Friday, February 3, 2017
pageants books weddings makeup fashion puzzles history food
Weekend
belles of the ball Pages 14&15
Battle of the bands High schoolers aim to hit high notes Music, page 19
02| The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
history
Beyond Anne Frank’s Diary Nassau’s Jewish community hosts Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
H Anne Frank pictured in 1940 at age 10
Eva Schloss’ book tackles the unanswered questions of Anne Frank’s diary
undreds of Bahamians will have the rare opportunity to hear a first-hand account of the horrors of World War II when Eva Schloss, the stepsister of Anne Frank, presents “Beyond the Diary” at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort on Thursday, February 9. Mrs Schloss, 87, survived the war and went on to become a wife, mother, grandmother, author and humanitarian. The story of her family’s life is an amazing tale of human perseverance and strength that is sure to inspire everyone who hears it. “Beyond the Diary” is the third historic programme in six years to be hosted by Nassau’s Jewish community. The first two events, featuring a Schindler’s list Holocaust survivor and an Israeli fencer from the 1972 Munich Olympics respectively, drew standing-room only crowds. Speaking to Tribune Weekend about the upcoming presentation, Rabbi Sholom Bluming said: “Eva Schloss is one of the last remaining Holocaust survivors. She will tell her unforgettable story through the eyes of her best friend and classmate, Anne Frank, then through her own lens as a prisoner, and finally through the heart of a woman whose courage and compassion could not be dampened as she emerged to live a rich and full life of inspiration
Eva Schloss to others. Eva, who became Anne Frank’s stepsister after her father married Anne’s mother following the death of their respective spouses, will motivate all of us.” He continued: “I have to say that I am honoured and delighted by the way the local community has embraced this event. With everything that is going on in the world today it is so important to have messages of tolerance and respect. There is still far too much division in the world. “When you hear her story, it is tragic, yes, but when you hear the story you need to take from it. When you listen to a witness, you then become a witness.” Rabbi Bluming noted through her diary, kept during the two years the Franks spent in hiding from the Nazis, Anne continues to inspire the entire world. “Despite what happened to her, she never stopped dreaming of a better tomorrow. In the darkness, she found clarity. She represents the childlike ability to dream that you can be someone great,” he said.
Mrs Schloss will speak to a general audience on Thursday evening at the Meliá. The event is free to the public thanks to a number of corporate sponsors who have contributed to the event. It will begin at 6.30pm and will be a moderated event hosted by Jeff Lloyd, followed by a question and answer segment. A day prior, more than 600 students are expected to hear Mrs Schloss speak during a special presentation for Nassau’s schools at the University of the Bahamas’ Harry C Moore Library. “The schools here have shown a tremendous interest, because they see Mrs Schloss as a living history book,” said Rabbi Bluming. Among the sponsors for “Beyond the Diary” are Aetos Holdings, Andbank Private Bankers, Ansbacher Bahamas, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Bank J Safra Sarasin (Bahamas), Bank Julius Baer, Diane Phillips & Associates, Oracle Capital Advisors, Restaurants Bahamas, SYZ Wealth Management and Union Bancaire Privee.
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Inside Weekend Interview 4 - 5 Natario McKenzie talks to Candis Marshall about her passion for helping at-risk youth through art Food 7 An indoor beach and a new take on Bahamian staples await you at Starfish Bay
Makeup 8-9 Makeup artist Khandise Bain explores the ‘Fab’ life
Entertainment 10 - 12 The Xtasy Mas Band launches 2017 costumes, the world’s largest spoken word tour comes to Nassau, plus the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival is back on
Belles of the ball 14 - 15 The 45th Annual Red Cross Ball
Books 17 Newly discovered Mark Twain children’s story to be published in Fall, plus latest releases reviewed
Music
18 - 19 High school pop bands battle it out in the “Music Project”, plus world-renowned string musicians charm Bahamian audiences
Wedding 20 - 21 A couple’s first, charged encounter ends with a trip down the aisle Pageants
22 Theodore Elyett’s golden Miss Universe gown scores big with fashion bloggers
Literary Lives 23 - 25 Arthur Hailey is a master of suspense and reality Forgotten Facts 25 The Governor visits the Centreville fruit farm Animals
27 The end of the circus animal era, plus Pet of the Week
Gardening 28 Jack Hardy’s February crops
My perfect Bahamian weekend Daniah Miller Faith-based blogger
Q: What is one thing that you can’t live without “Peace. I struggled for a long time with the concept of inner peace, but the process of time and spiritual growth has proven to me that peace does exist. “I had to make sacrifices to attain it, and I have to work hard to maintain it, but I’ve found true peace is a natural by-product of relational intimacy with Yahweh (God). “It keeps me grounded, focused and secure, and I cannot imagine my life without it.”
Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch? “I definitely enjoy catching up with a friend over great food on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Plus, it’s a great way to end my weekend and a fantastic way to start the work week.” Q: Beach or sofa? “100 per cent the beach. I always find that the combination of rhythmic waves hitting the shore, unfathomable shades of blue and cool breeze help me find my way back to the right perspective. We live in paradise, so the beach is the perfect place for me to unwind and de-stress.”
Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik? “I’m not much of a drinker, but when I do indulge I go for a cocktail. I love sweet things, so anything fruity is a win in my book.”
Q: Weekend away, where would you go and why? “Exuma is the only reasonable answer for me right now. I’ve visited only briefly, but was blown away by the splendour of the island and still daydream about it. “I think Exuma would allow me to go off the grid just enough to recharge and take in all that beauty.”
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday
entertainment.
• Stepping Stone Quilt Show Time: 10am - 4pm (continues until Saturday) Venue: Trinity Methodist Church More than 80 handmade quilts by the Stepping Stone Quilters Guild are on display for the first time.
• Willis and the Illest Marley Tribute Time: 10pm Venue: Lukka Kairi, Prince George Wharf An evening celebrating the life and musical works of the legendary Bob Marley. E-mail reservations@lukkakairi.com or call 427-8886.
• The Poets In Autumn Tour – Caribbean Edition Time: 6.30pm Venue: Life Changers International Ministries, Bacardi Road. The world’s largest spoken word tour brings top Christian poets to Nassau. SEE PAGE 11 • A Whole New World: Journey to Neverland Time: 6pm Venue: Doongalik Studios The studio’s first exhibit of 2017 features new works by Bahamian artist Ryan Turnquest that were inspired by the tragic loss of his younger brother, Chris Turnquest, in a boating incident in Nassau Harbour on October 1, 2016. • 3rilogy’s ParticiPAINT 2 Time: 7pm Venue: The Art Room, East Bay Street 3rilogy are three acclaimed Bahamian artists – Stefan Davis, Allan P Wallace and Jamaal Rolle – who are inviting the public to join them for an unforgettable night of art and
Saturday • Traditional Cuban Pig Roast Luncheon Time: 2pm Venue: Maillis Farms, Adelaide Join the Bahamas National Trust for a traditional Cuban pig roast. For tickets call 393-1317 or e-mail bntmembership@bnt.bs. • The Elevation Awards Time: 7pm Venue: Meliá Nassau Beach Resort The televised awards show celebrates Bahamians and other minorities in music, sports, community-building and other fields of entertainment over the past year. This annual presentation will feature live performances by local and international artists. The show will be aired on Cable 12 and streamed live on the website elevationawards.com. • Love Yourself Time: 9pm Venue: Fort Charlotte Get ready an extravagant all-white
party presented by Sky Juice King. Hosted by Selector Chronic, the event will feature a live performance by Jamaica’s Satina and entertainment by Gary Chucks from Dutty Fridays Jamaica, Tasha Rozez from Gunz N Rozez Sounds, and others. Tickets available at Exquisite Cutz, Bahama Ink and Ganees Fashion.
Sunday • Green Parrot Super Bowl Party with Bud Light Time: 5pm Venue: Green Parrot Bar & Grill, East Bay Street Bud Light bucket specials, appetiser sampler platters and the worldfamous wings. • Super Bowl 51 at Mario’s Time: 3pm Venue: Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace The game will shown on 50 screens and there will be beer specials all night long. • Pirate Republic’s Super Bowl Sunday Time: 6pm Venue: Pirate Republic Brewing Company The game will be shown on give HD TVs and The Galley will offering delectable eats and craft beers. Weather your team wins or loses you will get $1 touchdown shots.
04 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
interview What started out as a wager with her young son has turned into a unique business venture which not only turns a profit, but also teaches at-risk youth job skills. Candis Marshall talks to Natario McKenzie about how recycled tyres have changed her life and allowed her to create a new art form.
