Weekend Next stop, Vegas
BAHAMIAN INFLUENCES FOR ARTIST’S SHOW PGS 04, 05 + 07
MISS UNIVERSE VISITS NATION PGS 02+03
Welcome to The Bahamas, Miss Universe
By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
THE MISS Universe global tour made its stop here in The Bahamas where reigning queen Sheynnis Palacious graced our shores.
The visit is part of the Miss Universe tour where the queen will visit different countries under the organisation’s umbrella.
Warmly greeted by members of the local organisation, Sheynnis Palacious arrived in The Bahamas last week accompanied by the Miss Universe delegation for what was described as an “unforgettable visit filled with grace, glamour, and meaningful engagements”.
Hosted by the picturesque islands, Miss Universe immersed herself in a series of notable events and experiences that captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
“The Bahamas is truly a treasure that not only amazes the eyes but also nourishes the soul,” she said.
Upon her arrival, Miss Universe enjoyed an exquisite stay at the historic British Colonial Hotel, where she indulged in the timeless elegance and hospitality synonymous with the Bahamian experience.
The visit commenced with a warm welcome reception at the Rosewood Hotel, where Miss Universe was greeted by esteemed guests, including officials and members of the pageant community.
This event underscored her commitment to fostering cultural exchange and promoting the beauty of The Bahamas on the global stage.
In a notable display of diplomacy and engagement, Miss Universe paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Chester Cooper, where she expressed her gratitude for the warm
welcome received from the minute she arrived on the island.
The global queen’s time here in The Bahamas was not without adventure to her itinerary. Miss Universe embarked on an idyllic island getaway sponsored by Sand Dollar Beach Resort and Da Pig Beach.
There, the queen took in the the sight of pristine waters and breathtaking landscapes offering her a glimpse into the natural beauty The Bahamas has to offer.
Throughout her visit, Miss Universe embraced the warmth and hospitality of The Bahamas, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of meeting her.
“Her journey not only celebrated beauty and elegance but also underscored the importance
of cultural exchange and global unity.
National director Anthony Smith said:
“As Miss Universe bids farewell to The Bahamas, we can tell that she will certainly carry with her cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of this island paradise. On behalf of the Miss Bahamas Universe Organisation, we would like to thank not only the Miss Universe delegation for making our home one of their global tour destinations but we would also like to thank the Bahamian public for truly demonstrating why it is Better in The Bahamas.”
Miss Universe 2024 was captured during her stay by local photographer Deval Kirby of Exposure Photography. Additionally, international photographer Jeremy Eastmond captured her presence in stunning visuals that showcased the allure of The Bahamas on a global platform. Video coverage by Cyril Cromwell Simmonds captured the highlights of her visit.
Photos: Jeremy Eastmond and Toni Barcas
Mario Lorne Smith Jr
Artist Mario Lorne Smith Jr is finding success in Las Vegas. He talked to CARA HUNT about how The Bahamas continues to serve as an inspiration to him.
The Bahamas will always serve as Mario Lorne Smith Jr’s greatest artistic muse, no matter where he is in the world.
The Grand Bahama native has made quite the name for himself in Las Vegas, Nevada, in both the art scene and wider community where he has been based for several years.
And his most recent art exhibit continues his trend of using Bahamian themes as his inspiration while at the same time presenting an intimate insight to the man behind the work.
The collection, called UnMasked, has been displayed at the ThirtyThree Gallery in Las Vegas recently.
It features a series of masks and half mask which, to a Bahamian trained eye, shows that the Junkanoo influence is clear.
Mario said: “People ask what UnMasked was all about. The concept came about because people knew me for painting masks and half masks and explaining the different layers to your personality of who we are as an artist. With this show, I basically wanted to unmask that. You get to see a collection that I personally kept for myself. I like to paint ideas that I have in my head and concepts that I like to come up with and certain colours and textures that I wanted to come up with and use. So this is more of a personal collection of mine, an intimate side of it… you get to unmask Mario Lorne for a minute.”
He also told Tribune Weekend that “the concept behind the collection is a world of hybrids and the environment they live in. I created this concept a few years ago but never really dove into the concept until last year”.
