02102023 WEEKEND

Goombay Kids returns to TV

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THIS week saw the return of the homegrown hit show “Goombay Kids” to TV screen all across the country and region. The premiere was made possible thanks to its official distribution partners Roku, Pavillion Plus and OurTV Cable Bahamas, which feature the first scripted Bahamian children’s series on their respective platforms.

The third season of adventure show premiered on Wednesday. It will be re-broadcast on February 15 and 22 at 8pm.

For this particular season, the “Goombay Kids” were joined by a new US partner, a production studio in association with New York Times bestselling author and producer Lauren Oliver.

To celebrate the new season, a special premiere was held at Fusion Superplex.

The weekend-long event attracted over 450 people including some of the country’s most influential individuals in arts and entertainment as well as government officials.

Producer and creator of Goombay Kids Stephanie Nihon expressed her gratitude to those who showed their support by attending the event.

She said it was an honour to have the spouse of the Prime Minister, Ann Marie Davis, join the premiere and be featured in the new episodes along with the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture

Mario Bowleg, Minister of State for Education

A vision for young Bahamians

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

The start of every new year brings the chance to redefine, reestablish goals and visions.

Many are filled with a new sense of excitement and zest for life because they have another chance to accomplish their objectives, said content creator Scharlee Thompson.

Ms Thompson recently hosted her most recent Vision Board Brunch in an effort to give young people an opportunity to and chart their goals for 2023.

“Persons usually create vision boards to visually represent their goals and keep them motivated to achieve the goals they have set. As persons enter their 20s and are thrust into the new world of adulthood there can be a sense of being overwhelmed. To assist with navigating this new environment called adulthood, I created a blog providing tips on navigating the new world of adulthood,” said Scharlee.

Scharlee is a content creator who seeks to inspire young people to thrive as they navigate adulthood. Through inspiring and informative Instagram content and live videos, she provides tips and encouragement for surviving early adulthood.

During the pandemic, Scharlee said she began hosting a series on Instagram Live called “Surviving Your Twenties”. She has since continued her series over the last two years and speak on topics relevant to young people such as budgeting, insurance, mental health, career changes, purchasing property, launching a business and content creation.

Her first vision board party was hosted last year on a virtual platform with featured guest speaker Anastarcia Palacious.

“To begin 2023, I hosted the Vision Board Brunch at the Picnic Brunch where young persons came

Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Renewal Lisa Rahming and TV/Film Commissioner Clarence Rolle.

“Goombay Kids” holds the most awards of any children’s show in the Caribbean.

Recently, Prime Minister Philip Davis publicly endorsed and congratulated the producers of the series and its lead stars at the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Goombay Kids” is an educational show focused on STEAM based themes produced by LFD Productions.

It follows three Bahamian children on their island adventures exploring Bahamian culture, mythology, history and folklore. It is the first show of its kind to showcase young Bahamian talent and create this kind of opportunity for them.

Most of the talent was developed by local talent agency CMM Agency along with coaching by the Bahamas Artist Movement (BAM).

“Goombay Kids” is the first Bahamian show to use VFX animation alongside live action scenes.

The series is passionate about creating change through its platform which includes teaching children about climate solutions, promoting youth and women’s empowerment, helping to improve literacy rates and supporting disability inclusion.

To keep up with the “Goombay Kids”, follow them on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @ goombaykids.

together to intentionally plan for their new year. Chantel O’Brian was the keynote speaker who spoke on the topic ‘Less Talk, More Action’. Chantel encouraged the attendees to make less announcements and put action behind their goals. She inspired the young persons to have intentionality with executing their goals,” said Scharlee.

During the Vision Board Brunch, Scharlee said attendees reflected on the highs and lows of 2022, and checked off where they were in various areas of their lives. They interacted with one another and shared their goals for 2023. Then, they all created vision boards to visually depict their goals for the new year.

Scharlee, an attorney by profession, said she is extremely passionate about blogging and poetry.

She said her first blog was written during her first year of law school as an outlet to vent about the struggles of “adulting”. Since then, her blog has been transformed into a website and community where she provides those in their 20s with the tools they need to thrive.

“As a result of nearly a decade of content creation, young people in their 20s feel seen and heard, and understand that they are not alone. Feel free to follow (me) on Instagram @scharsmind,” said Scharlee.

ATTENDEES at the recent Vision Board Brunch

Delicious alternatives for Super Bowl Sunday

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

Chicken wings are without a doubt the most consumed food on Super Bowl Sunday. The American Chicken Council estimates that Americans will consume 100 million pounds of wings on game day.

We all know that Bahamians are also huge chicken lovers, and while we won’t hit that anywhere near that impressive number, you can bet quite a few chickens will be sacrificed for parties all over the country this weekend.

But even though chicken wings are traditional that does not mean they have to be boring. And if you are gearing up to watch the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, why not jazz that chicken up and serve an old staple in a new and exciting way that your guests will talk about long after the final touchdown.

Tribune Weekend reached out to Forking Good Catering and asked Chef La Rosa Markland for some tasty chicken alternatives, and boy did she deliver.

“These recipes are twists on two classic game day staples – buffalo chicken wings and meatballs. With just a few different ingredients you can serve up dishes that are still easy to eat, but will elevate your party that little bit,” she said.

Below are her recipes for Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls and Rum Glazed Chicken Meatballs.

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

About 2 cups of shredded chicken

1/4 cup of hot sauce

4 ounces softened cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar

1/2 teaspoon of garlic and onion powder

Package of egg rolls

Dipping sauce

Ranch dressing

Blue cheese

Hot Sauce

Directions: In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Scoop about two tablespoons of filling in egg roll wrap and fry until golden brown. For sauce mix all ingredients serve and enjoy.

Rum Glazed Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken

1/2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt and black pepper

Half a chopped onion.

