03172023 WEEKEND

Artist community pays tribute to the late Graham Thordarson

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

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world following the death of Graham Thordarson, whose versatile acting and rich singing voice enhanced the Bahamian theatre community for many years.

Graham, a graphic artist, was a regular presence at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts theatre ever since he was a little boy accompanying his mother, the late Viveca Watkins, who was herself a noted actress and comedienne and a member of the popular troupe James Catalyn and Friends.

Over the years, he graced the stage in noted roles in plays such as Twelve Angry Men, Twelfth Night and Clybourne Park. He also wrote skits and performed in the Summer Madness series.

Graham was also known for his beautiful singing voice and would often sing at his church, Ebenzer Methodist, many times singing duets with his very talent eldest daughter Teagan.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Graham and several others from around the world started the Coronaoke Facebook page.

This allowed singers to post their cover versions of popular songs and have fellowship with other singers as a way to help pass the time during lockdown. The group was 20,000 plus strong.

The group’s motto was “Music heals the soul – Let’s all share a few songs while we weather the COVID19 crisis.”

Although activity paused in the group after the restrictions were lifted, administrators opened the page this week to allow members to post songs and tributes in Graham’s honour.

Admin Brian William Giant posted: “Thank you, Graham Thordarson, for your gift of time and friendship over the last three years of Coronaoke. You helped us in so many ways and thousands of people, all over the world hold such dear

memories in their hearts and minds of you.

“May Graham’s memory live on amongst us all.

Our deepest condolences are offered during this extremely difficult time to his friends and family.”

Another member, Cat Binks, said: “Graham invited me to join and this group proved to be uplifting and entertaining during COVID quarantine…. He indeed will be missed.. such a talented, witty, smart guy who truly was a blessing to all.”

Debbie Grager, also a member of the group, said:

“When I learned of this news… it broke my heart. Graham and I sang a couple of duets together and he was definitely a wonderful guy. It was a pleasure to work with him even though we never met in person. He will be missed and I offer my deepest condolences to his wife and daughters, and his extended family.”

Here at home, tributes also poured in. Shakespeare in Paradise reposted a podcast interview they had done with Graham and the Dundas – his home away from home – and posted

a farewell to him accompanied by photos of him perform ing at the theatre.

Gavin Collins posted: “The most versatile allaround best actor in our country in my opinion … not to mention a fellow conservative at heart and a brother in Christ! Loved him; will miss his voice in most things (he was a Laker fan, so we didn’t agree on absolutely everything, but look forward to meeting him again).”

Fellow actor Dwayne Curtis said: “I met him many years ago when I was active on the stage of the Dundas Theatre, and he as a child would hang around the theatre with his actress/comedienne mother, the late Viveca Watkins. Due to some roles that Viveca and I played, she referred to me as her ‘stage husband’, so Graham was our ‘son’. I

watched as Graham developed into a man and into his own as a fixture on the Dundas stage. Eventually, we became cast mates in several productions. Graham was, as I am, a stickler for correct grammar. He formed, and was ‘Commissioner’ in a Facebook group, ‘Grammar Police Clubhouse’.

Graham will also be remembered for his strong sense of family and his loving relationship with his wife Rosa and their daughters Teagan and Viveca.”

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Graham Thordarson will be held on Saturday, March 18, at 2pm at Ebenezer Methodist Church, Epworth Hall.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bahamas National Youth Choir at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Shirley Street Branch; Swift code/routing number; FCIB BSNS 09706; account: 27038410; type of account: Chequing.

GRAHAM Thordarson was a second-generation actor who made the Dundas his home away from home.

The rumours are true…Lizzo is coming to the Bahamas

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

Music superstar Lizzo is making a special stop in the Bahamas this month to take part in Atlantis’ Music Making Waves concert event.

The Grammy Award-winning singer and flutist will be performing on Saturday, March 25, at Casuarina Beach, Paradise Island.

“A talent as in demand as Lizzo is presented with an incredible number of options to have a concert. The fact that she chose the Bahamas and Atlantis as one of her concert locations speaks volumes about the excitement she has for the Bahamas and its passionate fans,” said Jason Spencer, vice president of On Island Marketing and Events at Atlantis.

Fresh off of her fourth Grammy win, Jason said Lizzo is one of the most popular acts in the world right now.

“She puts on an amazing show which features hit song after hit song. As such, the Music Making Waves team thought there would be no one better to kick off this year’s concert season than with Lizzo, which would represent one of the biggest shows ever produced on island,” he said.

“People can look forward to being a part of concert history as Lizzo

takes the stage under the stars at Atlantis. An extraordinary night, kicked off with a fun concert village experience, then watching one of the biggest names in entertainment, Lizzo, put on an amazing performance plus a special surprise at the conclusion of the show.”

Jason said as tickets are selling fast, he encourages everyone to

‘Best of the Best’ rake n’ scrape album series returns with 50th Independence special

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

Top entertainers and new emerging acts from throughout the Bahama Islands are featured on the latest ‘The Best of the Best’ compilation album that seeks to highlight some of the best sounds being heard locally.

Over the last 20 years, the producers of album series have bought together rake n’ scrape artists of all ages and eras. This year was no different, as the Keep the Vibe Alive Music Group sought to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence with the Best of the Best Volume 10 album.

The 14-track album reflects the Bahamian experience across each island, community and individual or band.

“Under the direction of Les Turnquest, the goal for the Best of the Best was to create an opportunity for the best and new emerging rake n’ scrape artists, producers and songwriters in the Bahamas. In addition, with our new marketing strategy, we intend to enter new markets through technology and global relationships to continue to promote our Bahamian culture outside of our archipelago,” said Ray Armbrister, vice president of Keep the Vibe Alive Music Group.

As with the other nine entries in the series, this 10th celebratory iteration features solely rake n’ scrape, but what makes it unique is the delivery of the themes and lyrics that each artist has written and performed.

“We also wanted to ‘bring back the days’ and provide a tangible experience for all Bahamians and foreigners that visit our shores looking for our native sound or souvenirs such as CDs and flash drives. The themes include love and romance, relationships, nationalism, party vibes and story-telling,” he said.

The album features a list of skilled veteran entertainers like Veronica Bishop, Geno D, KB, Colyn McDonald, The Brilanders, Sammi Starr, and Avvy, as well as emerging recording artists like The New Breed Band, Mama D, Mello D, Shine and Exec, Michael Andrew and Javan Hunt.

“In any successful industry, it is important to not only focus on the present but also the future. Keep the

purchase as soon as possible so they won’t miss out on something special.

The Atlantis Live concert series, said Jason, has grown in size, scope and purpose.

“With so much success over the past years on producing some of the best concerts, Atlantis Live has transitioned to now offering large outdoor concerts under name of Music Making Waves. What is so exciting about this is that a portion of proceeds from all Music Making Waves concerts are donated to our 501(c)3 Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, which is a private non-profit foundation that fosters the preservation and conservation of coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and cetaceans, along with their Bahamian ecosystem,” he said.

The concert village opens at 6.30pm and is free to all ticket holders.

Vibe

Alive Music Group is more than a record label. We are a family. Therefore, we are intentional in continuing to invest and provide opportunities for our young and new artists to showcase their God-given talents,” said Ray.