He said: “It’s the world we live in today. Everyone now is a mix or a hybrid of something else. Whether it be culture, music, tradition, or identity. We all now carry multiple facets that can define our current identity. Which I think is a beautiful thing. It adds a quality to someone which in hindsight create a person’s value.”
The response to his latest work has been “amazing”, he said.
Mario said of the collection that it went “better than I expected and I got the appreciation I anticipated as an artist with this concept. And I sold two pieces on the open.”
His success is hard-earned. Mario was born in Grand Bahama, where he lived until the age of seven, when he moved with his mother Donna to Malaysia. They stayed there for 14 months before moving to Holland, where he stayed until he was 14 years old and then returned to Grand Bahama.
Mario carried his love of Bahamian culture with him to Holland. When he was ten years old, his Uncle Gary came to visit him, bringing along with him Junkanoo tapes for
ARTIST Mario Lorne Smith Jr (left) with former NFL player and host of the Club Shay Shay podcast Shannon Sharpe.
“Junkanoo
is a tradition for us that has become a world wide cultural phenomenon. So when a product of this cultural is breed and taught by masters and greats, then you will have a product that can be placed in different environments and settings and simple release that cultural to the world.”
him to watch, and crepe paper. An excited young Mario took them to school and staged an entire Junkanoo rushout with his class. When they relocated back to Grand Bahama, Junkanoo played a major role in his life.
He enrolled in Grand Bahama Catholic High where he graduated. He was a well-rounded student, fluent in Dutch, and a successful athlete. He stayed true to his love of Junkanoo and became involved with the Classic Dancers, led by Ken “Motorboat” Francis. He continued to hang around the Junkanoo shack where his artistic ability did not go unnoticed.
After graduating, Mario found himself in New Providence for a while. The incomparable Winston “Gus” Cooper became a mentor. Gus would pick Mario up from time to time and encourage him in his pursuits, while sharing his knowledge and wisdom with him. But Gus always told him: “You have got to do something beyond Junkanoo.”
He never forgot those words, but has also found ways to infuse the culture into his art.
“I will never for my Bahamian roots. My Bahamian roots is what granted me the privilege to do this interview with you. It’s who we are, we are proud, we are loud, and we create and produce great amazing products and people. Bahamians are unique in this world.
He also noted that he is a product of Junkanoo.
“Junkanoo is a tradition for us that has become a world wide cultural phenomenon. So when a product of this
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
THE ALPHABEATER
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 tomorrow
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
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
Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer
across: Glorify, Sunburn, Toxin, Nuance, Caveat, Aniseed, Meant, down: Strain, Majority, Reproach, Sandal, Watchman, Daze, Rinse Treaty.
cultural is breed and taught by masters and greats, then you will have a product that can be placed in different environments and settings and simple release that cultural to the world.”
Since his time in Las Vegas, he has lent his talents to assist the community. This March, he partnered with fellow artist Courtney Hayward to complete a mural called Architects of Community - the fifth in a series of outdoor community murals funded by the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, a non-profit organisation for corporate and philanthropic partners to support innovative programmes that improve the quality of life for all Las Vegas residents particularly those from underserved areas of the community.
Mario’s mural depicted three community leaders - Helen Toland, the first African
American female principal, Anna Bailey, the first African American showgirl who performed at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, and Herman Moody, one of Las Vegas’ first African American police officers.
“The two cultures are easily combined because the Junkanoo background has always allowed us as Bahamians to move and dabble with endless creative ideas,” he said.
So coming up with concepts and ideas that challenge the status quo, we not only achieve it, we make it come to life, we give it a storyline, we give it to our viewing audience. So when my art comes out you get the same thing but only on a canvas.”
Looking forward, Mario is currently working on a huge project coming up for 2025.
The collaboration is with MeoWolf. That’s all I will share on that for now. But it’s probably one of the most anticipated projects for myself that I have worked on.”
A brush with art
By Chappell Whyms Jr
ANEW art exhibition is showcasing the work of students as part of a celebration of 23 years of specialised art education.
The exhibition held its official opening on Tuesday at Doongalik Studios on Village Road – but is also available for viewing on July 23-24 from 10am-4pm at the location.
It is being staged by The Place For Art, whose founder and art educator, Kim Smith, spoke to The Tribune about what role art plays in today’s society.
