02162024 WEEKEND by tribune242

FASHION PUZZLES GARDENING ANIMALS ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY INTERVIEW

Weekend Friday, February 16, 2024

Fashion leader DESIGNER DEVEKA’S STAR RISING IN THE BAHAMAS PGS 08 +09

AFTER THE BAHA MEN PGS 04 +05

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 16, 2024

fashion

Tamika takes it to a new level By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

ust as every home needs a strong foundation, every designer look requires strong undergarments. Fashion designer Tamika Hanna has always assisted her clients with fabulous fashion for some of the most special moments in their lives and now she is realising a new dream - with the opening of her new boutique Tamika Arlington Fashion Design Studio located on Montgomery Street in Palmdale. The new space is a dream come true. “I have wanted to have a boutique from when we moved back to Nassau (from Florida) back in 2018, but a lot of things happened ( including a global pandemic) in the meantime and then of course there was the start-up cost.” She was able to realise the dream after receiving a grant which provided funding in exchange for providing sewing lessons to children in the Overthe-Hill area. “The funding was just what I needed to get the store up and running.” The boutique holds a design and consultant space but she is most excited to be partner with her friend Sharmine Barr, owner of Fashion Exotica, who is bringing a special line of foundation wear and undergarments and lingerie. The addition to Tamika’s custom pieces ensures that their clients will look their very best. “I always say that it doesn’t matter how fabulous your outfit is or your make-up and hair, if what needs to be tucked in is not tucked in then you won’t have that flawless look that you are going for,” she explained. “This way or clients can choose the right undergarment as they are being fitted and it just adds another layer to giving them the perfect fit as we can tailor the garment right then and there and they can see how it will look. It remove a lot of the guesswork when buying the items separately because you ensure that they won’t show the outfit she added. Tamika designs custom items for brides and bridal parties, high school proms, evening gowns, funeral garments for both the decedent and family members, and other item for special events. She has also made quite a name for herself in the beauty pageant world, creating many of the award-winning evening gowns and costumes and other outfits for beauty pageant contestants, both on the national and international stage. And just recently she has added men’swear to her menu as well. Tamika has been sewing from a very young age when she used to “borrow” her grandmother’s

UNDER GAR MENTS from the Fashion Exotica range

AN OUTFIT designed for Governor General Cynthia Pratt for the Red Cross Ball

CUSTOM pieces designed by Tamika have caught the eye

TAMIKA HANNA, left, and Sharmine Barr

pillow cases, to have fabric to make doll clothes. Her grandmother eventually got her own sewing machine. It was not until a few years ago however, that she decided to sew on a commercial level.

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 16, 2024

fashion

Tamika takes it to a new level By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

UNDER GAR MENTS from the Fashion Exotica range

AN OUTFIT designed for Governor General Cynthia Pratt for the Red Cross Ball

CUSTOM pieces designed by Tamika have caught the eye

TAMIKA HANNA, left, and Sharmine Barr

pillow cases, to have fabric to make doll clothes. Her grandmother eventually got her own sewing machine. It was not until a few years ago, however, that she decided to sew on a commercial level.

Friday, February 16, 2024

music

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

ahamian gospel artist Orlando “Landlord” Miller is all about giving praise to God in his newest single – a reggae remake of the extremely popular song Goodness of God. The gospel classic has been covered by a variety of artists including Jen Johnson and Bethel Music, Ce Ce Winans , Shane and Shane, Jason Ingraham, North Point Worship, Rhett Walker and Essential Worship. Landlord has always loved the song and says it has helped him and his family get through some very difficult times in recent times. “My interpretation of the song is that it is a song of praise. For me God has brought me so through much adversity. I see where I have come from and where I am and when I remember the past and everything that I had to endure , it is only because of the goodness of God that I am here today,” he said. Landlord had a difficult childhood, overcoming extreme poverty and criminal activity before giving his life to Christ and becoming a highly acclaimed gospel singer and Christian media host. But it was during the 2020 pandemic that this song really took on special meaning. “In 2020, I lost my oldest sister to COVID and then my wife lost her aunt also to COVID, right after that, and this song was what got me and my family though that,” he said. “I love to worship; worship is what gets me through difficult times, especially it got me through the difficult times when I was growing up.” The song is also a thank you to God, he says. “Listen to the lyrics, ‘you have led me through the fire And in darkest night you are close like no other I’ve known you as a Father I’ve known you as a Friend And i have lived in the goodness of God’.” The artist knew that he wanted to do his own cover of the song – but with his own signature twist turning the usual gospel ballad into an upbeat reggae version. “I really decided, I wanted to do it back in November, but at that time it was getting to be Christmas and so everyone was playing Christmas music, so I said ‘I’’ll wait until January to release the song’.” He partnered with Trevor “Skatta” Bonnick, the lead singer for Grammy award winning group Inner Circle, who built the rhythm for background for the vocals. The video of the single is to be released shortly. It was shot in The Bahamas, but will be edited and finished in Africa and the single is available by contacting Landlord.

The Tribune | Weekend | 03

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 16, 2024

interview

Leroy Butler From the Grammys to the Gospel, former member of the Baha Men Leroy Butler has now set his sights on tackling violence in our communities. He spoke to JEFFARAH GIBSON about his new mission and more.