“Over the years, we have been grateful to introduce artists like Sweet Emily, Nita, the late great T’Rez Hepburn, Spice, The Brilanders and The Falcons and more.”

For more information, visit www. ktvamusic.com.

Rodney Burrows

He’s a former police officer, priest and author, and now he continues telling his remarkable life story in a new book. The Inagua native tells Alesha Cadet how he hopes to inspire his readers to never give up, because you never know what life has in store for you.

On a recommendation, Inagua native Rodney Burrows decided to leave behind his humble beginnings to pursue a career in policing. The year was 1961 and he set off for the capital to fulfill his professional dream. However, right at the start, he encountered one major stumbling block: He didn’t meet the 5’8 height requirement to become a police officer.

Nevertheless, he took the entrance examination and passed, and this led to the Royal Bahamas Police Force deciding to accept him regardless of his height.

It was the start of an almost 32-year career, which saw Rodney reach the rank of superintendent.

Around 1987, he began writing articles for the Police Magazine, which was published twice a year. Rodney received numerous compliments on his writing and this encouraged him to want to write more, to the point where he started writing his own life story.

Rodney has previously published the book “Destiny I”, which covers his childhood and life on Inagua up to 1961, when he travelled to New Providence to join the police force, and then up to February 1973 when he returned home after completing a five-month course in General Police Duties at the Metropolitan Police Training School in Hendon, England. At that point, he was already married with three young daughters and had attained the rank of sergeant.

Now, in the sequel, “Destiny II”, he covers the period of his joining the police force to his retirement in September 1992 and starting his journey towards becoming an Anglican priest.

“It covers a wide range of experiences during the time that I was posted at Central Station, Downtown Nassau, including my involvement with prisoners and the courts. I included a chapter on Magistrate Wilton Hercules, who I am sure older persons will remember. His court always attracted a number of spectators and one was always assured of an entertaining session. I also share my experiences with the repatriation of illegal immigrants on two occasions. Unlike today, the repatriation process during my time was by boat and the voyage took days,” he told Tribune Weekend.

He also writes about his stint at Fire Services, where he worked under the directorship of the late Chief Superintendent Edney Johnson, as well as his experiences as Staff Officer to three Commissioners of Police: the late Salathiel Thompson, the late Gerald Bartlett, and the late BK Bonamy.

Rodney enjoys telling jokes, and he writes about how he got a chance to share his sense of humour during the many years he served as the master of ceremonies at the annual police ball and at other events.

He’s also included a number of humorous stories in the book.

While he loved his job as a police officer, Rodney was also always interested in serving the Church. He got the chance to

pursue this alternative path after some personal misfortunes.

“I have been an Anglican all my life, having grown up in St Philip’s Church in Inagua. Even while serving on the police force, I felt a calling to enter the ministry, but I was in the height of my career and did not want to give it up. Then, in 1992, I experienced some personal tragedies, which I share in the book, that resulted in my decision to retire from the police force and to test my vocation to enter the sacred priesthood,” he said.

“I chose the title ‘Destiny’ (for my book) as I felt that God had a plan for my life, which I have tried my best to fulfil. ‘Destiny II’ is the continuation of my life’s story, and God willing, ‘Destiny III’ will cover my time in the sacred priesthood.”

Rodney said he hopes to inspire his readers by showing them how the circumstances of one’s birth do

this weekend in history

March 17

• In 461 AD, St Patrick, Christian missionary and bishop, is believed to have died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland.

Known as the primary patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was probably born in Scotland to a well-to-do Christian family of Roman citizenship. He was captured and enslaved at age 16 by Irish pirates. For six years, he worked as a herder, during which time his faith deepened. After eventually escaping, he found passage on a ship to Britain and was reunited with his family. However, a dream he had of Irishmen pleading him to return to their country inspired him to return to the Emerald Isle after he became a priest.

• In 1601, the first recorded

not have to hold one back in life; “it is still possible to succeed if you are prepared to work hard, be honest and have faith in God.”

He also aims to show that there is no age limit when it comes to finding one’s path. He himself had an entire 32-year career in the police force under his belt before he entered Codrington College, Barbados, to become a priest.

It was not always easy, being back in the classroom and having to complete assignments, but with the help of God and the support of his family and church, he did it. Following the successful completion of studies, Rodney was made a deacon on June 22, 1994 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1995.

He officially retired from ministry in 2010 after serving as priest-incharge at Christ the King for three years.

“God, however, still had work for me to do and, as I like to say, I was ‘rehired’ and went on the serve nine years as priest-in-charge of St Augustine’s Church in San Salvador and two years as priest-in-charge of my home church, St Philip’s in Inagua. I ‘retired’ again in 2021, after spending 27 years in active ministry, however,

voice on the gramophone, makes his first phonograph recording. The ten discs the Gramophone Company produces become bestsellers and help spread the then 29-year-old Caruso’s fame throughout the English-speaking world.

• In 1911, American composer Irving Berlin copyrights the biggest pop song of the early 20th century –“Alexander’s Ragtime Band”.

RODNEY Burrows (far right) with (l-r) ADC Samuel Davis, Governor General Sir Gerald Cash, and Police Commissioner Salathiel Thompson at

once a priest, always a priest,” he said.

“It is my hope that my life’s story will encourage others to persevere no matter the hardships and obstacles they may experience in life,” he said.

“Destiny II” is now available at Logos Bookstore in the Harbour Bay Plaza.

AD. Hitler’s decree, however, is deliberately disobeyed by Minister of Armaments Albert Speer, who hoped the country could use the industrial facilities after the war.

parade honouring the Catholic feast day of St Patrick takes place in a Spanish colony, in what is now St Augustine, Florida.

More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military march in Boston in 1737 and then in New York City in 1762 for St Patrick’s Day.

March 18

• In 1902, Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, one of the first musicians to document his

The multimillion-selling smash hit helps turn American popular music into a major international phenomenon, both culturally and economically; the effects of which are still being felt today.

March 19

• In 1945, Adolf Hitler issues the “Nero Decree” to destroy all German infrastructure and factories to prevent their use by Allied forces as World War II nears its end. The order was after the Roman Emperor Nero, who, according to an apocryphal story, engineered the Great Fire of Rome in 64

• In 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces primarily from the United Kingdom, initiates war on Iraq. The invasion occurs as part of the Bush administration’s war on terror following the September 11 attacks, despite no connection between Iraq and the attacks.

President George W Bush announces in a televised address, “At this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.”

While troops were officially withdrawn in 2011, the US became re-involved in 2014 at the head of a new coalition, and the insurgency and many dimensions of the armed conflict are ongoing.

