowds.

Our JunkaMove editorial depicts Junkanoo in two fashions.

PART 1 - portrays Junkanoo in motion, with actual Junkanoo dancers, photographed by Vijay Subramanian MUA: Flawless Facez

PART 2 - displays the expression of Junkanoo through a painted Junkanoo Nymph, wearing an original Junkanoo head piece, painting and photography by Monty Knowles.

“Junkanoo is our most important cultural expression”. Monty Knowles

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Photography: Vijay Subramanian

Photography: Vijay Subramanian Dancer: Krystel Rolle Make-up: Flawless Facez 37

Vijay Subramanian is a selftaught photographer from India, who started photography in 2009. He has won numerous international awards, including the IPA (International Photo Award) in Los Angeles, California; the Prix De La Photographie Award in Paris, France and the OneEyeland Photography Award. Vijay has also just completed his first short film.

Email: vijaysanand@me.com

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Dancers: Krystel Rolle (R) Samantha Henfield (L) 39

Part 2 “Junkanoo Nymphs, like all of the other nymph paintings, allow people to appreciate the beauty of the human form as art. Junkanoo, in its present state, is primarily about the costumes. The people are simple transportation for the art. The Junkanoo nymphs are an interpretation of these beautiful costumes that allows us to appreciate the inherent beauty of the Junkanoo dancer as a person.�- Monty Knowles Painting & photography

by Monty Knowles Model: Tazhmoye Cummings

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Painting & photography

by Monty Knowles Model: Tazhmoye Cummings

**DIGITAL BONUS!!** Additional nymph images pages 68-72.

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Photography: Barry Williams 48 nuwomanmagazine.com

A

ngelique Sabrina is a rising pop star from The Bahamas who has been making waves on an international platform in the last few years. This 15-year old singer/performer has already been featured on MTV, Ryan Seacrest.com, Sirius XM 20 on 20 and she is also the new spokesperson for Cable Bahamas Limited - the largest Cable network in the Bahamas. She is the second and youngest person ever to receive this honor.

Cable Bahamas is revamping their products and Angelique is a part of this new and revitalized initiative where she will be featured in numerous commercials. The first of these efforts was a short film released in July of this year with Angelique singing the Bahamas’ national anthem, “March On Bahamaland”, as part of the Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary celebrations.

Nu Woman: What has this year been like for you?

Angelique Sabrina (AS): This year has been really, really busy. I have been doing so much traveling internationally and I’m sort of getting my name and music out there, abroad. Also, loads of performances, very busy. Of course I just had the signing with Cable Bahamas, which is the most recent thing that has happened.

NW: Was that a surprise for you?

Angelique Sabrina: No, it wasn’t a surprise, I was aware of the whole discussion from beginning to end. But, I was glad that it was as successful as it is.

It was the most honoring and humbling experience of my entire life. A lot of my friends don’t know who he is, but I knew who he was before I was asked to perform for him. So I was in shock, I was honored. I had read his autobiography and so I was just really prepared to do something in honor of him as a kind of tribute to his life.

Angelique talks about what making the March on Bahamaland video meant to her, saying, “I was very proud to be able to be a part of the ‘March On Bahamaland’ short film. It was a reintroduction of the national anthem to my generation. It was the first time the anthem was able to be done in a modern way that we can all relate to, but still keep the foundational feeling and purpose of the song itself. After watching the final shot, I felt strongly that it was something that would live for a long time in The Bahamas.”

This Nu Woman cover girl took some time during a recent shoot to answer some questions.

NW: So what are you doing exactly as the face/spokesperson of Cable Bahamas?

AS: I am the face to help present the newer products that are being marketed to my generation, the younger generation and to give some insight where needed.

NW: You performed an original piece for Sir Sidney Poitier. What was that like?

AS: It was the most honoring and humbling experience of my entire life. A lot of my friends don’t know who he is, but I knew who he was before I was asked to perform for him. So I was in shock, I was honored. I had read his autobiography and so I was just really prepared to do something in honor of him as a kind of a tribute to his life. I just didn’t want to go up there and sing “Pull Up” or “Stop Sign”. I wanted to sing to him and for him and about him.

NW: Were you nervous? Are you nervous before a performance?

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AS: I wasn’t nervous. When I was really little, I had stage fright. That’s sort of why I was so intrigued with performing, because I wanted to conquer it, and then I wanted to love it. I used to be nervous when I was very little, but not anymore. I don’t get scared. I just get very anxious and excited because it’s different every time.