Candis Marshall
L
ooking back, Candis Marshall says she would have never envisioned that making products out of recycled tyres could actually turn into a viable business venture. Ms Marshall, an artist and educator at heart, founded the Mega Mergers apprenticeship programme in 2015 as a summer camp which focused on at-risk teenagers. Her intention was to teach them the fundamentals of entrepreneurship: accountability, self-sufficiency, hard work and communication. The programme also encourages them to think, create and communicate through the arts, and how to explore environmental-sustainability. This year, Ms Marshall said she intends to take the programme to the next level with a rebrand, having developed her ‘Cajouben’ fashion line using recycled materials. “All of our products are made from tyres; every aspect of the tyre. We make accessories, jewellery, bracelets and belts for men and women. Depending on the event, we can make speciality items. We also make functional furniture. Everything we do is art. I’m an artist. Everyone that has worked with me in the past has had some affiliation with art or youth development,” she said. “It was never my intention to get into this business, not even remotely,” she recalled. She said it all got started back in 2015. “My son was in the second grade at the time and he wanted some money for a vacation. I told him to come up with an idea to make some money and whatever he came with and made I would match it. He thought about it and found an old tyre outside and said that
“I started 2016 with literally zero dollars. I was able to mentor some 25 young adults entering the work force. We did about 20 events and we had about 30 media spots and were able to circulate about $25,000 though grants, doing festivals and things like that.”
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we were going to make wallets out of the tyre, and so we did. Queen’s College was having an art fair, so I called up a friend of mine and told her I wanted to participate. We went there and were able to sell the wallets and straw bracelets and made $175 dollars.” Still, Ms Marshall noted that even though the initial response was great, the idea didn’t stick right away. It wasn’t until she ultimately developed the Mega Mergers programme for the Ministry of Youth that the idea of recycling tyres really began to take shape. The response to Mega Mergers was overwhelming, she said. The programme offers apprenticeship training that aims to boost environmental consciousness as well as encourage entrepreneurial skills and the development of social skills which can be used to generate immediate income on a shoestring budget. “Last summer we had 25 kids and developed 60 products, which we tested at expos as well as public and private events,” said Ms Marshall. “I started 2016 with literally zero dollars. I was able to mentor some 25 young adults entering the work force. We did about 20 events and we had about 30 media spots and were able to circulate about $25,000 though grants, doing festivals and things like that.” The organisation won the Best Show Award at the Bahamas National Trust Wine Festival in 2015 as well. Ms Marshall was also able to display her work and that of Mega Merger kids at the “Wear Your Rubber” fashion show last February. Speaking with The Tribune after that show, Ms Marshall said: “Over the years I have heard people try to define the Bahamian creative. You can’t! Our scope is so wide and so diverse that it is mind-blowing. It is sad that in our country for the most part we do not respect and encourage the arts.” Now in 2017, she is ready to ramp up her efforts to expose this “diverse and mind-blow-
“I want to inspire the next generation. I am looking to even bigger things in 2017, creating excellent, innovative products and inspiring people to do the same.”
ing” art to the public. “I have decided to move forward with the business because I actually see the viability of it, not just locally but internationally as well. My perspective has changed about it entirely. The focus is not so much on craft but more so on fashion design. When we started it was all about creating things, throwing everything against the wall and seeing what sticks,” sad Ms Marshall. “I want to inspire the next generation. I am looking to even bigger things in 2017, creating excellent, innovative products and inspiring people to do the same.” Persons will have a chance to be inspired by her work at the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival scheduled for next week at
the John Watling’s Distillery The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is sponsoring the event, which is a production of the Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association (BHTA). It is expected to be an exciting affair with vendors from all over the Bahamas coming together to showcase ‘tru tru’ Bahamian culture. The festival was originally scheduled for November 2016, but after Hurricane Matthew tore through the Bahamas, organisers wanted to give everyone a chance to recoup. The event begins at 10am and is expected to end 8pm with a Junkanoo rush-out. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
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Friday, February 3, 2017
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Friday, February 3, 2017
food
Life’s a beach at Starfish Bay Bahamian food,” Ray explained. “I wanted it to be comfortable yet sophisticated at the same time. I also wanted them to be able to step inside tarfish Bay may be located on and it be an escape from the mundane.” Christie Avenue, just off East Ray’s initial inspiration for the space Bay Street, but patrons who came from the summers he spent in step foot inside the unique Great Harbour Cay with his mother restaurant will certainly feel and stepfather at the Beach Club there. that they have ventured off the beaten “When I started this whole restaupathThat’s because owner Ray Kongwa rant process I knew that I wanted it to has created a space that brings the be a beach-themed restaurant.” beaches of the Bahamas into the city. He was able to achieve the feel of an “I had been a journalist and after indoor beach with the help of noted loleaving journalism I entered real estate cal designer David Rolle, who created a at a time when the industry was really unique environment with burlap draped slow. To supplement my income I got a ceilings and a sand covered floor, which job as a waiter at Mahogany House and really inspires patrons to kick their worked my way up to assistant general shoes off. The décor is made complete manager. I spent four years there and with nautical touches. And on the decided that I wanted to open my own outside patio guests can find colourful restaurant,” he told Tribune Weekend. picnic benches providing extra seating, That dream took two and a half years “It just has a relaxing atmosphere,” to realise. During that time, he also did Ray said of the space. a stint at Baha Mar and worked in their The restaurant is open seven days a catering department, before opening week and features breakfast and lunch Starfish Bay in August of last year. options. “I wanted to do a different take on “One of our unique features is that
By Cara Hunt cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
S
Curry chicken with potato salad
Starfish beef burger
as long as our kitchen is open, we will provide breakfast to anyone who wants it,” he said. “Breakfast options include omelettes, French toast, tuna and grits and stew fish.” Lunch provides a focus on tasty homemade Bahamian fare. “We put a big emphasis on the food being fresh,” Ray said. “The first part of every day is spent sourcing the conch for the day, because we don’t serve frozen conch. Our burgers are unique in that they are not fried or grilled. Instead we marinate our meat and then poach it, which seals in the flavour while at the same time making it a healthier burger because there is less saturated fat,” he explained. Additionally, entrées include curry chicken, cracked conch salad, steamed pork chops and lemon pepper fish. Dessert options include guava pudding and bread pudding. There is also a full bar that offers an electric array of native drinks. “Our signature drink is the Starfish Sky Juice, which is topped with coconut rum for an added kick, but we also have speciality drinks named after all of the Family Islands,” said Ray. Guests can enjoy live music during weekend happy hours the restaurant can also be rented for Chopped crack conch sala private functions and catering.
The signature Starfish Sky Juice
Bread pudding
Guava pudding
08 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
makeup
The fabulous life Khandise Bain finds artistry in makeup By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
D
ewy skin, smokey eyes and matte lips will continue to be among the hottest cosmetic trends for 2017, Khandise Bain assures us. And she should know. After all, Khandise is quickly becoming one of the Bahamas’ best known makeup artists. The former banker is on a mission with her Fab Faces Makeup Artistry company to make women feel beautiful and confident. Choosing this career path, however, did not come easy, especially considering the fact that she was never someone who wore makeup on daily basis or believed that makeup was a necessity. During her search to find her purpose and a profession that she could truly love, Khandise tried a few different things, some of which included making jewellery, hairstyling and event décor. However, none of these options could fully hold her attention and failed to inspire her in the long run. She had nearly given up searching for that elusive dream job when she came across an e-mail suggesting makeup artistry as a career. And just like that, the seed was planted and Khandise was on her way to becoming an enthusiastic makeup artist. She said she fell in love with the colours and the freedom the work gives her to fully utilise her creativity. She loves transforming people’s looks and the way makeup can make a woman feel beautiful, no matter how little is used. Khandise believes that makeup gives women an avenue to express the different sides of their personalities. “The never-ending possibilities to
“The neverending possibilities to constantly create something new and different, I loved it and wanted more.” Makeup artist Khandise Bain
constantly create something new and different, I loved it and wanted more. I never thought I would actually be self-employed. I took a shot in the dark and said why the hell not, and put myself out there on social media with no expectations or thought in mind as
to where it would take me or who I might be as a result. I just fell in love with makeup and wanted to share it with anyone that was willing,” she told Tribune Weekend. “I cannot really say that I have had any malicious or negative responses
in my career as an artist. I try to stay neutral and maintain my professionalism with all clients.” Fab Faces specialises in beauty makeovers as well as non-traditional makeup application. However, the company of course also offers the latest
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trends, including matte lips, sultry smokey eyes, dewy glowing skin, less defined brows, and shades of berry and nudes. Khandise’s favourite products to use are bronzers, highlighters, lashes and lipsticks. “I have always loved art, anything creative and the idea of a transformation,” she said. “I am not a person that enjoys being delegated to, having deadlines, having to sit to a computer behind a desk all day and the monotonous task that an office job usually dictates. Being a makeup artist, especially one that is self-employed, allows me the freedom of flexibility and self-expression with no boundaries.” Khandise said as a makeup artist she can be as creative as she wants to be, all the while inspiring her clients to embrace who they are. It is also a profession that allows her to constantly expand upon her knowledge and skills. And the field is so varied, she said, that there is always some way to stand out in the crowd of makeup artists. As she embarks on new endeavours in 2017, Khandise said she knows she has the support of her parents, Patricia and Erlin Smith, who have always encouraged her to aim for greatness. “I have so many things I would want to have happen for myself and my business. My ultimate goal is to have my own cosmetic line of my favourite things. I want to break barriers in the Bahamas and bring awareness internationally to the amazing talent that we have here at home. I want to show people that have the same passions as I do that being a Bahamian does not limit your potential or what you are capable of achieving. In 2017 you can expect a better, more fabulous experience with me,” she said.