UST in the way the Leroy Butler once twisted and turned when nailing every choreographed move on stage, so has his life taken him on rewarding yet unexpected adventures. The former Grammy-award winning Baha Men bandmate is now trekking a different course as a gospel minister and embarking on a campaign against violence in the community. Leroy is a multi-talented man with many gifts and talents. He is a singer, songwriter, producer, professional dancer, DJ, limbo dancer, stilt walker, and minister of the gospel. Mr Butler is known around the world because of these gifts and talents. He is known for being a former member of the Grammy-award winning band Baha Men, famed for the song “Who Let the Dogs Out?”. Leroy enjoyed a rewarding career having graced the stages around the world - realising opportunities as a collective and as an individual performer. It was a dream for this young boy from Kemp Road who had a love of dancing to perform with one of the hottest bands in Nassau at the time. “I started off as a professional gymnast at the age of seven,” he said. “I attended the Bahamas National Dance school under Shirley Hall Bask who taught me. “Then I started travelling. I loved to dance. “It was a primary school teacher at Uriah McPhee who saw the talent in Leroy and invested in him. “I was one of those kids who was always hanging around the school yard. I was always dancing. This teacher saw me and decided to to pay my was through the dance school and that was where my journey as a professional dance began. “Everything was about performing and entertainment. Entertainment was a way to get out from a lot that was going on with me. Growing up in Kemp Road with a mother who was strict and a father who was in and out so it was an open door for me to have a choice between streets, selling drugs stealing and getting in. “I had a teacher who saw the talent in me and she decided to invest in me. I was always around the school sitting around dancing and she saw that. I was not the brightest student but she took me under her wings. She paid for me to go to dance school. So every Saturday instead of being around Kemp Road and getting into trouble, I was learning and developing in dance. It kept me busy and kept me out of trouble,” he said.

The Tribune | Weekend | 05

Friday, February 16, 2024

Had it not been for engaging in activities that kept him occupied, Leroy believes his life would have taken a completely different path. “I think I might have been getting myself into fights as well as drugs because that was a big thing going on back then,” he said. As he developed in the performing arts, his desire to perform at the professional level began to grow. “It was a dream of mine to perform for Baha Men,” he said. “There was a cabaret show happening in Nassau and I was one of the youngest dancers.” Then another opportunity came that Leroy wanted to jump on. “I heard Baha Men was having auditions in 2001. I really wanted to join them but on the day of the auditions I was sick like a dog. But I still managed to go out there to audition. There were hundreds of people. “I knocked it out the park. And from there we had to go in the studio, learn dance steps and start recording. They opened up big doors.” Leroy has enjoyed a 20-year career with the band and has received countless opportunities. “I was with Baha Men for about 20 years. All of the dances you saw we did was choreographed by me. I started travelling and things took off from then. “But even during this time I was still dealing with a lot of mind battles that I did not want people to know about. I was still dealing with what I called reality. But once I was on stage and started performing it took me away from everything.’ Even after reaching career milestones with the group and excelling at his craft, something had been shifting inside of him. Leroy began to feel within himself that he would soon be taking on a new path. He has converted to Christianity a few years before his ties with the band had severed. For Leroy, his new spiritual journey was in direct conflict to loving the life of a secular artist. “It was a conflict and I felt this conflict. “I remember the Bible say you cannot serve two masters. I could not see me being on stage doing what I do and next minute I’m doing something different.” It has been three years since Leroy said goodbye to the band as he is now fulling what he believes is a greater call as an apostle and leader of the Kingdom World Ministries International. “I sing gospel but I call it world music because I want it to reach anyone. The music is open and positive but it still relays that message of love,” he said. When his journey with the band he had formed a great rapport with for two decades came to an end, Leroy said he felt like a burden was lifted. “It was very easy to make this transition. I was already being prepared for it. When I got saved I was still with Baha Men. I knew that I had to let it go eventually.

“When that time came, I thought that was it. It bothered me but I know I had to move forward. It worked out that way for the better.” As for his next steps they were already planned. He said: “God has a sense of humour. He was just waiting on me to line myself up. Once the transition from the band came, I started getting calls to do more stuff. But I already had plans on the table for the ministries he laid on my heart. I had plans to go out into the streets and help young people use their gifts to bring them closer to God because this is what kept me. “I was always asking him to order our steps. Doors were opening and things were falling into place and it is still happening now.” Currently, Leroy is embarking on a local school tour to discourage young people from engaging in acts of violence. Leroy is hoping to do this through The Blood of Jesus: Stop The Violence School Tour.

A number of gospel artists were invited to join him in embarking on this tour kicking off this month. During the school tour, the artists will perform positive music and share their unique testimonies with school students. Apostle Butler said the wave of violence happening in schools stems from a number of different issues. However, lack of a spiritual journey and Christian principles he believes in at the heart of the negative activities many young people find themselves involved with. Since departing from the band, Leroy has had the opportunity to sing and write on many movie soundtracks and performed for TV shows, football, basketball, and baseball games. Leroy is now one of the top limbo dancers in The Bahamas, currently a solo artist and has two albums out on various social media platforms. He loves to help young people find their purpose in life and to help them develop their God given talents. Leroy’s motto he lives by is, “anything is possible if you believe”.

26 Secondary episode by a lake (10) 27 Vendetta is loud, and due to change (4)

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.

22 It’s a new sort of wine (4) Across: 1 Armistice, 7 Burlap, 23 Necklace creates audible 9 Keep fit, 10 Asia, 26 12 Ire, Friday, February 16, 2024 gossip (4)

13 Patella, 14 Sou, 15 Eros, 17 Nairobi, 19 Splint, 20 Pyongyang. Down: 1 Arkansas, 2 Rues, 3 Moe, 4 Suffering, 5 Triple, 6 Capra, 8 Pressing, 11 Attain, 13 Poppy, 16 Oban, 18 Ora.

EN E G E E RVR

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

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 Good 10; very good 15; excellent 20 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Call 0907 181 2585 Yesterday’s for today’s Target solution

*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone Sudoku Answer company’s network access charge.