“The role of art is definitely multifaceted, it’s not just one thing,” he said. “But if there is any one thing I think that the role of art is to give people pleasure, and almost a sense of peace and a sense of place.”
Establishing the school more than 20 years ago after a weekend of being the first pencil artist in the Coconut Grove art festival in Miami, he has spent those years not only creating art for his own practice but also
teaching and inspiring young artists in The Bahamas - leading to students under his instruction being accepted not only in local art programmes, but also international ones in north America.
For Mr Smith, this show holds great importance, not only as a way to show the country the work that his students created, but also as a rebirth for the art show after being able to recover from a traumatic injury that left him paralysed from the neck down more than five years ago. Now, after his amazing recovery, he is back to doing what he feels he has been blessed to do, creating and teaching art.
At the show, there was a grand display of the artworks that his students produced. From entry level studies that focus on shapes, lines and light to works that students created inspired by other artists such as Picasso and Sue Katz. There were colour pencil works that students made after using Mr Smith’s work as reference and collages made from
whatever students could get their hands on to create with.
We had a chance to speak with a few of the young artists being displayed in the gallery. It was a surprise when listening to what they had to say about creating art.
“Nature scenes are my favorite to paint, because the nature is pretty and i like to recreate it on canvas,” said Abilail Morre when asked what her favourite scenes are to paint and why. She also created a beautiful piece inspired by Yutavia George. The work consist of watercolours and torn paper layered to create a piece that represents the ocean.
“My favourite memory with art is to always have fun. Sometimes I get confused and any mistake I do, I don’t even erase it I leave it then make something out of that mistake,” said Amiri Pugh when asked what his favourite memory of art is. A popular TV artist had the same viewpoint as Amiri and he would say: “There are no mistakes only happy accidents.” To hear this
young artist be able to articulate the same sentiment of problem solving and creativity at such a young age is nothing less than amazing. You can see this play out in one of his pieces where he references a piece by Mr Smith.
Former student Leah Laroda expressed her experience as a positive one to better develop herself and to be able to stay grounded and focused and also be able to better express herself.
Art plays an important pillar in any society as a way to share emotions, tell stories for entertainment to boost morale or to teach important lessons. It is a way to document trends and historical moments that we can learn from or be doomed to repeat. It helps with keeping people creative and being able to better problem solve in other aspects of life. Moments like these are important for young artists and should be encouraged and supported because we could be encouraging the next Kendal Hanna or Amos Ferguson.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
Just do it
Good day, gardeners. I’ve been reminded recently that as often as I tend to put off tasks either in the garden or with plants that are in pots, there are times when time is not on my side.
The first is to do with a basil plant that was given to a friend that isn’t what one would call a gardener. It had been sitting in a small 4.5” pot for a couple of months and it was really struggling along. The only solution for it was to get hold of a larger pot, I found one with a 10” diameter, with some fresh potting soil, I used a mix of native top soil with peat moss as it’s all that was on hand.
Within three days, the basil plant was greening up and putting on new leaf, the reaction was very quick. The roots simply had no where else to go in the small pot that it was in, and no fertilizer, sunshine, water, or love would have done a thing for it. It was strangling in the small pot. Had I waited much longer, the plant would have reached a threshold in its decline where it could not have been saved.
The other was a gorgeous bonsai Calliandra haematocephalla, commonly called the red powder puff, which a couple of months ago was looking wonderful. I had done some selective pruning on it back then so that it was at its prime as it belonged to my friends’ employer and typically was kept on one of the yachts. It was looking at its prime when it was delivered to the owner’s yacht for display while they were using the boat.
Somehow, sometime, for some reason along the way during its time on the yacht, one or more of the crew had a brilliant, thoughtful, proactive idea to tend to the specimen bonsai. It seems one or more of the crew had fancied themselves as having what proved to be an elusive green thumb. The bonsai was brought back to the house by my friends with a look of distress on their faces. In the matter of weeks on board the yacht with the crew, the magnificent specimen had turned into a plant drastically in need of care and attention. It was quite surprising to me that it had gone backwards so rapidly. The leaves
were browning and wilting, but there was no other sign of distress, but I knew from experience that it didn’t bode well unless I was to take action immediately.
