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Fashion Report with Cara Hunt and Alesha Cadet 2025 Critics Choice Awards
HIT
Cynthia Erivo in Giorgio Armani Prive Cara says: “It’s givingsleek sexy and I loveit.This peplumdressisjustclassicCynthia. Flawless and a step up from last week’s Grammy disaster.”
Alesha says: “It’s somethingabouta woman witha short cutor likeshe’s rocking - a bald head. Theconfidence is loud and proud, and I absolutelylove that. Cynthia is completely owning this look from head to toe.”
MISS
Arianna Grande in Dior Carasays: “Oh noAriana,I don’t like this at all, ok first the colour is bland, the top may not bethat bad, but theskirt is this weirdcross betweena hoopskirt andburlap sackthathashadahardday.Andwhateveris hangingoff thefringejustreminds meof bugs. The shoes are just ugly, sorry Ariana.”
Alesha says: “The dressis anabsolutely no for me. BUT, yes I have a but. I love how the nude in her outfitand hair colour kinda compliments her skin tone. I would swap the blackpumpsfora nudepairaswell.Ariana is such a pretty girly girl.”
SPLIT
Lupita Nyango in Chanel Cara says: “She just always nails every red carpet appearance.The lace pastel bodice is so old fashioned and delicate but add the sheer black andit just gives the look that lilextra it needs tobe glam. Irealise I may be biased because I love her so.”
Alesha says: “Now Lupita girl. Ilive for your usual ‘slayage’ - but this ain’t it. There is a lot going on and it’s not coming together forme. Nope.Lupita isstilla 10/10it-girl though, don’t let this one-off fool y’all.”
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Natasha Lyonne in Yves San Laurent
Cara says: “Loving thisleatherdress, it’s giving bougie biker chick like oh look I’m just herein my cutedress withmy diamond necklace and my amazing hair killing it.”
Alesha says: “I mean, you couldnever go wrong witha black dress. Thedeep cut leathernumber issomethingI wouldn’t personallygo for- butI guessshe’s rockingit. It’sanaddedbonusthat Iamafanofhers from her time and character on one of my favourite shows; Orange is The New Black.”
Talking about ‘My Love’
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
ON this Valentine’s Day, authorand singer Angelica McIntoshis setto deliver aheartfelt experience that mergesmusic, literature,andfaith. Undera “My Love” theme patrons canlook forward toan evening atthe BahamasChristian Fellowship,Carmicheal Road,that includesthe release of her book MyLove and her newsingle ofthe same name that promises to take attendees onan emotionaljourney throughthe highsand lowsof love, resilience, and faith.
point, weweren’t hearing each other, we wanted to be heard which eventually tore us apart,” she explained.
The turning point came when Angelica was actingin a local play called Daisy Hitsthe Jackpot, whichfeatured a storyline about acouple dealing with marital difficulties.
show up andto hear powerful testimonies from professionals and wisdom thatwill strengthen their relationshipswith their spouse childrenfriend’s family coworkers etc. I also believe prayer works it’s whathelpedme through mystruggle,” said Angelica.
doesn’t see their worth, she wants them to know that the God who takes care of fragile hearts will see them through.
Angelica’s book, My Love, is a deeply personal reflection on love and forgiveness, revealing the triumphs and challengesshe has faced, bothemotionally andspiritually. Shealso candidlydiscussesthestruggles inhermarriage.
At thecore ofthis projectthat kicks off at 7pm, is a personal story. “Initially myinspiration came from the Lord who gave me this visionmerged withmy own personal experience of love. I believeitisinGod'sperfectwillthat broken homes are reunited, familiesare restored,heartsare healed,and lovetakes itsrightful place amongst usagain,” Angelica shared.
Similarly, thesong, MyLove, wasbornout ofapivotalmoment in her relationship. “ The song was written during a very sensitivetime inmymarriage. Atthat
“Istartedputting pentopaper and told my mom Terez Davis thatIhavea songI'dlikeforthe characters to sing in the show. Longstoryshort weproducedthe song andthe song gotgreat reviews,” she said.
After the production ended, she decidedto takeit further,releasing it as a single and eventuallyexpanding itinto afull event.
A key feature ofthe event this evening will be The Four Strands of Love panel,which delves into different types of love: Agape (God’slove), Philia(friendship love), Storge(family love),and Eros(romantic love).Angelica hopes the discussionwill provide attendees withpowerful testimonies and wisdom to strengthen their relationships.
“Weare expectingeveryoneto
The evening willalso feature a specialappearance fromDynamiteDaisy, thebelovedBahamiancomedic character,ensuringthat audiencesnot onlyexperiencedeep reflectionbutalso thehealing poweroflaughter.
“We all can use a good medicine of laughterwhich Iam certain people are coming toif only to hear some great singing and a good laugher.Music isthe universal language.Many ofus can attest that agood music soundtrack with the right words is the therapyneeded inthat moment,” said Angelica.
For Angelica, this event is not just aboutone night,it ispart ofa larger mission.She ishoping that with God’s help,people willsee the value in love,no matter what they’vebeen through.Nomatter howtough lifegets, nomatter who walksout onthem, orwho
Havingstruggledwithrejection and childhood wounds that affected herrelationships, Angelica understands firsthandthe importance ofhealing. “For years,I carriedsecrets whichunfortunately bleedinmy relationships.Ilost goodfriendships.I wastaughtby my father thatI didn't need friendssoI didn'tknowhowto keep them.I didn'tfight tokeep them either; it waslike it didn't carryweight orvalueto me.My childhooddays werea bitrough aroundtheedgeslivingindefense on the brinkof survival. Consequently,I becamea fighterin order tosurvive. Thisalmost cost me everything -but God,” she said.
Looking ahead, she envisions theMy Loveeventexpanding beyondthe Bahamas.It isher prayerthatthe ministryistaken throughoutThe Bahamasand acrossthe world to Canada, Trinidad, and wherever else the Lordseesfit. Angelicaisprayerfulthatthis willbecomeanannual event.
awards
What's going to win best picture? We rank the Oscar field
By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer
The inner-Vatican machinations of "Conclave" have nothingon this year's Oscar race.