BATTLESHIPS CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Unusual dish we longed for (6) 4 A bodybuilder or space traveller (8) 9 Healthy transport in decay (6) 10 A bloomer taking part in such a rebellion (8) 12 Outstanding if not actually well done (4) 13 Construct perpendicular (5) 14 Quiet group joined in conspiracy (4) 17 Advance from bank to bank? (8,4) 20 They’re the last to go to the wall (6,6) 23 Am all right though in a frenzy (4) 24 Making a cut key is critical (5) 25 A German may be followed by man in Turkey (4) 28 Weather patterns, Monday’s soon building (8) 29 One in favour of half-day closing (6) 30 They may wilt and droop in the centres (8) 31 Leaves the broken plates (6)

Down 1 Doctor wore drab clothes (8) 2 Out of town - and out of the country (8) 3 Language of half the universe (4) 5 Beaming they take the cash girl’s change (12) 6 Watched I’d heard (4) 7 Gymnastics only seen outside in public (6) 8 To do so weakens one’s spirit (6) 11 An original Christmas gift (12) 15 Silver down at melting point? (5) 16 Five hundred bet on a poet (5) 18 It can make a man hate what is repellent to him (8) 19 Practically of an equally high standard (2,4,2) 21 Sailor joins a Scotsman on the roads (6) 22 Carpenter likely to become a union member? (6) 26 Payment at the door leading to a passage (4) 27 Release without charge (4)

10 11

20 21

Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Bower, 4 Satanic, 8 Ill, 9 Get down to, 10 Deplete, 11 Bossy, 13 Pewter, 15 Beirut, 18 Large, 19 Attache, 21 Like as not, 23 Doe, 24 Catch on, 25 Empty. Down: 1 Build up, 2 Willpower, 3 Rogue, 4 Settee, 5 Trouble, 6 Nun, 7 Crony, 12 Spruced up, 14 Eyewash, 16 Thereby, 17 Cannon, 18 Lilac, 20 Title, 22 Kit.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Bowed, 4 Dahlias, 8 Bit, 9 Infirmary, 10 Largess, 11 Amble, 13 Raisin, 15 Decamp, 18 Kayak, 19 Aimless, 21 Off-season, 23 Eye, 24 Kremlin, 25 Ruses. Down: 1 Babbler, 2 Water lily, 3 Drive, 4 Defuse, 5 Herbage, 6 Ida, 7 Style, 12 Bracelets, 14 Inkwell, 16 Posters, 17 Parson, 18 Knock, 20 Manor, 22 Foe.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Intended victim (6) 4 Taught to a select few (8) 9 Inferior substitute (6) 10 From the outset (3,5) 12 Rumour (4) 13 Company of witches (5) 14 To incline (4) 17 Following closely after (2,3,5,2) 20 Resources for achieving something (4,3,5) 23 Actor’s part (4) 24 Lustrous (5) 25 Group of three (4) 28 A written guarantee (8) 29 Ignoble (6) 30 Put at risk (8) 31 Large tusked Arctic animal (6)

Down 1 Throw doubt upon (8) 2 Ruling with unrestricted power (8) 3 Estimate value of (4) 5 Consoling feature in misfortune (6,6) 6 Rent (4) 7 Firmly established (6) 8 Convincing (6) 11 Those in authority (6,4,2) 15 Defer (5) 16 Spacious (5) 18 Breed of retriever (8) 19 Virtually (2,4,2) 21 Read at random for pleasure (6) 22 Elaborately ornamented (6) 26 Inform of danger (4) 27 Hindu system of meditation (4)

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 1

9 10

1 1

Black squ 25, 30, 33 Across: D TA Aqua, Pol T Jeer, Favo 34 Down: Ar Yew,letter Lung Extra c Mix, Sepia 0907 181 2

THE ALPHABEATER

TARGET 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

THE A

1 x Battleship

3 x Destroyer

2 x Cruiser

4 x Submarine

CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid TARGET number represents a letter – or black square. AsGARRULOUS in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. you have to complete the grid too! argolBut augur aurous GARRULOUS Useguru the given black squares largoletters lourand oral ours roarbelow rural the grid to start. The grid is ‘rotationally slur soar– solar sugar symmetrical’ in othersour words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down. Solution tomorrow A 26 B C 4 D E 37 F G 11 H I 14 J K 26 L M 38 N O 23 P Q 37 R S 6 T U 40 V W 20 X Y 34 Z