Elegant wedding makeup
“I want to break barriers in the Bahamas and bring awareness internationally to the amazing talent that we have here at home. I want to show people...that being a Bahamian does not limit your potential or what you are capable of achieving.”
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Friday, February 3, 2017
entertainment
Xtasy ramps up road fever for 2017 By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
I
F last Friday was any indication of what the Xtasy Mas Band has in store for the upcoming Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, then revellers are in for a fun-filled and exciting time. Bright, colourful costumes were displayed by the group’s members as they danced to vibrant soca rhythms at the special launch event at Smugglers Restaurant. Beyond just reintroducing themselves, Xtasy sent a strong message that they are ready “mash up di road” come May. Persons linking up with Xtasy this year can expect to experience an all-inclusive moving party where meals, a full security service and unlimited beverages will be provided. Bahamian and international performing artists as well as DJs will also be joining the party. “Carnival is still basically new to the Bahamas and the Bahamian people, so naturally it’s going to take a few more years for them to become more involved. Since year one Xtasy Band has evolved in terms of its presence among local masqueraders and the general public, and through its provision of more short-term employment. This has come about primarily due to its use of social media and continued efforts to interact with the movers and shakers of other carnivals throughout the diaspora,” said Ann Balfour, public relations officer of the band. “The group members are extremely excited for Carnival 2017. However, there was concern among some persons having not seen much in the way of
preparations from the media or government thus far. So persons are left feeling that maybe Carnival would not happen this year. So to allay concerns and doubts, Xtasy Band got out of the gate first with its launch of the 2017 carnival costume presentation and now we feel the other carnival bands will start to showcase their costumes shortly. The momentum is now in the air.” Ms Balfour said Xtasy has always prided itself on offering the best costumes. Special consideration is taken to ensure that costumes are all road friendly and are easy to wear. “The band is known for having costumes that are flexible, easy to carry and fete in on the road during the parade. We will have costumes for all sizes. Whether small or large, we will accommodate all, provided that special orders are given sufficient lead time to produce,” she said. Ms Balfour said this year’s launch was confirmation that there is a growing interest in the band and they expect to see more of that as Xtasy gets set to host several events in the lead-up to the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival on May 6. “People should participate with Xtasy Band this time around because we deliver on whatever is promised to our masqueraders in terms of costumes, meals, security, drinksm and of course an excellent experience on the road. We have been known on the road as the band with the most vibes. However, there is always room for improvement and this is something we continue to work on moving forward,” said Ms Balfour.
The Xtasy Mas Band shows off its carnival costumes for 2017
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entertainment
‘Poets In Autumn’ comes to the Bahamas By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
T
he world’s largest spoken word tour officially touches down in the Bahamas tonight, featuring some of the top Christian poets. Originally a 24-city tour in the United States, the popular Poets In Autumn series recently expanded into a world tour of Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, with the Bahamas being the first stop in this region. Festivities will take place at the Life Changers International Ministries on Bacardi Road and will begin at 7pm. The event will be hosted by local entertainer Bertrum Oh Bubbler. Featured acts will include Bahamian gospel singer Lyrically Blessed, and international poets Ezekiel Azonwu, Chris Webb, Janette...ikz, Preston Perry and Jackie Hill Perry. The Bahamian leg of the tour is coordinated by Alancha Thompson along with a team of young volunteers. She said tonight’s event is highly anticipated, with up to 1,000 persons expected to attend. “This event is designed to encourage and challenge attendees to talk about the issues of life that are common to us all, but are seldom discussed openly,” she said. “This is the first time the tour is branching into a world tour and the very first time the poets are collaboratively visiting the Bahamas. Four of the five poets have never ministered in the Bahamas, Chris Webb being the only one to do so back in 2014 when I coordinated his visit for a local poetry ministry, ‘Pen and Tongue’.” Alancha said her motivation to take on the task of coordinating the Poets in Autumn event in Nassau derives from her desire to bring a new form of entertainment to the Bahamas. She believes evangelisation and the winning of souls through spoken word performances has given ministers and artists a new avenue to change lives.
Jackie Hill Perry is a writer and artist whose work has been featured on The Washington Times, The 700 Club, The Gospel Coalition and other publications.
Janette...ikz is a poet whose poetry performances have garnered millions of views on YouTube and Facebook.
Ezekiel Azonwu, who teamed up with Passion for Christ Movement, his a popular spoken word poet on YouTube.
Preston Perry is is a spoken word poet, performing artist and teacher from the Southside of Chicago. He is known for his previous work with the Passion for Christ Movement and his vlogs on YouTube.
“When something has never been done, why wait for someone else to do it without first trying yourself? Knowing the reach, online presence and global effect of this event and having visited a sold-out event during the US tour has inspired me even more to want to bring the event home,” said Alancha. It was in early 2016 when one of the poets, Ezekiel Azonwu, reached out to her regarding the world tour and asked if she thought the Bahamas would be
interested in being one of the Caribbean countries involved. Knowing the effect of their ministry and their social media reach, Alancha gladly accepted. “This is to spark a movement, create a culture, span the globe and make Jesus famous using the event as a medium to change lives with art by using the greatest artist, the Most High God,” said Alancha. “Even though we frequently use other means to express ourselves, poetry is
an artistic medium used to express one’s untold feelings. And the recent upsurge of spoken word has been used as an outlet for various artists to perform their work, rather than to constrain their thoughts to paper.” Above all, she is looking forward to the reaction and testimonials of those attending tonight’s event. To learn more about the tour and the poets performing in Nassau, visit the website www.thepiatour.com.
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entertainment
Tru Tru Bahamian Festival back on for this month
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‘Tru Tru Bahamian’ experience awaits at John Watling’s Distillery on Saturday,
February 11. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is sponsoring the event, which is a production of the Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association (BHTA). It’s expected to be an exciting affair with vendors from all over the country coming together to showcase ‘tru tru’ Bahamian culture. There will be lots of Bahamian food favourites, arts and crafts, games, competitions, entertainment, a Junkanoo rush-out and more. Director of Events Charity Armbrister said the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is happy
to sponsor such an event. “The Ministry of Tourism is involved in the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival because we appreciate and recognise the value it brings to the tourism product. It is the intention of the Minister of Tourism to have exciting events year round throughout the islands of the Bahamas. Also, being able to partner with the private sector can assist in the sustainability of the event,” she said. The festival was originally scheduled for November 2016, but after Hurricane Matthew tore through the Bahamas, organisers wanted to give everyone a chance to recoup. Nonetheless, BHTA Executive Member Nina Maynard said officials expect the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival to be
‘Da Bahamian Ting’ song competition deadline extended to February 17 By Travis Cartwright Carroll Scores of talented Bahamians have been busy composing new and exciting songs for the Ministry of Tourism’s Da Bahamian Ting Song Competition. Rik Carey, coordinator in the Heritage and Culture Department of the Ministry of Tourism, said the department has been flooded with submissions from enthusiastic Bahamians.
better than ever. “This festival is for locals and visitors, young and old – everybody is invited because there is something there for everyone to do,” she said. “Tourism has changed and people are not just looking for sun, sand and sea. They are coming looking for who we are. We are looking to bring back who we are in our culture, in our food, in the way we interact, and so the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival brings all of that together.” The event begins at 10am and is expected to end 8pm with a Junkanoo rush-out. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, visit the Tru Tru Festival page on Facebook, or the Bahamas.com or TourismToday.com websites.
Tourism officials launch the Da Bahamian Ting song competition “We are really surprised by the response. It’s been amazing. We have had interest and submissions from a lot of professional and amateur musicians, songwriters, bands and school choirs. It’s not just people in Nassau either, we’ve had folks call from the Exumas, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, too,” said Mr Carey. Contestants now have until February 17 to submit their songs to the Ministry of Tourism. The deadline was extended to allow
contestants more time to refine the songs, said Mr Carey said. “As a professional musician, I know you need more time to plan things properly. There are going to be those people who need the extra time to refine their songs,” the singer added. Ten finalists will be selected from the submissions and the winner will be named at the Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival in Georgetown, Exuma, March 9-11. The overall winner will be selected by the public.
Cheralda Arnett, Sandyport Beaches Resort’s front desk manager, looks at soaps and candles from My Ocean at last year’s Tru Tru Bahamian Festival.
Songs must be in a Bahamian genre – rake n’ scrape, Goombay or Junkanoo, and around three minutes long. The winner will receive $25,000 with second place taking $20,000, third place $15,000, fourth place $10,000 and fifth through 10th receiving $1,000 each. Mr Carey said he hopes to see the next rising star of Bahamian music in this competition. “I’m very excited about what the younger generation comes up with,” he said. Application forms and competition rules are available at the Ministry of Tourism, fourth floor, British Colonial Business Centre, #1 Bay Street and all Family Island Tourist Offices. Submission forms and contest rules can also be found on the Ministry of Tourism’s website at TourismToday. com. For more information call 3022000 or e-mail dabahamianting@ bahamas.com.