Just as EdwardBerger's film juggles various candidates for the papacy, the race for best picture at the Academy Awards has seen one favorite replaced by another, and then another.
While some clarityhas lately emerged,with ahandful ofbig wins for Sean Baker's "Anora," it seems likely to be a nail biter until a winner is declared at the March 2 Oscars,when whitesmoke unfurls fromthe SistineChapel, I mean the Dolby Theatre.
Asof now,"Anora"is theclear frontrunner thanksto winswith the ProducersGuild andthe Directors Guild both prizes with a longhistory ofpredictingOscar winners. Where the Screen Actors Guild and the BAFTAs fall will offer the last major clues.
Butunlike yearslike lastyear, when "Oppenheimer" was way ahead wire to wire, no lead in this year's best picture race seems ironclad.So,with thatinmind, here are the best picture nominees,rankedin orderofleast likely to win to most likely to win. It's telling that at least half of thesefilms,with threeweeksto go, still have a chance.
10. "Nickel Boys"
Ifthis wasaranking ofmerit, RaMell Ross'smovie wouldbe first. Ross' film,thrillingly and thoughtfully shot largely in first person, introduced a new filmic grammarto Americanmovies. But "Nickel Boys" was seemingly onthecusp ofgettinganomination, so we should just be glad it's countedhere amongthe bestof the year.
9. "Dune: Part Two"
DenisVilleneuve's firstFrank Herbert adaptation garnered 10 nominations andwon six."Part Two" hasn't been the same awards force.It'sup forfivenominations and will probably walk home with
one ortwo Oscars,possibly for visual effects and sound. People like "Dune: Part Two" but sequels tend tohave aharder goof itat theAcademy Awards.Blameit on the sandworms.
8. "I'm Still Here"
Arguablynofilm hasrisenup the Oscar ranks more than Walter Salles' portrait of political resistance underBrazil's militarydictatorship. The film,a box-office sensation in its native country, was once one of the many internationalunderdogs vyingfora place at the Academy Awards. It won'twinbest picture,butit'sa testament to the film's appeal that it couldupset "EmiliaPérez" in best international film.
7. "The Substance"
Coralie Fargeat's body-horror filmhas turnedoutto bemuch moreof anOscar contenderthan initiallybelieved certainly by Universal,which financedthe filmbut soldittoMubi todistribute. It's up for five awards but its bestchance comesin thebest actresscategory whereDemi Moore isthe favorite.Mikey Madison ("Anora") and Fernanda Torres ("I'm StillHere") could make that a close call, too, but Moore propelled by her "popcornactress" narrativeandthe movie's biting showbiz satire is the frontrunner.
6. "Emilia Pérez"
Howfar cana formerfrontrunner fall?Jacques Audiard's narco-musical leadsall films with 13 nominations but the Netflix movie has been in freefall since itsstar, KarlaSofía Gascón,became ensnarledbya scandal overold tweets.I'm not completely counting"Emilia Pérez" out – you don't get 13 nominations for nothing. But "Emilia Pérez,"a divisivemovie to begin with, is now in the businessofsalvaging itschancesin other categories,like bestsupporting actress, where Zoe Saldaña could win.
5. "Wicked"
Nowwe're intothe topcontenders.Most likely,thewinner
THIS image released by Mubi shows Demi Moore in a scene from "The Substance." (Mubi via AP)
THIS imagereleasedbyUniversal PicturesshowsCynthiaErivo,left,andArianaGrandein ascenefromthefilm "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)
is coming from one of these next five. Jon M Chu's Broadway adaptationmight have themost moviegoers rootingfor ittowin, butit's missingsome keyingredients forpulling outbestpicture. Chu missed ona nomination forbest directorandthe "Wicked" has mostly been out-musical-ed by"Emilia Pérez" on theawards circuit. Still,"Wicked" hascornered the market on therole of Big Studio Movie contender. However itdoes, thefilm academy is going to make sure "Wicked"is frontand center during the ceremony.
4. "Conclave"
Here wehave our Everyone Likes It contender. Berger's papalthriller, starringRalphFiennes asacardinal tasked withleading a conclave,feels likethemost universally respectednominee. In ayear where votes are spreadacross alot of films, that might be a quality that particularly consideringthe academy'spreferentialballot leaves "Conclave"driving theOscar home ina popemobile. What's the main knock against thishappening, aside from thepotential difficulty of rentinga popemobile? Berger was passed over on a directing nomination,and
"Conclave" hasn't yet won a major award. Morethan any other movie,it needsa victory at the BAFTAs.
3. "A Complete Unknown"
James Mangold's Bob Dylan movie isalso widely liked and lacks any precursor win. But admiration for "A Complete Unknown" is widespreadandit could,justas "Conclave" might, pull out an upset by rising high on a plethoraof ballots.Unlike "Conclave," Mangold was nominated for best director, though, and it has the benefit of being led by Hollywood's biggestyoung star,Timothée Chalamet. Hollywood likes to, inpicking abest picture winner, say something about its future.Chalamet's star power could be convincing enough.Plus SearchlightPictures haspreviously steered quite a few best-picture winners ("Nomadland,""The Shape of Water"). Mangold's movie has momentum, which, even if it doesn'tlead to best picture, may propel Chalamet to best actorover Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist."
2. "The Brutalist"
Until recently, Brady Corbet's postwar epic might havebeenthe toppick."The Brutalist" hasbeen anawardwinner at Veniceand the
Golden Globes. It's up for 10 Oscars.It's roundly been hailedas visionary, hugely ambitiouscinema allmade, remarkably, witha budgetunder$10 million. It's also three and a halfhours long.Not every Oscar voter, I assure you, iswatching it all the way through. That, though,might notbea bad thing for a movie that falls off in the second half.
1.
