am taking Bahamian culture throughout the world.”

By Yolanda Hanna

MTM Brand

Inspired by the spirit of Junkanoo and the costumes she saw on Bay Street every year, Gina Luree got the idea to express The Bahamas’ premiere cultural festival on handcrafted ceramics.

Her creativity led to the creation of “Cultureware by Gina Luree”, a line of handmade cups, saucers, and dinnerware sets that depicted scenes from Junkanoo. Bahamians loved the pieces, and Gina was inspired to develop and expand her ceramic line.

She decided to add new designs like shapes and colours inspired by Junkanoo and create a new line of designs inspired by marine life and the islands of The Bahamas.

“When I first started the business, my uncle and a Junkanoo artist created drawings of Junkanoo pieces for me because I wanted to create keepsakes that captured the feeling of Junkanoo. I began designing the images on lampshades, gift bags, and masks. Then, I got the idea to create Junkanoo dinnerware that people can give as gifts, and use every day,” she said.

“I started working with ceramics in 2004, and I opened my first store a few years later. People were excited when they saw my pieces (laughs). It was something different. I was the first person to create Junkanoo dinnerware and Bahamians loved the pieces! People purchased the sets for gifts and decorations, and some shipped the dinnerware to family members living abroad.

“The reception from the tourists was different because they didn’t understand Junkanoo. My designs included handcrafted cowbell bell handles, sea grape leaves, and Junkanoo headpieces, so I had to explain what the pieces represented.”

She added, “In 2009, the Ministry of Tourism presented my cup and saucer to Miss Bahamas as a gift during the Miss Universe Pageant.”

“I was recently inspired to add new components to the business that defined the company and showcased my artistry. My initial designs depicted actual Junkanoo pieces. The new designs will feature three components – shapes and colours inspired by Junkanoo, the islands of The Bahamas, and our marine life. The Islands of The Bahamas dinnerware was launch in June, and the marine life dinnerware will launch later in the year.”

“There is nothing like our Junkanoo, the Bahama Islands, or our marine life anywhere in the world,” said Gina Luree. “I want my designs to go throughout the world and represent who I am. The company is now a home-based business. The ceramics are available in Nassau at Depre Bahamas on West Bay Street and Down Home on Parliament Street. I can also be contacted directly on my social media pages.” UA

The Union Jack flew over the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for the last time on Monday, July 9th, 1973. Persons living in The Bahamas, then, an overseas British Territory, were preparing for a momentous occasion: The Bahamas becoming an independent nation. On Tuesday, July 10th, 1973, The Bahamas became the 143rd sovereign state. All people born after 1973 were citizens of a new country.

As The Bahamas celebrates its 50th year of independence, a lot of activities and focus surrounding the momentous occasion will be human-centred. However, many species of animals originally regarded as “native” also received changes to their status since 1973. They were elevated to “endemic” species, the highest honour bestowed to an animal population. Here are some Bahamian animals that were elevated to full species and species that were discovered after 1973.