08042023 WEEKEND

Chef Simeon Hall Jr’s Summer Series - Side Dishes

Hey there, fellow grilling enthusiasts!

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here: the highly-anticipated third installment of my sizzling Summer grilling how-to series.

Although the Summer season is winding down, here in the Bahamas it’s always the perfect time to fire up the grill, whip up some decadent grilled entrées, and pair them with some seriously star-worthy side dishes.

When it comes to grilling, a handy tip to remember is that the flavours and textures of the main entrée and its accompanying side dishes should either complement or contrast each other, but never compete.

For instance, if you’re serving sweet and sticky BBQ ribs, consider pairing them with a zesty and spicy coleslaw or a tangy mustard-based potato salad. On the other hand, when indulging in a fatty, smoky cut of grilled ribeye, it pairs perfectly with the crisp, briny taste of a pickle.

Safety precautions

Side dishes require an extra layer of food safety precautions.

With scorching Summer temperatures reaching record highs, and barbecues -oops, grill-outs, becoming a potential breeding ground for foodborne illnesses, it is absolutely critical to prioritise and diligently practice food safety precautions.

Since cold dishes, such as mayonnaise-based salads like pasta salads and potato salads are popular staples at grill-outs, it’s essential to use proper refrigeration. As someone who prioritises food safety, I can personally attest to the value of investing in a high-quality cooler like a Yeti to ensure these susceptible dishes remain at a safe and constant temperature during outdoor gatherings.

Additionally, I strongly recommend having three separate coolers for every grill-out. The first cooler should be designated for chilled ready-made food items, including salads, dips and spreads.

The second cooler is intended for raw foods, while the third cooler is specifically for hot dishes. Contrary to popular belief, coolers can double as

warmers and effectively keep foods hot for just as long as they keep them cold.

Chef Tip: When it comes to ensuring food safety, keep in mind that acid, such as vinegar and citrus juices, can be your best ally. Incor porating acid into your cooking can create an environment that is unfavourable for the growth and survival of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria.

Chef Hall’s Top 3 BBQ Side Dishes

Among the myriad of side dishes that can perfectly complement your grilled entrées, I’ve handpicked my top three grill-out favourites, each sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Let’s start with pickles – a briny and refreshing side dish that pairs flawlessly with any smoky, grilled meat. Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, these tangy delights are a must-have alongside your grilled entree.

Next, I firmly believe that a raw side dish is a must for every grilled meal. Whether it’s creamy coleslaw, sweet Exuma onions, or chilled watermelon, the freshness of these raw sides adds an invigorating touch to your grilled meal.

Last, but certainly not least, let’s not forget the tradition of serving bread at barbecues or grill-outs. In keeping with this time-honoured practice, I recommend serving bread - especially my cornbread - to sop up the decadent BBQ sauce.

Quick Pickled Vegetables

Ingredients:

1 lb of your favourite summer, local vegetables, cut about 1/2 inch thick

2 smashed fresh bay leaves

2 bird peppers or 1 split goat pepper

1-inch knob of fresh ginger, sliced thin

2 cups distilled vinegar

3 cups of sugar

1 tsp Diamond Crystal or 2 tsp. Morton kosher salt

Note: You will need one large mason jar.

Instructions:

1. Add the vegetables to a mason jar.

2. In a pot, add 1 cup of water and all the ingredients, then bring to a boil.

3. Once it boils, remove from the heat and let it cool.

4. Pour the cooled mixture into the mason jar.

5. Seal the jar tightly.

6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. Enjoy your quick pickled summer vegetables!

Chef Hall’s Picnic Ice Coleslaw

Note: This recipe is super dope and delicious. Not only is it mayobased, but it also checks two of the boxes; it’s vinegary and served very cold.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Hellman’s Mayonnaise

1 cup of white vinegar

2 cups distilled water (NOT TAP)

2 lbs of crushed ice

2 cups of sugar

1/4 cup fresh milled black pepper (optional, I love fresh milled black pepper)

Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Whip the mayonnaise to avoid lumps. (Remember this tip from last week?)

2. Then, add everything except the ice.

3. Add the ice and keep chilled.

4. Right before you leave for the picnic or an hour before the event, add the cabbage, carrots, and onions.

5. To serve, strain well, and serve. This is essentially a marinated coleslaw. It is incredibly tasty!

Chef Hall’s Secret Cornbread Dry Mix

Dry ingredients:

2 lbs yellow cornmeal (I use Geechie Boy Mills)

2 lbs all-purpose flour

11⁄4 cups granulated white sugar

4 tablespoons salt

3 tablespoons baking powder

2 tablespoons baking soda

Wet ingredients:

2 quarts cold full-fat milk

1 quart cold full-fat sour cream

2 1⁄2 pounds of corn kernels

3 oz chopped green onions

4 jalapenos, chopped

12 whole eggs, beaten

3 cups melted butter

2 lbs cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon hot sauce (I use Tabasco, of course.)

Instructions:

1. Measure each ingredient and combine them, but keep the wet and dry ingredients separate until you are fully ready to bake.

2. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

3. When you’re ready to bake, combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to over-mix.

4. Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes to enhance the flavours.

5. Grease muffin pans and scoop the batter into each muffin cup.

6. Bake for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Chef notes:

This recipe was specifically designed for individual muffins, not a loaf-style. It works just as well, but reduce some of the flour to prevent it from becoming too dense. Including cheese helps to keep it moist, so don’t eliminate it.

When preparing the recipe, ensure to add melted butter to the cold milk, as this causes the butter to harden into little “chips” that layer the mix, resulting in a lighter texture.