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celebrity
pART
1
The Weekend Fashion Report 23rd Annual SAG Awards
SPLIT
SPLIT
FAIL
HIT
Taraji P Henson “Hidden Figures”
Natalie Portman “Jackie”
Nicole Kidman “Lion”
Millie Bobby Brown “Stranger Things”
Karin says: “A real stunner. It doesn’t leave much to the imagination and one could argue it’s a tiny bit too revealing for the SAGs, but Taraji no doubt looks amazing in this dress. I can even live with the weird little black bows. And I know she’s was feeling gorgeous the way she was twirling about all night long.” Cara says: “The shape and the fabric of this dress are absolutely stunning. I love her hair and the soft make-up colours she chose. However, I have to admit that I found the sheer bodice to be too sleazy. It’s just so unnecessary in my opinion.”
Karin says: “I know Natalie is due any minute now and it can’t be easy to find something that fits, but this white hospital gown looking dress makes it seem like she’s already checked into the maternity ward! Just because she’s heavily pregnant doesn’t mean she has to forgo all shape and colour.” Cara says: “A lot of people have compared this to the dress the one Melania Trump wore to the Republican National Convention. Personally, I liked both versions, and I think that Natalie looks great. It’s a great pregnancy dress, flowing and easy, and the sleeves add some drama. It definitely only works as a maternity dress though.”
Karin says: “How many parrots had to die for this dress? Seriously, some are praising Nic for being a risk-taker, but this Gucci gown is just awful. It looks like some tacky lounge dress you would have worn to a sad Las Vegas party in 1979. There is nothing redeeming about this ensemble whatsoever.” Cara says: “Social media went hard on Nicole for this dress, and it’s no wonder. It’s just utterly and completely hideous. I have no idea what Nicole is doing these days, but she has not been bringing it to the red carpet. What a mess.”
Karin says: “Look it! It’s ageappropriate and pretty. Only 12 years old and she’s already a fashion breakout star in this bold custom Emporio Armani gown. Love the bright red colour. The belt and the lacy sleeves, paired with the headband, give off a slightly Grecian vibe. Absolutely love it!” Cara says: “Oh, she looks so cute and adorable! What I think does not photograph in faraway shots is the pretty detailing on her sleeves and belt. I love that she jazzed up her look with the little sparkly headband, because we all need a little sparkle, Millie.”
• See PAGE 16 for Weekend Fashion Report Part II
Photos/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt
16| The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
celebrity
pART
With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt
SPLIT
HIT
SPLIT
FAIL
Emma Stone “La La Land”
Viola Davis “Fences”
Salma Hayek “How to Be a Latin Lover”
Janelle Monae “Hidden Figures”
Karin says: “Undoubtedly, Emma is the woman of the hour, so she should be serving up show-stopping red carpet gowns. Instead, we get these whimsical lingerie-inspired cocktail dresses. This Alexander McQueen design is pretty enough, although the half torn-away illusion ends up making the dress look unfinished.” Cara says: “I just saw ‘La La Land’ over the weekend and was on an Emma Stone high…until I saw this dress. I don’t like it. It’s like two dresses that were just pieced together randomly with no thought to design or aesthetic, and it simply does not work.”
Karin says: “Simple, straight-forward, but very elegant and it fits her to perfection. This just proves that an unadorned white gown can still rock the red carpet. And this strapless Vivienne Westwood dress looks fantastic paired with the bold statement necklace, which gives Viola all the bling and drama she needs.” Cara says: “I do like it and that necklace is gorgeous. It’s simple, elegant and extremely flattering on her. That being said, it’s just a tad bit safe, but all in all a lovely look. Personally, I just hoped for something with more ‘va va voom’.”
Karin says: “She looks like a cupcake at a kiddie birthday party. And no, that’s not a compliment. Gucci was just failing all night long, it seems. The buttercup yellow and the pink are just too glaringly cutesy. And the flamenco-inspired sleeve and ruffles just don’t work for me.” Cara says: “I like yellow and pink together – in a baby nursery...I guess I can live with here. I like ruffled oneshoulder neckline. There is enough about this dress for me to not hate it, but it still seems far from a complete win for me. That being said, she is still gorgeous, but it’s not my favourite look from her.”
Karin says: “She normally hits it out of the park, but this is just a busy mess. There is waaay too much going on with this little Chanel number. For once, her customary black and white combo has failed her. The major culprits (among many) are that the ruff at the neck that looks like it’s choking her and the weird mid-length skirt.” Cara says: “This is a look that a lot of people won’t get, me included. I don’t mind the hair or the silver butterfly clips, because it has a some character and flair to it, but I can’t decide if the dress is a couture statement or if it’s just really is hideous...I suspect the latter.”
Photos/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
The Weekend Fashion Report 23rd Annual SAG Awards
II
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Friday, February 3, 2017
books Little Brown and Company via AP
review
‘Rather Be the Devil’ by Ian Rankin
D
oes your idea of a relaxing and rewarding retirement involve inspecting drowned corpses on the dockside, interviewing murder suspects and interrogating notorious gangsters? No? Then you are not ex-cop John Rebus. The former detective inspector, now slightly reformed in his ways — no longer smoking and cutting down on drink — is back in Ian Rankin’s latest crime novel, “Rather Be the Devil.” The story begins with Rebus charming a date with the line, “Someone was murdered here, you know,” referring to the hotel restaurant where they are dining. Luckily his companion (and lover)
is the medical examiner, so she’s not put off by talk of killing. He’s referring to a cold case that he’s stuck into, not able to give up detecting in his golden years. The death of Maria Turquand, a socialite, in the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the late 1970s has piqued Rebus’ interest. No one was ever charged for the murder. And when the ‘70s killing looks to be intertwined with the presentday beat down of local up-and-coming gangster Darryl Christie, Rebus is all in. He navigates the criminal underworld, territorial spats between police units and his own health worries while determined to unravel the crimes. Rebus is joined in the investigation by Rankin’s regular cast of coppers Siobhan Clarke and Malcolm Fox, and he comes face to face with his nemesis,
Edinburgh criminal Big Ger Cafferty, also retired — if you can believe that. As always, Ian Rankin leads the reader to Rebus’ regular Edinburgh stops, and he sends the story down some false paths, all the while telling a complicated tale of financial crime, gambling, mysterious Russians, rival crime bosses and fading musicians. Count on Rebus to solve the riddles at the heart of the story. He might be retired — but he’s never out of the game. JONATHAN ELDERFIELD Associated Press
Tor via AP
This cover image released by Tor shows “ The Rising,” a novel by Heather Graham and Jon Land.
review
‘The Rising’ by Heather Graham and Jon Land Best-selling authors Heather Graham and Jon Land team up to create “The Rising,” an exciting and wonderful character-driven first book in an imaginative series. Alex Chin is a football hero and homecoming king in his senior year at St. Ignatius High School. He’s having a bit of trouble with math, so fellow stu-
dent Samantha Dixon helps him out. She’s working on a NASA internship, and her studies mean everything to her. Samantha will not acknowledge it, but she has a huge crush on Alex even
This book cover image released by Little Brown and Company shows “Rather Be the Devil,” by Ian Rankin.