Even though you rehearse, you don’t really know what’s going to happen in a performance. The audiences really change everything.

NW: How often do you rehearse?

AS: Whenever I have an upcoming performance, it’s usually a long tedious process. Repetition, repetition, just making sure it’s perfect. And every time I have a performance I like to change up the choreography a little.

NW: So you do the choreography as well?

AS: I co-choreograph, which depends on whether I’m in New York .. When I’m in the US I work with a choreographer by the name of Tweet Boogie and when I’m at home I work with a choreographer/dancer/comedian by the name of Marciano Darling.

NW: Do you have dance practice?

AS: I used to go to dance school. I tried tap, I tried gymnastics, I tried Hip-Hop and I did Jazz and ballet... I sort of dance now more based on feelings rather than lessons.

NW: Tell me about “Pull Up” where did the inspiration for this song come from?

AS: Actually it was very random how this song started..

I came home from school one day, and my dad who is also a producer and produces a lot of music that I make had worked out the ‘hook’ for the song and just a few bars of it. Then he told me to come in the studio and sing... And I put down a beat...

Then later on when I met my manager, we played him the demo of it and he said, “You really need to work on that , that’s a nice song.... That’s catchy”, and that’s how it started.

NW: So what’s it like working with your dad as co-manager? Is it difficult?

AS: No, it’s not difficult. I think it’s easier because we get deep with our conversations and we understand each other because we have been with each other all our lives (laughter). So, it’s easier to work together. And of course the family bond is important in this industry.

NW: What’s a typical day like for you?

AS: Oh, my gosh, it’s different every day. It depends on where I am. If I’m away then it’s either a rehearsal and then a video shoot and a rehearsal and a performance, or the whole day could be booked with meetings. Sometimes that could be three different meetings in three different states. If that’s the case, then it’s probably a road trip.

But if I’m home then it’s probably something in the studio or dance lessons.

NW: You are on the road again in a few days. Are you working on anything new?

AS: I’m working on the album now, and just kind of carving out the sound.. From track to track, I’m going over whatever we want people to hear. So that’s what we are doing right now, that’s why I’m home.

NW: Let’s talk about “Stop Sign” what was the inspiration for that?

AS: With Stop Sign, we had first heard the track before there were any lyrics written to it. It was produced by 50 nuwomanmagazine.com

Rockwilder in New York. He sent us the track and it was a very demanding, bold song, it made you pay attention.

That’s where the lyrics came from.

NW: So where was the video recorded?

AS: The video was shot in New York.

NW: Are you excited about this shoot with Theodore Elyett’s clothes? Have you been watching the Mission Catwalk episodes?

AS: I haven’t seen any of them, but I know of him. I haven’t seen any of his designs as yet. I’m excited to see them.

NW: What is your favourite dish?

AS: This is always the hardest question. I like Stew Conch and Johnny Cake and lemonade.

NW: What’s your favourite colour?

AS: My favourite colour has been purple my whole life because I was born in February and my birthstone in Amethyst.

NW: What do you do in your down time?

AS: In my downtime I like to work out and I like to read.

And of course be with friends.

NW: How do you balance your social life with your demanding schedule?

AS: Even though I have a really busy work life I do still have a great personal life with an awesome group of friends that I hang out with as much as possible and that’s something that’s really important to me. I try to keep them away from my work, though. I think it’s super important to be able to separate personal and business life.

NW: How did you maintain such good grades through high school with all else that has been going on in your life?

AS: It was about isolating time. It’s a lot to organize especially when you are traveling. I did my schooling at home and my mom was my tutor. I think it was easy because there were no holidays, no weekends. It was school every day and testing as much as possible, and that’s sort of how we went about it.

Angelique Sabrina is the youngest person ever to headline the main stage at Sumfest in Jamaica with her single, “Stop Sign”. She was selected number 1 on Sidney, Australia’s top 5 rising Star, # 1 on Jamaica’s HYPE TV, and # 1 on Tempo TV. FYI - The original song she performed for Sir Sidney Poitier and Oprah Winfrey was “The Measure of a Man”.