Well, within a couple of days I had reason to get over to New
too. Prior to leaving the bonsai in question, I’d cut one of the branches to have a look at the vascular system as I had the inkling that the issue was stemming from the roots, that it was a soil-based problem. When I looked at the inside of the cut branch at the rings, there was discoloration that signaled to me that the decay was in fact working its way up from the roots.
By the time that I made good my exit from New Providence and returned to the location of the bonsai, it had completely died, through and through, finished. It took 5-6 weeks in all from the time it was rescued from the yacht to the time it had perished entirely. The only remedy would have been for me to immediately upon seeing its initial signs of decline, to remove it from the container, remove and wash off all of the existing soil or potting medium, cleaning the roots entirely. A soaking in an antibacterial, antifungal solution would have been the correct course of action, followed by a repotting into a sterile and sanitary fresh potting medium, after having sterilized the planter with a bleach solution. This was not done.
Time got the better of me and in the case of the bonsai, it proved that there was no time to spare. Sometimes things just have to get done, despite the weather or one’s schedule, if they’re to survive. C’est la vie. As always, I wish you happy gardening.
• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at Fox Hill Nursery on Bernard Road.
Providence for a few days, which then quickly turned into a couple of weeks, NP tends to be a bit of a vacuum that sucks one in at times, and as desperately as I seek to escape it has a way of holding one in, it is a funky town to be sure. Hot,
You can contact him with any questions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@ gmail. com.
A BASIL plant and a red powder puff
Celebrating our miracle makers
By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
Anew website seeks to provide a space to highlight the achievements of many Bahamian artists and persons who have worked tirelessly to enhance Bahamian culture.
Noted musician Raphael Munnings is one of the editors and proprietors of the AJV Miracle Makers website - the idea for which was inspired in the lead-up to last year’s 50th anniversary observances. He said: “No one person can take credit for the Bahamas’ rich, diverse culture. We have so many talented
this weekend in history
July 19
1980 - The Summer Olympics were opened in Moscow
individuals who contributed and added to our rich history.
“We have decided to give credit where credit is due by creating a website that will offer insight into the individuals who made us the proud Bahamians that we are.”
The site includes several volume sets where viewers can gain a firsthand look at the contributions each featured person has made, making it both entertaining and an informative research tool.
The site features an initiative easy to navigate directory that makes it easy to search for an individual
with 60 countries boycotting the games due to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. It was the largest boycott in the games’ history.
2007 - The first episode of Mad Men aired and quickly became a critical and commercial hit due to its stylistic flair and representation of the 1960s.
July 20
providing a quick summary of their contributions.
The website highlights a number of different genre including sporting giants, cultural icons, artist, actors and musicians as well as local landmarks such as Bethel Baptist Church.
Dame Ivy Dumont, one of the people featured on the site, was Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Utilities, a Senator then promoted to Cabinet as Minister of Health and Environment then Minister of Education. Dame Ivy later became the first woman
1968 - The first Special Olympics was held at Chicago’s Solider Field with 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities taking part.
1969 - The Eagle lunar landing module carrying US astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong became the first person to
and sixth Governor General of The Bahamas.
“I am pleased to offer my compliments to you on the extensive and careful research that is evident in your work. I trust that you will continue to expand the offerings and the marketing of them will be productive. It would be wonderful if every child in The Bahamas could learn from your videos, that adult minds could be refreshed with our history, and that U-Star Video Productions can be an inspiration to the public at large,” she noted.
set foot on its surface.
July 21
1960 - Politician Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first female prime minister when she took office in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
1983 - The world recorded its lowest temperature, -128.6F (-89.2C), at Vostok Station, Antarctica.
BETHEL Baptist Church
DAME Ivy Dumont
Youth orchestra honours founder in special performance
By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
THERE were not one but two celebrations as a fitting gesture to honour the dedication and commitment to the arts of Duke Errol Strachan, founder of the Bahamas National Youth Orchestra.
After a concert in March, the orchestra hosted an encore performance event last week that celebrated Mr Strachan for his contribution to the development of youth musicians.
“How can we say thanks to a man who has bestowed such valuable knowledge, training and tutorship.”
The BNYO hosted the Afternoon of Music in recognition of the outstanding support, direction and guidance from Mr Strachan.
“How can we say thanks to a man who has bestowed such valuable knowledge, training and tutorship,” said Sonia Timothy, a representative of the orchestra.