Use only fresh corn, not canned. BBQ and cornbread are a perfect match. You can adjust the dry ingredients to achieve a lighter or denser cornbread according to your meal preferences.

For a special twist, try using blue cornmeal or another variety to elevate this recipe even further.

CHEF Hall’s BBQ platter featuring rum BBQ sauce (in mason jar), stewed black peas and okra, potato salad, 14 hr smoked brisket, pickled okra, coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled ribs.

New tour to take guests back to daily life on a 18th century slave plantation

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

THE stories of the slaves living at the former Clifton plantation will come alive with the launch of a new experience that will take people through what daily life was like for an enslaved person on that particular site.

The Living History Tour will be launched during the All Things Bahamian – Living History Festival, held on Sunday, August 6, 10am to 7pm, at the Clifton Heritage National Park. The event is held annually to commemorate Emancipation Day.

Jazz Cleare, assistant manager of Events and Marketing at Clifton Heritage, said the event will serve as the soft launch of the history tour, which will allow guests to go back in time to the 18th century when the plantation was fully operational.

“The significant difference between this event compared to the last event is that not only will you learn about the history of the slaves, but you will be given an experiential tour. Guests will be able to see, smell and partake in the daily life of the enslaved Africans on the plantations,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Speaking about the rich history found at Clifton Heritage, Jazz said: “Clifton Heritage National Park comprises three slave plantations and sits on 208 acres of land. We have preserved and told the story of the three civilisations – the Lucayan, the Loyalist and the enslaved Africans – that lived on these grounds.”

Clifton was originally inhabited by the indigenous Lucayans, and archaeological evidence proves their presence dates back to the year 1100 AD. It was later occupied by buccaneers and freebooters.

In the late 18th century, it became the site of a Loyalist plantation. At that time, it took a four-hour ride on horseback to reach the city of Nassau.

The great house, with architecture resembling that of Louisiana and South Carolina, was built by John Wood in 1788. It was later owned by William Wylly (or Whylly), who was the Attorney General of the Bahamas and a controversial figure.

It is recorded that he encouraged his slaves to marry, and in return he built them their own houses. His overseer for the plantation was of African origin, and also the pastor of a local church. The great house burned and collapsed in 1851. One of the remaining buildings was apparently a

THE ALL Things Bahamian – Living History Festival seeks celebrate local history and culture.

tavern and continued in its use until the 1960s.

“Aside from the 50th Independence Anniversary, this year will mark 189 years since Emancipation in the Bahamas,” said Jazz. “We seek to honour our ancestors for their strides that led to our freedom and celebrate the techniques they crafted and passed down from generation to generation.

The All Things Bahamian – Living History Festival, she explained, is designed to be an annual signature event at the Clifton Heritage National Park to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved Africans.

Guests are given the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the importance of preserving the history of the Heritage Park.

“Hopefully, at the end of the event and tour, guests will gain a better understanding of the significance of Clifton,” she said.

Jazz said the festival’s overall goal is to promote the history of the Bahamian people and, most importantly, their culture.

“We also want to provide a platform to showcase small Bahamian-owned businesses to a broader audience,” she added.

The festival will feature a live performance by Melody and Mario, the singing duo who invested their time and have shown great interest in promoting the Clifton Heritage National Park over the years, said Jazz.

There will also be games and activities, including a fun competition, throughout the day. Arts and crafts will be available on-site, as well as food and beverage vendors offering native dishes and local favorites.

Following All Things Bahamian, next up on the calendar at Clifton is the Arts, Craft & Music Heritage Festival. This three-day event will take place October 27-29.

Bahamian photographer and models score big with Nike ad campaign

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

ABahamian photographer and a group of local models recently got the experience of a lifetime when they were hired by sportswear giant Nike to participate in fashion shoot for the company’s ‘Bodies of Water’ campaign.

The idea behind the campaign is that Nike Swim is for everyone; for all bodies in every body of water.

Nike only wanted to use local talent for the project and so they first reached out to photographer Melissa Alcena, a Bahamian out of Nassau who has a booking agency based in the United States.

She explained that she was contacted about the project by her agent in New York (Society MGMT).

“I was contacted about the Nike ‘Bodies of Water’ campaign a few months back and we immediately accepted. Nike is such a big brand, so it was definitely an honour to be asked to work with them,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Melissa said it also allowed her the wonderful opportunity to work with friends.

“It felt really special to be able to photograph my friends; Bahamians at home, because I always aim to elevate our people through my photography and showcase our country through a Bahamian perspective,” she said.

“We shot it during an afternoon which was full of laughter and tons of action. Although I’ve recently located to the US to further my career, I look forward to being able to have more opportunities to shoot at home with major brands.”

Melissa explained that Nike sent her a mood board and it was up to her to bring that vision to life.

“It was up to me to depict that as authentically as possible. They wanted me to document my friends in our environment with the clothes they sent and wanted an authentic depiction of it,” she said.

Desmondo Bootle who was the only male model on the project, said: “Nike wanted to shoot a swimwear campaign for their Summer swimwear collection in the Bahamas, and because (Melissa) is from the Bahamas, her agency was been used.

“Nike was interested in sourcing local talent for the shoot and that was how the five of us were chosen. They gave Melissa the freedom to follow her own concepts, do her thing and come up with her own concepts

“The only requirement was to stage the shot as a group of friends having fun in a body of water, because that was the theme of the shoot. They wanted to show their swimwear in various bodies of water,” he explained.

For the campaign, Desmondo said, they shot at different locations in different countries.

“In the Bahamas, they wanted to capture friends around the beach and then around the cliffs at Clifton.