(Deduct three minu each extra clue lette

CROSS Full solutio

Across: 0907 181 2B *Calls cost 80p per m Down: DR

your telephone com network access ch

SUMM

10235and8 18

6 2 24 28 Yesterday’s 2 6 17 36 10 Kakuro Answer 22 39 5 26 8

30 31

34 35

■

■ C

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

KEIJO 1 4

Place the ti the grid s four diffe numbers an different s appear in ea and colu

Soluti tomorr

The Tribune | Weekend | 07

Friday, February 16, 2024

art

A Bahamian

Valent ine’s By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemdia.net

N A collection of Valentine’s Day cards inspired by Bahamian culture, a graphic artist, Ryan Lewis created what he calls “not your average hallmark card”. “I wanted to create a way for people to express their love that felt more authentic to a Bahamian audience. Something special that makes your Valentine feel seen and appreciated for who they are and the culture they are a part of,” he said. Ryan said he was also inspired by Sonia Farmer at Poinciana Paper Press who encouraged him to make Valentine’s Day related cards. She has mentored him in the best practices when it comes to creating holiday cards based on her experience. “I also was inspired to make cards for the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas’ (NAGB’s) pop up that took place on Saturday Feb 10, 2024. The feedback has been positive. I got a great response on the pre-orders via the link that I posted,” said Ryan. As a visual designer and graphic artist, Ryan said he has always expressed himself and processed things through visual mediums ever since he was a kid. He was encouraged over the years by his mother who sent him to the After School Music and Art Classes (ASMAC), ran by artist and educator Sue Bennett-Williams. “I studied at Savannah College of Art and Design where I completed a year of foundational art courses and later went on to major in Advertising with a focus in copywriting. After having a few copywriting internships I realised my strengths lied more in expressing myself visually. I’ve worked as a creative at agencies and as a freelancer since 2016 - both locally and internationally. I try to stay relevant by constantly practicing and experimenting with digital art on my Instagram profile,” said Ryan. He currently offers traditional graphic/visual design services that range from smaller one-off projects, for example - business card designs to larger branding and advertising projects. Ryan said he has recently branched out into selling physical items like prints of his digital work, graphic t-shirts and now cards. Describing the 2024 Valentine’s Day cards in detail, Ryan said the card titled “ YOU’RE THE GUAVA TO MY DUFF” - is paired with a simple illustration of a slice of guava duff dripping with sauce. “YOU’RE THE CONCH TO MY FRITTERS” - in this piece, the saying is paired with a

simple illustration of “conchy” conch fritters in a container with toothpicks poking out of them. The card called “WILL YOU BE MY SUGAR APPLE” is paired with a an illustration of two sugar apples side by side. “WILL YOU BE MY WALENTINE” - in this piece the saying is designed in the shape of a heart. “People have enjoyed engaging with the cards and sharing them on their social media accounts. I’ve seen people smile when they interact with the cards and that is exactly what I was hoping for. I’ve also had a local business reach out to purchase a batch of cards for their employees which is lovely,” said Ryan.

He said The Ryan Designer Lewis brand is constantly evolving. Ryan said he enjoys being a generalist and not specialising in one kind of design. For him, dabbling in different kinds of platforms, styles and mediums helps him to stay genuinely engaged with his work. “Creating and posting experiments to my Instagram is rewarding and I like to explore how works resonate with the community I’ve found online. I’d like to describe my aesthetic as bold, vibrant, unconventional and modern. I’m always trying to think about ways to innovate and make things that mean something to me and my audience. I’m always trying to keep up with what is modern and trending to keep my work current and impactful. I’ve become more invested in experimenting with new styles and aesthetics. In 2024 my focus will be on furthering my digital skills while revisiting traditional art techniques. I’m eager to dive back into non-digital art making practices,” said Ryan. Learn more about Ryan’s cards at t.ly/VALENTINES. For a more detailed portfolio of work, visit ryandesignerlewis.com.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 16, 2024

gardening

Blooming Bauhinias!

ood day, gardeners. Well, the weather has been dry, and it has been cool this week. How does your garden

grow? Cauliflower, broccoli, banana, mango blossoms, I’m even seeing avocado blossoms already, all require some supplemental watering during dry weather for optimum success. Kale ought to holding up well as it does alright when it’s a bit dry. Beets and radish would certainly like some extra water when it’s dry. The late winter blossoms of the Bauhinia tree are showing off around town. This is a great tree to attract pollinators to the garden. Otherwise known as the poor man’s orchid, the Bauhinia can be a bit of a mess in regard to maintenance, but it’s fast growing and it’s beautiful when in bloom. When it’s not in bloom it can look a bit scrappy, and I highly recommend selective pruning to help to create a strong branching structure as these trees can be very weak and break easily in high winds. From what I’ve read recently, the El Niño that pushes the jet stream to the south and has helped to provide us with what I anecdotally believe to be quite a wet season, is apparently flipping and will become La Niña in a couple of months time. It is said by those who study it that this often leads to a more active storm season for us here in the Atlantic basin. Be prepared for high winds by trimming out unnecessary branches on weak trees such as the Bauhinia. Seek to create angles that are wider, ideally somewhere between 45 and 90 degrees at the angle. Branches that are close together, pointing upwards, and separated by only a few degrees at the angle are highly prone to breakage, create more of a headache and take more effort after a big breeze than it does to preemptively seek to prevent breakage. By creating a strong branching structure through selective pruning, finding wide angles and removing small angles, the tree has a much better chance at resisting breakage. I find Bauhinia are best used in natural areas rather than those that are highly manicured, due to their excessive leaf drop. Bauhinia trees can also get affected by a scale,

benefit from pollination or if you have a high regard for the wider ecosystem. Back to the Bauhinia, there are some gorgeous (although in need of some selective pruning) white flowering ones on East Bay Street that are in bloom now. The color can range from white to very pale purple, all the way to quite a deep purple and anything in purple shades between. As most are grown from seed it’s a bit of a gamble as to what will transpire in regard to flower color, and it cannot be known until the tree flowers as to what color it is. Granted, the chances are higher to grow a white flowering one when the seed is taken from one that is blooming with white flowers as it is to get a purple flowering one by taking seed from one that has purple flowers. Don’t be surprised though if it turns up with differing lighter or darker purple tinges, as cross pollination happens. All that aside, I do hope that you’ve had a successful season thus far, it’s been quite an easy growing season for the garden, from all that I’ve seen. Please keep avoiding toxic solutions and lean towards creating a healthy, balanced, and beneficial environment for garden growth, clean air, and tasty fruits and vegetables! As always, I wish you happy gardening.

which is only a concern when the tree is young and if it is struggling to survive. Otherwise pay it no mind, it won’t harm the tree and beneficial insects will thrive. Bees and hummingbirds enjoy the flowers. Some of the favourites for

bees are natives, especially Lignum vitae, pigeon plum, and sea grape, when they’re let to grow as they naturally do as compared to keeping them hedged. These are all great trees to have around if you grow lots of vegetables or fruit trees that