The event featured varied music by the orchestra who moved guests with their renditions.
Mr Strachan has always been a firm believer that music without a doubt has the power to change lives.
Mr Strachan, now aged 91, was born on December 18, 1932, in Snug Corner in Acklins.
“Mr Strachan has dedicated his adult life to teaching music free of charge to children who are willing to join the orchestra and develop their music skills. Moreso, he has given instruments to students who are interested in music but whose parents are unable to purchase the instrument,” a statement by the group said.
Mr Strachan is a singer and musician who plays multiple instruments. He is internationally renowned for his talents. Among the highlights of his career is having his orchestra perform at the 1985 CHOGM dinner party that hosted Margaret Thatcher.
DUKE Errol Strachan
His orchestra’s stellar performance afforded the group an all expenses paid trip to South Africa.
Mr Strachan was the recipient of the Cacique Award for his outstanding service and youth development. He was awarded by the Musicians and Entertainment Union for his contribution to the field of music.
In 1995, he was the recipient of an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to arts. And the list goes on.
ANTHONY
Shaggy Ritchie
Mr Strachan’s remarkable contribution to music, however, did not come without its challenges.
At the age of 13, Mr Strachan lost three fingertips. Despite his physical handicap, he is a self-taught musician and excelled at instruments.
Mr Strachan is a husband to the love of his life, Dorothea. He is also a supportive and nurturing father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a family man, teacher, entertainer, avid gardener and role model.
During the celebration, one of Mr Strachan’s long-time students was also recognised.
In 1986, at the age of 28, Anthony “Shaggy” Ritchie became a student of Mr Strachan. His instrument was the saxophone. In 1990, all of Mr Strachan’s students were invited to join the Bahamas National Youth Orchestra. Mr Ritchie joined. He is the only remaining original member of the orchestra. He currently serves as an assistant director.
Viva Las Vegas
By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
Alocal gospel artist has recently been invited to perform at a music event in Las Vegas Nevada.
Adrianna Munnings confirmed she is the only Caribbean artist to have been invited to minister at the Live at PRAYzFest in Las Vegas this weekend. She has also been invited to attend the Stella Awards the same weekend as well.
The singer was filled with joy at the invitations which are a testament to the impact her music has had not international and here at home.
“The Lord has done it again,” she said. “Trust God, He’s working behind the scene, continue to press, push work hard and believe, even when you can’t see it all.
“God is at work right now. Continue to be faithful even with tears in your eyes and things appear to look dark. God will shine his light on you and your dreams, your purpose, your destiny and your assignment. Don’t give up because he wouldn’t give up on you.
“I want to say thanks to my parents, Carolyn Forbes and Ernest Munnings, my siblings, family and friends I wish to also mention that I am proud to represent the Kingdom of God, my country, my island of Andros, and my church Jubilee Christian Ministries International under the leadership of Dr Apostle Sterling Mcphee and Dr Prophtess Marcia McPhee.”
Adrianna is currently promoting two new songs, Let It Spill Over, and If It Had Not Been For The Lord, both produced by Orval Stubbs.
She explained that for Let It Spill Over came from when she was washing dishes one day and the washing liquid spilled out.
“It is just encouraging persons to let the joy spill out, let the peace spill over, Let his Love spill over,” she says of the song’s message.
Her brother helped her with the second song.
“It just talks about where my life would be if I didn’t have God. I could have gone many places if it wasn’t for his love and I thank him for his grace and mercy.”
A Lil’ Ta-Do
By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
IT WAS definitely “A Lil’ Ta-do” at The Island House this past weekend, as the boutique hotel hosted its second annual bash celebrating Bahamian craft and culture during Independence week.
The night featured a rocking performance by The Essence Band, a local premier fusion band known for pushing the limits of genre integration and captivating audiences.
Afterward, DJ Furze kept the energy high with a dynamic DJ set, all ending in an epic Junkanoo rush-out.
Anja Allen, marketing manager at The Island House said the theme “A Lil’ Ta-do” reflected on the lively, joyful, and communal spirit of The Bahamas.