(Photos/Melissa Alcena)

DESMONDO Bootle & Dyaria Knowles

They just told us to have fun and be crea tive and come up with something nice,” he said.

Desmondo said the shoot was easy because the models were transported back to their childhood days of just play ing at the beach.

“I feel like growing up on the Family Island, we defined joy and made our own fun out of the simpler things; jumping off cliffs and docks, and swim ming in blue holes…those were the kinds of things I had to do and that was the exact type of content they wanted to recreate: us just having fun in the water, so I was in my element,” he said.

Being included in the Nike pro ject, Desmondo said, was a huge deal for him, “personally, and on a larger scale, as a Bahamian model.”

“I say personally because I have modelling now professionally for about three years and to date this is definitely the biggest shot I have ever done. I have shot for Calvin Klein before, but that was only for a social media post. This was different for me because it was an actual ad campaign and so far, they have used it on their social media page and they have it posted on their Instagram, but it could potentially end up in posters in stores, on their website, and also on billboards.”

The shoot happened this Spring and the content is now being released.

When Desmondo, who grew up in Abaco and Crooked Island, started his modelling career, working for big brands like Nike was always the goal and dream.

“You don’t see many Bahamian male models modelling at this level,” he said.

“I try not to let where I come from or the fact that no one else has done this before…limit my belief in what I am able to for myself. I was able to finally break through and reach this level and know it was attainable. I feel that for the movement of Bahamian models and the direction were are going, especially on our 50th anniversary of Independence, is very special. We have the talent, I have no doubt about that, but I feel sometimes people need to see that representation and see that it is possible.

“I am honoured and very proud to be a part of this team,” he added.

The other Bahamians involved in the project were Dyaria Knowles, Katrina Tooth and Jodi Minnis.

A Bahamian photographer and a group of local models recently got the experience of a lifetime when they were hired by sportswear giant Nike to participate in fashion shoot for the company’s ‘Bodies of Water’ campaign.

The idea behind the campaign is that Nike Swim is for everyone; for all bodies in every body of water.

Nike only wanted to use local talent for the project and so they first reached out to photographer Melissa Alcena, a Bahamian out of Nassau who has a booking agency based in the United States. She explained that she was contacted about the project by her agent in New York (Society MGMT).

was contacted about the Nike ‘Bodies of Water’ campaign a few months back and we immediately accepted. Nike is such a big brand, so it was definitely an honour to be asked to work with them,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Melissa said it also allowed her the wonderful opportunity to work with friends.

“It felt really special to be able to photograph my friends; Bahamians at home, because I always aim to elevate our people through my photography and showcase our country through a Bahamian perspective,” she said.

“We shot it during an afternoon which was full of laughter and tons of action. Although I’ve recently located to the US to further my career, I look forward to being able to have more opportunities to shoot at home with major brands.”

Melissa explained that Nike sent her a mood board and it was up to her to bring that vision to life.

“It was up to me to depict that as authentically as possible. They wanted me to document my

friends in our environment with the clothes they sent and wanted an authentic depiction of it,” she

Desmondo Bootle who was the only male model on the project, said: “Nike wanted to shoot a swimwear campaign for their Summer swimwear collection in the Bahamas, and because (Melissa) is from the Bahamas, her agency was been used.

“Nike was interested in sourcing local talent for the shoot and that was how the five of us were chosen. They gave Melissa the freedom to follow her own concepts, do her thing and come up with her own concepts

“The only requirement was to stage the shot as a group of friends having fun in a body of water, because that was the theme of the shoot. They wanted to show their swimwear in various bodies of water,” he explained.

For the campaign, Desmondo said, they shot at different locations in different countries.

“In the Bahamas, they wanted to capture friends around the beach and then around the cliffs at Clifton. They just told us to have fun and be creative and come up with something nice,” he said.

Desmondo said the shoot was easy because the models were transported back to their childhood days of just playing at the beach.

“I feel like growing up on the Family Island, we defined joy and made our own fun out of the simpler things; jumping off cliffs and docks, and swimming in blue holes…those were the kinds of things I had to do and that was the exact type of content they wanted to recreate: us just having fun in the water, so I was in my element,” he said.

Being included in the Nike project, Desmondo said, was a huge deal for him, “personally, and on a larger scale, as a Bahamian model.”

“I say personally because I have been modelling now professionally for about three years and to date this is definitely the biggest shot I have ever done. I have shot for Calvin Klein before, but that was only for a social media post. This was different for me because it was an actual ad campaign and so far, they have used it on their social media page and they have it posted on their Instagram, but it could potentially end up in posters in stores, on their website, and also on billboards.”

The shoot happened this Spring and the content is now being released.

When Desmondo, who grew up in Abaco and Crooked Island, started his modelling career, working for big brands like Nike was always the goal and dream.

“You don’t see many Bahamian male models modelling at this level,” he said.

“I try not to let where I come from or the fact that no one else has done this before…limit my belief in what I am able to for myself. I was able to finally break through and reach this level and know it was attainable. I feel that for the movement of Bahamian models and the direction were are going, especially on our 50th anniversary of Independence, is very special. We have the talent, I have no doubt about that, but I feel sometimes people need to see that representation and see that it is possible.

“I am honoured and very proud to be a part of this team,” he added.

The other Bahamians involved in the project were Dyaria Knowles, Katrina Tooth and Jodi Minnis.

JODI Minnis

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.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

SMALL CROSSWORD

SMALL CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Orchitis (anag.) (8)

6 Curse (4)

TODAY’S TARGET Good 13; very good 19; excellent 25 (or more).

Solution next Saturday.