2 garlic cloves chopped

1 egg

1/2 cup of unseasoned panic bread crumbs

Directions: Sauté onions and garlic on medium heat until translucent

Set aside to cool

Add all ingredients and mix into balls (should make about 12)

Preheat oven to 475

Line baking sheets with parchment paper Place balls on sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes ( or until meat is cooked through)

While meat balls are cooking, make the rum glaze:

1/2 cup dark rum of choice

1 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons of ketchup

1tsp of apple cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon of salt

Bring to a boil, then simmer until meatballs are done then dip meatballs in sauce. Serve warm with garnish.

Mario Smith

After a decade-long hiatus, this Bahamian artist and Las Vegas resident has returned to celebrate Junkanoo in a big way, with a special exhibit during Black History Month in the US. He tells Cara Hunt about honouring the legends and looking to the future of the Bahamian cultural phenomenon.

The art of Junkanoo beats deep in the heart of Bahamian artist Mario Smith. As a child living aboard, he craved being home to attend the parades. As a teen, he had the dream opportunity to help design and execute a parade. And in adulthood, he is showcasing Junkanoo art to a global audience.

Now, Mario has launched an exhibit at the West Las Vegas Art

Centre as part of the city’s observance of Black History Month.

It features Junkanoo-inspired artwork created by him and Cultural Ambassador Jamaal Rolle.

It is one of those full circle life moments for the artist.

“I am a self-taught artist,” he explained, “Junkanoo has always been my passion. But when I lived outside of the country as a child, I wanted to be in the Bahamas to rush very badly.”

Mario was born in Grand Bahama, where he lived until the age of seven, when he moved with his mother to Malaysia.

They stayed there for 14 months before moving to The Netherlands, where he remained until he was 14 years old.

When Mario returned to Freeport as a teenager, he enrolled in the Grand Bahama Catholic High from where he graduated. He was

a well-rounded student, fluent in Dutch, and a successful athlete.

“When I was around 16, I had the opportunity to join the Classic Dancers in Freeport with Mr Ken Francis. He gave me the amazing opportunity to design and build a parade. I was basically able to it all,” he told Tribune Weekend.

“After graduation, I moved to Nassau and became very close to (Winston) “Gus” Cooper, even though I didn’t really do a lot with

ARTIST Mario Smith (left) with Cultural Ambassador Jamaal Rolle

the actual Valley Boys, but he always was a mentor to me and would encourage me to expand my horizons and do something with my life.

“He would always tell me, ‘You have got to do something beyond Junkanoo’.”

Mario certainly lived up to the mandate.

After school, he moved to the Las Vegas area where his career in marketing and design took off.

He has had the opportunity to work with high-end clients such as the Wynn Las Vegas luxury hotel, the luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari, and guitar legend Carlos Santana.

And while his passion for art and Junkanoo remained in his heart, fatherhood became his focus and drew him away from the colorful cultural phenomenon and artistic expression in general for a bit.

“I really lost that focus for art when I had my son,” he said, “because I had always wanted to be a father and I took a ‘short break’, which turned out to be about a decade where I didn’t do that much art.

“But then the pandemic happened and my son was actually the one to inspire me to get back into it,” he said. “I really wanted to do Junkanoo-inspired pieces, because it such a big part of Bahamian culture.”

Mario explained that in many other countries, culture is heavily

this weekend in history

February 10

In 1846, following the assassination of their leader Joseph Smith and with their homes under attack, members of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, begin their long westward exodus to Utah. To this day, Salt Lake City in Utah remains their main seat.

• In 1996, world chess

reflected in their art, such as in anime in Japan.

“That is something that I really want Bahamian artists to do as well,” he said.

He created the pieces currently on display at the Wes Las Vegas Art Centre specifically for this exhibit.

“I wanted to challenge myself, to create something, the same way people are challenged in the shack.”

The resulting collaboration with Jamaal Rolle captures the essence of what it feels like to rush and pays homage to several Junkanoo legends such Jackson Burnside, Gus Cooper, Percy “Vola” Francis and John “Chippie” Chipman.

“I think it is fair to say that if it weren’t for those guys, I would not be talking to you, but I just found a chance to take, just like they did,” he said.

Mario explained that one portion of the exhibit is all black to symbolise when Junkanoo was in a blackout, put on hiatus, due to the pandemic, although the spirit and presence of Junkanoo were always there.

Another piece showcases a Bahamian woman with butterflies.

“She symbolises us having fun and rushing but still being rooted to her heritage and the butterflies symbolise transformation and growth,” he explained.

As the country prepares to celebrate 50 years of anniversary, Mario

champion Garry Kasparov loses the first game of a six-round match against a computer, the Deep Blue built by IBM to be capable of evaluating 200 million moves per second. Kasparov ultimately claimed a 4–2 victory (though Deep Blue won a rematch the following year).

February 11

• In 1990, after serving 27 years in prison for treason, anti-apartheid activist and politician Nelson Mandela was released. He then began negotiations with President FW de Klerk to dismantle apartheid in South Africa.

• In 1858, 14-year-old Marie Bernarde Soubirous, later

known as St Bernadette, claims to have visions of the Virgin Mary. The apparitions, totalling 18 before the end of that year, occurred in a grotto near Lourdes, France.

said he wanted to pay homage to not only old school Junkanoo, but also embrace the future and the youth of the nation who will take Junkanoo to the next level.

The exhibit has garnered positive reviews thus far, but Mario said this is just the beginning.

“I am so humbled by the response, because it is already hard enough to just be a Black artist, but to be a Black foreign artist is extra difficult.”

He wants to not only be a Junkanoo ambassador globally, but to also be a positive influence for other emerging artists as well.

“I had so many people tell me no along the way that I had to create my own yes.”

Cultural Ambassador Jamaal Rolle, who is also a personal friend, travelled to Las Vegas to lend his support.