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The Tribune | Weekend | 11

Friday, February 16, 2024

entertainment

What to stream this week

hristopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer arriving on Peacock and a documentary and album from Jennifer Lopez are some of the new television, movies, and music headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Young Sheldon returning for its seventh and final season, Dr Henry Louis Gates Jr exploring the power of gospel in a two-part PBS documentary and Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones pirate-themed video game.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

UÊ vÊÞ ÕÊÜiÀiÊ ` }Ê ÕÌÊv ÀÊ “Oppenheimer” on streaming, now’s your chance to catch up before the Oscars (March 10), where it’s up for 13 awards including best picture, best director for Christopher Nolan and best actor for Cillian Murphy. The film arrives on Peacock on Friday. Nolan and Emma Thomas, his producer and wife, are passionate advocates of the big screen experience, but they also know that most people will watch their films in the home — sometimes even as Ì i ÀÊwÀÃÌÊÌ i°Ê Ì½ÃÊ ÜÊL Ì Ê` Ãcovered some of their favorites as Üi ]ÊÌ iÞ½ÛiÊÃ> `°Ê Ê> Ê ÌiÀÛ iÜÊ with The Associated Press, Thomas added, “The nice thing about Chris’ films is because they are so very À V Ê> `ÊÀiÜ>À`Ê Õ Ì « iÊÛ iÜ }Ã]Ê Ê think that they’re perfectly pitched for home viewings.” UÊÊ i viÀÊ «iâÊ >ÃÊ>Ê iÜÊ Û iÊ coming to Prime Video on Friday. She co-wrote “This is Me…Now: A Love Story,” a movie musical about finding love which she called “the ÃÌÊ«iÀÃ > ÊÌ }Ê ½ÛiÊiÛiÀÊ` i°»Ê ÌÊ ÃÊ>ÊÃÌ>À ÃÌÕ``i`Êi `i>Û À]ÊÜ Ì Ê appearances from her husband, Ben Affleck, Keke Palmer, Sofia Vergara, Post Malone and more, and ties in with her first studio album in a decade (see below). UÊ `Êw > Þ]Ê/> >Ê7> Ì Ì ½ÃÊº iÝÌÊ > Ê7 Ã»Ê>ÀÀ ÛiÃÊ Ê Õ ÕÊ Ê / ÕÀÃ`>Þ°Ê Ì½ÃÊL>Ãi`Ê ÊÌ iÊÀi> ÊÃÌ ÀÞÊ of the American Samoa men’s soccer Ìi> ÊµÕiÃÌÊÌ ÊµÕ> vÞÊv ÀÊÌ iÊ Ê 7 À `Ê Õ«Ê>vÌiÀÊ> Ê ÃÌ À VÊ ÃÃÊ (31-nill) against Australia. Michael Fassbender plays the coach who tries

JENNIFER Lopez in a scene from “This Is Me...Now: A Love Story.

Ì Ê i «°Ê Ê ÃÊ *ÊÀiÛ iÜ]Ê >À Ê i i`ÞÊÜÀ ÌiÊÌ >ÌÊº¼ iÝÌÊ > Ê7 Ã½Ê is most winning in the way it handles the team’s star player, Jaiyah Saelua, who became the first nonbinary « >ÞiÀÊÌ ÊV «iÌiÊ Ê>Ê i ½ÃÊ Ê qualifier. Played with real tenderness and joy by nonbinary actor Kaimana, the way the team and coach relate to Saelua is genuine and touching.”

/ `»Ê> `Êº i>ÀÊ i Ê*Ì°Ê ]»Ê>ÊÃii ing sequel to a track on her 2002 > LÕ Êº/ ÃÊ ÃÊ iÊoÊ/ i °»Ê/ iÊ video for one new pop single, “Can’t Get Enough,” has as much JLo strutÌ }Ê>ÃÊ> Ê vÊ*>À ÃÊ >Ã Ê7ii °Ê Lopez’s last album, “A.K.A.,” came out in 2014 and reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM

UÊ iÌÊÀi>`ÞÊv ÀÊ>ÊÃiV `Ê` ÃiÊ of J.Lo. On Friday she drops the Amazon original film “This is Me… Now: A Love Story” (see above) >ÃÊÜi Ê>ÃÊ iÀÊº/ ÃÊ ÃÊ ioÊ Ü»Ê album. The 13-track set’s song titles include “To Be Yours,” “Mad in Love,” “Greatest Love Story Never

UÊ Ê>Ê iÜÊ` VÕÃiÀ iÃÊv ÀÊ* -]Ê ÀÊ Henry Louis Gates Jr examines how sermon and song have long been a source of strength and wisdom in America, particularly among Black Americans. “Gospel,” a four-part series told over two nights has ÌiÀÛ iÜÃÊÜ Ì Ê iÊ7>ÀÜ V ]Ê1-Ê

Senator Raphael 7>À V Ê> `Ê more. “Gospel” airs Monday and Tuesday on PBS. UÊ i Ê i `i sohn and Juliette Binoche play Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in a new historical drama “The New Look” for Apple TV+. The 10-episode series is set against the backdrop of Paris reemerging from Nazi occupation Ê77 °Ê À½ÃÊ designs helped to lift an oppressed France and its culture with a stylish, modern glow up. As Dior rose to prominence, a rivalry developed between other established designers, including Chanel. “The New Look” also stars > Ã iÊ7 > Ã]Ê Ê > Û V ]Ê Emily Mortimer and Glenn Close. The first three episodes of “The iÜÊ »Ê`À «Ê7i` iÃ`>ÞÊ ÊÌ iÊ streamer. UÊ iv ÀiÊ- i ` Ê «iÀÊ iÌÊ Leonard, Penny or Amy he was a child prodigy growing up in east /iÝ>Ã°Ê > Ê À Ì>}iÊ« >ÞÃÊÌ iÊV ing-of-age version of the character in the CBS comedy “Young Sheldon.” Emmy winner Jim Parsons who played Sheldon on “Big Bang” for 12 seasons, narrates. “Young Sheldon” returns for its seventh and final season on Thursday. UÊÊ ÞÊ-V Õ iÀ½ÃÊ Õ ÕÊ`À> i`ÞÊ “Life & Beth” charmed viewers when it debuted in 2022 and the series returns for a second season on Friday. Schumer writes, directs and stars as Beth opposite Michael Cera, who plays John, a farmer. The two fell in love in season one despite their differences and personal baggage. Now, the couple is planning to marry. Schumer has said the story is semi-autobiographical, inspired by her real-life marriage to chef Chris Fischer. All 10 episodes of season two will be available on the premiere date. — Alicia Rancilio