THE ALPHABEATER

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

For today’s solution call: 0907 181 2583

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

LAST SATURDAY’S SOLUTION

ACROSS 1 Penknife, 6 Reef, 8 Opera, 11 Narrow, 12 Cars, 14 Ape, 15 Other, 16 Ilk, 17 Ruin, 19 Sleeps, 20 Ashes, 21 Toes, 22 Meetings. DOWN 1 Practical, 2 Near, 3 Northwest, 4 Few, 5 Eagerness, 7 Enables, 9 Power, 10 Reprise, 13 Style, 18 Upon, 19 She.

8 Cattle farm (5)

11 Border (6)

12 Utters (4)

14 Honey-making insect (3)

15 Country roads (5)

16 Dowel (3)

17 Filth (4)

19 Lust (6)

E

E G L L V R D A

20 Come into being (5)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here?

21 Farm building (4)

22 Marriage ceremonies (8)

DOWN

1 Rough-and-tumble (9)

In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in S permitted. TODAY’S

2 Remain (4)

Good 15; very good 23; excellent 30 (or more). Solution on Monday

3 Put in order (9)

4 Tavern (3)

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

5 Intimidates (9)

Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s Target solution

7 Non-professional (7)

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

9 Targeted (5)

10 More obvious (7)

13 Rescues (5)

18 Country, capital Tehran (4)

19 Perish (3)

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 on Monday

LAST SATURDAY’S SOLUTION anise aphesis apish apse apsis ashen aspen happen HAPPINESS hasp heap heaps hessian nape nappe neap pain pains pane pash pass phase sane sans sash sepia shape snap span

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

Call 0907 181 2586 for today’s Target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. All puzzles use The Chambers Dictionary

Across

1 He acts wrongly and passes exams unfairly (6)

4 Unusually hot, stormy and exhausting (8)

9 Treated a mowed field (6)

10 Boy admits disappearance of small dictionary (8)

12 Where lies our responsibility (4)

13 Wood spirit (5)

14 It is thought to be almost perfect (4)

17 They won’t get tight if stripped (4,3,5)

20 The aim of equal education? (7,5)

23 Old coin; about a pound (4)

24 Footwear about right for the beach (5)

25 The case for a little more tuition (4)

28 It suggests it may be undone in error (8)

29 Hilda is upset about a bloomer (6)

30 He will add barrels to his stocks (8)

31 Chase gives us pure diversion (6)

Down

1 Sort of sentence in a workers’ settlement (8)

2 It’s clear the girl has a cute wiggle (8)

3 Blow up and down (4)

5 There may be little that’s plain here (5,7)

6 Ill-considered breakout (4)

7 Not all snug and appreciative of the country (6)

8 Call attention to 24-hour period of prosperity (6)

11 Gave spot cash? (4,2,3,3)

15 Share a hole (5)

16 Join the staff (5)

18 Crack a salt nut for a frustrated king (8)

19 Guess I’m in property (8)

21 Hearing is difficult (6)

22 Sound criterion for a weapon (6)

26 It may be used to describe days at school (4)

27 But a change will be forbidden (4)

Across

Across: 1 Panic, 4 Hopeful, 8 Set, 9 On stand-by, 10 Impinge, 11 Outer, 13 Grouch, 15 Offset, 18 Cater, 19 Relieve, 21 Any day now, 23 Kit, 24 Pottery, 25 Rifle. Down: 1 Passing, 2 Not up to it, 3 Clown, 4 Hasten, 5 Play-off, 6 Fad, 7 Layer, 12 To speak of, 14 Carnage, 16 Theatre, 17 Frenzy, 18 Cramp, 20 Lower, 22 Yet.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Orbit, 4 Deborah, 8 Ida, 9 Conceited, 10 Takes in, 11 Kites, 13 Doused, 15 Broker, 18 Patio, 19 Accosts, 21 President, 23 Oil, 24 Rebates, 25 Hiker.

Down: 1 Omitted, 2 Black suit, 3 Tacks, 4 Dining, 5 Breaker, 6 Rut, 7 Hades, 12 Take stock, 14 Egotist, 16 Rustler, 17 Wagers, 18 Piper, 20 Catch, 22 Ebb.

EASY PUZZLE

Down

Yesterday’s Easy Solution 12345678

1 Everybody without exception (2,1,3)

4 Intensity of expression (8)

9 To attribute (6)

10 Represent (5,3)

12 Rational (4)

13 Encourage (5)

14 Have a marked effect (4)

17 Intricacy (12)

20 In irresponsible manner (4,3,5)

23 Irritate (4)

24 Range over in search (5)

25 A special talent (4)

28 Stringed musical instrument (8)

29 Vent (6)

30 A written work on a subject (8)

31 Brief fall of rain (6)

1 Carry to completion (8)

2 Right of selfgovernment (8)

3 Affectedly playful (4)

5 One’s native language (6,6)

6 Assistance (4)

7 Mollify (6)

8 Piercing and high pitched (6)

11 Impressively forceful action (5,7)

15 Lessen (5)

16 Lack of good sense (5)

18 Shredded cabbage salad (8)

19 Person who has made a will (8)

21 Performed readily (6)

22 Immerse completely (6)

26 Dash away suddenly (4)

27 An expectant stillness (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.

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

A vision of doom causes rapper to switch from secular to gospel music

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

Gospel artist Mr Blaxx hopes that his journey into spirituality will inspire other young people to live a more positive life.

The rapper turned from secular to gospel music after an epiphany of sorts; a sudden premonition that his current path in life would lead to disaster. Now, he is on a very different path; one that has led him to working with an international artist on an award-winning song.