“I’m happy to partner with the City of Las Vegas in commencing Black History Month with the ‘Junkanoo Bahamas exhibition’ featuring mixed-media Junkanoo art by Bahamian artist/Las Vegas resident Mario Lorne Smith, Jr and portraits of Junkanoo pioneers painted by me. One of my mandates as Ambassador for Cultural Affairs is to develop opportunities for Bahamian creatives and further expose the Bahamian culture worldwide,” he said on his Facebook page.

The exhibit runs through May.

February 12

• 1912, Hsian-T’ung, or Puyi, the last emperor of China, is forced to abdicate following the republican revolution. In his place, a provisional government is established, ending 267 years of Manchu rule in China and 2,000 years of imperial rule.

• In 2002, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević goes on trial for war crimes in The Hague, Netherlands, at the International Criminal Tribunal on charges of genocide and war crimes in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo. Known as the “Butcher of the Balkans”, he died four years later, at the age of 64, before the trial ended.

MARIE BERNARDE SOUBIROUS, 14

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 Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

sedative (10)

27 Stop a leak containing a stone (4)

l E o t i M n A o

Portrayal, Lent, 5 Owner, 6 Bumped, 7 Thug, 9 Using, 11 Couch, 12 Disbelief, 13 Whitewash, 17 Friar, 19 Lupine, 22 Cramp, 23 Dawn, 24 Toss.

Across

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

1 Nine crates of mixed fruit (10)

6 Advertise an electrical fitting (4)

10 Rex splits us up to seize control (5)

11 Pretend to be ill we hear to get a drink (9)

12 Rises to announce the exhibition’s ready for opening? (6,2)

13 Start talking back in a foreign language (5)

15 A hundred girls in school (7)

17 A poster about grass (7)

19 Colours blended in Dresden (7)

21 Puts on something saucy? (7)

22 Maybe Poe’s a past expert at telling fabulous tales (5)

24 A bitter blow is wanted badly (4,4)

27 Obviously not in the pink (3-6)

28 Allude one way or the other (5)

29 It’s heavy though possibly a light attachment (4)

30 Lately here - in heavenly guise (10)

Down

1 It may be proper for a sister to admit nothing (4)

2 Awfully curt cad or knave perhaps (5,4)

3 It has a shaky reputation as a writer (5)

4 Scores with iciness possibly (7)

5 Model formerly fat? (7)

7 Portable lamp (5)

8 He urges one change to facilitate quick growth (10)

9 Perfect order for dessert (5,3)

14 Nick has an ambition to succeed in soccer (5,1,4)

16 Animal trained to work without worrying (8)

18 Nurse felt funny taking ill (9)

20 Leave the ranks and walk briskly (4,3)

21 Merit of French verse maybe (7)

23 Capital piece of furniture envelops one (5)

25 Swore to reform but hasn’t got any better (5)

26 Wear for the fight (4)

Across

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 At first, 5 Deter, 8 Blueprint, 9 Eel, 10 Edge, 12 Black art, 14 Goethe, 15 See red, 17 Minutiae, 18 Oslo, 21 Lay, 22 Loom large, 24 Ridge, 25 Reputed.

Down: 1 Amble, 2 Flu, 3 Ripe, 4 Triple, 5 Detached, 6 Thesaurus, 7 Related, 11 Green-eyed, 13 White lie, 14 Gambler, 16 Favour, 19 On end, 20 Flap, 23 Rat.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Rosette, 5 Rondo, 8 In the soup, 9 Ned, 10 Scam, 12 Designer, 14 Butter, 15 Behind, 17 Compacts, 18 Eyes, 21 Out, 22 Even money, 24 Tongs, 25 Penance.

Down: 1 Rails, 2 Set, 3 Thee, 4 Elopes, 5 Repaired, 6 Nonentity, 7 Ordered, 11 Automaton, 13 Legatees, 14 Back out, 16 Streep, 19 Style, 20 Omen, 23 Nun.

EASY PUZZLE

1 Next to each other (4,2,4)

6 Cultivate (4)

10 Tactless remark (5)

11 Great and rapid increase (9)

12 Speak ill of (8)

13 Meaning (5)

15 Good-natured (7)

17 Cause of public outrage (7)

19 To be expected (7)

21 Origin (7)

22 Insurgent (5)

24 Roused from sleep (8)

27 Surreptitious (9)

28 Courage (5)

29 Consider (4)

30 Tempt to do wrong (4,6)

Down

1 Profoundly wise (4)

2 Prophet of doom (9)

3 Windswept (5)

4 Unproductive (7)

5 To lower (7)

7 Prevail (5)

8 The urge to travel (10)

9 Steersman of ship’s boat (8)

14 Make progress (4,6)

16 Housebreaking (8)

18 Dilapidation (9)

20 Unofficial disclosure (7)

21 Avoiding commitment (7)

23 Give way (5)

25 Characteristic spirit (5)

26 Live as a guest (4)

●

The Target uses words in the main body of

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals. Verb forms ending in s permitted.

TODAY’S TARGET

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

Solution tomorrow

2345678910

willpowEr iller lope lore lower lowlier oiler oriel peril pile pill pillow plier pole poll prole prowl riel rile rill roil role roll rowel well wile will willow WILLPOWER

cAn you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! use the given letters and black squares below the grid to the grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down. Solution tomorrow

Extra 0907

(Deduct each extra 0907

*Calls cost your network

targEt thE alphapuzzl across: Signals, Doubled, Uxorious, Flaked, Veer, Howls, Singe, down: Suffuse, Treason, Atypical Sodium, Jammed, Clenches, Hillock, Disused.