"Anora"
Halfa yearago, "Anora" was the odds-on pickto winbestpicture and now,after atopsyturvy awardsseason, itis again. A trio of wins at the PGA Awards, the DGA Awardsand Critics Choice has reestablished"Anora" asthe movie to beat. Ifit winsat theSAG Awards, too, the race is probably over. Not everything with similar credentials haswon before,though; "1917"had thesame winsbefore beingdefeated by"Parasite" fiveyears ago. "Anora," however, also wonthe Palmed'Orat Cannes, like "Parasite" did,so itshould dowell among international voters a crucial voting bloc in today's academy. It's also just really good. "Anora" comes from a widely respected filmmaker in Baker, a prominent defender of the theatrical release. And hismovie, asly and devastating twist on a "Pretty Woman"-like fable, isas connectedto Hollywood's celebrated '70s as it isto its indie filmmaking present.
THIS image released by Netflix shows Zoe Saldaña, center, in a scene from "Emilia Pérez." (Netflix via AP)
Thisimagereleasedby NeonshowsMarkEydelshteyn,left, and Mikey Madison in a scene from "Anora." (Neon via AP)
THIS image released by Neon shows Yura Borisov in a scene from "Anora." (Augusta Quirk/Neon via AP)
Augusta Quirk
THIS image released by Netflix shows Karla Sofía Gascón, left, and Zoe Saldaña in a scene from "Emilia Pérez." (Netflix via AP)
Tanicia Pratt: Blow the Whistle
By Letitia Pratt
Associate Curator, National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
TaniciaPratt, aninterdisciplinary poet, writer,and artistwho started in Nassau's underground spoken wordpoetryscene,presentsanew project, Blowthe Whistle, which responds tothe growingprevalenceofsexualviolenceinTheBahamas.
Showingin theNationalArt Gallery’ of TheBahamas’ Project Space, thepoetic filminstallation exploresthemesofsexuality,violence, and bodily autonomy. The workremixes Pratt’s original poetry withclips ofJunkanoo, householdcleaning, andthe soundofwhistles – a somewhat tongue-in-cheek response to PrimeMinisterDrHubertMinnis’ 2020 proposal to provide “women
and children with complimentary [rape] whistles” should they win the next general election.
In 2016, theNational Task Force forGender-Based Violence reported that TheBahamas had thehighest incidencesof rapeper capita in the Caribbean. As a response tothis report,along with controversialdebates onsolutions overtheyears, Blow the Whistle is a parade of whistles that haunt, alarm, and mobilise justice for women and children.
“I found the whistle to be very metaphoric in its sound and function,” explains Pratt, when asked about her thought process. She goes on: “Whistles comeinmany different soundsand containments.A humanwhistlingcan representenjoyment. Akettle whistling on thestove can representhome. Amechanical whistle can be acall to action, or
A haunting cacophony of sounds, Blow the Whistle takes a sharp, sardonic look at gender-based violence in The Bahamas and the absurd solutions proposed to curb it.
an alarm. In The Bahamas, natives often recognisethe soundof whistles inrelation toJunkanoo parades. Playedalongside goatskin drums, horns,and cowbells, the Junkanoo whistle is symbolic for rebellion andfreedom from slavery.”
Primarily inspiredby Nevin Aladag’s Fanfare, exhibited at the HaywardGalleryinLondon,England, Blow theWhistle consists of three frames in which scenes of a
womancleaning, awoman yelling,and peoplerushing Junkanoo all come together to createaclashofsound.Thesound itself is a warning;it is highpitched and anxiety inducing.
“With these visualsI question who iscleaning and whatis being cleaned up,” says Pratt. “Cleaning is alsoseen as adomestic chore expected tobe performedby married women, and the performance of cleaning speaks to silence, traditional values,and submissiveness.”
Her poems, “Junkanoo Mornin’” and “Clippings of a Teen Girl” arereadin hervoice.
“JunkanooMornin’” isreadlikea monologue forgetting readyfor Junkanoo, while “Clippings of a TeenGirl” repurposesjournalistic language to imagine future outcomesofa nationalwhistleregistry. Bothpoems canbe readas
awarning andacryto bringto light The Bahamas’ increasing rape crimes, social inequalities, and the absurd responses to these horrors and injustices.
You can find Tanicia Pratt’s poetry in numerous publications suchasBad Form,PREE,Lungs Project, POUI, Soeurs, among others.She hasperformedon manyinternational platforms,includingWriteAboutNow,Middle Ground Berlin, Marchéde la Poésie,Ormsby HallKingston, and the NationalArt Gallery of The Bahamas. Herbooks have also beencollected bythe National Poetry Library of England. In 2022, sheauthored BLUE,a poetic narrativethat delvesinto theemotional complexitiesof living andloving (in)The Bahamas. See Blow theWhistle at theNAGB fromFebruary11 through April 27.
BLOW the Whistle Project
INTERDISCIPLINARY poet, writer, and artist, Tanicia Pratt
Wendi asks “How You Doing?”
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN artist Wendi hasstepped into2025 withpurpose andpride, and her newsingle
“How You Doing” is a testamentto hergrowth andevolution.
Freshoff significantmilestones, including being invited toperform attheprestigious CaribbeanMusic Awardsand joining the Grammy Recording Academy, Wendi’s infectious energy and vibrant sounds are ready to captivate listeners worldwide.
Her latest track offers a refreshing and lighthearted celebration of friendship,bringing a new flavor toher already diverse musical repertoire.
Therelease of “How You Doing” marks anexciting new chapter for Wendi.
The artistdescribes thetrack as “fun and vibrant.
“It focuses onchecking in withlong-time friends,persons
Watch out for Red Flags
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
Fcognition of herenduring impact on music.
aliser onmy YouTubechannel for ‘HowYou Doing.’ It’s shot by Chris Seymour, and a big thankyougoes outtotheDaiquiriShack, CableBeach,for allowing me to use their space,” Wendi shared.
you may not have seen in a while,and justcatchingeach other up on life. I thought it was important to release a song like this because, one, I don’t have a songlike thisin myrepertoire, and two, Iwanted to create something thatjust feelsgood to hear,sing, andperform” she told Tribune Weekend.
Inspired by thejoy and festivespirit oftheBahamas during the holidayseason, the songreflects thelivelyexchanges often heard at parties when long-lost friends reconnect. Wendi’s lyrics capture that essence:‘OMG,lookwhoitis!? Whatyou saying?Howyou doing?”