ST Patrick

the Inde

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

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

Across

1 Share out the lot (6)

4 Explain a period on strike (5,3)

9 Wisely arch about how old one is (6)

10 Shanties add spice to Gilbert and Sullivan (3,5)

12 A game lot of typists perhaps (4)

13 Swiss spa duplicated in Germany (5)

14 Sicilian hothead (4)

17 Of the professional section relatively speaking? (2,10)

20 A relation in retirement (7,5)

23 Learning a new role (4)

24 Inclined to sound fast (5)

25 Their quarters are combed for food (4)

28 Risk about a grand (8)

29 A motorist’s club (6)

30 Possibly had a nice estate in South America (8)

31 He has the skills needed to make a suit (6)

Down

1 Salaried position with stamps provided (4-4)

2 Gives a party a new constitution perhaps (8)

3 They may be found in a creel squirming (4)

5 Now it includes men in anticipation of trouble (12)

6 Let’s make a change just in case (4)

7 Too many flourishes from a tenor? (6)

8 Makes you French look Italian (6)

11 Rule not enforced in the main? (3,2,3,4)

15 Runner defeated in close race (5)

16 Write a few words about us in combat (5)

18 Rome collapsed in excess, may I add (8)

19 These are irritating for sightseers naturally (8)

21 Be mischievous, switch the file and remain quiet (6)

22 Subject about right for a mundane circle (6)

26 Able to go where one likes for nothing (4)

27 From the start regret being honest (4)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Sense, 4 Figures, 8 Apt, 9 Ham-handed, 10 Liaison, 11 Piety, 13 Woolly, 15 Lesser, 18 Motto, 19 Outcast, 21 Jam-packed, 23 Per, 24 Rigidly, 25 Yield.

Down: 1 Shallow, 2 Nuts about, 3 Ethos, 4 Foment, 5 Grapple, 6 Rid, 7 Sadly, 12 Easy as pie, 14 Leopard, 16 Retired, 17 Folksy, 18 Major, 20 Today, 22 MiG.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 March, 4 Dusters, 8 Ski, 9 Totem pole, 10 Absolve, 11 Tower, 13 Exacts, 15 Amatol, 18 Crepe, 19 Feather, 21 Beardless, 23 Och, 24 Screech, 25 Tides.

Down: 1 Message, 2 Reinstate, 3 Hotel, 4 Duties, 5 Symptom, 6 Ego, 7 Spear, 12 Watchword, 14 Treadle, 16 Larches, 17 Afresh, 18 Cubes, 20 Asset, 22 Air.

EASY PUZZLE

Down

1 Fellow-feeling (8)

2 Underhand plotting (8)

3 Very small (4)

5 Uncomplicated progress (5,7)

6 Small whirlpool (4)

7 Wantonly destructive person (6)

8 Servile follower (6)

11 Full of suspense (5-7)

15 Danger (5)

16 Visionary (5)

18 Certain to succeed (4-4)

19 Irresponsible (8)

21 Summary of text etc. (6)

22 Layers (6)

26 River of central Europe (4)

27 Deepest yellow around inflammation (4)

O M N A O E P N L

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.

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

11 Sever, 12 Dissident, 13 Brutality, 17 Rival, 19 Despot, 22 Enter, 23 Mere, 24 Vast.

THE ALPHABEATER

31 Immoderate indulgence (6)

27 Practical joke (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

targEt thE alphapuzzl across: Babe, Lying, Mourn, Matrix, Scuffs, Charter, Parakeet, down: Bohemian, Bijou, Lacquer, Vision, Psyche, Drifter, Fatal,

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

prEcludEd clue clued crud crude cruel cuddle cued curd curdle curdled cure cured curl curled deduce delude deuce drupe dude duel dupe duped duple ecru educe educed elude eluded lucre lure lured preclude PRECLUDED prelude preluded prude puce puddle pule puled pure puree pureed purl purled reduce reduced rudd ruddle rude rued rule ruled rupee udder ulcer

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

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

A transatlantic exhibit shining a light on the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora comes to Nassau

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

Bahamian artist Kachelle Knowles and Canadian artist Gordon Shadrach have teamed up for a special transatlantic collaboration to highlight the legacy of the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora.

Last month, their duo exhibition, “When the Bread They Have Cast On The Waters Comes Floating Back”, opened at the United Contemporary Gallery in Toronto, Canada. Next week, on March 23, it travels to Nassau, to the D’ Aguilar Art Foundation.

According to Bryon Armstrong, the exhibit will take a look at lived differences of the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora.

The people of the Diaspora, he writes in his essay on the exhibition, “are scattered across distances spanning miles, centuries, and sometimes just the length of a conversation.”

“Gazing into broken glass has the same effect as staring into water troubled by a heavy stone dropped onto its surface. This is a diaspora for Black people. A ripple effect of refracted selves where the water breaks — was broken — by outside influence. We hold this stone deep within us, even as the water calms and memory fades.”

Bryon noted that both Black women and men have been dehumanised over the centuries.

“Although Black women were not excluded from dehumanisation through over-sexualisation, Black males also faced the perception of having inhuman strength to carry out their desires, specifically against white women, if unchecked. In addition to the lie that Black males were also lazy if not forced into labour, propaganda around their oversexed, violent natures gave the state the right to police, maim, and kill them with impunity. This legacy follows us today in the statistics of disproportionate deaths at the hands of police, and the lynch mob mentality of private citizens taking it upon themselves to levy justice against activity deemed suspicious.”

The exhibition is a dialogue across the Diaspora. It celebrates the Black male by disrupting colonial narratives and the distorted reflections it creates through figurative portraiture.

Both Kachelle and Gordon seek to shine a light on identity, representation, gender, and the impact of colonisation, enslavement, and anti-Black racism on collective values and perceptions.

Although expressed differently, these themes are universal to the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora. As such, they are successfully adding their voices to the Black experience in visual art.

For her contribution, Kachelle employs materials like graphite, coloured pencils, collage, marker, ink, gold leaf, and acrylic gemstones on toned paper to decorate a young sprinter in the style of a gladiator. An emerald-patterned shirt speaks to the colour scheme used in her high school. Within the school, there were four “houses”, one of which (labelled “Dolphins”) was coloured green and was considered the most prominent house. Demigodlike in his presence, the figure is adorned with a variety of gold medals representing his elevated status to his peers.

“The piece demonstrates how Black physical power earns praise in controlled circumstances and provokes fear outside of them,” Bryon explained.

He cites athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Colin Kaepernick, who all took stances against social injustice at the expense of their sports careers.

Meanwhile, Kachelle’s piece “Take the Headboy Out of Your CV” examines how society views Black boys.

“It is a recognition of the boy who is labelled ‘too smart’ for their own good or ‘too interested’ in their appearance. Conceived as an over-thetop version of the Bahamian school uniform, the pinned broaches and plaid scarf flourish also speak to the right of Black boys to express their individuality without the scrutiny of gender performance or the policing of Black hair.”

Gordon takes a different approach.

“Age, gender, and geography should all point to lived experiences that are opposite to each other. However, Shadrach’s work intersects and overlaps like the long-lost piece of a puzzle found on the opposite end of the same room, where the presence of Black people — whether in the Bahamas

‘Armour’ by Gordon Shadrach

‘Take The Headboy Out of Your CV’ by Kachelle Knowles

The Weekend Fashion Report – 95th Academy wards

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

> HIT

1. Angela Basset

Karin says: “I love that she decided to go with this very bold Moschino gown. It suits her perfectly. The one-shoulder dress is just so wonderfully dramatic, and I absolutely love the Bulgari statement necklace (and the little ‘bag’!). I can even forgive the mermaid skirt.”