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your text DXBEAT to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your usual

1 1 3 1 1 3 2 4 4 2 4 4 3 2 2 3 KEIJO 1 2 ■ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 23 24 ■ 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 14 15 F 34 35 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 14 20 30 14 31 16 23 3 6 22 21 23 28 38 12 23 18 13 34 12 36 22 9 13 22 2 34 29 14 11 32 15 21 34 40 14 7 21 34 30 19 15 3 35 23 35 33 6 18 10 5 9 23 10 21 18 23 25 39 8 8 20 12 34 13 22 7 34 23 9 18 11 3 11 18 22 11 39 23 4 13 36 26 37 22 39 5 19 33 10 21 34 22 11 38 37 2 28 35 3 24 22 1 34 38 31 10 29 8 21 34 30 23 2 27 19 22 35 34 13 35 20 38 19 1 4 10 29 36 17

The Weekend Fashion Report 65th Grammy Awards

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

HIT Cardi B

Karin says: “I’m not usually a fan of Cardi’s red carpet fashions, but I absolutely love this! The royal blue looks amazing on her, but it’s the unique kinetic structure of this dress that makes this special. It’s like a piece of wearable art.”

Cara says: “Girl, come through with this look! First of all, you already know that blue is my colour, and it’s just so dramatic and makes such a fashion statement without being ridiculous. Best I’ve seen her look yet.”

HIT Lizzo

Karin says: “This hue of orange his perfect for Lizzo. The actual dress is not that special, and I’m not crazy about the silver piping on the corset top, but what makes this ensemble is the amazing coat. It’s just so dramatic and fabulous like the artist herself.”

Cara says: “I love the colour and the drama and the sheer Old Hollywood-ness of this look. But to be honest, I’m also feeling the cape with the rosettes a bit more than the dress. But it’s still a big hit for me.”

FAIL

Shania Twain

Karin says: “Something weird has been going on with Shania in recent years, so this strange clown ensemble is no surprise. It’s still terrible though. She looks like a demented black and white cow that has escaped its pasture. The red dye job (please let it be a wig), is also a no-go.”

Cara says: “OK, what am I supposed to say when I look at this cow-meets-clownmeets-traffic-cone disaster. Please fire all your people who actually allowed you to be seen in public this disaster. Girl, they don’t love you.”

HIT Taylor Swift

Karin says: “I know people online said this is another basic look for her, but I still love it. She’s showing skin, but still looks classy. And that deep blue with the rhinestones is stunning on her. Her makeup, as always, is on point, as is her jewellery. This is a resounding success.”

Cara says: “This is Taylor’s go-to award look and I’m always here for it. It’s simple, flirty and still a bit sexy. I love it, but I usually always love her outfits, so I’m maybe a bit biased. However, that shade of blue is everything.”

FAIL Mary J Blige

Karin says: “Oh, Mary, no. Let’s start with the fried looking platinum hair… it’s so unflattering. Then the dress…sigh. It’s just a mess. Why did she think those hip cut-outs were a good idea? The giant hoop earrings and sorta matching boots are just the cherry on top of the ugly cake.”

Cara says: “This is a clear ‘no’ for me. I am so over the cheap metallic dresses that we have been seeing all over the red carpet this awards season. They just look tacky. Mary, what are those hot mess shoes on your feet? Ma’am, I know you can do better.”

(Photos by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

What’s blooming

Good day, gardeners. We are reaching the peak of our winter gardening season, and all things ought to be performing well at this time. I’m even seeing some peoples’ pineapple plants showing signs of fruiting already.

We have been enjoying some homegrown broccoli and all the greens such as lettuce or arugula ought to be very happy with the temperatures as they are now. When it comes to flowering plants, many are showing off in February.

Annuals, perennials, and shrubs are all blooming profusely, and if they’re not for you, come in and see me! Do you prune your plants? Many flowering plants respond well to pruning by growing back quickly with new growth, and with new growth comes new flower buds.

Bougainvillea, Costus ginger, plumbago, petunias, impatiens, geraniums, purslane, and so on and so on, ought to all be looking fresh and full of bloom. It is a good time to plant more, and although it is a relatively dry period in the year where supplemental watering may be required, this really is a great time of year to be out in the garden. How to encourage a plant to bloom?

Some plants are very particular about what time of year they will flower in; crepe myrtle, peach and poinciana, for example. Nothing that one can do will encourage them to bloom out of season.

For the shrubs, perennials, and annuals though, if you have some that are not performing as expected, and you’ve pruned them back, then the addition of a bloom booster fertilizer such as a 5-5-15 will trigger them to push loads of new blooms. What does the color of the leaf signify?

Often it is easy to see what is going on with a particular plant simply by noting the color of the leaves. I recently saw a photo that someone had posted about a struggling citrus plant. The few leaves that were on the plant were small and yellow. This signifies a severe lack of nutrients, in particular Nitrogen and often in our native soils, Iron. Hibiscus is an example of a plant that is very dependent on supplemental nitrogen and iron.

Many plants will survive or even thrive in a very poor substrate, if they are receiving ample amounts of nutrients. If there are shrubs in your yard that are struggling, and the leaves are not green, then there is a fertilizer mix to solve the problem. High nitrogen fertilizers are ideal for pushing new growth, I prefer to use a balanced mix, usually 12-6-8.

I get very good results from this combination with sufficient new growth, good leaf color, and profuse blooms. When using or purchasing a fertilizer, be sure to use a combination that is specific to the issues that are being addressed. It is a great time to fertilize, but one thing I must point out again, use low nitrogen fertilizers when boosting Mango trees, unless the purpose is to push growth as compared to pushing flowers.