Wendi’sartistic visionextends beyond justthe music. She’s already launched a beautifulvisualiserfor thesongon herYouTube channel,created withthe talentedChrisSeymour.
Thevideo wasshot atthe Daiquiri Shack in Cable Beach, a place that added to the song’s sense oflocal flavorand authenticity.
“Yes,Ihave abeautifulvisu-
Wendi’sjourney hasbeen marked by notable accomplishments, and thepast year has been a transformativeone. Reflectingon her2024highlights, sheshared aboutwhat hasbeen the highlight for her.
“In 2024,I had twovery specialthingshappen. Iwasthe onlyBahamian artistinvitedto performandpresentatopaward at the2nd annualCaribbean Music Awardsheld in Brooklyn, New York. I was also invited to jointhe Grammy Recording Academy and I am now a voting member.This milestonehasbeen alongtime coming for me and solidifies my stake andpast and future contributionsto theglobal music industry.” As a new member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Wendi joins an exclusive group of just 13,000 votingmembers, are-
Lookingahead, Wendihas ambitious goals for her musical career thisyear. “Thisyear is all about live performances.
“Mygoal isto reintroduceThe Bahamasand theregionat largeto Wendiasa liveband singer.My livebandstage show is a differentkind of performance, and I feel like my newer supporters and fans have notseen meinthatbag ina long time, soI’m excited to bring this energy.”
Wendi’s growth as an artist has beenevident overthe past year.
“I havetaken timeto internalisethe artistthatI amnow. There have been changes to my artistry as aresult of ‘life-lifeing,’ and Ineeded to take time to reconcile with that and ultimatelyevolve toaccommodate forit. I can feelthat I amaseasonedartist,andthings thatonce mademe nervousor afraid don’t carry as much weight anymore. I am free.”
With “HowYou Doing” marking anew chapter,it’s clearthat Wendi’s evolution as an artistis justbeginning, and the best is yet to come.
OR many, Valentine’s Day is a celebrationof love,romance,and grandgestures. But for Bahamianartist and attorney Ilsha McPhee, this year’s holiday is the perfect moment to flip the script with her latest single, Red Flag.
Just released today, February 14, Red Flag isan anthemfor anyonewho has everignoredthewarningsignsinarelationship, only to learn the hard way that love should never comeat the expense of self-respect.
“The song is inspired by personal experience and theexperiences of my closest girlfriends. Sweet-hearting is almost a cultural staplein The Bahamas, where youhave eitherseen itor experiencedit firsthand.A lotof times,this behavior is experienced in relationships andfemalesare encouragedtostaybecause'a manwill bea man'.However, Red Flag, takes that phenomenon, turns it on its head and empowers that female tomoveon,instead ofjustfindingcontentment in a bad situation, just for the sake of havinga relationship,” Ilsha shared.
The artisttells Tribune Weekend she was intentional aboutdropping Red Flag on Valentine’s Day. While the special day is oftenassociated with love and joy, she recognisesthat it can also be a difficult timefor those navigating breakups, heartbreak, ortoxic relationships.
“Valentine’s Day, while it's a celebrationof love,oftentimes bringssadness forthosewhomay haverecentlyleftor
lost relationships. Myaim with this song isto empowerthose thatmay find themselves in thatsituation and to create some what of an anthem for them.Iwantfor thosewhomaynot have love in their life to look forward to anewchapter,andmorelikelythannot, it will be an even better chapter,” said Ilsha.
Known for her versatility as an artist, Ilsha is no strangerto fusing genres.
While Rake ’n Scrape is a signature Bahamian sound, she wantedRed Flag to push creative boundaries.
“Rake ’n Scrape songstend to sound the same, using a lotof the same chord progressions. This song takes Rake ’n Scrape, andintroduces chordsthat may bemoreinlinewithapopsongorR&B song. Itgives thesong aseductive feel, whileit takesonataboo topic.So listeners will feel thatgroove and immediatelywant todance.It's allabout innovationofour culturewhilestill maintaining those truly cultural Rake ’n Scape elements,” she explained.
worthittoignore allofaperson'sred flags,just sothat personcan claimyou in public?” said Ilsha. She hopes thenew song empowers bothfemaleand malelistenerstothink aboutself-worth, standards,andtrue love of self. Ilsha believes self-love is alsosomethingthat shouldbecelebrated on Valentine’s Day. Following the release of Red Flag, Ilsha has several exciting performances lined up.
“The RedCross Organisationhas alreadyreachedoutto meforaperformancefortheir AnnualFaironthe 29th of March 2025. I am really excited to perform. I think more effort and energy should be placed in Bahamian performances.Trueelevationofourculture requires more intentionalityin the product we give toviewers. Every performance isan opportunityto ‘give the people somethinggood!’—and Iplan on doing that every time,” she said. Furthermore, she isalso a regular performeratthe JonBatisteJazzClub at BahaMar withthe BlackSwann Band,and willbefeatured withShaad Collie and the VIPsat the North Caicos Rake ’n Scrape Festivalon March 22, 2025. For those wantingto follow her journeyandstayupdatedonnewmusic, Ilsha encourages supportersto connect withher onsocialmedia: @_Ilshaon Facebook and Instagram,and ilshaonthetrack on TikTok.
Her journey in musichas been a dynamicone. Shestarted outin thecarnival scene, heavily influenced by Junkanoo fusion, buthas since found herself gravitatingtoward Rake ’n Scrape.
“In recent years, through my involvement withShaad Collieand theVIPs, Rake ’n Scrapehastakena moreprominent placein my sound.There continuestobea resurgenceofthegenre, and I hope to make my staple in its renaissance,” said Ilsha.
She said Red Flag isn’t just a breakup song, it’s a conversation starter. Ilsha hopes it encourageslisteners to reflect on self-worth, toxicrelationships, and the importance of loving oneself first.
“Alotof Bahamiansmaintainrelationships for the look. It’s trendy to post someone buying youflowers and gifts on Valentine’s Day. However,if that relationship is toxic, orthat person is buyingyouand severalotherfemales valentines day gifts, is the image of a healthyrelationshipreallyworthit?Isit
fashion
Get set for Freeport Fashion Week
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is rolling out the redcarpet forthe second annualFreeport Fashion Week(FFW), promising an even grander showcase of talentandstyleastheCityofFreeport celebratesits 70thanniversary.