though he doesn’t acknowledge her beyond getting her help for his studies. A football game changes everything. Alex is laid flat after a terrifying hit, strapped to a gurney and taken
to the hospital. His life is changed forever. People close to him begin dying, and when Samantha runs to Alex’s parents to tell them what’s happening, she finds them dead, too. Now she’s in the middle of things as well. The chase begins and it’s difficult for them to trust anyone except each other. The main question they both ask: Why are they now targets? The blending of writing styles works brilliantly with this story. Elements of romance, young adult angst, old-style science fiction and action propel this story to unexpected places. Though “The Rising” is being marketed as an adult novel, it will easily appeal to a teenage audience as well as to Graham and Land’s fans. JEFF AYERS Associated Press
Mark Twain children’s story, recently discovered, coming in fall
M
ore than a century after his death, Mark Twain’s publishing life contin-
ues. Doubleday Books for Young Readers announced Friday that it has acquired a fairy tale only recently discovered. The book is called “The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine” and is scheduled for September 26. The work is based on 16 pages of notes written by Twain in 1879 that were spotted at the Mark Twain Papers & Project at the University of California at Berkeley. The prize-winning team of Philip Stead and Erin Stead have expanded the unfinished story to an 11-chapter, 152page illustrated book. The Steads are best known for “A Sick Day for Amos McGee.” “The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine” tells of a boy who can talk to animals and their joint effort to rescue a prince. NEW YORK Associated Press
18 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
music
Magical strings Worldrenowned musicians perform in Nassau By Felicity Ingraham
T
he Nassau Music Society brought in the new year with a stunning performance of classical music from worldclass artists, who flew in to participate in a two-day concert event. Violinist Ambra Albek and the string quartet Quartetto Di Cremona performed for a packed audience at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Lyford Cay on Sunday, January 22, where they received a standing ovation. They entertained a smaller crowd at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk the day before. The musicians also led a master class that exposed music students to a unique learning experience. Simone Fitzcharles, president of the Nassau Music Society, said the organisation is gearing up for a great variety of concerts and master classes for a fun-filled season filled with visits from world-renowned artists. With a mandate of “Bringing the world of music to the Bahamas”, the Society consists of music lovers who work behind the scenes to make these concerts and free master classes run smoothly. Ambra Albek is a violinist and a violist who holds a Master’s degree with distinction in piano chamber music and a concert diploma with top marks, having studied in Italy and Switzerland. Together with her twin sister Fiona, she formed the Albek Duo, until Fiona’s recent tragic death. During their international concert career, the sisters participated in numerous festivals throughout Europe, the United States, South America, Australia and China. They performed both as a duo and in other chamber music formations, as
Violinist Alba Albek performs with the Quartetto Di Cremona in Nassau last weekend. well as playing solo with orchestra accompaniment. During the final performance on Sunday night at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ambra and the Quartetto Di Cremona presented a piece they collaborated on in memory of Fiona and her exuberant and passionate personality. The performance garnered a rousing standing ovation. Several prominent composers wrote expressly for the Albek Duo, including Italian composer Allessandro Luccheti (‘Fantasies’ on themes from famous operas), and the well-known American composer William Perry (‘Gemini Concerto: An Entertainment for Violin, Piano and Orchestra’). Alba was well-matched on stage last weekend by the Quartetto Di Cremona. Internationally renowned for their “extremely mature and lyrical sound”, the Italian string quartet is described by the British magazine The Strad as a group that has a focus and intensity that brings life to music, from the “tight blend and immaculate voicing” of their Brahms, to the “sleek and elegant”
dynamic contouring of their Mozart. The Quartetto Di Cremona formed in 2000 at the Stauffer Academy in Cremona, Italy, and continued as they studied with Hatto Beyerle, a noted chamber music professor. The group comprises: Cristiano Gualco on violin, Paolo Andreoli violin, Simone Gramaglia also on viola, and Giovanni Scaglioni on cello. They have played to critical acclaim at the most important venues and festivals in Europe, including at the Beethoven Haus and Beethoven Bonn, Konzerthaus (Berlin), Klara Festival (Brussels) Moving on Music Festival (Northern Ireland) and many others. They have also performed extensively in the US as well as Australia, including at the popular Perth International Art Festival. Saturday’s performance featured Schubert’s Quartet Death and the Maiden, and Beethoven’s String Quartet op 29. Sunday’s performances included F Mendelssohn Cappricio’s op 81, Mozart’s K465, and Brahms’ String Quartet op 111. Nassau Music Society President Ms
Fitzcharles brought New Year’s wishes and updated the public on the Society’s achievements, keeping their fervent promise to promote and encourage the art of music in the Bahamas. “We are proud to note that we have thus far fulfilled more than 50 per cent of our $80,000 pledge to provide scholarships to outstanding music students at the College of the Bahamas,” she said. “The goal is also one of simultaneously uplifting our youth and helping to bring their dreams into reality.” Next up on the schedule of events are the award-winning Petar Jankovic and Daniel Duarte, known as the Guitar Duo. They will perform two concerts in Nassau starting February 24. Ambra Albek and the Quartetto Di Cremono’s landmark performance in the Bahamas was held under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. Sponsors included Colina Insurance Limited, Pictet Bank, Lennox Patton, RoyalStar Assurance, the Mall at Marathon, Atlantis, RBC Royal Bank, and Classical 98.1 FM.
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Friday, February 3, 2017
music
High school bands determine who reigns supreme New competition awards the best young talent By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
T
he Botanical Gardens will come alive tomorrow afternoon as 12 Bahamian senior high school pop bands compete to win The Music Project and a trip to the United States’ premiere music college. The Music Project was created to encourage youth participation within the arts. The local community programme is seeking to engage talented young musicians through tomorrow’s pop band competition. It all kicks off at 2pm with back-toback performances by the pop bands from the schools C C Sweeting, C R Walker, Doris Johnson, Government High School, Queen’s College, R M Bailey, St Anne’s School, St John’s College, Westminster College, St George’s High School, Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy, and the Inagua All-Age School. The competition will be judged by a panel of local and international judges from different sectors of the entertainment industry, as well as an audience of students, parents, guardians, local musicians, community partners, and the general public. The winning band will receive a summer study course abroad, concentrating on music and performance at the worldrenowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Other music relevant prizes and an opportunity to professionally record original tracks are
additional awards of the competition. Founded by Bahamian recording artist and producer Andrew ‘Drew Harmony’ Gardiner III, The Music Project’s concept was first formulated in 2015. Mr Gardiner said the programme is designed with dedicated practice, responsibility and teamwork in mind, and also provides a much needed platform for creative and gifted young people in the Bahamas. Unique to The Music Project is also the goal towards the growth and development of students by way of mentorship. Anna Bancroft, the programme’s public relations representative, said by forging meaningful partnerships between accomplished Bahamian entertainers and amateur student bands, The Music Project seeks to incite a passion for performance while allowing participants to become familiar with industry standards and trade secrets. The artist mentors include Christopher ‘Sketch’ Carey, Bodine Johnson, Dyson Knight, Willis Knowles, Wendi Lewis, Dillon ‘D-Mac’ McKenzie, Sammie ‘Starr’ Poitier, and Julien ‘Believe’ Thompson. Mrs Bancroft said The Music Project expects to engage 100 student musicians and their peers in activities geared towards positive social change and fun entertainment. “Guests attending this music festival can expect live entertainment as well as plentiful food and drink vendors, keeping everyone satisfied all evening” she said. “The Music Project’s high school band competition is central to musicianship, spirited performance and pride of accomplishment. In the months leading up to the competition, participating students were expected to refine their skills in music, band image, and critical thinking before performing a selection of songs today in an arena comprised of peers, music masters, tourism and cultural ambassadors.” Kay-Andra Gardiner, chairman of The Music Project, added that the team has been very careful to create a pro-
Twelve high school pop bands will go head-to-head at Saturday’s Music Project competition gramme and event that is world-class in quality and worthy of an international stage. For more information on the event, visit www.tmpbahamas.com, call 6980140, or e-mail: info@tmpbahamas. com. Follow daily updates on The Mu-
sic Project via Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are on sale at participating school locations, The Music Project on Marathon Road, Airbrush Junkies, Island Cellular, and at the door at Botanical Gardens at a cost of $10 for students and $15 for adults.
20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
weddings
A charged encounter leads to romance
By Cara Hunt cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
W
hen Demarra Williams met Justin Lockhart for the first time it was anything but love at first sight. Instead, she almost pepper sprayed him. “We met on a Friday night in Waterloo’s parking lot. I was in there for a friend’s bachelorette party. After a long night I decided to find the limo driver. Unbeknownst to me, I was followed by Justin and one of his older brothers out of the club. As I was about to pepper spray him he hurriedly said, ‘Just making sure you straight’. I offered my thanks, we briefly talked and exchanged num-
bers,” Demarra recalled. Despite Justin repeatedly texting her, Demarra never really responded until the two met in the Aura nightclub at Atlantis four months later. “I told him I was sorry that I never really responded, but I promised I’d text him the next day. Eight months later we decided we’d start dating, and as they say, the rest is history.” She added: “Honestly, it was no one particular time that I knew he was the one for me, or any one moment that stands out more than the next, there are a ton of memories, good and not so good. Over time I just couldn’t see myself being as happy as I am with him with anyone else.” Justin said his family’s acceptance
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Friday, February 3, 2017
Photos/Christina Ysaguirre
of Anna helped seal the deal for him. “Everyone in my family from my grandmother to my little sisters (identical quadruplet and recording artists Fourever1) to my little cousins – except Dylan, who wanted to marry her himself but isn’t finished K4 – loved her personality and said she was a keeper,” he said. “From our first encounter in Waterloo parking lot there was something different, something very special about her, and from then I knew I wanted more. As time progressed and I spent more time with her I grew to love and appreciate her character and personality, and I knew I wanted forever.” Once he proposed, the pair took eight months to plan their special day, which was held on January 7 at St Agnes Church followed by a reception at Sapodilla. “There really was no wedding
theme,” the couple explained. “We listed our priorities and went with it, which were: 1. Get married; 2. Stay within our budget, and 3. Celebrate our love with our loved ones, thank the many people who have been instrumental in our lives and have supported us individually and as a couple. Everything came together as we focused on what was important.” Justin and Demarra agree that the highlights of the day included the mother/son dance and the father/ daughter dance, as well as the lamb and lobster dishes on the wedding menu. While the couple said that they had a wonderful wedding day, there were a few mishaps along the way. “Several things went wrong...at least 10. No one aside from the bride knew how anything or everything should have went, so for us, as long as people
were having a good time we were OK,” they said. “We realised that the things that went wrong didn’t matter much in the end anyway.” Justin said his advice to other groomsto-be is to remember to pray and that a happy wife equals a happy life. Demarra’s advice is to: “Pray, talk about and create a budget. Think carefully about what you want within your budget, discuss it with your fiancé (and then you realise he will say ‘whatever makes you happy’ no matter what you say). Get advice from your bridal party and/or a few people you can rely on.” She added, “Whatever you do, surround yourself with people you can rely on and reputable vendors who can deliver products and services. Wherever you can, keep it simple. Take a pragmatic approach, be reasonable and have fun, but without a doubt, have a wedding day coordinator. You will not
regret having one.” Justin and Demarra hired Tennille Darville and the team at Five Seasons Bridal to help them make their dream wedding come true. “On the wedding day, cut your phone off, let your bridal party handle anything that didn’t go as planned,” said Demarra. “Most of our vendors were great,” the couple said, “but the two vendors whose professionalism stood out the most were Floral Arts and the photographer, Christina Ysaguirre. They really went above and beyond to make the day special for us.” “We are truly blessed to have in our bridal party friends and family who were willing to show up and show out for us, not only on our wedding day, but always. So make sure the people you have stand with you are the people who will always stand by you.”