“I was always into secular music and I was working in the club as a deejay, but then one day God showed me a vision of being in the club when there was a shooting and three persons were shot,” he told Tribune Weekend.

That vision paired with other occurrences in his life made Mr Blaxx realise it was time to make a change.

“I decided that I needed to turn my life to Christ and I knew I wanted to go down a different path,” he said.

Initially, he was very quiet about this change, but then he had another epiphany.

“I realised that I had been bold in the world and so I needed to be bold for God,” he said.

Instead of continuing to pursue a career in secular music, he decided to use his talents for worship.

“I was able to connect with gospel artist Landlord and he just helped me to grow my career. Landlord took me into rooms my feet had never touched,” he said.

As his faith grew and his career evolved, Mr Blaxx had to deal with the doubts of those from his former life who questioned his switch.

“These people, they knew me from my past and certain circumstances, so they would say, ‘Man, we know you; you grew up around here. You ain’ change.’ So I had to just continue living my life for God and doing the best I could,” he said.

He admitted that making such a huge change has not been easy, and in fact, required daily recommitment and effort.

“It is not easy to change. I was still dealing with the habits of the world. Even though I woke up and said was I saved, I was not delivered and was still being tempted by those things. It just doesn’t go away; you have to work at it,” he said.

Mr Blaxx said he likes to keep his music 100 percent real.

“I want people to see my story and realise that everyone has a story; it isn’t only you going through a challenge. Everyone is dealing with something, with their spouse or with their child;

maybe they have an empty cupboard and no money for groceries or whatever else it is. I want to send real messages to people. I want them to know that everything is seasonal and it can get better. You need to be strong,” he said.

Mr Blaxx is confident that he can spread this message of positivity throughout the world.

He has already started making a name for himself abroad. He recently partnered with Pastor Jumu Grant, a praise and worship leader who resides in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but is originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

The two worked together on their award-winning song, “All Praises Due”.

Jumu told Tribune Weekend he was inspired to write the song after going through a rough patch himself.

“Several people in my life had passed and it;s about still praising and trusting through everything,” he said.

Jumu consulted with fellow artist and his friend Orlando Miller, also known as “Landlord”, who recommended that he connect with Mr Blaxx.

“I sent him a melody and some of the words and he sent me back his rap segments, and we were able to combine everything,” he explained.

They were also able to work on a music video, separately but together.

“He filmed in Nassau in the sunshine and I was in the snow in Canada, but we were able to make a wonderful seamless video,” said Jumu.

He describes Mr Blaxx as a true brother and hopes for further collaborations. Jumu is also planning a possible trip to Nassau this Fall so they perform together.

Mr Blaxx said he is excited about the future holds.

“People ask me where I see myself in the next five or ten years, and I want to be all over. Physically, I may still be in Nassau, but I want my music to reach the people who it can help,” he said.

“I want people to say, ‘Your music helped me change my life.’ I don’t want to be mediocre. I want everything I do for God to be my very best.”

BAHAMIAN gospel rapper Mr Blaxx

CANADA-based artist Pastor Jumu Grant

Farewell to one of the greats

Realist painter Rolfe Harris has died

Rolfe Harris, one of the Bahamas’ most renowned realist painters, died at his Eastern Road home on Sunday, July 30.

He was predeceased by this wife, Alice Rose Harris (née Feniak). Mr Harris will put to rest this Saturday, August 5, in a private funeral service at Woodlawn Gardens.

Born in Nassau in 1942, Mr Harris created artwork that was highly sought after by top collectors around the world.

As a young man, he worked on charter boats. He spent more than 10 years on the water, learning all about its multi-faceted wonders.

What he saw and experienced on the seas, and on land, he committed to canvas in vivid colours, painting a picture of

Bahamian culture; everything from the vibrant Junkanoo parades to the raging seas.

He was known for his delicate stilllife paintings of common, everyday objects, as well his undersea scenes. And he was acclaimed for his profound understanding of how light is filtered through water.

Mr Harris tended to work on location; starting with a detailed pencil sketch of his subject. He

then returned to his chosen site throughout the painting process, which could take up to three months.

Over the decades, his paintings, of which he produced only a handful every year, became to be among the most valuable in the country.

His work hangs in many private and corporate collections, including the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the Dawn Davies Collection and that of the late author Arthur Hailey.

‘Junkanoo’

‘‘Hooked’

FROM the Dawn Davies collection

‘Fishpot’

‘Bromeliads’

Paintings by Rolfe Harris

Animal matters

Kim Aranha

More news from rainbow bridge

Hey Mum,

Wow, things have been moving like crazy around here. New arrivals, one after the other, and a couple of very important residents have turned up.

I know that you knew them because I noticed that you wrote tributes to them both.

One was superstar Roger (nice touch using his face for the new logo for Operation Potcake ’24, though I couldn’t help wondering why I my face has never been used as a logo any time, hmmm).

The other important arrival was a champion of determination, Roxy.

There was such a flurry of excitement to have two arrivals who were significantly famous arrive so close together. I know their departure caused many a teary eye, but I am really happy to have them in our ranks.

Roger is going to become the head of security (why security on the rainbow bridge, you might ask? That’s another letter) and Roxy will be in charge of welcoming the former handicapped fur angels.

Sometimes the newly arrived who depended on wheelchairs and vests forget some of the basics of having four fully functioning legs again.

There are some puppies who think it is hilarious and Roxy has to bark orders at them to line up to be put through their paces. Once they have their four-legged motion sorted out, they will receive their wings and have to start the flying lessons

I really wonder if you humans on earth realise just how many fur angels are milling around you and watching over you vigilantly?