Cara says: “Angela just never disappoints. Just stunning. People online referred to this as her African violet dress, and I agree. It’s just really pretty and perfect on her.”

> SPLIT 2. Florence Pugh

Karin says: “Everyone was dragging her for wearing what looked like bunched up bedsheets. But this Valentino dress has actually grown on me. I like that she took a chance and wore something this outrageous. I just wish it had been a more vibrant colour and that she’d worn her hair differently.”

Cara says: “Well, there is always one hot mess among the bunch, and here she is! Sorry, Miss Flo, but what can you even say… it just looks bad. The end.”

> HIT

3. Halle Bailey

Karin says: “She’s already paying homage to Ariel here (she will portray the iconic mermaid on the big screen in May). She looks radiant and cute. The light aqua of this Dolce & Gabbana gown is gorgeous on her. I also love the structured corset.”

Cara says: “Our newest Disney princess was certainly channelling royalty in this stunning sea foam tulle number. But can we just take a moment to ogle that De Beers necklace and fab braided updo?!”

> HIT 4. Cara Delevingne

Karin says: “I don’t even know why Cara was invited to present, to be honest (a model and some occasional TV jobs?), but she rocked the champagne carpet with this unbelievably glamorous oneshoulder Elie Saab gown.”

Cara says: “This colour is gorgeous on her! I am always a fan of a oneshoulder ball gown, and a huge dramatic bow is just icing on the cake. Also love the high slit.”

> HIT 5. Michelle Yeoh

Karin says: “It’s not a show-stopping number, but a more quietly elegant one. She looked like an ethereal cloud in this floaty silk organza design, which was apparently handmade in the Dior Haute Couture atelier and took more than 650 hours to embroider and assemble.”

Cara says: “It’s not my favourite of her looks this award season, but I think she has been consistently gorgeous (with that rare exception of the SAG Awards dress). She looked like she was floating up the stage to accept her Best Actress Oscar in this beautiful Dior gown.”

> FAIL 6. Halle Berry

Karin says: “I simply hate the roses. They ruin this otherwise beautifully classic satin gown. The rose gold sparkliness of the roses just adds to the cheapening the dress. It’s makes it look like a tasteless prom ensemble.”

Cara says: “I know a lot of people loved this dress, but I wasn’t a fan. I’m guessing that her roses were really detailed and pretty up close. But I just felt they were stuck on as an afterthought. A miss for me.”

> HIT 7. Fan Bingbing

Karin says: “This looks like a stunning new take on the Golden Age of Hollywood styles. I love that she chose such a vibrant green, a colour not often seen on the red carpet, for the dramatic cape. It makes such a statement!”

Cara says: “I have to say when I first saw it, I wasn’t sure. But then I looked again and I really loved it. It’s that gorgeous Kelly green against the sparkle for me. It’s just very eye-catching. And her hair and make-up make her look like a porcelain doll.”

> SPLIT 8. Eva Longoria

Karin says: “Another mystery invite. And then she wears this! Just awful. She herself said she looked like a disco ball…and yeah. There is just too much going on with Zuhair Murad dress; it’s way too busy. And I hate the slicked-back hair.”

Cara says: “I actually like it. It could have gone left and fallen into Victorian nightgown realm, but I think she just about pulls it off. Of course, it helps that she is so lovely. I may have softened the hair just a tad though.”

> FAIL 9. Cate Blanchett

Karin says: “Louis Vuitton should stick to more casual wear and handbags, because this is not working. It looks unfinished. I hate the broad boxy shoulders. The draping helps a bit, but it’s just so ‘blah’ overall. Very disappointing.”

Cara says: “I am usually a fan of her red carpet gowns, but this boxy satin number ain’t it. It’s so unshapely and the satin looks cheap. There are too many elements to the look; the severe shoulders, the bell sleeves the flowing skirt. I just don’t like it.”

> SPLIT 10. Janelle Monae

Karin says: “I love the tangerine skirt; the way it’s draped and the colour is beautiful. I’m not sure about the black bustier though, especially it being velvet. And the matching choker is not my fave. Only Janelle could still look good wearing this.”

Cara says: “I’m not a fan. It’s like bad ‘80s design meets Halloween meets traffic cone. Sorry, I love Vera Wang and Janelle as much as the next girl, but this one is a miss for me.”

Oceanfront challenges

Good day, gardeners!

I’ve been wrapped up in other people’s gardens for several weeks and I have been unable to make the time to write anything here. My apologies for the absence, and I do hope that your gardens are growing well.

I have been involved in a few projects located on or near the beach and ocean, and the challenges that oceanfront gardening can present are real, but they do have solutions. It mostly comes down to location.

Some of the material that I had planted a few months ago on one of the sites has taken quite a beating from the wind and salt spray, and others have settled in and are flourishing.

Sometimes it can be difficult to fulfil a property owner’s vision with plant material that is not native to our region on an oceanfront property.

Non-native plants, palms, or trees that are not fully adapted to windy and salty conditions tend to take longer to settle in and to show the results expected. The solution to adapting non-native material to the ocean front consists of a few options:

• Location, typically non-native material is best placed in the lee of a building, dune, or stand of bush.

• Water, is essential in helping non-native plants to settle into a challenging location, particularly one near the ocean. Watering deeply with fresh water helps plants to develop a deep root system that will make it able to withstand periods of drought or high winds better than one left on its own to settle in.

For example: we had planted cocoplum, silver buttonwood and adonidia palms along a fence line going right out to the initial sand dune, on the Atlantic Ocean. The native material, the cocoplum and silver nuttonwood, has all settled in wonderfully despite the ground being mostly sand, and extended periods of not enough water (the location has limited water available and wholesale watering is not possible). The adonidia palms have been struggling to catch in to be able to grow properly, even after three months in the ground. So, the location was not perfect for the palms, and the water

has been insufficient, those two factors combined have caused the palms to struggle and new growth is slow to appear. We mulched them heavily and applied some palm fertilizer, and I’ve upped the watering schedule, with the plans to irrigate them with drip hose soon. That is about all we could do to help them.

We cannot control the wind, and wind is a major detractor of any non-native material planted in a high exposure location, especially from the east or the south when on the ocean front. It is important to use the correct material for any challenging location, whether on the ocean, or not.

When something that is not quite suited to a particularly challenging location, extra care must be given to ensure successful growth. Increase the mulch used to reduce evaporation and preserve moisture in the soil, fertilize well (nutrients run through sandy soils very quickly!), and increase the water in the first several months to create stronger, deeper root systems.

Not all parts of our island chain receive the same amounts of rainfall. It is variable on each island, let alone

between different islands. Choose material that is suited to a particular location for the best results, but when other material is to be used, give it a little extra attention and successful growth is possible. The silver buttonwood plant is gradually rising on my personal favorites list of shrubs and trees to use in any landscape, not only those on the ocean or waterfront. They are awesome as a hedge for privacy or as a windbreak, and they are spectacular as a full grow tree. Add some night lighting and the landscape is transformed into a wonderland.