Check out Angelique’s newest single “Fairytale” released after this interviewhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMb-6xPddQ0

Photography: Barry Williams Wardrobe: Theodore Elyett’s winning Mission Catwalk 3 collection Styling: Theodore Elyett Hair: Yashicka Carey, Afrotique Hair and Nail salon Make-up: Italia Williams Jewelry: Cute Confections

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Bahamas Galaxy 2013 Queens Beauty With A Purpose Little Miss Bahamas Galaxy 2013 Brinika Burrows Brinika Burrows, also known as “Bria” was born on June 22, 2005 in Nassau, Bahamas. She attends Nassau Christian Academy where she is entering the third grade this upcoming fall semester. She enjoys dancing at The National Dance School of The Bahamas and swimming with Seawave Aquatic team.

She loves competing in pageants and is always prepared to put on a dance performance. Brinika aspires to be a role model to young girls.

She is well on her way, as she is very active in dance and swimming, while continuing to achieve great academic success in school.

Brinika plans on using her title to encourage young girls to realize their true worth and exemplify the lessons learnt from seminars at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of The Bahamas.

Brinika placed 1st runner up in her division at the Galaxy Pageant held in Orlando, Florida on August 3, 2013.

Miss Pre-Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013 Mannisha Charlton Photos by Barry Williams

On June 26, 2002, a beautiful baby girl was born to Vallant and Nickisia Charlton in the wonderful city of Nassau, Bahamas, the last of 3 children.

Mannisha began her early learning at Sea Saw Christian Academy and is now in the 6th grade attending the Charles W. Saunders Baptist Primary School. Previously she achieved an outstanding level with a G.P.A of 3.68. Mannisha is a part of her school’s choir and dance group and is also a Scout Member.

In Mannisha’s spare time, she enjoys dramatizing, singing, dancing and baking. Mannisha also loves interacting with children. During her reign, she hopes to visit children’s homes and other children outreach ministries throughout New Providence. Mannisha encourages the youth to hold on to their dreams because dreams do come true. She is inspired by the ability to empower others, through her strength, which comes from The Lord, and through life-learning experiences. She is grateful for the simple things, her family and friends.

Mannisha also has a passion for animals and stands against animal cruelty. She believes that animals have a soul too, and that when animals die, they all go back to heaven. She one day hopes to open an animal shelter for abused and battered animals so she can nurse them back to health. Mannisha looks forward to making this world a better place for the animals she so loves.

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Jr. Miss Galaxy 2014 Jr. Miss Bahamas Galaxy 2013 Alexis Dean Alexis Dean is a 13-year-old young lady who strives to achieve whatever others may deem as being impossible. She believes that anything and everything is possible when God is put first. She is ambitious, passionate, mannerly, and respectful of others and is a beacon of beauty, both inside and out.

Alexis is just beginning the 9th grade at Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy. At her previous school, she was an Honour Roll Student with a 3.0 GPA. Alexis’ platform focuses on “The Awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia”, which she was diagnosed with at an earlier age. She plans on inspiring others to not be discouraged in pursuing their dreams because of an ailment. Anything is possible once you believe and put your mind to achieve it. Her favourite subjects are Math, English Language and Science, just to name a few. She demonstrates her cultural spirit by participating in the yearly Junior Junkanoo celebrations.

Keeping herself active, she considers down time to include cooking, baking, sewing, singing, dancing, modeling, reading and having safe recreational fun.

Alexis went on to win the title of Jr. Miss Galaxy 2014 at the Galaxy Pageant in Orlando, Florida held on August 3, 2013.

Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013 Aisha Jones Aisha attended Forest Height Academy and Abaco Central High school before relocating to New Providence to complete Grade 12.

While at Abaco Central High School, she was recommended to sit five of her Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Educations (BGCSE) examination, resulting in her successfully passing all with 2 As, 1 B, and 2 Cs. This resulted in her obtaining early admissions to The College of the Bahamas for Fall 2013. Aisha recently graduated from C. V. Bethel High School with honors. She has now begun the next level of her education at The College of the Bahamas where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management and Eco-Tourism. Aisha is passionate about Wedding & Event Planning and hopes to incorporate this skill as she pursues to work in the Tourism Field.

Aisha is determined to make the public aware that bullying is a growing social problem among young children, teenagers and adults. Her stance will inform that this type of behavior is wrong and has lasting negative effects on the victim. Some schools and youth groups she has spoken to included: Central Abaco Primary School, Every Child Counts, Friendship Tabernacle Church (G.I.F.T.E.D. Inc. Girls Group) and First Assembly of God Youth Group.

In September 2013, she plans to engage schools in New Providence to work along with the Guidance Counselors to speak to students there about her platform. She also has plans to partner with a few private organizations to host seminars to educate persons about the dangers of emotional and mental abuse.