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Friday, February 16, 2024

literary Lives

Sammy Davis Jr (1925-1990)-Part one SIR CHRISTOPHER ONDAATJE writes about the mercurial American singer, actor, comedian and dancer who began his career in vaudeville with his father Sammy Davis Sr and the Will Mastin Trio. He became a star in the entertainment industry and earned the nickname Mister Show Business.

“If you want to be the best, baby, you’ve got to work harder than anybody else.” Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy George Davis Jr was born on December 8, 1925, in the Harlem section of Manhattan, in New York City, the son of African-American entertainer Sammy Davis Sr, and tap dancer and stage performer Elvera Sanchez. Davis’s parents were vaudeville dancers. As an infant, he was reared by his paternal grandmother. When he was three years old, his parents separated. His father, not wanting to lose custody of his son, took him on tour. Davis learned to dance from his father, and from his godfather, Will Mastin. Throughout his career Davis included the Will Mastin Trio in his billing. Mastin and his father shielded him from racism and prejudice. When he was seven years old he played the title role in the film Rufus Jones for President with Ethel Waters. He lived for many years in Boston’s South End and remembered later singing and dancing in Izzy Ort’s Bar and Grille. In 1944, during World War II, Davis was drafted into the US Army at age eighteen. He was constantly abused by white soldiers from the South. His nose was broken numerous times and permanently flattened. Reassigned to the Army’s Special Services branch, which put on performances for troops, he found himself performing for soldiers that had mistreated him. He earned the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal, and was discharged in 1945 maintaining the rank of Private. “My talent was the only weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man’s thinking.” Sammy Davis Jr.

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Friday, February 16, 2024

In 1953, Davis was offered his own TV show on ABC: Three for the Road – with the Will Mastin Trio. However the network could not get a sponsor, so the show was dropped. The next year Davis was hired to sing the title song for Six Bridges to Cross. In 1956, he starred in the Broadway musical Mr Wonderful which was panned by critics but was a commercial success, going on to close after 383 performances. In 1958, Davis was hired to crown the winner of the Miss Cavalcade of Jazz beauty contest held at the Shrive Auditorium. The next year, 1959, Davis became a member of The Rat Pack, led by his friend Frank Sinatra, which included Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. Initially called “The Clan”, Davis objected, pointing out that it might remind people of the Ku Klux Clan. After a late night of poker, Angie Dickinson commented that the group looked like a pack of rats. The nickname caught on, and the group that was earlier led by Humphrey Bogart, were always called “The Rat Pack” from then on. The group, around Sinatra, made several movies together, including Ocean’s 11 (1960), Sergeants 3 (1962), and Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964). They performed together on stage in Las Vegas. In 1964, Davis was the first African-American to sing at the Copacabana night club in New York. He was also a headliner at the Frontier Casino in Las Vegas – but had to lodge in a rooming house on the west side of the City instead of being allowed to be in one of the hotels with his white colleagues did. No dressing rooms were provided for black performers either, and they had to wait outside by the swimming pool between acts. Black entertainers could entertain but they could not stay in hotels in which they performed, or gamble in the casinos, or dine or drink in hotel restaurants and bars.

SAMMY Davis Jr with the “Rat Pack”

He rejoined the family dance act after his discharge and played mostly at clubs around Portland, Oregon. On March 22, 1951, the Trio appeared at Ciro’s as the opening act for Janis Paige. The reaction from the celebrity-filled crowd expanded the twenty minute opening to one hour, and Paige insisted that the order of the show be flipped. After this Davis began to achieve success on his own.

Canada provided opportunities for performers unable to break the colour barrier in the U.S., and in 1959 Davis starred in his own TV special Sammy’s Parade on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. It was a breakthrough event for the performer, as in the United States in the 1950s corporate sponsors largely controlled the screen. In 1964, Davis was performing in Golden Boy at night and shooting his own New York-based afternoon talk show during the day. When he could get a day off from the theatre he recorded songs in the studio. “You always have two choices. Your commitment versus your fear.” Sammy Davis Jr. UÊ- ÀÊ À ÃÌ « iÀÊ" `>>Ì iÊ ÃÊÌ iÊ>ÕÌ ÀÊ vÊ / iÊ >ÃÌÊ > °Ê iÊ>V Ü i`}iÃÊÌ >ÌÊ iÊ >ÃÊ µÕ Ìi`Ê LiÀ> ÞÊvÀ Ê7 «i` >°

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history

In my youth, the name Rosita Forbes was well known, perhaps even legendary, in the Bahamas, especially in Eleuthera, where she lived..