Early varieties of mango are covered in bloom right now, and if a mango tree is flowering, do not fertilize! Leave it be to do its thing until the fruiting is finished. Once that happens then is the time to fertilize. This is the opposite of what Citrus plants need though. Lawn grass will begin demanding more nutrients and water in the weeks ahead, and there are lawn grass specific fertilizers for this purpose. Even one pot of flowering

plants can brighten any garden, patio, entranceway, restaurant, or building. Many can be planted, watered in with a bit of fertilizer, and forgotten about for the next little while and left to do what they are planted to do, show off and be beautiful! All the flowers help to make a yard beautiful. Check out your local garden center or visit us at ours to see what is blooming, and take some home to pretty up that dead spot, or that entranceway, to wow your customers or guests, or to simply brighten your day. Get into the garden. Smell the metaphorical roses, and encourage bees, wasps, butterflies, and birds to visit. All are beneficial and all are essential in creating a balanced and harmonious garden. Plant some flowering annuals, perennials, or shrubs! Plant a tree. Beat the heat and brighten your day. As always, I wish you happy gardening.

• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at Fox Hill Nursery on Bernard Road. You can contact him with any questions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@gmail. com.

PLUMBAGO in bloom

COSTUS ginger

literary lives – Sir Michael Caine

A Cockney legend of the screen

Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the English actor who has appeared in more than 160 films, and is known for his Cockney accent. He has won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite on March 14, 1933 at St Olave’s Hospital in Rotherthithe, London, England. His mother was a cook and charwoman, and his father a fish market porter. He had an elder maternal half-bother, and a younger brother. He grew up in Southwark, London and was evacuated 100 miles north to North Runcton in Norfolk during the Second World War. After the War, when his father was demobbed, the family was rehomed by the Council in Marshall Gardens in Elephant and Castle in a prefrabricated house made in Canada. Most of London’s housing was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940 -1941.

“The prefabs … were intended to be temporary houses while London was reconstructed, but we ended up living there for eighteen years.”

– Michael Caine

The Elephant to Hollywood

Caine got his first acting part as the father of the two ugly sisters in Cinderella in a school play. His fly was undone and he got a laugh. This determined his ambition to be an actor. He won a scholarship to Hackney Downs School. After a year he moved to Wilson’s Grammar School which he left after getting a school certificate when he was 16. He then worked briefly as a filing clerk for a film company in Victoria Street.

In 1952, he was called up to do his National Service and served for two years in the British Army’s Royal Fusiliers in West Germany, and then on active service in the Korean War, where he was exposed to waves of human attacks by North Korea and China. He faced death several times.

“The rest of my life I have lived every bloody moment … When I wake up until the time I go to sleep.”

– Michael Caine

The Elephant to Hollywood

When he was 20, he responded to an advertisement in The Stage for an assistant stage manager who would also perform small walk-on parts for the Horsham-based Westminster Repertory Company. He adopted the stage name Michael White. In 1951, he was cast as the drunkard Hindley in Wuthering Heights. He moved to the Lowestoft Repertory Company in Suffolk when he was twenty-one and met his first wife Patricia Haines. They have a daughter Dominique but the

marriage did not survive. He moved to London and changed his name again to Michael Caine – as there was already a Michael White, an aspiring actor.

He moved in with another rising Cockney actor, Terence Stamp, and became friends with Peter O’Toole when he became his understudy in the 1959 West End play The Long and the Short and the Tall. He took over the role when O’Toole left to make Lawrence of Arabia.

He appeared regularly in small roles on television and got his first film role as one of the privates in A Hill in Korea. His first credited role on the BBC was in 1956 when he played Boudousse in the Jean Anouilh play The Lark.

Caine’s big break came when he was cast in the Cockney comedy Next Time I’ll Sing to You at the New Arts Theatre in January 1963. The play moved to the Criterion in Piccadilly, directed by Michael Codron. Backstage he met Stanley Baker

who was one of the four stars in Caine’s first film A Hill in Korea. He told Caine about a film Zulu, which he was producing and acting in and suggested he meet the director, Cy Endfield, as there was a good part for a Cockney actor in it. Unfortunately, when he met Endfield, he was told that the part had already been given to James Booth, a friend of Caine’s, because he looked more Cockney than Caine. Endfield then told the 6′2 Caine that he looked more like an officer than a Cockney and offered him the part of a snobbish officer after Caine had assured him that he could do a “posh” accent.

“My screen test for the aristocratic and effete Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead in ‘Zulu’ was the single most nerve-racking thing I’ve ever done … it was a complete disaster. I did not ooze star quality, I oozed sweat, panic and abject terror.”

(Photo_Terry O’Neill_Iconic Images)

– Michael Caine Blowing the Bloody Doors Off (2018)

But Caine got the part, because Cy Endfield was American and didn’t have the endemic British class prejudice. He never looked back. Zulu was followed by two of Caine’s best-known roles: the rough-edged crook-turned-spy Henry Palmer in The Ipcress File (1965), and the titular womanising young Cockney in Alfie (1966).

“It made me a star in America as well, and it was my first nomination for an Academy Award.”

– Michael Caine Blowing the Bloody Doors Off (2018)

Caine went on to play Henry Palmer in a further four films: Funeral in Berlin (1966), Billion Dollar Brain (1967), Bullet to Beijing (1995), and Midnight in Saint Petersburg (1996). He had become a household name.

“If you danced at the Ad Lib Club just behind the Empire Cinema on Leicester Square, as I did, the Rolling Stones and The Beatles might be grooving around next to you. David Bailey would be in the corner, romancing Jean Shrimpton. In another corner Roman Polanski was with Sharon Tate … My barber was Vidal Sassoon. My tailor was Douglas Heyward – the tailor to Ralph Lauren’s suits. When I did a bit part in ‘Dixon of Dock Green’ I was paired with an unknown actor called Donald Sutherland. Willis Hall’s ‘The Long and the Short and the Tall’ made Peter O’Toole a star. Sean Connery was playing Bond by this time. Harry Salzman, Bond’s producer, asked me to have coffee with him. I thought I was going to get a part in a James Bond film ... instead I got the part in the ‘Ipcress File’ and a seven year contract.”