Finally, she would like to set up a counseling center in New Providence with a confidential hotline. With this service, young people can feel comfortable calling when they are going through crisis and are in need of a confidential ear to listen and a caring voice to offer sound advice.

She would like for all of her efforts to not only profoundly impact change in New Providence, but also all of the islands of The Bahamas.

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Miss Bahamas Galaxy 2013 Shante McAlpin Shante graduated from St. Augustine’s College in 2003. Because of her love for children and wanting to be a teacher, she decided at age 18 to start making steps towards becoming a teacher. Firstly, Shante founded a summer camp by the name of Executive Learning Summer Camp.

This summer camp caters to children from ages 1 to 7 yrs. This summer camp was so successful, that Shante decided to make a much bigger step in opening a preschool. At age 22, Shante McAlpin did just that!

She opened her very first preschool by the name of “U learn Daycare”.

This preschool now caters to 50 plus students. During all of this work, Shante was still able to not only pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education at Bahamas Baptist College, but she also received an award for completing the program with the highest cumulative grade point average in the entire education department. Now equipped with an Associate’s Degree, she is ready to take it a step further and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Despite the hard work, she later enrolled at Omega College/St. Thomas University where she not only obtained her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education but also was the 2013 Valedictorian of her graduating class. She plans to continue her educational journey at Nova Southeastern University where she would like to pursue a Master’s in Curriculum and Material Development. With her life always centered on education, she hopes to one day became one of the youngest teachers ever to be officially recognized for her unique approach to the art of teaching and win the title of, “Teacher of the Year”. It is Shante’s hope that her commitment to the educational process will ensure that students utilize their full potential and make a positive contribution to their society.

As a contestant in the Galaxy national pageant, she was a finalist in the Pageant Couture Magazine cover photo competition, which was hosted on Facebook.

Shante also placed 3rd runner up in her division in the Galaxy Pageants held in Orlando, Florida on August 3, 2013.

Bahamas Galaxy Pageants is now accepting applications for their 2014 pageant. Interested contestants can send an email to bahamasgalaxy@ yahoo.com, mbgalaxyorg@hotmail.com or sign up on their website at www.bahamasgalaxypageants.org.

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Ricardo Clarke

By Heike Dempster

which will be released after the artist’s return to Nassau.

Ricardo Clarke has been busy making music, performing, working with Bahamian youth and representing the Bahamas around the world.

With the release of his latest album, “The Uprising Vol 3: Don’t Count Me Out”, Clarke has continued his journey of positivity, delivering messages of upliftment, realization of potential, youth support and love and faith.

Ricardo Clarke is a true champion for the Bahamas who always gives his best in whichever capacity he is needed. His voice and actions make a difference at home and abroad; one song, one speech and one conversation at a time.

“The new album is wonderful. It is an amazing piece of work,” says Clarke. He continues, “It has a very, very positive tone. I feel it is the album that gives you that spark, that jump.

If you are having a bad day or if you are going through a dry spell and you are not seeing the results and you need that inspiration and that motivation to carry on with your plans and your dreams, then you can pop that new album in, and from start to finish you could receive motivation.”

Clarke’s first single off the new album, the title track, “Don’t Count Me Out”, has garnered momentum and received widespread support and positive feedback. The school tour that followed, connected the compassionate artist with the youth he cares so much about. He wants to make a difference to the lives of these children and he wants to be a role model and play his part in building an even brighter future for his home country.

School Tours and charity concerts have been part of Clarke’s career since the release of his debut album, says Clarke. “In my view it’s always important to give back while you have the influence and the relevance to do so. It is always our desire to reinforce what our children are learning and support what the educational system is trying to do. We always want to encourage our students to live a productive life and to encourage them that even if they have a setback and even if they are down and out, don’t count yourself out.”

In August, Clarke was a guest at the “Ignishun Youth Conference”, speaking to youth from around the country. Clarke is currently working on an initiative for cancer awareness month in October. Even with all his philanthropic efforts and youth outreach endeavors, Ricardo Clarke finds time for music. He embarked on a 10day UK tour, performing at various locations around the country and sharing some Bahamian vibes and love. A meeting with Bahamian High Commissioner, H.E. Eldred E Bethel, gave Clarke an opportunity to share his vision and projects as a Bahamian, musician and spokesperson.

Without a break, Clarke continues his travels to New York to shoot the anticipated video for “Don’t Count me Out,” 55

Island Waves Creative Community Cultural Centre.