Character is not something that all gardens have, some are very boring, and some are over complicated simply because of the chosen material. When planting in a challenging location, I highly suggest starting with native plants, and then detailing from there with non-natives where desired. The appreciation for one’s

surroundings can easily be elevated by the addition of a few shrubs, palms, or trees.

For lawn grass near the ocean, we use Cashmere Zoysia, as it is adapted to the salt and drought better than most others, and especially better than St Augustine grass.

Pictured here is a very old silver buttonwood located on Athol Island, at the top of the beach. It is a gem, and happy as a clam being there, as that is the type of conditions it is native to. A worry free, low maintenance garden is best started with natives. There’s no debate on that.

Until next time, I wish you all happy gardening!

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

A VERY old silver buttonwood thriving on Athol Island

Million-dollar diamond jewellery partnership for Ocean Club’s 60th anniversary

By Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Under the dazzling night sky at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort on Paradise Island, Diamonds International helped bring the diamond theme for the resort’s 60th-anniversary celebrations to life.

Resort guests, locals, and Diamonds International team members joined the celebration, which paid homage to the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale with details that included a vintage Aston Martin, fine cuisine, champagne, diamonds, and entertainment.

“We are recognising 60 years of this magnificent property, and diamonds are the gemstone to mark that year. It was only natural to partner with Diamonds International to celebrate this iconic event,” said Viktoria Riley, director of marketing for The Ocean Club.

Many executives wore fine diamond and gemstone jewellery from the Crown of Light Couture collection, and the guest-experience included trying on a show-stopping, million-dollar diamond necklace.

Ms Riley’s conversation piece was a green-diamond necklace, laden with diamonds and valued around $375,000.00. Meanwhile, a striking Safi Kilima tanzanite surrounded by diamonds drew admiration, including highlighting the deep blue eyes of its beautiful recipient. Nevertheless, it was the million-dollar necklace that evoked curiosity, astonishment and appreciation.

Shivan Sareen, general manager of Diamonds International Bahamas explained, “We wanted to create a pampered, million-dollar, red carpet experience with the opportunity for Ocean Club’s guests to adorn our 40-carat necklace that is set in platinum and our patented Crown of Light diamonds. We also made available a coordinating tennis diamond bracelet estimated at a quarter of a million dollars.”

Two delighted admirers were Ann Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister, and Usha Pitts, the US Chargé d’Affaires in the Bahamas.

“We were flattered to have them model our fine jewels,” said Sareen.

The Crown of Light diamond is a patented, 90-facet diamond cut,

From pg 07

or Canada — is least threatening when invisible or removed,” said Bryon.

Gordon explained, “So in our conversations, we were talking about how tourists feel uncomfortable when they see Black male Bahamians, in particular, actually enjoying the same spaces with them.

“Experiencing that differently in Canada, for me it became about this idea of exploring Black boy joy in public spaces as an act of rebellion.”

exclusive to Diamonds International. The Couture Collection is a creation mastered by the finest jewellery craftsmen who invest over 1,000

hours into the pieces. Each Crown of Light diamond Couture item is perfectly matched in colour, carats weight, size and clarity range.

His “Fence” series became an allegorical and literal barrier that thwarts Black joy.

“His paintings show the diminishment of barriers represented by shadows cast over Black figures. In ‘Armour’ (2023), a dreadlocked male stands with his hands clasping the fence with an expression of longing. The barrier to his happiness is apparent, the shadows marking his face could just as easily be the long

shadow cast by white supremacy and systemic oppression,” said Bryon.

In his piece “Emerge”, Gordon reimagines the fence as having less power with an opening where the Black male figure sits.

“Even with the hole in the fence, there’s still a noticeable crisscrossing of shadow across the figure’s face. As a small piece of the barrier dissipates, it leaves behind lines, like scar tissue, on the face of the figure. Perhaps, even after barriers come down, there’s still damage left behind and more barriers to remove.”

The exhibition opens on Thursday, March 23, at 1pm, and remains on display until April 27.

ANN MARIE DAVIS, (centre) with the Diamonds International team. She is modelling the million-dollar Crown of Light masterpiece and coordinating diamond tennis bracelet. From left to right are Rubesh Kumar, Rohan Pardeshi, Terrance Stubbs (back), Mrs Davis, Shawn Fowler (back), Charles Adderley, Shivan Sareen, general manager and Tyeisha McKenzie.

A transatlantic exhibit shining a light on the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora comes to Nassau

‘Mummy Gonna Get Me Grills After Graduation’ by Kachelle Knowles

literary lives – Whoopi Goldberg

From a housing project to the first Black female EGOT winner

Sir Christopher Ondaatje recalls the unique controversial career of American actor, comedian, author and television star. She is one of 18 entertainers to win the EGOT (Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Oscar and Tony Award).

Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in Manhattan, New York City, the daughter of Emma Johnson, a nurse and teacher, and Robert James Johnson Jr, a Baptist clergyman. She was raised by her mother (by then a single parent) with her brother Clyde in a public housing project. Her forebears migrated from Georgia and Virginia. Her mother also may have given her the name Goldberg as she thought it might help her in the theatrical business.

“Goldberg is my name – it’s part of my family, part of my heritage, just like being Black … I practice nothing. I don’t go to temple, but I do remember the holidays. Would you ask me if I was white? I bet not.

– Whoopi Goldberg

She took her name “Whoopi” from a whoopee cushion.

“When you’re performing on stage, you never really have time to go to the bathroom and close the door. So if you get a little gassy, you’ve got to let it go. People used to say to me, ‘You’re like a whoopee cushion’. And that’s where the name came from”

– Whoopi Goldberg

A DNA test in 2006 for the TBS documentary African American Lives revealed that all of Goldberg’s ancestors came from Guinea-Bissau of West Africa. According to Nichelle Nichols in Trekkies (1997), Goldberg lobbied for, and was eventually cast as “Guinan” on Star Trek: The Next Generation as a recurring guest star. She may have got the name from her ancestry. She was a very creative and determined character. Practically everything was made up.

When she was 15 years old, Goldberg moved to San Diego where she became a waitress. Other

odd jobs followed including a bank teller, a mortuary cosmetologist, and a bricklayer. She joined the theatre group Blake Street Hawkeyes, performed, and even gave acting lessons. Performing was her life.

Early in the 1980s, she returned to New York and trained under the teacher Uta Hagen at the HB Studio. She first appeared on screen in Citizen: I’m Not Losing My Mind, I’m Giving It Away (1982),made by San Francisco filmmaker William Farley.

In 1983 and 1984, she first came to national prominence with her one-woman show Moms portraying Moms Mabley in Berkeley, California and then at the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco. She performed alone and was funny. Encouraged by this she created The Spook Show portraying different character monologues. She was discovered by director Mike Nichols after he saw her show. He helped her transfer the show to Broadway under the new title Whoopi Goldberg and it ran from October 24, 1984, to March 10, 1985. It was taped and broadcast by HBO as Whoopi Goldberg Direct from Broadway (1985). She was 29 years old.

Goldberg’s Broadway performance caught the eye of Steven Spielberg when she was playing in The Belly Room at the Comedy Store. He cast her in the leading role in his film The Color Purple, based on the novel by Alice Walker. Released in 1985, it was a critical and commercial success and as described by Roger Ebert:

“…One of the most amazing debut performances in movie history.”