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Friday, February 3, 2017
pageants
A golden dream Theodore Elyett’s Miss Universe gown is a hit with fashion bloggers By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
I
t was the first time in 13 years that a Bahamian designer’s gown was chosen for the Miss Universe pageant. As Miss Universe Bahamas Cherell Williamson stepped foot on the pageant stage last Saturday in Manila, the Philippines, she was wearing a design by Theodore Elyett. The gold evening gown featured beaded appliques and a sheer mermaid skirt. And while Cherell might have not captured the crown – that honour went to Miss France Iris Mittenaere – she did garner a great deal of attention with the show-stopping creation by Mr Elyett that made Top 20 lists on several fashion blogs, including that of American designer Nick Verreos and Cosmopolitan Philippines. “When I discovered that the gown was featured in the Top 20 picks from Cosmopolitan magazine (Philipppines) I didn’t believe it at first. I scoped out the link to make sure it wasn’t some knock-off magazine company just using a similar name,” Mr Elyett told Tribune Weekend. “When I realised that it was the real thing, I felt so proud of myself. Out of 86 countries, the Bahamas was listed as having one of the Top 20 gowns; for me that’s major! Then I saw that the official Miss Universe Instagram page featured the gown in one of its videos showcasing all of the gold gowns from the preliminary event. The Bahamas was listed with major pageant powerhouse countries like Columbia, Thailand, China,
From sketch to stage – Miss Universe Bahamas Cherell Williamson dazzled in a design by Theodore Elyett at the Miss Universe 2017 pageant in Manila.
Haiti, Brazil and Kosovo. They all wore gold gowns as well. It was a nod to me as a designer that I hit the nail on the head by sending our queen in a gown that was not only on-trend, but also one that the world took note of. I was also very pleased to see that Nick Verreos, a former Project Runway star, listed the gown in his Top 20 favourite Miss Universe gowns.” This is the first time in his 19-year career that Mr Elyett had the opportunity to not only design an evening gown, but also a custom wardrobe of more than 15 pierces for a reigning Miss Bahamas. “If my memory serves me correctly, a Miss Bahamas has not worn a Bahamian designer at the Miss Universe pageant since 2004. That’s 13 years. Racquel Horton would have been the last queen to showcase Bahamian talent at the Miss Universe pageant. So this accomplishment not only means the world to me, but it’s also a huge step in the right direction for Bahamian designers. I can only pray that the trend will continue,” he said. Mr Elyett said actually seeing his creation on an international stage was a very emotional moment for him. “I woke up very early that morning to watch Cherell compete in the preliminary
competition. When I saw her saunter onto the stage in her Theodore Elyett evening gown I felt so proud! But to be honest, it wasn’t until about three or four hours later, I was standing up and it hit me! ‘You actually did it! Your gown finally made it to the Miss Universe stage!’ Tears welled in my eyes and I just whispered a quick ‘Thank You’ to God for finally being able to have the platform to achieve this goal. The end goal, for my brand, has always been to be a global player in the fashion industry, and to have been afforded the opportunity to break the 13-year spell of our queen’s wearing foreign designers to the Miss Universe pageant, I count it a huge blessing and a step in the right direction.” Cherell said she fell in love with Mr Elyett’s design the first time she laid eyes on the sketch of the gown. She posted to her Facebook page: “I was in love with Theodore Elyett’s humble personality, extreme passion and wealth of creativity from day 1 of seeing his work! So y’all know the minute he placed this sketch before me I almost passed out. Thank you for everything! And also to The Island Game for funding the creation of my gown.”
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Friday, February 3, 2017
literary lives arthur hailey
A master of suspense and reality Sir Christopher Ondaatje remembers a Bahamian resident who was one of the world’s most successful commercial novelists
A
rthur Hailey decided to become a full-time writer in 1956 after the unexpected success of his first television drama, ‘Encounter: Flight into Danger’, which was broadcast by the fledgling Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on April 3 that year. Hailey, a British pilot in World War II, came up with the idea while on a flight to Toronto from Vancouver in 1955 and wrote the script in nine days. He was paid $600 for the story about pilots of a large commercial airline who succumb to food poisoning. Half the passengers who ate the same fish served to the pilots are also poisoned. In the end an ex-Second World War Spitfire pilot is forced to take over the controls and battles both a turbulent storm and an unfamiliar aircraft before bringing the aircraft down safely. The television film was seen by over two million people and was an enormous success, eventually being shown
Continued on page 24
‘Airport’ (1968) was adapted into a major motion picture in 1970, starring, among others, Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin.
24 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
“Hailey stuck religiously to a vigorous work ethic, spending one year researching a subject, six months studying and adapting his research, and then spending 18 months writing the story”
Continued from page 23 on NBC’s ‘The Alcoa Hour’ and on the BBC in the United Kingdom. It was later adapted into the feature film ‘Zero Hour’. ‘Flight into Danger’ was the inspiration for many future disaster films, as well as launching Hailey’s career as a renowned author. Arthur Hailey was born in 1920 in Luton, Bedfordshire, served in the Royal Air Force from 1939 to 1947, and then emigrated to Canada. Following the success of ‘Flight into Danger’ Hailey wrote teleplays for both Canadian and US clients before settling down to writing novels. It was a remarkable career. He stuck religiously to a vigorous work ethic, spending one year researching a subject, six months studying and adapting his research, and then spending 18 months writing the story. Writing in a plain, readable style Hailey’s novels invariably concentrated on a single major industry such as hotels, airlines, automobiles or banks, and delved into personal experiences within that industry, usually concluding with a single hero (or villain) identifiable by his reading audience. The realistic, suspenseful scenarios were almost immediate best-sellers and appealed to a wide-ranging audience. ‘Hotel’, published in 1965, was Hailey’s first major best-seller about an independent hotel in New Orleans, which was followed by ‘Airport’ (1968) on a large fictional Chicago airport; ‘Wheels’ (1971) on America’s richest business, automobiles; and ‘Moneychangers’ (1975), around the politics of a major American bank in Cleveland, Ohio. They all dealt with dramatic human conflict and were instantly popular. Following the success of ‘Hotel’ in 1965, Hailey moved with his second wife, Sheila, to California, but then in 1969 to Lyford Cay in the Bahamas to avoid Canadian and US taxes which were sapping the greater part of his income. Other books followed: ‘Overload’ (1979), about a power crisis in California; ‘Strong Medicine’ (1984) about the pharmaceutical industry; ‘The Evening News’ (1990) about network newscasts; and ‘Detective’ (1997) about investigation politics. His last published book was a short history of the Lyford Cay Club published mainly for its residents in 2004. Hailey never lost his common touch despite his extraordinary success. When he died at home in the Bahamas aged 84 on November 25, 2004, it is esti-
Arthur Hailey at the publisher’s reception for his novel, ‘Airport’, in 1968.
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Friday, February 3, 2017
Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha
The 1965 best-seller ‘Hotel’ was turned into a successful TV show by Aaron Spelling in 1983, starring James Brolin. mated that he had sold more than 170 million copies of his books worldwide in more than 40 languages. Many of his books, for example ‘Hotel’ and ‘Airport’, were made into successful films. In 1978, his wife published her own popular book ‘I Married a Best-Seller’. Philip Hensher, the English novelist, critic and journalist, who has published a number of novels including ‘The Northern Clemency’ (2008) and the prizewinning ‘Scenes from Early Life’ (2013), has said: “My idea of a really good novel isn’t a sensitive monologue, or a relationship drama where neither participant seems to have a good job. What I really love is a story about a group of people tied together by a joint venture, arguing, getting frustrated, forming bonds and breaking up again. Where did that passion come from? Arthur Hailey.” Hensher is right. It is the secret of Hailey’s enduring popularity, “alert to the fact that systems are changing, but also to the ways in which people can be trapped in those systems and have different sorts of techniques, detached or involved, of working with them”. There can be few writers, before or since, who have developed and virtually perfected such a highly efficient and profitable process of novel writing. NEXT WEEK: the complicated life of the French novelist best known for ‘Gigi’. • Sir Christopher Ondaatje is an adventurer and writer resident in the Bahamas. A Sri Lankan-born Canadian-Englishman, he is the author of several books, including “The Last Colonial”.