Island Waves *Patti Limperes* Creative Community Cultural Centre traces its roots back to founder Garnell Stuart’s vision of providing a safe haven for expression and healing from personal troubles. At a very young age she lost her parents to health weaknesses whilst living with them in The Bahamas. She was adopted by her aunt and uncle, and moved to Chicago, Illinois. These experiences led Garnell down an emotional spiral resulting in trials and tribulations as a teen.

This Creative Community Cultural Centre has experienced strong support from the community and has welcomed

Garnell’s early childhood experiences planted the seed for Island Waves. In her late teens, she was inspired to uplift herself through positivity, creativity, arts, and music. She witnessed firsthand the positive impact that community programs at cultural centres and other artistic venues had on her life. While living in Asheville, North Carolina, Garnell became involved in different community outreach programs such as the Big Brother and Big Sister Programs, Women’s Wellness & Development Foundation, Playback Theatre, and she even had the chance to play the piano for Dr. Bob & Mr Bill (a play based on the two men that founded Alcohol Anonymous). In her early twenties, Garnell decided that she wanted to share the gift of healing through creative arts, culture, and personal development through the unity of the community. As a result, this would bring a new positive outlook on life, as well as a variety of venues and a large network to successfully make a career through their passions and talents in life. Garnell opened a creative community cultural centre on the island of Abaco in The Bahamas in memory of her mother, Patti Limperes, who was a musical giant and pioneer on the island during her life.

Since its founding in 2011, the Island Waves *Patti Limperes* Creative Community Cultural Centre has worked to provide a variety of community programs through the form of music classes, music jam out sessions, community musical performances, dance classes, art classes, poetry gatherings, community wellness potlucks, community nutrition and wellness classes, community gardening initiatives, and much more.

Island Waves *Patti Limperes* Creative Community Cultural Centre has identified three priority areas: 1. Creative Arts - which includes artistic expression through music, dance, arts and crafts, literature, poetry, and visual media.

support and donations from individuals, small groups, and corporations.

2. Community Wellness - which includes health and wellness promotion through community health awareness classes, programs, and initiatives.

Island Waves is also international. The pictures at the top right are of the branch in Norway & the United States on a recent visit.

There is also an Island Waves branch in Sierra Leone, and there are networks throughout the United States, Africa, Jamaica, and many other locations.

3. Culture - which includes promotion of cultural development through arts, music, dance, trade, and self expression.

For more information visit- http://islandwaves.blogspot. com/

Grand Opening.

Left: Garnell Limperes

Fundraiser

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Bahamian Icon Awards Winners Announced July 18, 2013.

The organizers of the Bahamian Icon Awards are pleased to announce the 2013 award recipients in the following categories: Fine Arts - Dorothy Miller (Straw Artisan) Entertainment - Dillon “Dmac” McKenzie (Da Gaulin Song) Education - Joseph Rolle (Boys Industrial School) Tourism - Robert “Sandy” Sands (Baha Mar) Sports - Ozzie Moore (Volleyball) Journalism - Anthony Newbold (Legends - ZNS Network) Finance - Wendy Warren (The Bahamas Financial Services Board) Entrepreneurship - Phillip Lightbourne (Phill’s Food Service) Humanitarianism - Darcy Moss (K Pace After School Program) Commerce - Atario Mitchell (Bahamas Striping) “When I consider the magnitude of the impact that the Bahamian Icon Awards has had on the Bahamian society, the only thing I feel is humbled”, says Addis T. Huyler, Founder and Executive Producer of The Bahamian Icon Awards.

“This program is much bigger than me or any one of us involved in the production. It represents validation for all those hard working Bahamians who give their all to their careers thinking no one was paying attention or no one cared. More so, it is an opportunity for us to reach back and support our future leaders through the Rising Star Scholarship at the College of The Bahamas. My committee and I are overwhelmed at the warm blanket of welcome that the Bahamas has given this organization and we are also immensely grateful to be the vessels through with this blessing might flow.”

The awards were handed out at the first Bahamian Icon Awards Ceremony. The grand black-tie event was held at the Independence Ballroom of the Sheraton Resort, Cable Beach. Over 400 guests were entertained by a myriad of diverse Bahamian Performers including Sosa Man, Berlicia Saunders, Rik Carey, Patrice Murrell, Shanique Thurston, Novie Pierre, Puzzle, Visage, Sketch, Shakara Newton, Lady E, Dyson Knight, Bodine, D-Mac, The Highgrove Singers and the cast of Election 2012: What Just Happened? Plans are already in the works for the 2nd Annual Bahamian Icon Awards. The date for next year’s show will be announced at a later date.