Which reminds me, Rascal said that he visited you in a dream a week ago and reminded you it was time to give Heartgard and Nexgard at home. We noticed you were a few days overdue,

PET OF THE WEEK

A pair of sociable girls

By The Bahamas Humane Society

Zora and her sister are a lovely pair of tortoiseshell kittens looking for their forever home.

They’re about fve months old and very sociable with both humans and other cats.

They’re looking for a home that will appreciate their beautiful fur and sparkling personalities.

If you’re that home, please come to the Bahamas Humane So-

ciety or call 323-5138 for more information. Zora and her sister look forward to meeting you!

• The BHS Thrift Shop will reopen

Wednesday, August 9 with some great newto-the-shop items for sale. Books, clothing, housewares, giftware, art, and much more!

Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 11am to 3pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Bring your bag!

Mum. You silly girl, youm didn’t stick the heart on the calendar.

By the way, more news: Nimba has been promoted now that she is fluent in English. She still has a bit of an accent, but so very cute!

She and St Francis continue to speak to each other in Italian. Wish you had taught me Italian, Mum!

Gabby works her delightful (and goofy) golden retriever charm with compact little Nimba when they are settling the new arrivals. You know Gabby told me that when she was on earth, she didn’t really like other dogs very much, just her humans … you should see her now!

We are watching the plight of global warming lately and how very hot it is on earth. Nobody wanted to believe it years ago when the scientists warned us about the dangers of climate change; everyone knew better! We are still not doing what we need to do. The water in the sea is so hot that it is killing off the coral.

Add that to all the plastic in the ocean that is a major problem. So many turtles are dying because they see what they think is a jellyfish in the water and gobble it down without checking what it actually is and then they die tragically because of that, so sad.

What is wrong with humans, Mum? Can’t they understand that to every action there is a reaction?

In fact, I am told there is a place quite a distance from here where turtles go when they cross over but I have not been to visit yet, I am simply snowed under with so many fur angel duties up here, including watching over you and the family.

I shouldn’t complain as I do have help from many of our family dogs who assist me to keep tabs on everyone. The problem is that you all keep travelling, so we have a reasonable amount of flying to do. Flying is pretty intense, especially if you have humans who travel widely.

Normally when our humans take a flight, we fly over the aircraft to make sure you are comfortable on board and everything is going well. You had a good sleep when you flew a few days ago, didn’t you? Thanks to me; I made sure that you were relaxed and happy. Did you know that we are all equipped up here with person thermal temperature zones that keep us at the exact personal environmental temperature we want?

So I might be walking around at 73 degrees with a breeze right on my nose while Rascal might want to be at 55 and no breeze to ruffle his thick fur. We also have the ability to regulate it at will. How does that work? Mum, this is rainbow bridge where chew sticks grow on trees. Every dog is young and healthy again, and St Francis is in charge. And you ask how. Sorry, but that is a trade secret.

(

PHOTO/LINDA GILLARANHA )

literary lives – Roxie Roker (1929 -1995)

An actress of Bahamian descent who broke social barriers

Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the American actress who portrayed Helen Willis on the CBS sitcom “The Jeffersons” from 1975 to 1985. She played half of the first interracial couple to be shown on regular prime time television. She was also the mother of rock musician Lenny Kravitz, paternal grandmother of actress Zoë Kravitz, and cousin of broadcaster Al Roker. Her father was a porter and a native of Andros in the Bahamas.

“I felt Helen Willis was in tune in the situation of a Black woman married to a white man, and she had no problem being Black.”

– Roxie Roker

Roxie Albertha Roker was born on August 28, 1929, in Miami, Florida.

Her mother was Bessie Roker (née Mitchell) from Georgia, who worked as a domestic. Her father Albert Roker was a humble porter who was a native of Andros, the Bahamas. He immigrated to Miami, Florida, where he met and married Roker’s mother, and the family moved to Brooklyn, New York, when Roker was young. She grew up in Brooklyn.

Roker studied drama at Howard University, where she was a pupil of drama teachers Anna Cooke Reid an Owen Dodson.

Other drama students at Howard University included novelist Toni Morrison, actress Zaida Coles, playwright Shauneille Perry, and actor Graham Brown – all of whom were members of the university’s theatre group, the Howard Players.

Roker toured with the Howard Players in Norway in 1949 – a professional venture sponsored by the United States Department of State supported by the president’s wife Eleanor Roosevelt.

She began her career with the Negro Ensemble Company and worked her way to become a successful actress with the company.

Roker won an Obie Award in 1974 and was nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Mattie Williams in The River Niger. She was a reporter on WNEW-TV in New

York in the 1970s and hosted public affairs show for the station known as Inside Blue Sky dealing with events in the Brooklyn neighbourhood.

“I wish there was more for minorities than sitcoms.”

– Roxie Roker

Roker portrayed Helen Willis in “The Jeffersons”, breaking social barriers by becoming one half of the first Caucasian-African married couple, along with actor Franklin

Cover, as a regular cast member on prime-time TV.

“I don’t like that putdown: that when you’re trying to achieve you’re trying to be white. That makes me mad.”

– Roxie Roker

She appeared in many guest starring roles on several other

United States television shows from the 1970s through the 1990s, including “Stone in the River” starring Hal Miller for NBC, Punky Brewster, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, Murder She Wrote, The Love Boat, Sweeptstake$, 227, Beat the Clock, Fantasy Island, and ABC Afterschool Specials. She had roles in Roots, and in the movie Claudine.

Roker was also a children’s advocate who was cited for her community work.