The event, which kicks off on March 14, will highlight local designers,models, andartists,culminating inthe much-anticipated Ripthe Runwaydesignercompet-
ition.
DrTelina Smith,directorof human resources and administratorfor GBPADonations,expressedthe PortAuthority’s enthusiasm forsupporting the fashion-forward event.
“The GrandBahama PortAuthorityis excitedto supportthe 2ndAnnual FreeportFashion Weekand partnerwith theorganisersof Ripthe RunwayShow,” she said. “These shows have proven that Grand Bahama is brimming with talent. We are
proudtoprovide aplatformfor ourdesigners, licensees,and modelstodisplaytheirtalentsona national stage, while also encouraging future licensees.”
Ms Smithhighlighted GBPA’s broader commitment tothe island’s creative industries. “Our chairman,Sarah StGeorge,has shown astrong dedicationto investing in theorange economy, evident throughinitiatives like Freeport Got Talent, the Art Festival, and now, Freeport Fashion Week.”
ColetteParker, aFreeport Fashion Weekcommittee member, held an island-wide casting call on February 3 at the Mosaic. “We’ve invited allinterested models,male andfemale, aged 15 andolder,” said Ms Parker. “Modeling experience wasn'trequiredas wewillwork them."
Fatima Zarah Kaboub, chairmanof FFW,creditedGBPA for bringingthis ambitiousproject to life. “This is thebrainchild of the GBPA, andthey’ve entrusted
uswiththemissionofgettingitoff the ground,” Ms Kaboub said. “It’s notjust aboutfashion it’s aboutshowcasing GrandBahama’s creative talent in design, hair, beauty, and accessories to the world.”
The weeklongfestivities begin onMarch14 attheStonedCrab with a fashionshow featuring Grand Bahamian designers presenting their latest collections. OnMarch15, aBeautyand Fashion Talk willdelve into hair careandfashion trends,withlocal
FROM left is Lynne Fraino, Elizabeth Collie, Anthia Bullard, Dr Telina Smith, Fatima Zahra Kaboub,chairman of Freeport FashionWeek; Tanisha Pyfrom, Olivia Pagés, owner ofStoned Crab Restaurant; and Collete Parker.
fashion
shops invited to participate in a special catwalk event showcasing ready-to-wearpiecesfortheGrand Bahamian market.
Thehighlightof theweekisthe RiptheRunwaydesignercompetition onMarch 16at theGrand Lucayan Resort.Designers willcompete ina themedevent titled “ReImagining theInternational Bazaar,” atribute toFreeport’s iconic cultural landmark.
Tanisha Pyfrom,who chosethe theme for Rip the Runway, explained theinspiration behindthe concept. “The International Bazaar was aworld wonder for Freeport, attractingvisitors from allover theglobe. WithFreeport celebratingits 70thanniversary,it felt fitting tohonor this historic site,” Pyfrom said. “We’re transforming theGrand LucayanResort’s ballroom intoEl Casino, withthehallwayreplicatingthevibrant marketplace experience complete with straw vendors, glassblowers, wood carvers, and even fire dancers.”
Among the localtalents returningtotherunwayisGrandBahamian designerAnthia Bullard, who expressed gratitudefor the platform FFW provides. “Last yearwas incredible.Ishowcased ninepieces,andalthoughmydress was a bittoo big for thestage, it madefor greatmedia,” Bullard shared. “I’vebeen celebratedin placeslike Washington,DC, Nassau, andNew York,but showcasing my work here in Grand Bahama is something truly special.”
This year’stheme, “Platinum Glamour,” honors Freeport’s milestone anniversary. “We’re pulling out allthe stops this year.The designers arebringing theirA-game, and it’sgoing tobe biggerand betterthan before,” Bullard added.
Ticketsfor Ripthe Runwayare available at Pyfrom Manor CorporatePlazaatPrintMasters.Generaladmission is$50, VIPtickets are$100,and Platinumaccessis $150.Skyboxreservationsarealso availablefor thoseseeking anelevated experience.
With the city’s 70th anniversary as the backdrop, Freeport Fashion Weekpromises tobe adazzling celebration of creativity, culture, and community, showcasing the bestof GrandBahama’s fashion talent to the world.
Boldly Bahamian B
ahama Hand Prints hasunveiled three exclusive printsdesigned byUniversity of TheBahamas (UB) artstudents. Thenewcollection is part of the brand’s Boldly Bahamiancampaign, an initiativecelebrating local talent and cultural heritage.
Sinceits launchin2022, BoldlyBahamian hasspotlighted Bahamiancreatives, from muralists and chefs to Olympiansand dancers.This year, in collaboration with UB professorand artistHeino Schmid, thebrand challenged fineart studentsto designa custom print foran upcoming collection.
Overseveral weeks,students transformed hand-drawn sketchesinto strikingtextile patterns, in an effort to capture the essence of The Bahamas. Theresult: threeunique designs inspired byland and sea. “Our missionhasalways been to celebrateand uplift Bahamian creativity,” said Alannah van Onselen, owner of Bahama HandPrints. “By providing a platform for youngartists tosharetheir vision, we ensure that our culture continues to thrive in new and inspiring ways.”
UB sophomore Siyan Rolle hasalways beenfascinated with flamingos.Her design,a vibrant pink print, features the country’s nationalbird interwoven with silhouettes of major Bahamian islands.
“When Bahama Hand Prints, sucha largeand iconicbrand reachedout tous andstated that they wanted our designs, I was completelyshocked,” she said. “I felt both happy and accomplished.”
For Jhanaisia Cole, a UB ju-
nior anddesigner ofthe lilac "Sea Nettle"print, theexperience was deeply personal.
“Seeing my design on fabric and people wearing it means so muchto me,” she said. “I’m obsessed with jellyfish their beauty, their elegance,and thefact thatthey have no brains.I love that about them.”