About The Bahamian Icon Awards: The Bahamian Icon Awards acknowledges the exemplary achievements of men and women who have excelled in various industries, thus contributing to the overall development of the Bahamian community. Our mission is to provide an achievable goal that inspires and encourages consistent efforts to achieve excellence and the fostering of good will. For more information visit our website at: http://www.bahamianiconawards. com.

All photos courtesy of Bahamian Icon Awards Contact: Addis T. Huyler Office (242) 394-2665

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Anthony Newbold- Journalism

Atario Mitchell- Commerce

The Bahamian Icon Awards Organiziing Committee l-r Addis Huyler, Founder, Latoya Hanna-Moxey, Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, Valentino Bethell.

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Darcy Moss- Humanitarianism

Dorothy Miller- Fine Arts 60 nuwomanmagazine.com

Dillon “Dmac� McKenzie- Entertainment

Joseph Rolle- Education

Ozzie Moore- Sports

Robert Sands- Tourism

Entrepreneurship - Phillip Lightbourne

Wendy Warren-Finance 61

T

wenty-three year old Ruqayyah was officially sashed and crowned “Miss Guyana World 2013” by the franchise owner Natasha Martindale. Ruqayyah was previously crowned “Miss Guyana Universe 2012”, by Leila Lopes (Miss Universe’s 2011 winner).

She is the first Guyanese-Muslim to win the Miss Guyana Universe pageant. On December 14, 2012 while competing at the Miss Universe pageant, Ruqayyah fell to the ground during the evening gown preliminary competition but quickly recovered. Through it all Ruqayyah preservered. This outstanding young woman took a moment to talk with Nu Woman on everything “pageant”, as well as her ‘fall’ during the 2012 Miss Universe competition.

Nu Woman: What made you interested in pageants?

Ruqayyah: My initial interest in pageantry stemmed from my love for the performing arts and the stage. I wanted to market my talents in music, drama, poetry and dance in a forum where I would be able to network not just locally but internationally. Pageantry at the time just seemed like the perfect stepping stone for that. However as time progressed it grew into much more than just wanting to showcase my talents, but having a voice, representing my personal truths and catering to the needs of others while enjoying every bit of it.

NW: It seems like you have spent many years on the pageant circuit, what is your ultimate goal here?

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Ruqayyah: Ultimately I hope to secure an international title, like Miss World that I am currently preparing for. I represented Guyana in the Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas and garnered a wealth of experience. Being a global ambassador and aspiring lawyer are the professions I have been aiming for, as I am a fan of diplomacy, Law and International relations. I believe pageantry is a great platform to help me build on such a profession. It is an environment that allows one to meet a diverse group of people every day and even though it is considered a challenging job, it’s one where you are still able to have fun at the same time.

NW: What happened during the preliminary evening gown competition that caused the fall? How did you recover so quickly, and what thoughts were going through your mind at the time?

Ruqayyah: From what I recall there was a wet stage and at the time I had no reason to look down, my objective was to keep my head lifted and to grace the stage with all the elegance I could muster. I cannot explain my recovery, but I do know that once I was on the ground, I only wanted to be up.

Maybe it’s because of the person I am, I could never stay down for too long but have always strived to be a very positive person. I was in total shock and could not believe I had fallen in front of millions. I was also a bit embarrassed but those feelings evaporated by the time I made it backstage and the other contestants reassured me that everything was going to be alright.

NW: What reactions did you receive back home on ‘the fall’? Support?

Criticism?

Ruqayyah: It was interesting actually. I feared the worst because where I am from it is a very tough crowd, however folks back home had a field day with it. For them it was the best thing that could have happened, mainly because of the way in which I recovered. They believed it was a great reflection on our population and showed that our nation is filled with people of strength who are very capable of bouncing back whenever they were faced with challenges.

I received a standing ovation from Miss USA Crystal Stewart who was one of the preliminary judges as well. In her time during Miss Universe she had also fallen during the evening wear segment. I reckon she understood how I felt and applauded my recovery as she had emerged just as gracefully from her fall. The fall now has now made the hall of fame with other great queens who fell and bounced back so, I am no longer ashamed of it but have embraced it as just another experience.