– Roger Ebert

The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards including a nomination for Goldberg as Best Actress.

Between 1985 and 1988, Whoopi Goldberg was one of the busiest female stars, making seven films. She starred in Penny Marshall’s Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986) and began a relationship with photographic director David Claessen. They married later that year. In the next two years, three films featured Goldberg: Burglar (1987), Fatal Beauty (1987), and The Telephone (1988).

Goldberg and Claessen divorced in 1988. She went on to make Clare’s Heart (1988), and then host numerous HBO specials with fellow comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. She was unique. There wasn’t anyone like her.

In January 1990, Goldberg starred with Jean Stapleton in Bagdad Cafė (inspired by the 1987 film). The sitcom ran for two seasons on CBS. At the same time she starred in The Long Walk Home portraying a woman in the US Civil Rights movement. She played a psychic in the film Ghost (1990) for which she won an Academy Award for best supporting actress – the second black woman to win the Award, the first being Hattie McDaniel in Gone With the Wind (1940). She also won the BAFTA Award, and the Golden Globe Award. Her character Oda Mae Brown was heralded as being one of the best 100 film characters.

Goldberg starred in Soapdish (1991) and then continued to play Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation between 1988 and 1993. She made a cameo appearance in Wilbury Twist (1991), and then in 1992 Sister Act, one of her most profitable films was released, which grossed over $200 million. She was nominated for another Golden Globe Award. She was invited to host the 34th Annual Grammy Awards, and was praised for finally bringing life into a series of stale ceremonies. The success led to her hosting the late-night talk show The Whoopi Goldberg Show, and she starred in two more films Made in America and Sister Act 2:Back in the Habit (1993). This last film propelled her salary to $12 million making her the highest paid actress in North America.

From 1994 to 1995, she appeared in Corrina, Corrina, The Lion King (voice), Theodore Rex, The Little Rascals, The Pagemaster (voice), Boys

literary lives – Whoopi Goldberg

From a housing project kid to the first Black female EGOT winner

Sir Christopher Ondaatje recalls the unique controversial career of American actor, comedian, author and television star. She is one of 18 entertainers to win the EGOT (Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Oscar and Tony Award).

Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in Manhattan, New York City, the daughter of Emma Johnson, a nurse and teacher, and Robert James Johnson Jr, a Baptist clergyman. She was raised by her mother (by then a single parent) with her brother Clyde in a public housing project. Her forebears migrated from Georgia and Virginia. Her mother also may have given her the name Goldberg as she thought it might help her in the theatrical business.

“Goldberg is my name – it’s part of my family, part of my heritage, just like being Black … I practice nothing. I don’t go to temple, but I do remember the holidays. Would you ask me if I was white? I bet not.

– Whoopi Goldberg

She took her name “Whoopi” from a whoopee cushion.

“When you’re performing on stage, you never really have time to go to the bathroom and close the door. So if you get a little gassy, you’ve got to let it go. People used to say to me, ‘You’re like a whoopee cushion’. And that’s where the name came from”

– Whoopi Goldberg

A DNA test in 2006 for the TBS documentary African American Lives revealed that all of Goldberg’s ancestors came from Guinea-Bissau of West Africa. According to Nichelle Nichols in Trekkies (1997), Goldberg lobbied for, and was eventually cast as “Guinan” on Star Trek: The Next Generation as a recurring guest star. She may have got the name from her ancestry. She was a very creative and determined character. Practically everything was made up.

When she was 15 years old, Goldberg moved to San Diego where she became a waitress. Other

odd jobs followed including a bank teller, a mortuary cosmetologist, and a bricklayer. She joined the theatre group Blake Street Hawkeyes, performed, and even gave acting lessons. Performing was her life.

Early in the 1980s, she returned to New York and trained under the teacher Uta Hagen at the HB Studio. She first appeared on screen in Citizen: I’m Not Losing My Mind, I’m Giving It Away (1982),made by San Francisco filmmaker William Farley.

In 1983 and 1984, she first came to national prominence with her one-woman show Moms portraying Moms Mabley in Berkeley, California and then at the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco. She performed alone and was funny. Encouraged by this she created The Spook Show portraying different character monologues. She was discovered by director Mike Nichols after he saw her show. He helped her transfer the show to Broadway under the new title Whoopi Goldberg and it ran from October 24, 1984, to March 10, 1985. It was taped and broadcast by HBO as Whoopi Goldberg Direct from Broadway (1985). She was 29 years old.

Goldberg’s Broadway performance caught the eye of Steven Spielberg when she was playing in The Belly Room at the Comedy Store. He cast her in the leading role in his film The Color Purple, based on the novel by Alice Walker. Released in 1985, it was a critical and commercial success and as described by Roger Ebert:

“…One of the most amazing debut performances in movie history.”

– Roger Ebert

The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards including a nomination for Goldberg as Best Actress.

Between 1985 and 1988, Whoopi Goldberg was one of the busiest female stars, making seven films. She starred in Penny Marshall’s Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986) and began a relationship with photographic director David Claessen. They married later that year. In the next two years, three films featured Goldberg: Burglar (1987), Fatal Beauty (1987), and The Telephone (1988).

Goldberg and Claessen divorced in 1988. She went on to make Clare’s Heart (1988), and then host numerous HBO specials with fellow comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. She was unique. There wasn’t anyone like her.

In January 1990, Goldberg starred with Jean Stapleton in Bagdad Cafė (inspired by the 1987 film). The sitcom ran for two seasons on CBS. At the same time she starred in The Long Walk Home portraying a woman in the US Civil Rights movement. She played a psychic in the film Ghost (1990) for which she won an Academy Award for best supporting actress – the second black woman to win the Award, the first being Hattie McDaniel in Gone With the Wind (1940). She also won the BAFTA Award, and the Golden Globe Award. Her character Oda Mae Brown was heralded as being one of the best 100 film characters.

Goldberg starred in Soapdish (1991) and then continued to play Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation between 1988 and 1993. She made a cameo appearance in Wilbury Twist (1991), and then in 1992 Sister Act, one of her most profitable films was released, which grossed over $200 million. She was nominated for another Golden Globe Award. She was invited to host the 34th Annual Grammy Awards, and was praised for finally bringing life into a series of stale ceremonies. The success led to her hosting the late-night talk show The Whoopi Goldberg Show, and she starred in two more films Made in America and Sister Act 2:Back in the Habit (1993). This last film propelled her salary to $12 million making her the highest paid actress in North America.

From 1994 to 1995, she appeared in Corrina, Corrina, The Lion King (voice), Theodore Rex, The Little Rascals, The Pagemaster (voice), Boys

on the Side and Moonlight and Valentino. She guest-starred on the Muppets Tonight in 1996.

In 1994, Whoopi Goldberg became the first black woman to host the 66th Academy Awards telecast, and then in 1996, 1999 and 2002 – one of the best and most original hosts. During this time she starred in four motion pictures: Bogus (1996) with Gėrard Depardieu; Eddie, The Associate (with Dianne West), and Ghosts of the Mississippi (with Alec Baldwin). During the filming she began a relationship with Frank Langella which lasted until 2000. In 1997, she co-wrote Book with Daniel Paisner which featured her insights and opinions. In 1996, she replaced Nathan Lane as Pseudolus in Stephen Sondheim’s musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

“A pip and a pro – she ultimately steers the show through its rough spots.”