Jada Sands, a UB senior, recalls vivid memories of days spent inthe kitchenwith her mother andfather squeezing limesand lemonsfor ‘switcha’ as the inspiration for her bold yellow print featuring lemon segments. “My mother would squeeze the lime into thepitcher andthen giveme the squeezed portionso I could tasteit, and Iwanted to capture that ‘in yourface’ sensory experience in my design.”
In keeping with the tradition of a series of billboards to celebrate theBoldly Bahamian creatives,each artistshowcased theirtextile designin a gown created by celebrated fashion designer Theodore Elyett.
“WhenAlannah toldme about this concept,I was very excited because forme this is a new take, bringing new breath, newlife andnew blood into thedesign field,” said Elyett. “I allowedthe prints thatthese youngladies created tospeak tome and that dictated the design.”
OnBahama Handprint’s significancefor youngBahamianartists, Rollesaid “they reallypride themselves on being authentically Bahamian and I believe they play avery significantrole insupporting young artists”.
For more information and to viewthe BoldlyBahamian collection, visitwww.bahamahandprints.com orfollow Bahama Hand Printson social media @bahamahandprints.
student artists Jhanaisia Cole, Jada Sands, and Siyan Rolle
Marvel treads water with 'Captain America: Brave New World'
By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer
Celebrate Valentine's Day thisyear with "Captain America: BraveNew World,"a highly processed, emptycalorie,regret-latercandyof a movie.
We'renearingthe endofPhase Five ofthe MarvelCinematic Universe, withpredictable andunderwhelming returns."Captain America:Brave NewWorld"feels likeit'sjusttreadingwater,wasting Anthony Mackiein hisfirst cinematic outingas his"Hamlet"-like Captain America.
The story by Rob Edwards, MalcolmSpellman andDalanMusson gathersfamiliar Marvelcharacters and blends theminto a White House conspiracy-meets-international violent face-off in the Indian Ocean. Only Marvel in Phase Five
could make that boring.
Itlifts from"TheManchurian Candidate" and"Top Gun"and evenpointlesslystealsitstitlefrom Aldous Huxley. It cannibalises from other Marvel movies, like the addition of asubstance called Adamantium, much like Vibranium fromWakanda. Thereis a Kendrick Lamar songheard at the climactic end,but it's notnew; it's from 2014.
We start withHarrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt"Ross taking therole over fromfrom the late WilliamHurt inhis first days as US president. He insists he's changed fromthe days when he hunted down Hulk and was an all-around evil dude.
He approachesSam Wilson,the new CaptainAmerica, andproposesastrategicunionbetweenthe governmentand CaptainAmerica. "Work with me,Sam. We'll show
the world a better way forward."
This isa dangerous idea superheroesworking forthegovernment andCapiswarnedbutstill agrees. "Trust me. My eyes are wideopen," hereassuresDanny Ramirez ashis sidekickand fledglingnew Falcon.(Cap'seyes maybe openbutyours maybe slowly closing).
There is a trioof bad guys, each more powerfuland overactingas the last adelicious Giancarlo Espositoas thevillainSidewinder, TimBlake NelsonasSamuel Sterns (ahyper-intelligent megalomaniac with his brain literally burstingout ofhisskull) andRed Hulk,amassiveslabofangrymanmeatwho makesthe regularHulk look like Timothée Chalamet. There are alsosome tangential characters,like IsaiahBradley,a Korean Warveteran whowas a Super Soldier butspent years in
prison,and theweirdly castShira Haas as RuthBat-Seraph, a slipperynationalsecurity agentwitha murky agenda.
Director Julius Onah does well with the actionbut fumbles the quietermoments andsupervises editingthat's theopposite ofcrisp, nothelped byscript writerswho apemilitary language "Negative, the packageis the priority" and grandiosesentiment "The country is lost."
For extra credit,spot all the product placements in the movie: Cap drives a GMC truck and uses Dellcomputers. Thepresidentof the UnitedStates usesa Peloton. What a wasted opportunity for Cap'n Crunch.
There does emergea theme that unitesCapand Ross,whichisthat both feel the need to prove themselves. Mackie's Captain America throughout the previous2021 TV
series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" was ambivalent about taking on the mantleof Steve Rogers, the original Sentinel of Liberty. "You wonderif you'll ever be enough," he says.
Rosssayshe wantstosecure peace acrossthe worldbut really wantstoreconnect withhisestranged daughter LivTyler andprove he'schanged. Hewants totakeawalk withhertoseethe cherry blossoms. Wewould like himto askseriousquestions ofhis agent.
Mackie,who joinedtheMCU more thana decadeago in2014's "CaptainAmerica: TheWinter Soldier,"hasbeen agoodservant toMarvel anddeserves better.One of our great actors, he can be steely andvulnerable. Buthe can'toutrace stilted lines like"If we can't see the good ineach other, we've already lost the fight." Marvel has lost more thanthe fight; they've lost the thread.
"Captain America:Brave New World,"aWalt DisneyPicturesrelease that opens in theaters on Friday,israted PG-13for"intense sequences of violence,action and some stronglanguage." Running time:118minutes. Onestarout of four.
THIS image released by Disney shows Takehiro Hira, from left, Anthony Mackie, and Harrison Ford in a scene from Marvel Studios' "Captain America: Brave New World." (Marvel Studios-Disney via AP)
THIS image released by Disney showsAnthony Mackie in a scene from MarvelStudios'"Captain America:BraveNewWorld." (EliAdé/MarvelStudios-Disney via AP)
What to stream this weekend
Bridget Jones, Yellowjackets, White Lotus
and Alessia Cara
Renée Zellweger returning to one of her most indelible roles in "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" andQuestlove offeringthe definitive documentaryon funkcrossover starSly Stoneare someof thenew television, films, music and games headed toa device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selectedby TheAssociated Press' entertainment journalists: husband-and-wifeduo The War andTreaty return with thealbum "PlusOne," iceskaters ofcolourand theircoaches arethefocus of a newdocuseries called "Harlem Ice" andthe first two episodesdrop ofseason threeof Showtime'shorror series "Yellowjackets." NEW MOVIES
• Renée Zellweger returns to one ofher most indelible roles in "Bridget Jones: Mad About theBoy." Ifyou've lost track,the film,which began streaming Thursday onPeacock, isthefourth "Bridget Jones" movie and first since2016's "Bridget Jones' Baby."In "Mad About a Boy," based on Helen Fielding's 2013 novel, Jones, awidow nowin her 50s, is drawn toward two romantic possibilities:a teacher played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and a 29-year-old played by Leo Woodall.