– Michael Caine

Blowing the Bloody Doors Off (2018)

Michael Caine starred in the 1969 comedy caper film The Italian Job as Charlie Croker, the leader of a Cockney criminal gang, with Noel Coward. He then was a RAF fighter pilot in Battle of Britain (1969), Get Carter (1971), Sleuth opposite Laurence Olivier 1972), and The Man Who Would Be King (1972) with Sean Connery, to widespread acclaim. The film was directed by John Huston.

“Michael is one of the most intelligent men among the artists I’ve known. I don’t particularly care to throw the ball to an actor and let him improvise, but with Michael it’s different. I just let him get on with it.”

John Huston

Director, The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

In the 1970s, Caine appeared in several films including The Black Windmill (1974), The Eagle Has Landed (1976), A Bridge Too Far (1977), the Swarm (1978), California Suite (1978), and Ashanti (1979). He was criticised for his choice of roles and for taking parts strictly for the money, but once you’ve been poor it was nice to be comfortably wealthy. He enjoyed further acclaim in the 1980s with The Island (1980) and The Jigsaw Man (1982) again with Laurence Olivier. He costarred with Julie Walters in Educating Rita (1983) for which he won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, and won his first Academy Award for Supporting Actor in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), directed by Woody Allen. He also played opposite Steve Martin in the hilarious crime comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for one of his best screen performances.

Michael Caine is the author of three memoirs: What’s it All About? (1992); The Elephant to Hollywood (2010); and Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life (2018). The books

CAINE in his first big role, the British war film Zulu (1964)

MICHAEL Caine and his second wife Shakira with their daughter Natasha, 1973. The couple have now been married for nearly five decades. (AP Photo

cover Caine’s film career over several decades, including success in the 1980s: Dressed to Kill (1981); Deathtrap (1982); Mona Lisa (1986); and Jack the Ripper (1988) with Jane Seymour. He also talks about his personal life and his second marriage to Shakira Bakshi in 1973. They have a daughter Natasha Haleema, and she appeared in a bit-part in The Man Who Would be King (1978).

Caine found good parts harder to get in the 1990s, but appeared with Roger Moore in Bullseye! (1990), and as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). He played the director Lloyd Fellowes in Noises Off (1992), and a villain in On Deadly Ground (1994). He was still living off his reputation in The Italian Job and Get Carter. Little Voice (1998) won him a Golden Globe Award, and The Cider House Rules (1999) won him his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His attempt to retire in the early 1990s didn’t work and he made some of his best films in the 2000s including Miss Congeniality (2000) opposite Sandra Bullock – an enormous box-office success, and Quills opposite Geoffrey Rush and Kate Winslet. In 2001 he starred in Last Orders opposite Helen Mirren and Tom Courtney. The Quiet American (2002) won him his sixth Academy Award nomination. He simply wasn’t allowed to retire. The film parts kept coming in and so did the money. Alfie was remade in 2007 with Jude Law playing Caine’s original role.

“I learned so much from watching how he monitored his performance, and also how little he

had to do. He’s a master technician … the amount of variety he’s put in there is breathtaking.”

– Jude Law Actor, Alfie

Caine continued with smaller roles in the 2000s: Austin Power’s father in Goldmember (2002), and opposite Robert Duvall in Secondhand Lions (2003). He played Henry Lahr in the 2004 film Around the Bend, and as Nicole Kidman’s father in Bewitched (2005). He was cast as Bruce Wayne’s butler in Batman Begins (2005), and with Clive Owen and Julianne Moore in Children of Men (2006), followed by The Prestige starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. In 2007 he

appeared in Flawless, and in 2008 and 2012 he reprised his role as Alfred in the Batman sequels The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Empire Magazine announced in 2009 that Caine’s film Harry Brown would be his last leading role

“You don’t retire in this business; the business retires you.”

– Michael Caine

But Caine, who will be 90 years old in March this year, keeps working. He was offered the part of Professor Stephen Miles in Inception (2010) as Leonardo DiCaprio’s father – a financial and critical success earning eight Academy Award nominations. He starred in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012) as Josh Hutchersons’s grandfather, followed by Interstellar (2014), a science fiction film, and Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) for which he won a London Film Critics Award for British Actor of the Year. He was getting older parts and they were working. He read Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Claus and Big Claus (2015) with Roger Moore and Stephen Fry for UNICEF, and appeared in a cameo role in Dunkirk (2017). He took on the role of Brian Reader in King of Thieves (2015) about a safe deposit burglary. Even after to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he found work as a British intelligence officer in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, Come Away (2020), Twist (2021), where he played Fagin, and Best Sellers (2021) prompted Caine to say again that he was not retiring.

Michael Caine has somehow made himself a British cultural icon as a tall fair-haired workingclass actor with a Cockney accent. He has brought some of British cinemas most iconic characters to life and introduced his own laid-back Cockney gangster into pop culture. In fact, his accent has become his calling card. Ever-proud of his working-class roots, he boasts that he has played football with Pelé and danced with Bob Fosse. His two closest friends were the two James Bond actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore – both now sadly dead. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 1992, and joined his two best friends by receiving a Knighthood in the 2000 Birthday Honours list by Queen Elizabeth. Together they have appeared in dozens of films that were ranked the British Film Institute’s greatest films of the 20th century. When recently asked if he had any regrets, he replied humbly:

“I’d like to come back as me and do it all over again”

– Michael Caine

They sure don’t make ’em like they used to.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia, The Elephant to Hollywood (2010) by Michael Caine, and

PAUL McCartney of the Beatles, his girlfriend, actress Jane Asher, actress Millicent Martin, actor Michael Caine, and Caine’s girlfriend Elizab

TWO Alfies – Caine played the role in 1966 and Jude Law starred in the 2004 remake of the classic British comedy-drama

The way we were

This is my third article about the 1905 book “The Bahama Islands”(often referred to by the name of the leader of the team that was sent to the Bahamas by the University of Baltimore, but the following excerpts were written by WH White, one of the Shattuck team members.)