“This year, we were excited to highlight Bahamian master straw craft and Junkanoo artistry, showcasing what makes our culture so unique. As we embarked on our second annual ‘A Lil’ Ta-do’, it was truly inspiring to witness its growth. The fact that we hosted it again is a testament to the community’s growing enthusiasm and love for Bahamian culture. We were excited to build on last year’s success and make this year’s event even more memorable and fun,” said Anja.
She said the idea for “A Lil’ Ta-do” came about from a desire to create a unique celebration of Bahamian culture during the country’s Independence week. The goal of the event was to give the community a fun and vibrant way to come together and celebrate the nation’s heritage.
“Highlighting Bahamian crafts and traditions was our way of making Independence celebrations even more special. The event was a fantastic way to celebrate and preserve Bahamian culture. It offered an immersive cultural experience where attendees enjoyed live music,
dance, and traditional Bahamian food and drinks. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with our heritage, foster community pride, and simply have a blast with friends and family,” said Anja.
In addition to the outstanding performances of the evening, Anja said they also highlighted Bahamian master straw craft and Junkanoo artistry this year, adding a unique cultural touch to the festivities. Bahamian food and drinks was also made available throughout the event to keep everyone fuelled and happy.
“We aim to bring people together to enjoy music, dance, and crafts while also educating them about our rich cultural heritage. By showcasing local talent and traditions, we hope to in-still a sense of pride in our community and encourage everyone to appreciate and preserve Bahamian culture,” said Anja.
“We looked forward to hearing how much fun everyone had and how connected they felt to Bahamian culture. Any constructive feedback on how we can make future events even better is also welcomed, as it will help us continue to grow and enhance ‘A Lil’ Ta-do’ and other programming for years to come.”
The Island House is a boutique hotel and gathering space in Nassau, Bahamas, nestled on Mahogany Hill and Western Road. It is a unique hub for celebrating and promoting Bahamian culture.
“Our distinctive events and initiatives bring the community together, offering immersive experiences that showcase the richness of our traditions. As The Island House music curator and a member of our marketing team, my goal is to ensure everyone has an unforgettable time celebrating our heritage,” said Anja.
Animal matters
Kim Aranha
PET OF THE WEEK animals
Does the dog die?
Idon’t know about you but the moment I so much as see an animal in a movie or hear mention in a book I start to worry about what fate the animal will meet before the film or book is over.
It is bad enough to read about the animal dying in a book but when the whole thing unfolds in technicolour and right in front of you larger than life on a screen, I lose it.
It doesn’t matter what kind of animal dies, I do not restrict my unabashed tears to dogs, I have been known to have a broken heart over a horse, cat, whale, elk, lion, you name it. Provided it is an animal and has a somewhat sympathetic personality portrayed in the film, I am a pushover.
I ask myself frequently why I cannot sit through a movie knowing the “dog dies” but several humans can bite the bullet and I stay dry eyed, I wonder, are others like me or am I alone in this?
Recently I went to a private showing of “Arthur, the King” I remembered when the true-life story of this dog who picked up a team of extreme adventure racers and followed them as far as he could, and they realised he needed them, and they gave up their chance of winning the race to go back and save his life. I remember that true story very well. The movie changes a lot of the details, just like Disney did with Cool Runnings. The racers are no longer Norwegian but American, and I think the host country of the race was changed too.
I was concerned if the dog made it or not.
Thank goodness for the internet, you can find out everything you need to know. A simple “does the dog die at the end of the movie” gives you a to-the-point straight reply. I won’t spill all the beans of the adventures that take place and how Arthur coped with the hardships he encounters. Suffice to say that I googled it and I was reassured that he doesn’t die and makes it into doggie retirement. The movie was sweet and moving and I still cried
Feel my energy
By The Bahamas Humane Society
Kirstie is a small brown bundle of puppy energy! Found at Coral Harbour Beach, this seven-month-old potcake would really like a home with a lovely yard for romping about in. Another canine friend would be more than welcome, too. If you’ve been looking to add some energy to your routine, consider adopting Kirstie. You’ll be happy you did! She’s smart and sassy and has lots of love to give. Come in to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet Kirstie or call 323-5138 for more information.
The BHS Thrift Shop is open and has lots of amazing items for sale! All proceeds go to the BHS. Wed/ Thurs/Fri 11am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Thank you to our donors and customers for keeping us busy!
my heart more than once and I still don’t’ understand how I can sit back and watch sad situations with humans and be such a push over with animals. I am sure a psychiatrist would have a ball with that. Not sure I really want to know what it says about me.