“I was very much part of the Civil Rights era, so, of course my fantasy

ROXIE and the cast of ‘The Jeffersons’

was to marry some outstanding black gentleman, a leader – someone like Martin Luther King, who was doing something for black people.”

– Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker was married to television producer Sy Kravitz in 1962. They met at New York City’s Rockefeller Center. There, Sy Kravitz worked as an assignment editor for

in history

NBC News at the time while Roker was a secretary before she became a star appearing on “The Jeffersons.”

Like her Jeffersons character, Helen Willis, she had an interracial marriage to a white man. They had a son, singer-songwriter and actor Lenny Kravitz, who was born on May 26, 1964. They were divorced in 1985. Lenny Kravitz still spends part of his life in Eleuthera.

“I have her pictures around, and there’s always a big portrait of her in my homes, wherever I am. I know that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her and all those who came before me. I celebrate my ancestors: I always think of them and always refer to them and have their images

around because I know that those are the shoulders that I stand on, and I respect that very deeply.”

– Lenny Kravitz to People, 2020

Roker was also a second cousin once removed to famous weather anchor Al Roker, whose father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr, was a bus driver of Bahamian descent.

She died in Los Angeles on December 2, 1995 of breast cancer. She was sixty-six years old.

Lenny Kravitz said he sees the “essence” of mother in his daughter, “The Batman” actress Zoë Kravitz.

Speaking of his late mother, the rockstar told Today: “She was a very beautiful human being.”

He told People magazine: “She was a woman who never spoke badly about anybody, even if they deserved it.”

LIZZIE Borden in 1889

ROXIE and her then husband, NBC News producer Sy Kravitz, with their son Lenny Kravitz

ROXIE and her son Lenny Kravitz at Paris Fashion Week in October 1994

Towards a democratic franchise – The Company Vote Part I

Dr Stephen Aranha’s thesis, “Towards a Democratic Franchise”, has opened my eyes to how little I knew about voting in the Bahamas, even though a lot of it took place after I had become old enough to vote – the company vote, for example, is news to me.

Dr Aranha, my son, recently obtained his PhD summa cum laude from the Max Plank Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt, Germany.

In his thesis, he states that the sources relating to the General Assembly Elections Act of 1946 contain no criticism of, or opposition to, the company vote. The feature’s only mention is found in an attachment to the Acting Attorney General’s legal report. However, that report, too, emphasised the introduction of the secret ballot.

It claimed that “no changes in the qualification of voters” were included in the Act, and towards the end it mentioned that “(a) comparative table with remarks is attached.” That comparative table lists all 102 sections of the new Act, and, where applicable, shows their corresponding provision in the superseded Act.”

One column contains remarks that indicate which provisions, in relation to the previous legislation, were new, which had been retained, and which had been adapted. The remarks further identify, where applicable, what other legislation served as a model for new or adapted provisions.

The Bahamian General Assembly Elections Act of 1946 was, according to that list, indeed largely based on the Bahamian General Assembly Elections Act of 1919, as well as any legislation explicitly amending it or, at least, directly impacting its practical implementation, such as the Voting by Ballot (New Providence) Act of 1939.

Additionally, other Acts, from which provisions had been incorporated, include the United Kingdom’s Ballot Act of 1872, the United Kingdom’s Representation of the People Act 1918, and Bermuda’s Parliamentary Elections Act of 1928. However, for the company vote, the table merely says, “New

provision as to voting by Director of a Company otherwise qualified.” The Colonial Office’s own legal advisers, after seeing the Act, had “no comments.”

The Colonial Office’s clerks and legal advisors may not have had prior first-hand knowledge of the company vote at that point, but the Home Office had come across this feature, as an exchange between the two, many years later, would reveal, for it existed – with variations – in Northern Ireland, too.

The possibility of enfranchising companies had been discussed in Northern Ireland since 1928.

Nonetheless, up until the end of World War II, elections in Northern Ireland had been conducted under laws passed at Westminster, which predated the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, that had created so-called home rule for Northern Ireland.

However, when, in the aftermath of the war, the Imperial Parliament, and its Labour majority, further democratised the franchise in Britain, the Ulster Unionist government of Northern Ireland decided to pass its own legislation, which would apply to both the elections to the Northern Irish Parliament, at

Stormont, as well as to local government elections in the six counties of Northern Ireland.

This resulted in the Elections and Franchise (Northern Ireland) Act, which was enacted on February 28, 1946.

The Northern Irish opposition parties had expected the development of the franchise in Northern Ireland to follow Westminster’s lead and, thus, had hoped for a more democratic franchise… They would be disappointed. Instead, the new law disenfranchised some persons who had had the vote since 1918, and it now included the company vote at local government elections.

The measure was designed to “further increase the unionist advantage.”

During the parliamentary debates, one Member for the Ulster Unionists, Lancelot Curran, even admitted this, albeit indirectly, when he said, “that if universal suffrage is given in local elections, there will be Nationalist control in the three Border counties.”

In 1946, however, universal suffrage was not yet universally accepted, as a condition sine qua non for a democratic constitution, as Curran also hinted at when he claimed that these “people . . . have no stake in the country,” referring mainly to the supporters of the Nationalist party.

To the Ulster Unionists, to have a stake in the country meant to be a ratepayer, and thus, in their understanding of democracy, “the underlying principle of local government should be that the man who pays the piper is entitled to call the tune.”

Such arguments possess a remarkable longevity, even in democratic societies, as similar features made reappearances.

DR Stephen Aranha

Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival returns for second installment

Following the success of the inaugural the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, the event returns to Baha Mar this Fall.