“The history of the Bahamas presents many interesting problems. Among them, perhaps the most important, is that of the social elevation of the black population.

When Great Britain attempted to ameliorate the condition of the slaves and free blacks, she dealt with her West Indian possessions as if they were one body, and applied the same measures to all of them, notwithstanding the fact that many of their interests were divergent.

This problem of amelioration, in the successive stages of proscription of the slave trade, the regulations of the institution of slavery, and the transition to freedom, through the apprenticeship system, was a living issue for many years, while the latest phase of the question, to wit, the education of the liberated black Bahamians, continues to be of the utmost importance, to the people of the Bahama Islands. (And, as reported in The Tribune of February 8, 2023, has not yet been solved)

Historical sketch of the Bahamas prior to the 19th century

The (site of the) landfall of Columbus, on his first voyage to America was one of the Bahama Islands. The question as to whether it was the present San Salvador (changed to Cat Island in 1925) or Watlings Island (which was renamed San Salvador in 1925), on which he first set foot is still a matter of controversy, and from evidence that has been brought to light, it would seem that the dispute can never be definitely settled, but this coincidence, interesting though it is, had little influence on the later history of the Bahamas.

At the time of the discovery, the Islands were inhabited by so-called ‘Indians’, who were given the name Lucayans. Subsequently, the Spaniards came and carried them away, or forcibly deported them, to end their miserable lives in slavery, in Spanish

mines at Hispaniola and elsewhere.

It is said that the Spaniards returned, again and again, to the Bahamas, to kidnap the Indians, until the Islands were completely depopulated of their native inhabitants and left desolate.

This may be too strong a statement of the case, but it is certain that there are no Lucayan Indians living in the Bahamas to-day (1903), nor are there any traces of Lucayan blood to be seen in the present inhabitants.

The Indian, as an element in the population, has completely vanished, and the only trace of his former existence in the Bahamas is the occasional discovery of Lucayan bones, in lonely caverns, scattered throughout the archipelago. Most of these remains have found their way to various museums in America, but a nearly perfect skull is now on exhibition in the Library at Nassau. A glance at this skull will show that the Lucayan Indians possessed considerable cranial capacity,

although they practiced artificial flattening of the head.

Another thing that attracted Spanish adventurers to the Bahamas was the fabled Fountain of Youth, reputed to be located in or near them. The aged Ponce de Leon, who was guided to the Bimini Islands in 1513, actually bathed in a fountain there, but was forced to go away a disappointed man, without the restoration of his youth, which he so much desired.

Title to the Lucayan Islands, as the Bahamas were first called, which was given to the Spaniards by the Pope, was not left undisputed. English searovers haunted the West Indies in order to prey on Spanish commerce, and pirates, who early resorted to these waters and rapidly increased in numbers, found among the keys (cays) of the Bahamas, havens of retreat, where they could easily elude the clumsy Spanish galleons.

In 1578, Queen Elizabeth I granted Sir Humphrey Gilbert a title to lands in these parts not occupied by subjects of any other Christian power.

Sir Humphrey (1539–1583) –[an English adventurer, explorer, member of parliament and soldier, who served during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, was a pioneer of the English colonial empire in North America and a half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh’s] – included the Bahamas in his grant, although he made no attempt to settle them.

On October 30, 1639, another grant, including the Bahama Islands, was made by King Charles I, this time to Sir Robert Heath, Britain’s Attorney-General. A few colonists were sent out under this patent and a settlement was formed on New Providence, but this settlement was ill-fated, for the island was visited, in 1641, by a force of Spanish seamen and the small band of Englishmen was captured and carried away. The place was then taken possession of by the Spaniards and held for about twenty years.

In the meantime, while the Spanish were still in possession of New Providence, the Eleutherian Adventurers, a band of religious exiles, driven out from Bermuda, sailed southward to the Bahamas in, 1649, and founded a settlement on the island of Eleuthera…”

• For questions and comments, please send an e-mail to islandairman@gmail.com

Rainbow Bridge calling

By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters

Hi Mum from the Rainbow Bridge!

So sorry it has been such a long time since I, oops we, have written to you. Truth is, we are busy and happy fur-angels; we are actually real favourites of St Francis or Francesco, as little Nimba insists we call him. She comes from a city in Italy called Padova; have you ever heard of it?

She says it has a beautiful Basilica (I think that’s a church) and she tells us all about the master who loves her so much. She says she was “fortunata” - That’s lucky in Italian. Mum … but I am getting off track with all my news for you… she is such a pretty little thing, sweet too.

We have a few new friends who came up not so long ago: Gabby and Trooper, they needed some settling in; they told us that they had met you a couple of times so Nimba sent them over to our detail. Scruffy is so busy when he is checking in new arrivals. He really puts down the red carpet, especially since he has become such good buddies with the corgis (there are so many royal corgis that they shuttle back and forth to the Rainbow Bridge and their mum, they call her the Queen!) They say she prefers to be with them in decade groups, so they have been teaching Scruffy the art of being a perfect gentleman and he uses these newly acquired skills to settle in the new arrivals.

Everybody loves Scruffy, and Snowy scampers around tripping everybody over and rolling on her back barking and makes everybody laugh with her antics. Sometimes new arrivals are confused and a little sad to be away from their families. It’s our job to make them feel safe and to know that they are loved. Buddy loves to show them how to look in on their families, and how to pop back at night to check on them. Remember how, Mum, you thought you heard me in the bedroom that

night shortly after I left? You almost caught me; that was before I was an expert.

I was right with you when poor Garmin had that seizure a couple of weeks ago, Mum. Why do you think you stayed calm enough to film it to send to the vet? Boss was there too. We told Garmin to stay with you for a while longer, Mum, and St Francis agreed.