NW: You seem to be well-rounded with a good academic background, and have a great deal of extra-curricular activities and appearances. When do you find time for Ruq ayyah?

Ruqayyah: Good question. You see, the thing is I’m always doing me, my studies, extracurricular activities, appearances, all of it is a reflection of who I am and the things I love to do. So I guess you can say I’m always doing Ruqayyah. The only quiet time I get is when I’m sleeping at nights. Being this way is good enough for me because I’m passionate about life and all its adventures and I live each day ready to take on any new challenge that comes my way and live life as if it’s my last.

NW: What is it that you would like to do after completing your Bachelor’s in International Relations at the University of Guyana?

Ruqayyah: I’ll be going for my masters; however that will be a combination of Law, International Relations and Political sciences. I am hoping to get into Columbia University or any other prestigious university in either the US or England. At some point though, after all the hard work, I plan on settling down and having a family.

NW: Are you pursuing two separate degrees at two institutions?

Ruqayyah: I already have an Associate’s degree in General Studies after securing 8 A-Level passes that I gained before pursuing my Bachelor’s in International Relations.

NW: What does it mean to represent your country?

Ruqayyah: It is a feeling that brings me great pride and joy. To look upon the faces of my countrymen and women and see the expressions of euphoria whenever I excel at any competition while representing them is truly a rewarded feeling. It is amazing how united one’s country can become when they have to support a cause that is for a greater good. It is that unity that I represent -- that love and ray of hope that I would not trade the feeling for the world.

NW: What is next for Ruqayyah?

R: Before or after Miss World? I have a lot of plans for the future.

However, as of now, I’m solely focused on capturing the Miss World Crown. I am working assiduously on my beauty with a purpose project as it is one of my favourite aspects of the pageant. Also, I have a charity that can now capture the recognition which can help it to grow and cross over into the mainstream, hence reaching more persons globally.

NW: Where would you like to be in 10 years?

R: Oh boy!! I’ll be in my thirties by that time. I hope to have achieved most if not all of what I’d set out to do. I will definitely be married by that time so family will be another important focus of mine. I have an unpublished manuscript I’ve been working on for the past two years, which I would hope would become a best seller. Additionally, continuing my work as an ambassador working within the United Nations Legal Framework and other NGO’s, finish my degrees, and having Hope Phoenix (My foundation) as an established and world renowned organi63

zation, that at that time would have helped saved the lives and restored hope to many persons battling abuse, bullying and who lie victim to gender-based violence.

NW: How are you able to maintain your title and still pursue a degree?

Or is university off hold at the moment?

R: I study during my reign but I recently took some time off from university and my job as a journalist to prepare for the Miss World Pageant. A sacrifice indeed but It is the only way I can be all I need to be as I can only make my country proud with the right amount of focus, dedication and commitment required for a pageant of this caliber.

NW: Do you think that pageantry is a good tool when fostering self-confidence in young women? If so, why?

Ruqayyah: Yes it is. It allows one to build confidence in terms of one’s overall presentation. Pageantry has so many elements attached to it. Most times you have to emerge in front of tons of people and they expect you to be articulate, graceful, and ready to rock the runway. As someone preparing for such a competition, it is important for you to groom and train yourself to be a role model for the both the young and old and deliver at all times when called upon. In order to be an effective role model one must be confident and committed. These types of skills come with training and exposure to these types of environments and therefore you’re bound to experience a boost in your self confidence as you interact on a constant basis with those you come into contact with whether on or off stage.

Photography: Tim Garces

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DAVID ROLLE Bahamian Designer and Mission Catwalk 3 Finalist Bahamian designer David Rolle claimed 2nd place at Mission Catwalk Season 3. David, who competed against Theodore Elyett, also of The Bahamas, and Renardo Lloyd of Jamaica, talks about what prompted him to enter Mission Catwalk.

“I’ve always wished I could somehow enter Project Runway.

When I found out about Mission Catwalk and after watching my first episode, there was no question that I’d be a part of the next season. Being a person that loves a challenge confirmed that this was the perfect route for me.”

David was also gracious on his return home and took some time to talk to Nu Woman about his Mission Catwalk experience.

Nu Woman: What was the application/selection process like?

David: It started by sending a few emails out, letting the Mission Catwalk team know that I was interested. They requested an online submission of work from my portfolio. I was short listed and asked to fly to Jamaica seven days later for a filmed audition. Each designer was asked to bring samples of actual work. From then, the 15 designers were confirmed.