n accomplished world traveller and a prolific author, she was born in the County of Lincolnshire, England, in 1893, she spent many years at her home near Governor’s Harbour and died, in Bermuda, in 1967. The daughter of a Member of Parliament, she was born Joan Rosita Torr. She married twice. Her first husband was Colonel Ronald Forbes, whom she married at the age 17 and divorced in 1917. Her second husband, Colonel Arthur T. McGrath, was with the British War Office. Never allowing marriage to curb her inborn wanderlust, she traversed the world several times, turning out novels and nonfiction based on her experiences. Inevitably, she often wrote about the Bahamas. In her 1939 book “A Unicorn in the Bahamas”, she describes her first arrival in Nassau - “... Nassau consists chiefly of Bay Street, the wharf and a patchwork of lanes ... which are altogether too charming, with their delicately coloured walls and hoary giants of trees...” She goes on to say “The wharf is completely unsophisticated, It is straight, but otherwise without particular plan.” About the people, she wrote that the torso of Bahamians is superb, because he or she carries everything on the head, whether that head be fashionably hatted, or not. The wharf at Nassau is a treasure-house for the simple minded. I walked along, intoxicated - not from rum punches but by the rhythmic incoherence of the crooners; sweet-tongued vagabonds, with an ache in their throats. There were hundreds of sponges, piled on long trays, in a shed, opening onto the wharf and I picked up one. “What you’se doin’? You’se can’ take that critter...” drawled a muddled voice from the shadows. My American companion produced a coin and the voice became gently acquiescent. To whom it belonged, I do not know. Bahamian English, to me - when it is comprehensible at all, sounds like a foreign language - a stew of many interesting, and unexpected, ingredients, giving delicious emphasis to ordinary remarks. I don’t know how they spell, but their words are like juice, crushed slowly out of full-bodied fruit. UÊ ÀÊµÕiÃÌ ÃÊ> `Ê V Ê i ÌÃ]Ê« i>ÃiÊÃi `Ê > Êi > ÊÌ Ê Ã > `> À > J} > °V

PAUL C ARANHA

FORGOTTEN FACTS

ROSITA Forbes (1893–1967)

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Friday, February 16, 2024

history

Rosita Forbes (1893–1967)

n my youth, the name Rosita Forbes was well known, perhaps even legendary, in the Bahamas, especially in Eleuthera, where she lived.. An accomplished world traveller and a prolific author, she was born in the County of Lincolnshire, England, in 1893, she spent many years at her home near Governor’s Harbour and died, in Bermuda, in 1967. The daughter of a Member of Parliament, she was born Joan Rosita Torr. She married twice. Her first husband was Colonel Ronald Forbes, whom she married at the age 17 and divorced in 1917. Her second husband, Colonel Arthur T. McGrath, was with the British War Office. Never allowing marriage to curb her inborn wanderlust, she traversed the world several times, turning out novels and nonfiction based on her experiences. Inevitably, she often wrote about the Bahamas. In her 1939 book “A Unicorn in the Bahamas”, she describes her first arrival in Nassau - “... Nassau consists chiefly of Bay Street, the wharf and a patchwork of lanes ... which are altogether too charming, with their delicately coloured walls and hoary giants of trees...” She goes on to say “The wharf is completely unsophisticated, It is straight, but otherwise without particular plan.” About the people, she wrote that the torso of Bahamians is superb, because he or she carries everything on the head, whether that head be fashionably hatted, or not. “The wharf at Nassau is a treasure-house for the simple minded. I walked along, intoxicated - not from rum punches but by the rhythmic incoherence of the crooners; sweet-tongued vagabonds, with an ache in their throats. “There were hundreds of sponges, piled on long trays, in a shed, opening onto the wharf and I picked up one. ‘What you’se doin’? You’se can’ take that critter...’ drawled a muddled voice from the shadows. My American companion produced a coin and the voice became gently acquiescent. To whom it belonged, I do not know. “Bahamian English, to me - when it is comprehensible at all, sounds like a foreign language - a stew of many interesting, and unexpected, ingredients, giving delicious emphasis to ordinary remarks. I don’t know how they spell, but their words are like juice, crushed slowly out of fullbodied fruit.” UÊ ÀÊµÕiÃÌ ÃÊ> `Ê V Ê i ÌÃ]Ê« i>ÃiÊ Ãi `Ê> Êi > ÊÌ Ê Ã > `> À > J} > ° V

PAUL C ARANHA

FORGOTTEN FACTS

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Friday, February 16, 2024

animals

Animals in books By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters

belong to two book clubs and we meet as a group and discuss the books chosen and it is frequently interesting to see the book choices and hear why it was chosen. This year, one of my book clubs choose two books where one of the main protagonists is an animal. The first of the two we read was pretty blatant about the star considering it was called “Horse”. Horse was a simply staggering novel with a huge amount of accurate historical information. It takes place in three different eras and each story is captivating. The Horse in question is a very famous horse called Lexington, and the book narrates his life and those who took care of him. Lexington was a United States thoroughbred that won a remarkable six of the seven races he ever ran in. Being born into the cruel world of slavery in America in this 1800s Lexington had quite a life, all of which is recounted in a very compelling manner in this simply brilliant “can’t put me down” book by Geraldine Brooks. I do not want to spoil the story by sharing too much information about the three stories that run side by side in the factual historical novel. I will however share that the skeleton of this remarkable horse has a story of its own and is now at the International Museum of the horse (an affiliate of the Smithsonian) 135 years after he left Kentucky and that it is referred to as the Blue Horse of Lexington. This remarkable horse, Lexington, is recognised as one of the worlds most prolific sires of champions ever, to this day, no other sire has fathered as many champions. It is a wonderful, fascinating read, with three stories from three different eras weaved together to produce a riveting book full of interesting facts and a terrific collection of characters and their lives and how Lexington’s existence in life, death, and art influenced them all. The second book I have recently read is called “Remarkably Bright

Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt - a simple story, part fairy tale, part romantic. It is not difficult to understand why it was named the best book of summer by the Chicago times, and was on the New York Times bestseller list for quite a while. In the centre of this story is a giant Pacific octopus called Marcellus who lives in a tank in an underwhelming aquarium somewhere on the Puget sound in a fictitious town called Sowell Bay. There is a cast of human characters who all have cause to become involved with Marcellus the octopus. Marcellus writes his own chapters in the first person, whereas the humans in the other chapters are all handled in the third person. This is a very effective way for the author to get us thinking more about this

marine animal who is touted to be remarkably bright. We have read so many articles about how smart octopi are and how we really should treat them with more respect. Just how much can an octopus understand? if you read this book, he is a highly intelligent mind reader which is most likely a bit of an over statement. However, it is time to point out that octopuses are constantly surprising us humans. They have three hearts, and their brain is shaped like a doughnut, which is already a pretty extraordinary piece of information. The octopus’s body to brain ratio is the largest of any invertebrate,

and larger than many vertebrates, scientists use this as an indication of how intelligent a creature is. The octopus most certainly has remarkable potential. They have been able to demonstrate problem solving tasks to be rewarded with food. They can squeeze themselves through the smallest of holes and gaps and have been known to raid nearby tanks for food during the night, only to be found back in their own tank with an innocent look on their faces. The fact that they have the intelligence to return to their own tank in itself shows a capability to think things through. Octopuses in the wild are able to use tools to build their dens (caves) There is footage to show them collecting discarded coconut shells and cleaning them out in order to use them to construct a shelter. In the book, Marcellus recognises different human individuals, I was wondering at the time, if this was a bit of exaggeration, but upon further research I have discovered that they are capable of recognising different human faces. All of these attributes and more are showcased in the book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and I would urge you enjoy a gentle and very pleasant read with this simple, to the point, story. I recommend that you allow the joy of reading to remain alive and well in your life, it helps you forget some of the less pleasant occurrences surrounding our lives now days.

pet of the week

FIlled with wonder and delight By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY Bonny brindle Hermione is about two years old and has spent her entire life at the Bahamas Humane Society Shelter. She’s hoping that staring deep into your eyes will cast a spell that encourages you to come in and adopt her.

PHOTO of Hermione by Linda GillAranha.

Hermione gets along well with other dogs and could be trained to be around cats. Like many potcakes, she’s extremely smart and sociable. She says, “Don’t mistake that other brindle for me, though. I have a distinctive white spot on my back!” To find out more, come in to the BHS or call 323-5138 for more information. Hermione looks forward to meeting you. UÊ >À ÊÞ ÕÀÊV> i `>ÀÃtÊÊ/ iÊ BHS Thrift Shop will be holding a Pop-Up Sale at the Nassau Yacht Club on Wednesday, February 28, from 10am to 6pm. Lots of great items, not yet seen in the stop! Thank you to AqSol for sponsoring the space!

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events

Return of the Swirl By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

HE highly anticipated Swirl Tasting Series is back in action - and kicking off its year at The Ocean Club Clubhouse tonight, beginning 7 pm - 10 pm. This food and wine experience will highlight 11 curated wines, 6 buffet stations, and live entertainment. Sean Cartwright, executive director of food and beverage at Atlantis, Paradise Island, said the event has grown over the years from “a nice little wine tasting” usually frequented by hotel guests to a serious showcase of global wines and spirits, as well as an Atlantis culinary experience that attracts a “who’s who” of local Bahamians, and guests from abroad. “Swirl has really helped recruit a new generation of local wine enthusiasts while giving them an affordable passport to the world of wine in their own backyard. It’s been my pleasure to have personally been involved in the conception of Swirl in 2012 and watching the evolution,” said Sean. He believes the event is a great social gathering for those who love great wine, cocktails, and food at a very affordable price point. “The broad spectrum of food and adult beverage options in such a picturesque setting as Atlantis or Ocean Club Estates Golf Course Clubhouse with spectacular musical entertainment is simply the best night out in Nassau,” said Sean. He said Swirl’s February edition gives patrons an incredible portfolio of wines from Copper Cane and some delicious cocktails from Zaya Rum. Copper Cane, Sean said, is the incredible portfolio of wines from California and Oregon from a talented team led by Joe Wagner. “Joe is a fifth generation wine maker in Napa Valley. He learned wine making and business from his family who owns Caymus Vineyards before branching out on his own. Elouan from Oregon, as well as, Belle Glos, Boen and Quilt from California highlight our wine selections for the night. Several of the wines from Copper Cane will also be available in by the glass features around Atlantis before and after Swirl. Zaya Rums from Trinidad will also provide some incredible tiki style cocktails during Swirl,” said Sean. He said the organisers of the event usually pick portfolios of brands that are awesome and

Images from previous event at Atlantis Photos: Donavan Mcintosh

consumer friendly to partner with Atlantis. And to serve those brands at Swirls brings great pleasure. “Seeing a guest’s eyes light up when they discover a new wine or cocktail that maybe they would not have discovered is always rewarding.

Speaking with guests about their own travels, experiences, or culinary tendencies, and then helping them find the right wine is usually our highlight. The teams in beverage and culinary work so hard, so to see all their efforts be enjoyed and be applauded by the guests is always a special moment at these events,” said Sean. Sean said Southern Glazers Wines and Spirits of America are the organisers behind the event. “In 2023, Southern Glazers Wines and Spirits purchased WEBB Banks to continue the company’s growth strategy throughout the Americas. “WEBB Banks and its partner brands are back at Atlantis in 2024 for many exciting events including Swirl, Gospel Brunch, Atlantis Live concert series, and the exciting second Annual Nassau Paradise Island Wine and Food Festival,” said Sean.