Just getting back to Gabby, do you know she loves airplanes? Apparently, she used to go on them frequently. I told her I really didn’t enjoy them much. Once during COVID I had to fly to Florida alone

pet of the week

Smiling Skylar

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

Skylar has a loving, outgoing personality that she hopes will land her the perfect new home. She’s about two and half years old and gets along well with other dogs. She loves joining the weekly walks and hopes her new people will enjoy walking as well. Have you been looking for a bouncy personality to

as ironic that the very creatures who are not allowed in restaurants, hotels, cars, parks, and public places are the same ones that they are depending on to save the lives of their fellow humans when they can’t, but we can. We can hear better and smell better; we are the ones who tell the humans where to dig, but then we are the ones that are put in a cage… excuse me? I just saved several human lives, and you are saying to go in a cage until you need me again? Nope, I don’t think so, bring out the good food, the cuddles and the soft beds.

for cancer treatment. I barked the entire way over and back… I was never allowed to travel on my own again. I always knew how to get my own way. So back to Gabby, she now does those flights with us over planes loved ones are in… she looks really cool with her goggles and angel wings, not to mention her halo. There are a couple of things on Earth I would like to bring up. Did you see that terrible earthquake? Such a dreadful thing to happen, and did you see what teams have been sent in from all over the world? Rescue and recovery dogs from everywhere! Does it ever strike humans

I am also a bit worried about the Bahamas; things are not moving forward, I went with you to the pound. A couple of those fellows you saw that day there are up here now. They did nothing wrong, they were born because people are irresponsible and won’t spay and neuter. Don’t worry, Mum, they are fine with us, but it is still not right, they should have been allowed to live their lives. Every dog, cat, animal deserves to be treated kindly and with dignity.

I know you and your friends are trying very hard. Buddy and Berry went on that mission to make you strong. Bud is very happy to have his sister here. They look so alike. Yogi, another brother of Buds, said his human got married last week. Congratulations and happy days, Ashley! It’s busy here and we will write again... stay safe.

– XOXO Chiefie (First-Class Fur Angel, flying corps).

join your family? Skylar might just fit the bill. Come into the Bahamas Humane Society to meet her or call 325-6742 for more information. Skylar looks forward to meeting you!

• The BHS Thrift Shop is open and ready to sell you all kinds of wonderful things: Books, clothing, housewares, giftware, art, and much more. Wednesday/Thursday/ Friday, 11am - 3pm, and Saturday 10am - 2pm. Bring your bag!

CANINE disaster teams have been deployed to Turkey to aid in the search for those buried in the rubble from this week’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake. (AP Photo/(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

(Photo/Linda Gill-Aranha)

Put yourself in the frame

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

Selfies – self-portrait photographs, typically taken with a smartphone – have evolved dramatically over the last decade. Increasingly, it’s not just about snapping a cool shot of one’s best angles, but an art form in and of itself.

And people spare no effort in capturing that perfect selfie for social media. Some even travel to far-off, exotic places for a unique backdrop.

But for those who want to up level their selfie game right here at home, a new, different type of photo studio is stepping up to the plate.

Aptly named the Bahama Selfie Studio, this new space offers unique and interactive photo sets for one’s creative endeavours. Provided in the experience are the all-important ring lights, tripods, and props for your photo shoot day. The team’s motto is “we have the set, you bring the pose”. The only thing customers have to bring with them are their phones or cameras.

“I launched the studio both as a fun, family friendly new outing, and also to give freelance photographers a space to get new shots with their clients, both in the selfie studio and with our pro studio on site,” said Benjamin Davis, owner of the Bahama Selfie Studio.

He told Tribune Weekend he first saw the concept during the pandemic on TikTok in the United States and European markets and wondered if the same idea could work here in the Bahamas.

“I had seen enough bathroom mirror selfies and car seat selfies, so I wanted to give people an opportunity for the perfect photo. I figured that Bahamians and visitors alike would be happy to have a new form of entertainment, especially one that fits a wide variety of uses. The Selfie Studio is family friendly enough that you can take your grandkids on a Sunday evening, but also fun enough for a girls’ night out on a Friday night,” he said.

As a young business owner, Benjamin said he knows how hard it can be to get a foot in the door and expand a business without some external help, so the studio is geared towards assisting young photographers, social media gurus and influencers by giving them access to professional backdrops, great lighting and unique sets, all at an affordable price.

“Some customers opt to bring their own professional photographers to take their photos, but most people just use their smartphones. In addition to the selfie booths that are accessible during general admission from Thursday to Sunday with no appointment or reservation, we also have a private pro studio dedicated to freelance photographers that have clients wanting to do studio shoots. This space is separate from the selfie studio and contains roll-down solid colour backdrops along with basic studio lighting,” he explained.

“We have changing rooms also, so customers are able to bring multiple outfits for different looks,

and even high-speed free Wi-Fi to upload those TikToks and the like. Clothing stores have brought in models to do photoshoots and we’ve even had people shoot music videos and do promotional shoots at Bahama Selfie Studio.”

With being the first and largest selfie studio in the country, with two floors, 2,500 square feet of space and 30 unique and interactive backdrops, Benjamin said the photo opportunities are almost endless.

There is everything from a bakery themed room to a red carpet, a music recording studio to the “money room”, and even an illusion room. There are also seasonal rooms that change with the holidays.

“Our Christmas rooms are gone, but our Valentine’s themed rooms will be up for the entire month of February. After Valentine’s we will begin looking at Easter themes, and of course uniquely Bahamian themes for our upcoming 50th Independence,” said Benjamin.

“We also aim to refresh the booths every few months so that the studio remains relevant. Sometimes we have booths and backdrops that are themed to pop culture, like our alphabet wall from ‘Stranger Things’, the Netflix series.”

Moving forward, Benjamin said the plan is to expand into the tourism market by targeting both stop-over visitors and cruise passengers who are looking for something new and fun to do while on the island.

He is also looking into the logistics of using the studio as a host location for private events.

THE BAHAMA Selfie Studio