This 1950s photo shows the white, newly-built streets of the Centreville Subdivision, before asphalt was applied. The longest white line is today’s Collins Avenue.
The Governor visits the Centreville fruit farm
F
or some 80 years, Queen’s College had its campus on Charlotte Street (the lower school was housed on the ground floor of Trinity Methodist Church) and, in the days of few cars and uncrowded streets, the pupils from “out east” walked the mile or so that it took to get home. I was one of these pupils and we had a choice of two streets, commonly thought of as Front Road (Bay Street) and Back Road (Shirley Street). Those who travelled Back Road walked past Centreville, the home of Ralph G Collins, sitting on the slope of the hill behind a splendid wrought-iron fence. My schoolmates and I would arrive home with broken pencils and rulers, having used them to make clicking sounds on the fence’s metal bars. It never occurred to us that what we were seeing was only the front portion of Mr Collins’ huge estate that extended beyond the hill and stretched southwards, almost to
Wulff Road. Ralph Gregory Collins died in 1946 and is buried in the Eastern Cemetery, next to his son, Ralph Jr. Despite what tour guides and surrey drivers often say, his name was not Tom and he did not invent the Tom Collins cocktail. Up to the time of his death, the ‘unseen’ acreage was devoted to agriculture. The houses and other buildings that now occupy what became the Centreville Subdivision are products of the 1950s and beyond. This was brought home to me, a few days ago, by a 1930 newspaper report of the visit to that 100-acre property, by the Governor, Sir C W J Orr. He was impressed by the fine sight, as he crossed over the ridge, where land, in the middle of “ubiquitous bush”, was being cleared and scarified with machinery to make room for fruit-growing. The cleared trees and underbrush were being burned and then “an ugly tractor, weighing about three tons” was dragged over the ground, breaking the harrowed surface-rock into
small pieces. Next came teams of women to collect these rocks and load them onto a truck, which delivered them to a crusher set up right there on site. It spat out a substance that would be left strewn over the property for the rain to wash away any salt that was in it, before it would be used to build the new residence. This was the property around which Mr Collins built the infamous Collins Wall - not for the purpose of separating the black inhabitants of East Street, Over-the-Hill, from the white inhabitants of Centreville, because there were no inhabitants in that walled-off expanse of “ubiquitous bush” that the Governor saw. While everybody seems to know about ‘the wall’, many are amazed to learn that several stretches of wall still exist. Motorists drive by them every day but don’t notice them. • Comments and responses to islandairman@gmail.com
BOMBS (down)
I AN N T ETHE TARGET
26 | The Tribune | Weekend
Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Useful outlet if things get out of hand at a housewarming (4,6) 6 Mineral used in ancient alchemy (4) 10 A strike may make one ashamed (5) 11 Cook a chop like this to make one elated (4-1-4) 12 Give sorrow or give rage perhaps (8) 13 Throw out a reject right away (5) 15 Ancient craft losing many wise men (7) 17 Puts off one’s retirement (5,2) 19 Huntress follows in a state (7) 21 Stays on where many might resign (7) 22 Name a girl had been given, perhaps, or had changed (5) 24 It brings about a military rising (8) 27 It keeps stocking up (9) 28 A doctor is behind the plan (5) 29 Twice as tolerable (2-2) 30 His skill is sinister (4-6)
1
2
3
4
Down 1 Left in the cooler, it may get jammed (4) 2 Such actions are rarely offensive (9) 3 Number three is wrong (5) 4 Catches wild seals (7) 5 These boots may be tied up (7) 7 Left in a unit entirely without support (5) 8 She’s not prepared to be dictated to (4,6) 9 Car owner in distress - and showing it! (8) 14 They can cut quite a figure in the garden (10) 16 Breaches of security (8) 18 A three-foot metal balance? (9) 20 Shorten a game of cards (7) 21 Young animal always allowed outside (7) 23 Good place for a date? (5) 25 Country provides aid in some form (5) 26 Heavenly arts review (4)
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
13
14 15
16
17
19
22
20
23
24
18
21
25 26
27
29
28
30
Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Scratch, 5 Upset, 8 Robin Hood, 9 Air, 10 Echo, 12 Retrieve, 14 Wimsey, 15 Poirot, 17 Illusion, 18 Swap, 21 Era, 22 Armaments, 24 Piece, 25 Senator. Down: 1 Spree, 2 Rub, 3 Tuna, 4 Hoover, 5 Underdog, 6 Scarecrow, 7 Torment, 11 Humiliate, 13 Seascape, 14 Write up, 16 Holmes, 19 Poser, 20 Omen, 23 Net.
Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Crack up, 5 Tacit, 8 Vicarious, 9 Rue, 10 Tend, 12 Apparent, 14 Sprite, 15 Sortie, 17 Drilling, 18 Myth, 21 Cos, 22 Take steps, 24 Rests, 25 Spondee. Down: 1 Civet, 2 Arc, 3 Kirk, 4 Prompt, 5 Testator, 6 Carpentry, 7 Theatre, 11 Narcissus, 13 Athletes, 14 Sidecar, 16 Snakes, 19 Haste, 20 Oslo, 23 End.
T E R I AN N T E
alphabet is u network access the charge. Chambers you have to com 21st 3, 2017 grid too! Use th Friday, February letters and blac Century below the grid t Dictionary grid is ‘rotationa (1999 symmetrical’ – i edition) words, it looks t you turn the pag HOW many words of four letters down. Solution or more can you make The Target CANfrom youthe crack the letters shown here? In making a Yesterday’s Alphabeater? Each grid uses word, each letter may be used Black square once only. Each must contain the 9, 11, 14, 18 number represents a12,letter words in 32,As 35,in 37. centre letter and there must besquare. at – or black Across: Carri leastmain one nine-letter word. No the letter o Subzero, Mov plurals or verb formsAlphapuzzle, ending in “s”. every
AL
body of Rivulet, Pray, the alphabet is used. But Lynx, Squirts, TODAY’S TARGET Chambers have to complete Shifted,the Walke Good 25; very goodyou 37; excellent 21st gridtomorrow. too! Use theCutlass. given 49 (or more). Solution Down: Poises letters and blackAcquaint, squaresJoin Century YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION Abu grid toAptness, start. The amen amine aminobelow amnio the amnion Dictionary Rajah, Ideolog anomie main manegrid mean menu is ‘rotationally Nephew, Outf (1999 mien mine moan mope moue symmetrical’ – in other Extra lette muon name neum numen omen edition) looks the0907 same181 if opium PNEUMONIAwords, poem it pome
unman (Deduct three you turn the pageeach upside HOW many words of four puma letters extra clue down. Solution tomorrow. or more can you make from the Yesterday’s Full solu Yesterday’s Call 0907 181Yesterday’s 2585 for solution 0907 181 letters shown here? In making a Kakuro Sudoku Answer Answer Target solution *Calls cost 80p word, each letter may be usedtoday’s *Calls cost 80p per minute squares: Black 2, 7, 8 plus your telepho plus your telephone company’s network once only. Each must contain the 9,charge. 11, 12, 14, 18, 21, 30,acce3 network access 32, 35, 37. centre letter and there must be at Across: Carrier, Pigeon 202 3390 PLAY MO least one nine-letter word.*SP: NoSpoke – Helpline 0333 Subzero, Moving, plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.
TODAY’S TARGET Good 25; very good 37; excellent 49 (or more). Solution tomorrow. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION amen amine amino amnio amnion anomie main mane mean menu mien mine moan mope moue muon name neum numen omen opium PNEUMONIA poem pome puma unman
Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s Target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
Rivulet, Pray, Makes, Lynx, Squirts, Jalopy, Shifted, Walked, Cutlass. Down: Poises, Vigour, Acquaint, Joint, Aptness, Abusive, Rajah, Ideology, Nephew, Outfox.
Extra letter clues
0907 181 2560
(Deduct three minutes for each extra clue letter heard
Full solution
0907 181 2558
*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company network access charge.