More and more movies and books have an animal character in them to add interest and lighten things up a bit. Hopefully I will at some point stop being super paranoid about it and actually enjoy the story being fully accepting that an animal can be in a story without macabre and nefarious intent and a bad ending.
So many of the dog “actors” in movies are shelter rescues as was the very talented dog who played Arthur his real name is Ukai, and he was rescued from a shelter.
The human star in the movie Mark Wahlberg wanted to adopt Ukai as he fell in love with him during the filming of Arthur, the King. Wahlberg begged Ukai’s trainer to allow him to take the dog home with him as he and his family had really fallen for the sweet and talented former stray.
It is amazing how many shelter dogs turn into movie stars. I often wonder why. I wonder if the circumstances of their prior life that landed them into a shelter is exactly what makes them smarter than the average privileged dog who has never had to use his wits to survive.
Most all my dogs started off the streets and they have all been very smart with a keen sense of what is right and wrong. They know how to turn on the canine charm when they have gone too far and chewed one pair too many of shoes. I have had a couple of “breed dogs” and none of them were as smart or as canny as a potcake.
Perhaps we should reach of to some of these movie makers and tell them of the smart and well-trained dogs we have in the Bahamas. I know of some Potcakes who were in several movies that were made here in Nassau and their mothers had a great time showing them off.
One of the Mums told me that there was a scene in one movie where the dogs were supposed to jump on the table and eat the food off the table and her dogs were so well behaved that they really didn’t want to do that because they knew it was rude behaviour.
Fortunately, we continue to see animal movies where we can laugh not cry and they don’t die.
Mark Wahlberg alongside the canine star of Arthur, the King
Nassau Rock premieres at Fusion Superplex
By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
CALLING it history in the making, the team behind the local production company Streetlight Studios ever so proudly premiered its animated film titled “Nassau Rock” at the Fusion Superplex last week.
“Seven years ago, I decided I wanted to make an animated series, last night we shared that dream on the big screen,” said Maz Joachim, of Streetlight Studios, as he shared the news of the great turnout with his social media followers.
He went on to say: “No words can express how I’ve suffered for this dream, laboured with my team of talented Bahamians to pull it off. Through God’s grace, we got there. Sold out, thank you for the overwhelming support in our journey. Stay tuned for future showings.”
A film rated A for all ages, Nassau Rock centres around the lives of three young Bahamian teenagers that are entrusted with legendary golden armors yielding incredible superpowers.
With it, they must defend their island from evil and protect the archipelago jewel.
Bahamians were invited to go and experience the story on the big screen at Fusion superplex where they also got to meet and greet the cast.
There are several Bahamian actors involved in Nassau Rock, the main cast include names like Whitni Chandler, Terran Dorcelin, Ki’ran Reckley and Kadesh Collie. Maz Joachin serves as the director, storyboard artist and co-creator of Nassau rock.
“Streetlight Studios is an all-Bahamian animation company. Nassau Rock is the pilot of our first project. The motivation to create a project like this came from a place of necessity,” said Maz.
“We wanted to see our faces in a new light and portray everyday Bahamian life through the media of animation. What we’ve found over the years is that Bahamians consume a lot of animation, but majority of it doesn’t reflect our experiences.”
He said the name of the film was inspired by the Bahamian song “Funky Nassau” by the group Beginning of the End, and the Bahamian classic “Bahama rock” by Ronnie Butler.
“It takes about eight years to get a doctorate, we’ve spent the past seven years honing our craft and it feels like a graduation. This has taught
us that no dream is too big and too impossible to accomplish. Animation is a complex industry, one filled with prestige but we proved that our little country has what it takes with the right financial backing to get the job done,” said Maz.
“When I founded the company with my colleagues we decided right there and then that we wanted to make something Bahamians could be really proud of. To me that’s important. A sense of pride in the things that make us uniquely us.”
With this new project, Maz said he believes there’s a new sense of pride from the Bahamian people, and it feels like they all took the journey with them.
“It feels almost dream-like to finally be able to show our fellow Bahamians the fruits of our labour,” he said.