NW: On arriving and meeting the contestants, were you nervous? What did you think about the competition?

David: I wasn’t really nervous about seeing the other contestants. I was shocked to run into Theodore at the airport because I had no clue he had applied. Alexis, I knew from Islands Of The World Fashion Showcase. I knew she would be a force. I could tell that talent, if nothing else, was present.

NW: After the first challenge completed, what were your thoughts? Was the competition at this point what you anticipated?

David: I felt like the underdog going into the first challenge. This fueled me, however, to really turn things up a notch. After seeing all of the designers’ work on stage, I knew I had a chance. The competition was as expected. However, I was not prepared to be filmed so much.

NW: Was this a friendly competition? Rivalry?

David: I think it was just two other designers who didn’t have formal training. I’m not sure if the others designed before heading to school.

NW: What were some key lessons learnt in this competition?

David: More than anything, to edit. Taking away is just as important as adding. This was the most valuable lesson. I also learnt the hard way that not just because someone is expected to have your best interest at heart, means they will.

NW: What was it like competing against another Bahamian?

David: I think we gave each other a much needed competitive push. That’s as much as I think I should say. (Lol) NW: Describe your first win in a competition? How were you feeling?

David: For the most part Season 3 was pretty friendly. A few of the designers had it out with each other but nothing that lasted too long.

David: My first win came at the perfect time. After having placed in the top three for all individual challenges but not having won, I was excited to claim victory. This for most was probably the most difficult challenge thus far, as we were asked to reconstruct other contestants’ bottom three looks. This episode rocked!

NW: You are a self-taught artist. Were many of the other contestants self-taught?

NW: How difficult was it to complete these last pieces within that time frame? Were the designers allowed help?

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David: Designing my 12 piece collection was a challenge, however time did not play a factor. We had about 85 days to complete our collection. We were asked not to seek help with construction of physical garments.

NW: What inspired the designs for the finale?

David: the Garden of Eden inspired this collection.

I designed looks for my modern day Eve. NW: What happens now? What are your immediate plans? Long-term plans?

David: I’m excited to have won a brand management contract with Global Purchasing. I look forward to working with them. I’m already working on multiple collections and looking at doing some training. I think Asia is calling me.

David Rolle’s Mission Catwalk Collection presented at Mario’s Bowling at Catwalk Bahamas.

Photography: Derek W. Smith

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Photography Derek W. Smith

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**DIGITAL BONUS!!** Additional nymph images pages 68-72.

Tazhmoye unpainted.

Photography: Monty Knowles

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Junkanoo NymphTazhmoye Cummings Painting & photography by Monty Knowles

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THE HEAT IS ON!

Photography Derek Smith, Bahamas Information Services (BIS)

The Miami Heat created quite a buzz on arriving in The Bahamas on Monday, September 30th. The team had sojourned to participate in a training camp (which ran from October 1st – 4th at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort) and was greeted by a mini-Junkanoo parade.

Lebron James commented on the reception saying, “It was great to be welcomed like that with open arms to the island. I thought it was pretty cool. We’re humbled by it.”

LeBron said he would like another training camp in The Bahamas, where members got the opportunity to bond and engage in lots of camaraderie on and off the court. “It was very enjoyable. We worked our tails for five practices and the afternoon we went around the pool. We had lots of laughter being together and continue to build that friendship we have always had.

It is great to be around people who enjoy each other.”

Teammate Dwayne Wade also stated that “It’s been one of my favourite training camps in my 11 years. To come down here as a team after winning back-to-back championship to see the intensity in here, to see the focus, and to be here as group, as a unit to really enjoy each other. We are a special team, a special group and it is times like this that you really get to see it.”

During their stay, the Miami Heat met with Prime Minister Perry Christie, cabinet ministers and other Bahamian officials.

For more details on this story check out thebahamasweekly.com, article written by Lindsay Thompson. http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Miami_Heat_says_Bahamas_was_great_for_preseason_training_camp30892.shtml

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Chris “The Bird” Anderson “The Bird, forward-centre, exercising during the Miami Heat pre-season training camp at the Atlantis, Paradise Island on Tuesday, October 1, 2013. Photo.

Derek Smith

LeBron James speaks with local and international media about the training camp and expectations for the upcoming NBA season.

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Top right: Miami Heat Guard, Ray Allen in training.

Bottom right: Patrick James “Pat” Riley, team president of the Miami Heat.

Photos: Derek Smith BIS

Dwayne Wade talks with Tourism Today

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