EASY PUZZLE
Across 1 Antipathy (10) 6 Game of Scottish origin (4) 10 To release (3,2) 11 Venetian boatman (9) 12 Plot together (8) 13 To debate (5) 15 Steadfast (7) 17 Illegal trading (7) 19 Carry out (7) 21 Order in advance (7) 22 Discharge of guns (5) 24 Base of a column (8) 27 Warlike (9) 28 Last of a series (5) 29 Apiece (4) 30 Continuously (2,1,7)
Down 1 Govern (4) 2 Custom (9) 3 Twelve dozen (5) 4 Extreme pain (7) 5 Agreement (7) 7 Due (5) 8 Improbable (3-7) 9 At the present time (8) 14 Professed (10) 16 Obsessive (8) 18 The sky (9) 20 Make the best use of (7) 21 Amends (7) 23 A flowering shrub (5) 25 Cleanse by friction (5) 26 Narrow trodden track (4)
*SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390
PLAY MORE CR
The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, February 3, 2017
animals pet of the
Animal matters Kim Aranha
The end of an era
By The Bahamas Humane Society
“I
Patricia Vazquez
T
he Ringling Brothers Circus will put on their last ever performance in May in New York City at the Madison Square Gardens. There will no doubt be a large amount of fanfare and trumpet blowing, emotional speeches and some nostalgia. I suppose that we will have to hear how some 400 people are going to be out of jobs. For me it will be a day to rejoice over. Not because Ringling Brothers Circus is going under, but because all those poor animals, who over the years have been pulled, pushed, prodded, slapped, tied, shocked and chained, will hopefully be freed and live out their lives in heavenly peace, at a somewhat decent facility. We know that the elephants were retired last year and are living in a sanctuary near Polk City in Central Florida, in fact only about 14 miles away from the din of Disney World, but worlds apart. The sanctuary is not on maps, it is not an attraction, and the only signs visible are “No Trespassing” signs bordering a dirt road. Journalists have been allowed to have controlled visits, but are not allowed free reign to walk around. This is allegedly “for their own safety”. These elephants are actually being used as part of a cancer research programme. It has been discovered that elephants never get cancer, and access to diverse elephant DNA would facilitate the research, and the Ringling’s Centre for Elephant Conservation can easily provide blood samples from a large and diverse herd, actually the largest herd of Asian elephants in the western hemisphere. “Scientific collaborators have identified a key genetic link, called P53, that helps to protect both Asian and African elephants from developing cancer. The P53 gene’s job is to make sure that none of the cells in the body develop cancer. By studying the DNA in blood from elephants and the DNA
Sweet Sandy
in blood from patients with cancer, the team discovered that elephants have 40 copies of this P53 gene that attacks cancer while a healthy person has two copies.” (This quote is taken directly from the Ringling Brothers website) As far as I can tell, they only participation required by the elephants will be providing blood samples to allow this research to continue. I certainly hope that is a fact. I have seen many of the photographs and video clips of brutally cruel elephant training attributed to the Ringling Brothers Circus. Clearly, I am not in a position to vouch for these disturbing images. One of a small elephant calf shackled and being beaten is stuck in my memory, looking miserable, frightened and forlorn.
’m a lap dog. Really, I am!” Five-year-old Sandy is a very sweet, affectionate potcake who loves to snuggle up in people’s laps. She’d be equally good as a house or a yard dog. She loves to interact with her humans and will probably be happy to be taught a new trick or two. She’s not that old, after all. Sweet Sandy can be seen at the Bahamas Humane Society or call 323-5138 for more information. Sandy looks forward to meeting you. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.
Now we know where the elephants have gone, and we pray they live out their years in peace and happiness. But what about all the other poor animals who were subjected to a life of cages, travel, being gawked at and possibly enduring beatings if they did not perform as required? Apparently, the dogs and the lions are all owned by their trainers; those poor lions made to prance around the place and jump (literally) through hoops. How much more degrading can it get for the supposed ‘King of the Jungle’? And so worrying, where will they end up? Some small travelling zoo, or displayed in a sad and sorry environment with people laughing and pointing at them at they quietly go mad?
The Ringling Brothers circus is closing down after 146 years.
• Mark your calendar now! The next BHS Thrift Shop jewellery sale will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 10am to 2pm, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Come find something lovely for your sweetheart or yourself. All proceeds go to the BHS. Then, after you’re done with your shopping, come check out the BHS table at the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival at John Watling’s Distillery, from 10am to 5pm (the festival continues until 8pm).
It is my understanding that the kangaroos, horses, camels, tigers and all other animals belong to the producers of Ringling Brothers – Feld Entertainment. A spokesman of Feld, Stephen Payne, said new homes have not been found yet for these animals but will have to “meet high animal care standards”. So, excuse Mr Payne, does that mean with or without the electric prods and other quaint little punishing methods used to intimidate and control these magnificent animals? That these awesome “big cats” were ever captured (or bred for that matter) to be used as live puppets, waving their paws in the air and mimicking useless human gestures, is unfathomable. It is reported that there are 18 tigers owned by Feld Entertainment. There is no respect or awe for their splendour, just a bizarre human need to bring them down to become objects of entertainment. I do so worry where they will end up living out their lives. All we can hope it that these tigers, along with any other hard-to-place animals (bears, perhaps) will end up in wildlife sanctuaries where other poor circus animals have ended up now that the conscious world is backing away for circuses and the exploitation of animals of all type. Please be sure to read next week’s article which will explore how and why circuses have finally reached the end of the line.
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 3, 2017
gardening
The garden in February Before the heat hits, Jack Hardy tells us it’s time to plant all our salad ingredients – lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and even eggplants.
L
et’s do the math. It takes four months from the planting of a tomato seed to the plucking of a ripe fruit. A tomato started in February will begin production in June. Although June is the official beginning of summer we will already have summer conditions by then: long days, heat and humidity. Any tomato seeds we plant in the near future may well be the last of the present season so we should take particular care to choose the right variety. Salad type tomatoes that are the mainstay of mid-season production tend to suffer in adverse conditions, growing smaller and developing thick skins. A better choice might be Italian tomatoes like San Marzano or Roma that can double as sauce and sandwich
makers. Plum tomatoes have dry flesh and few seeds but have good taste both when cooked and when eaten raw. They also are more heattolerant than standard tomatoes. Another good choice for early summer tomatoes is Large The Eggplant, a vegetable that is in its element in early Fruited Cherry. This summer, can be prepared in many different, creative ways. variety has all the fine attributes of a cherry veggies you can plant a block or two of moment. Spanking only tells you the tomato – flavour, juiciness, rich red corn or a bed of Irish potatoes. If you fruit has plenty of water, not that it colour – but comes in a compact size use pumpkin seeds from locally grown is ripe. Inspection of the connection a little larger than a golf ball and can produce you can start a pumpkin patch between melon and vine is a specialist be sliced. It’s the Mini Cooper S of the that virtually looks after itself. And art and is best employed in field conditomato world. then there are watermelons… tions where there are lots of melons to Any tomato sown after February Watermelons are native to Africa compare. virtually has to be a cherry variety. The where they grow in the rich alluvial soil For the home gardener – who dares fruits you get will not be of the same deposited by rivers. We do not have not make a mistake – the best method quality as the mid-season crops but they rivers in the Bahamas so we have to is probably inspection of the light area will help liven up a salad. create the conditions that watermelons produced where the fruit touches the Oh dear, that’s the next problem. In enjoy. We have the perfect watermelon ground. Once the melon is large you the US and Europe summer is salad climate, all we need now is the soil. can roll it over and cogitate. The early time, but here in the Bahamas we have The closest we can get to alluvial soil whiteness gives way to a darker yellow to rely on imported lettuce and greens. is sandy soil enriched with plenty of ferand when the pale patch turns a light Malabar spinach produces in the sumstraw colour the fruit is ripe. I would mer months but leaf spinach and lettuce tilizer. Unlike most cucurbits watermelons do not like loamy well-composted still wait a day or two before cutting it do not. The later you grow any lettuce soil. Prepare a sandy area with 6-6-6 free of the vine. You are not a farmer and greens the bitterer they become granular fertilizer a week or two before who is going to sell so you can cut a because of the heat. planting seeds and water quite heavily. plug from the fruit and nibble the flesh One vegetable that will be in its Watermelon seeds should be grown to make sure. Still not ripe? Replace element in early summer is eggplant. about six feet apart, not in hills as for the plug and try again in another couple By far the most productive varieties summer squash and cucumbers. Sandy of days. It is heartbreaking to pick a are those large purple – almost black – soil allows fertilizer to leech through watermelon that has pale pink flesh and types such as Black Beauty, but there very quickly so add more fertilizer no flavour. are French and Asian varieties that are every two weeks or so to inspire steady My favourite watermelon is Crimson white with mauve markings and very vine growth. Sweet, an elongated type that grows to attractive. One day a scientist will develop a medium large size and is very flavourDon’t like eggplants? That’s bewatermelon that produces many fruits some. I also like Sugar Baby that grows cause you are not cooking them right. on one vine. At the moment we have to to the size of a soccer ball. To me, that Investigate the modern ways to present face the fact that our vines will produce is too small. If I am going to spend eggplant dishes and you will be suronly two fruits. Once fruit has set we months raising watermelons I may as prised how versatile – and tasty – they can ease up on the watering and when well raise large ones instead of small. can be. Do not salt eggplant slices, use the melons get large and approach maOther varieties that have been grown very little oil, and cook them fairly dry. turity we can stop watering altogether. reliably in The Bahamas for years are And use real Parmesan cheese grated There are many supposed ways to Jubilee, Charleston Gray and Congo. from a block. tell when a watermelon is ripe but these Back to February. Our vegetable have been developed by people who gardens may be giving us plenty of harvest watermelons by the hundreds • For questions and comments e-mail tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and and if they make a mistake it is of little j.hardy@coralwave.com. lettuce but if you have room for more