• Questlove,the Roots drummer and ubiquitous performer,has turnedintoa must-watch documentarian.
In"Sly Lives!(akathe Burden of Black Genius)," Questlove followshis Oscar-winning "Summer of Soul" and the recent "Ladies & Gentlemen...50 Yearsof
SNLMusic" withthedefinitivedocumentary onSly Stone,the funkcrossover bandleader of Sly and the Family Stone.The film, stuffed with archival footage and contemporaryinterviews, and spanning the meteoricrise andtragicfall of Stone, began streaming Thursday on Hulu.
• ScottDerrickson's "The Gorge"stars MilesTeller and Anya Taylor-Joyas a pair ofoperatives assigned to guard towers on opposing sidesof agorge,within whicha mysteriousevil lurks. Thefilm, whichdebuts Friday on Apple TV+, co-stars Sigourney Weaver.
APFilm WriterJake Coyle
NEW MUSIC
• It wasn'tthat longago that AlessiaCara's fullhearted popwas unavoidable; itearned herthe
coveted best new artist Grammy in 2018 and "Scars toYour Beautiful"endures as a 2010s classic. But much has changedin thattime, and the Canadian singersongwriterhas liveda lotof life since. Her forthcoming fourth studioalbum, "Love &Hyperbole," outon Valentine's Day, is an expressionof thatgrowth. "Dead Man"traces theend of a relationship;"(Isn't It) Obvious" featuresa guitar solo from John Mayer.
• Giantsof countrymusic withthe pipestoback itup, husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty return with a new album,"Plus One." Likethebulk oftheirdiscography,this isacollection meant to inspire love and connection in its listeners (of course amplified by the Valentine's Day release date) withsoulful, twang-y songs about family and faith.
• For many,Shygirl isa new name, perhaps most immediately associated with herremix ofCharlixcx's "BRAT" hit "365." But that's justfor now.TheforwardthinkingEnglishDJandmusicianis makingwavesfor herinventive approachto experimental pop,grime, house andclub musicthat works ona sweatydancefloor as much as it does behind a browser. Just take a
sameperson whobrought "Indian Matchmaking" to Netflix. Itpremiered Tuesday.
look atsome ofthe names on herupcoming EP,"Club ShyRoom 2":Jorja Smith,Saweetie, BAMBII, SadBoi, PinkPantheress, Isabella Lovestory and more.
AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SHOWS
• Pack yourbagsbecause HBO's "The White Lotus" is back forits thirdseason premiering Sunday.This time,creator MikeWhite has chosena luxuriousresort in Thailandas his new backdrop forsocial commentary about religion, spirituality and death.The cast includes Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, LeslieBibb, Patrick Schwarzenegger and NatashaRothwell, whoreprisesher rolefromseason one.Lisaof theK-popgirl group Blackpinkplays a staff member at the White Lotus.Episodes alsostream on Max.
• "Muslim Matchmaker" isa newHuludocuseries that follows two matchmakers dedicated to helping Muslim Americansingles findlove whilealsokeeping in linewith theirreligious values. Viewerswill see these professionalcupids navigatetheir clients'expectations in aworld of dating appsand ghosting. The seriesis createdby the
• It may still be cold outside butit's summertimeon Bravo with season9 of "Summer House." The reality series stars a group of Manhattanites whoshare a house onthe weekendsin theHamptons. Whereaslast season followedthe tumultuous engagement of cast members LindsayHubbard and CarlRadke, thenew episodeswere filmedabout a year later after their breakup. The two may have moved on, but it doesn't take a Magic8 Ballto assume they'll still have issues. We'll alsosee Hubbardpregnant with herfirst child. "Summer House"premiered Wednesday onBravo and streams on Peacock.
• Ice skaters of colour and theircoaches arethefocus of a newdocuseries called "Harlem Ice." Viewers will follow the young skaters experience triumphs and challenges as they train and compete in asport that is traditionally white."Good Morning America"host Robin Robertsis anexecutive produceralongside RonHoward andBrian Grazer. Allfive episodes dropped Wednesday on Disney+.
• The first two episodes of season threeof Showtime's horror series"Yellowjackets" drop Friday on Paramount+. When a plane carrying a girls' high school soccerteam crashesinthe middle ofnowhere, itssurvivors arein afight tosurvive.It's inspiredbyWilliam Golding's 1954 classic, "Lord ofthe Flies.""Yellowjackets"unfolds intwo timelines:one atthe timeof the crash and one two decades laterwhen thegirls are adult women. Its stars include MelanieLynskey, ChristinaRicci andLauren Ambrose. Oscar winner Hilary Swankjoins season three in a recurring role. Alicia Rancilio
THIS image released by Apple TV+ shows Miles Teller, left, and Anya Taylor-Joy in a scene from "The Gorge." (Laura Radford/Apple TV+ via AP)
THIS imagereleasedbyUniversalPictures showsRenéeZellwegerinascene from "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy." (Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures via AP)
animals Love is...
By Kim Aranha
Valentine’s Dayis today! Ohjoy of joys.
The dayof chocolates,kisses, candlelight, expensive dinners, romance andlove.So much love thrownaround today,plus a bunch ofpromises, wonderinghow manyofthosewill bekeptor even remembered tomorrow morning?
Love yourneighbor, loveyour spouse, loveyour childrenandlove yourpet! Goodwillto alland afeeling ofcontented affection andunbridled passion (either/or?).
Todayis theday,ifyou misstheexpensive redroses, thecut-out redhearts, and the catchy poetry in fancy cards, you will have to wait another 365 days to have another chance.