– Chip Crews

The Washington Post

From 1998 to 2001, Goldberg took supporting roles in films such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Girl Interrupted, Kingdom Come and Rat Race. She starred in the ABC-TV series Cinderella, A Knight in Camelot; and Call Me Claus. She appeared in Hollywood Squares, and voiced in the children’s show Foxbusters. A C Nielsen ranked her as the actress appearing in the most theatrical films in the 1990s with 29 films grossing $1.3 billion in the US and Canada.

In the 2000s, Goldberg hosted The Making of a Charlie Brown Christmas (2001); and returned to television in Whoopi and, although the show was cancelled after one season, she was honoured with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was 46 years old. She narrated slave narratives in the HBO documentary Unchained Memories, and for the next two years she produced two television series: Strong Medicine and Whoopi’s Littleburg – a children’s TV series on Nickleodeon. She returned to the stage in 2003 starring on Broadway in the revival of blues singer Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Royale Theatre.

Despite her popularity she was not above criticism when she appeared in Radio City Music Hall in 2004 and made a vulgar gesture, saying “We should keep Bush where he belongs.” She was immediately dropped from John Kerry’s Democratic advertising campaign – but went on to revive her one-woman show at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway on its 20th anniversary. She was above criticism.

Four years later Goldberg hosted Wake Up With Whoopi – a syndicated morning radio talkshow, and announced that she was retiring as there was no more room for Goldberg-type humour in the cinema marketplace. Instead she hosted the 62nd Tony Awards. They still couldn’t keep her down.

In 2010, she starred in the Tyler Perry movie For Coloured Girls alongside Janet Jackson which grossed over $38 million. She had a recurring role on the TV series Glee, and had a cameo role in The Muppets (2011). She guest starred as Jane Marsh in The Middle (2012); and voiced the Magic Mirror in Disney’s The 7D; and portrayed a character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014).

In 2017, Goldberg voiced Ursula, the Sea Witch and Uma’s mother in the TV movie Descendants, and the following year she starred in Nobody’s Fool alongside Tiffany Haddish. That same year

she was given the lead in Furlough with Tessa Thompson and Anna Paquin. Her voice was used for the Giant’s wife in the Hollywood Bowl production of the Giant’s Wife of Into the Woods (2019).

In the 2020s, Patrick Stewart invited Goldberg (now 65) to reprise her role as Guinan in the second series of Star Trek: Picard. She accepted and also starred in The Stand, a CBS miniseries based on the 1978 novel by Stephen King. She played Mother Abigail, a 108-year-old woman. There was also a rumour that she was returning to Sister Act 3 for Disney, where she worked as a guest star on Amphibia.

Well into her 60s, Goldberg was still getting and accepting roles. She was also not above controversy, criticising Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby, and the Holocaust – of which she said: “It’s not about race. It’s about man’s inhumanity to man.”

Goldberg has been married three times; Alvin Martin from 1973 to 1979; David Claessen from 1986 to 1988; and Lyle Trachtenberg from 1994 to 1995. She said that she had no plans to marry again.

“Some people are not meant to be married and I am not meant to. I’m sure it is wonderful for lots of people. I never loved the men I married. You have to be really committed to them. I don’t have that commitment. I’m committed to my family.”

– Whoopi Goldberg

In 1973, Goldberg gave birth to a daughter, Alexandra Martin, who became an actor and producer. Through her daughter she has three grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

Goldberg has dyslexia, and lives in Llewellyn Park, a suburb of West Orange, New Jersey, where she has sought privacy. She also has an additional summer residence on the island of Sardinia. She prefers the gender-neutral term “actor” rather than “actress”.

“An actress can only play a woman. I’m an actor – I can play anything.”

– Whoopi Goldberg

She has acted in over 150 films, and is one 18 people to have won the four major American awards: an Emmy (TV), a Grammy (Musical), an Oscar (Film) and a Tony (Theatre). She is the first Black woman to have won all four awards.

Goldberg is still doing her show, The View, at 11am (EST) on CBS Television in the United States.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia.

FILMMAKER Steven Spielberg directs Whoopi in the award-winning ‘The Color Purple’

WHOOPI returned as Guinan for the Star Trek series ‘Picard’ in 2022

WHOOPI with her daughter Alex Martin Dean

Conchs and refugees

This is another excerpt from George Burbank Shattuck’s 1905 book ‘The Bahama Islands’, published by the University of Baltimore:

“On the part of the older inhabitants of the Colony [whom the Loyalists called ‘conchs’], there was a prejudice against the unfortunate exiles [whom the conchs called ‘refugees’]. Governor John Robert Maxwell was not above sharing in these feelings and yielding to them, in his official conduct. He was therefore disliked by the refugees.

Upon Maxwell’s departure from Nassau in 1784, an address of regret at his leaving was presented to him. It was alleged that the Loyalists acquiesced in the sentiments expressed in it. The spokesman of the loyalists, however, disavowed any connection with the address, and this denial was approved by a meeting of the Loyalists. They found abuses existing both in the laws themselves and in the administration of them. Some of the statutes, they said, were repugnant to the laws of the mother country.

They accused the Governor of attempting to deny to them the right of trial by jury, a right which they considered as belonging to every Englishman, in any British territory. They also accused the Governor of further oppressive and tyrannical conduct towards them. They demanded reforms and claimed to have effected a reform in the administration of justice. The legislature was under the control of the native inhabitants. The election of 1785 had occurred before the Loyalists had begun to assert their power and they were in the minority in the House of Assembly. The Lieutenant-Governor, being unfavourable to the cause of the Loyalists, would not dismiss the Assembly and call another. Therefore, the desired reforms could not be brought about. Several members of the House who were favourable to the refugees withdrew from the House, rather than acquiesce in such conduct as that in which it indulged. The House required the attendance of some of them and, when they still persisted in their refusal to sit in it, they were declared incapacitated for holding seats in that body.

When John, Earl of Dunmore, became Governor in the latter part of the year 1786, he too came under the influence of the same party that had supported Governor Maxwell, and did not respond favourably to the appeals of the Loyalists, who had now become the stronger party in the Colony. There was a general desire that the Assembly should be dissolved and a new one called. Petitions asking for this came to the new Governor from New Providence, Exuma, Abaco and Cat

Island. In 1785 a like petition from the Loyalists was read in the House of Assembly. That body immediately ordered the document to be burned, by the common hangman, outside the door of the House, as the majority of the existing Assembly was favourable to the policy of the Governor.

The Governor listened to the petitions of the Loyalists, deliberately considered them and replied that he did not consider it expedient to dissolve the Assembly. He persisted in his refusal and, at the close of his administration, the Assembly called in 1785 had endured almost nine years.

After the departure of Dunmore from the government an act passed the legislature limiting the duration of a legislature to seven years, in order to obviate such a difficulty as that which the Earl of Dunmore had brought upon the Colony.”