Ifyou forgetyour sweetieand youdon’t do something (anything) you may never be forgiven orat leastreceive thesilent treatment for a few days but if you forget to get your furbaby aheart-shaped toyor some extra treats are you relegated to the dog house or made tofluff the scratching pole? No! They willperfectly understand that you were caught upwith “things”, and all will be forgiven! Infact, they never even expected more than the usual love and cuddles.
One thing that you really need to be extra carefulaboutthoughis thatyourpetdoes not get into thechocolates. Did you know that chocolatescan killa dogthey areso toxic for them?
If your dog gets intothe candy box or brownies,or chocolatecake orcookies, you MUST contact your veterinarian immediately andtry tobe ableto letthem how much was consumed.
The usual treatment is to make the dog throwup,sometimesthey evenhavetogo sofar ashavingtopump thepups stomach… clearly a very unpleasant experience for the dogwhich can easily be avoidedit theowner behavesresponsibly and securesthe chocolatewhere nofourfooted predator can get hold of it.
Latelymy Facebookfeedhas beenfull of thesweetest evercartoons andillustrations of pet/human relationships. Some are subtle reminders about Rainbow bridge and at Valentine’sDay myheart wandersover tosome ofthepups Ihaveloved somuch and who have made my life complete.
My firstdog ever was Friendly,and he was ina verysorry statewhen Ifound him inthe bushnear StAnne’s Churchwhere we hada house, skinny, mangeywith a
barbed wire collar around his neck in 1964; he becamea dearly loved memberof our family,wecalledhimFriendly.Alashewas not terribly friendly to most people but was a faithful friend and protector to the people he loved, passing away in 1977.
My lifehas been filled withmany very meaningful relationshipswith dogs.Each and every one of them has taught me something. They have taught me how to love unconditionally (StValentine should applaud that),they havetaught methe joy of caringfor andnurturing someother person than self.
Wehada wonderfulshaggyboycalled Spats foundon the bridge atSandyport by Dr PaulPoad. Hewas ourDisney dogand wasdearly lovedby usalland broughtup two little boys.
Wehadtwo remarkableandbeautiful BerneseMountain Dogsbornin theSwiss Alps, anod to my childhood.They were beautiful,sweet,kind andlovinggiants, fluffy and so so very caring. Alas they both died waytoo earlyfrom avicious andaggressivecancer thatisincurable inhumans as itis indogs. Starand Rascalwere the biggest TeddyBears onearth. Starswam and lovedto float aroundthe poollike an inflatable pool toy…Rascal watched in amazement. Theirearly demisewas heart wrenching.
WhileStarwas stillaliveweadopted Chief,and Ibelievehewas sospecialbecauseshe broughthimup.She taughthim how to “speak” whenhe wanted something, andhe never lost thatgift for the 15 years he was with us.
Thisarticle cannotleaveoutone ofthe sweetest boys ever, and that was Buddy, the black Labrador. Buddy was 100 percent my youngest son’sdog, buthow Iloved that boy.Achampion swimmerand “stood” at my Son’s wedding with great pride. They areall gone now,but I ama better personfor knowingthem andI havetheir memories deep in my heart.
Mylife isfullof Valentine’s day memoriesof remarkablespecialfurry family whohave made my lifecomplete. I look back and realise just how lucky I have beentohavehad somanypetswhowere special, and I havenot mentioned them all.
I amblessed with two girlsnow, who livetogether inharmony, Bellawill be15 soon and Peanut isone. They balance each other out.
Every morningis a treatas Iam greeted with such happiness and enthusiasm. Thankgoodness Goddecided tocreate furry companionsfor us.I wishedboth my girls a Happy Valentine’s day this morning, and ifyou didn’t wish you’rea Happy Valentine’s Day I invite you to do so now.
BELLA AND PEANUT
BUDDY
CHIEF
Ready to Feel The Vybz
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
VYBZ Kartel is expected toput torest the mysterysurrounding friends whowill bejoining him at his highly anticipated to return to the stagein The Bahamas since his release from prison.
International Events and Production Entertainmentleft fans buzzingwith excitementwhen they announced at a press conference this week that the Grammyaward artist willhave friends joining him.
“Wewill letVYBZbe theone totell you.We wanthim tobreak the news,” saidTerrible T,who has a long-standing track record of hosting some of the country’s biggest events.
“If he getsthis one particular friend…it will behistory for The Bahamas,” the former disc jockey said.
Whiletheair ofmysterysurrounds who the dancehall star will bringing, local acts will certainly join himincluding fanfavorites
fans likeJulien Believe,Wendi, DJ Ignite, Ova Dose and others.
Kartel’slong-awaited returnto TheBahamas issetto takeplace witha weekendofactivities schedule from March International Events and Production, with corporate sponsorshipfrom Aliv and Bahamasair.
Theproduction companynoted they decidedto hostthe three-day weekend event to accommodate whattheysay isinterestfrom neighbouring countries.
Terrible T notedthat there has been great interest from American fans as well as other Caribbean islandswith fansmaking plansto travelto thecountry forthis weekend.
Consequently, he believes the concert will do a great deal for the country and have an economic effect.
According to organisers, VYBZ Kartel isexcited to returnto The Bahamas andis lookingforward to connectingwith hisBahamian and international fans.
The artistis alsoexpected to reach outto at-riskyouths while here. However,plans asto how that will take place have not been solidified.
The eventhas beenin planning since September 2024,with a team ofpromoters bringingover 30 yearsof experienceto ensure its success.
TerribleT expressedconfidence in theirability to successfully stageand pull offwhat they deem to be anexciting and entertaining string of events.
The organiserssaid theyhave taken stepsto addresschallenges suchas crowdmanagementand security, workingclosely with local authorities to ensure an enjoyable experience for attendees.
Fort Charlotte was selected as the venue for the concert. The organiserssaid thelocationwas chosenfor itscapacityand parking facilities. Theydid not provide details onthe number of ticketsavailable butassuredthat measures arebeing implemented to manage the expected crowd.
Theorganisers believeVYBZ Kartel’s years in incarceration and his recent acquittal have only heightened anticipationfor the event. A spokesperson said the artiste’s continued influence on dancehall and hislegacy are drivingexcitement andinterest among fans.