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

PAUL C ARANHA FORGOTTEN FACTS

JOHN MURRAY, 4th Earl of Dunmore (1730-1809)

A BAHAMIAN stamp from 1976 commemorating Lord Dunmore

Animal matters

Kim Aranha

Post-it notes from my desk

So many different things to highlight in the animal world today that I am thinking I need to share them all with you and not wait and showcase one every week.

Dog walks are back at the shelter

A new support group has been formed to assist the BHS in socialising and reassuring the dogs kept in our shelter whilst the await new and loving homes. It is essential that these animals spend time with humans in order to prepare them for their new lives ahead. It is important to remember that the major percentage of the dogs in the shelter came off the streets and not from homes. These dogs need to get used to hanging out with humans, wearing a collar, playing with toys and being on a leash. These are all necessary life skills, and most dogs are pretty quick to learn, and, of course, they need to learn to trust which can take longer that all the others put together. If you are interested in becoming a dog walker or a puppy cuddler, please contact our shelter manager Percy Grant at 422-4121 and he can give you the information that you will need.

Manslaughter charge

It was with satisfaction that I read a short article in this week’s Guardian reporting that the owners of the three dogs who allegedly killed a homeless man on Palm Tree Avenue in August 2022 have been charged with manslaughter. It is indeed time that we be responsible for our animals (and our children, but that is another article). If you

PET OF THE WEEK

A heap of puppies

By The Bahamas Humane Society

(PHOTO BY VOLUNTEER DOG WALKER AUDREY)

own an aggressive animal, you have to be especially vigilant. The way to make people take this seriously is to charge them in court. I was surprised this charge got so little coverage. There is this inane approach of simply putting the animal or animals involved down. That is no solution; the man is dead, that will not bring him back to life. Yes, those dogs have gone…until the next set take their place.

Do you know that there are people who like to breed aggressive dogs that have been involved in attacks because the animal has “proven itself”? No words! And what ever happened to that poor lady, Alicia Barton, who was attacked in January 2022?

We go quiet after these terrible attacks take place. The media goes quiet. Within days we find something else to talk about, and sadly turn our backs on those who still need help, and worse still, we turn away from the very real problem that there are people out there, citizens of our country, who intentionally breed mentally unstable dogs and, alas, others who readily buy them think-

Malcolm (back left), Blackfire (back right), Xenia (centre), and Charlie, who’s a girl (front), are here to let you know the Bahamas Humane Society has many puppies available for adoption. Not wee pups, but young ones, like this four, all of whom are already fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, ready to come home with you and add a whole heap of puppy loving to your life. Have you been looking for that excitement that a new pup

ing it is super cool.

People dumping dogs is a huge problem around Nassau at the moment. I wrote about it last week. If you are an animal lover and you want to help, keeping some food and water in the car is always useful because the animal may be afraid and refuse to approach you. That is understandable if you think about it. By the act of being dumped, they have experienced one of the greatest forms of betrayal possible. Food helps build a bond of trust. Water is essential (bring a disposable dish you can leave behind and pick up another time if necessary). Try to get a photograph and post it to Facebook to make sure it is not a missing pet.

BHS Food Bank

Our food bank is doing essential work every week. Many of the wholesale companies donate food to us, torn packages and dented cans. If you feel like helping, a case of dog or cat food, and bags of dry food are gratefully accepted and appreciated. If the bags are a bit old, please check that they do not have weevils.

brings?

Then one of this foursome might be right for you! Or two, or more... Come into the BHS to meet them or call 8214121 for more information. The puppies look forward to meeting you!

• The next Thrift Shop jewellery sale will be held Saturday, April 1 (No, not fooling!) from 10am to 2pm. There’s a great selection at a wide range of prices so come out and find something for yourself or a loved one!

Food stamps

A quick reminder to all you generous and kind supporters. If you don’t use, or if you can spare some of your Super Value stamps, we’d love to have them. ust let me know at berryislandgirl@gmail.com and I can arrange pick-up.

‘It takes a village’

This is what we all need to remember. Whatever the Bahamas Humane Society wants to do, we require help from our supporters and fellow animal lovers. If you hear or see an act of cruelty, please report it. If you are sorting out your closets, think of our thrift shop. If you see an injured dog, report it to us. If you are able to donate a few dollars now and then, please do. Every penny we receive makes a difference. We have a lot of animals to feed and care for medically, and we have a lot of employees who have families who depend on their salaries.

Thank you to those of you who write into me and make suggestions or say you enjoy the articles. I appreciate you all.

New hub seeks to connect consumers with culinary professionals

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

For everyone planning an event or special occasion and finding it difficult to choose a culinary professional to help them out, a new venture is seeking to make things much simpler.

Global Culinaire Inc (GCI) is a new online culinary hub that aims to make it easier for consumers to connect with exceptional chefs, caterers, and food-centric vendors to create unforgettable culinary experiences anywhere in the Bahamas. They recently celebrated their soft launch.

“It doesn’t matter if someone is looking for a private chef for their next vacation, seeking to arrange an intimate celebratory dinner, wishing to experience an authentic meal when visiting a new country, or simply wants to take a break and have someone else cook for the evening - Global Culinaire Inc can facilitate all of that,” said Nikia Wells, director of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications.

GCI is the brainchild of Chef Romero Dorsette and IT professional Valdez Williams.

They both saw the need to create a one-stop shop for tourists, in particular, who seeking to contract the services of local culinary vendors.

“If you are having an event, there was no one-stop shop for visitors to the island. For example, if you wanted to book a birthday cake, you may have not known exactly where to go. But with Global Culinaire you have a website where you can just go to,” she said.

In preparation of the company’s recent soft launch, GCI appointed an all-Bahamian leadership team led by the Chef Romero and Mr Williams.

The first phase of the launch will take place in the Bahamas and the company will eventually expand its reach throughout the Caribbean, North America and then globally.

The all-Bahamian leadership team that will facilitate the first phase of

the rollout will include a diverse group of industry professionals.

One of the most important things about the hub is that the professionals featured will have to go through a strict vetting process. It helps that Chef Romero has worked with a lot of these chefs before. He has firsthand knowledge of the calibre of their work.

“Every chef, every vendor on the website has an internal vetting process. With Chef Romero having been in the industry so long, he obviously know’s of each chef’s experience,” said Ms Wells.

Chef Romero has 20 plus years of experience in the global culinary scene, having worked in nearly every facet of the industry – in hospitality, in restaurants, as a private chef, and in catering.

He is also the president of the Showman group of companies, which specialises in private, corporate and event catering, as well as restaurant development services.

“We are looking to change the way diners connect with culinary professionals,” said Chef Romero.

“We aimed to create a userfriendly, secure and effective platform that makes it exceptionally easy to create an unforgettable dining experience. We already have some talented chefs on board, and we can’t wait to show the platform’s capabilities during our soft launch.”

Mr Williams, managing partner of the IT firm Novio Group with nearly a decade of experience in the digital transformation field under his belt, was responsible for developing a world-class booking platform for GCI.

“It is our goal to use technology to transform the culinary industry, not only in the Bahamas, but around the world,” Mr Williams said.

CHEF Romero Dorsette

VALDEZ Williams