Set to take place from October 27 to October 29, the festival will showcase the best in culinary and artistic expression, headlined by world-renowned chefs like Marcus Samuelsson of Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Katsuya Uechi of Katsuya, and Dario Cecchini of Carna.

Baha Mar’s chefs will be joined by Bahamian celebrity chef, Simeon Hall Jr, Food Network stars Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant, and Michelle Bernstein, as well as social media star and chef Eitan Bernath.

Also in attendance will be the country’s foremost spirits expert and author, Noah Rothbaum, wine experts Ted Diamantis, Fernando Beteta and Ken Fredrickson, the team behind the award-winning Broken Shaker bar, and sponsors from Antinori Wines. This year’s festival will also feature a showstopping musical performance, to be announced in the coming weeks.

The festival kicks off Friday, October 27, with the Welcome Beach

Garden of Eden helps create Bahamian oasis in Canada

ByFELICITYDARVILLE

The Garden of Eden and its culinary support team provided the perfect fare for Bahamas’ 50th Independence celebrations in Ottawa, Canada, hosted by High Commissioner V Alfred Gray, with entertainment by Magical Beats

Party Powered by SLS Baha Mar - an entertainment and culinary celebration that brings together the best of SLS Baha Mar’s chefs alongside Marcus Samuelsson for an authentic epicurean experience, drawing on the country’s rich history, creativity, and fresh, locally sourced farm-andsea-to-table ingredients. Throughout the weekend’s events, Baha Mar’s resident and guest chefs will host a schedule of unique and intimate master classes, where festival-goers can choose their own adventure from a variety of culinary experiences.

Band, also provided by Garden of Eden.

High Commissioner Gray led special arrangements for the Bahamas’ Golden Jubilee with the Canadian Government.

Efforts included 15 city halls and four bridges being lit in the Bahamian national colours on the evening of July 10.

On July 15, there was a gala reception at the Commissioner’s residence, where the Garden of Eden’s popular Bahamian dishes and exemplary service were on display.

The dining crew was led by Garden of Eden Manager, Ephraim Jones, assisted by planning coordinator Jamal Jones, executive chef Calvin Greene, and chefs Edwin Johnson, Richmond Fowler and Alfred Stubbs, chef. They were aided by a support team comprised

BAHA Mar’s Director of Arts & Culture

John Cox & Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson headline the first Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival

The festival will also bring back the two-day expo where guests can partake in live entertainment and Bahamian hospitality with on-stage chef demonstrations from top talent including Carla Hall, Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant and more.

This year’s art programming partner is FUZE, a showcase for Caribbean- inspired art facilitated by John Cox, executive director of Art & Culture at Baha Mar.

Decentralising the art market and creating a focus for Bahamian art and the surrounding regions, FUZE

of William Bethel, Sean Thompson, Kevin Ryan, Godfrey Arthur, Aiden, Ja Ronn Jones, and Kemeish Wilson.

This team prepared and served food for roughly 300 people during the Canadian celebrations. Guests raved over the conch balls and conch fritters, as well as the lobster mac and cheese.

Garden of Eden’s band Magical Beats brought the crowd alive with Bahamian music that guests danced to all night long until it was time for the Junkanoo rush-out. The band was led by Michael Hanna on bass guitar, Ralph Johnson on keyboard, Ivan Hanna on guitar, David Hoyte on the organ, David Bethel on

will gather pioneers to showcase a vast collection of artworks from seven different Caribbean nations, and feature multi-disciplinary creative programming including artist-led panel discussions, guided tours, live printmaking demonstrations, and a specially curated film series.

FUZE will feature various works from renowned artists and galleries, including Lavar Munroe, Nadia Huggins, Christopher Cozier, Lucy Garcia, Alice Yard, Fresh Milk, and the David Gumbs Installation.

“Building off last year’s success, we are thrilled to bring back the Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival. This event holds a special place in our hearts as it showcases Baha Mar as the leading culinary and artist-driven destination in the Caribbean,” said Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar. “Last year’s event was a mustvisit weekend, and we can’t wait to commemorate this year with even more celebratory experiences and innovative programming hosted by an all-star roster of tastemakers.”

“This year’s Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival is going to be an incredible convergence of culinary and beverage talents and artists together for an epic weekend at this very special property,” said Marcus Samuelsson. “This is an incredible opportunity to experience the flavours and soul of the island with our Bahamian friends and visiting guests.”

Early bird weekend pass tickets for the event are now on sale.

drums, and vocalists Val Richards and Yvette Williams.

Mr Jones said his team took pleasure in ensuring that guests had real Bahamian food and music during such an auspicious occasion.

THE GARDEN of Eden Culinary team and support staff with High Commissioner Alfred Gray in Ottawa, Canada.

Hit US TV production features Bahamian culture and talent

Producers of the Bounce TV network original series

“Johnson” chose the Bahamas as their first filming location outside of the US.

And in June, the show’s crew and stars travelled to New Providence for the taping of two episodes for an upcoming season.

The popular American drama focuses on four Black men, Omar, Greg, Keith and Jarvis, who met in grade school and have been best friends ever since, and they all just so happen to share the same last name, Johnson...no relation.

After 25 years of friendship, they are finding themselves in vastly different places in their lives, threatening the unity that has always been so strong. They confront and find humour in the current controversial social issues from the Black man’s perspective, ranging from love and marriage to business, politics and religion.

“Johnson” has been hailed as an “industry rarity” for its originality and instant audience connection, and has been credited with highlighting Black men in a positive light.

In an upcoming season, fans will get to see the scenic beauty and colourful culture of the Bahamas in two episodes.

“Johnson” creator, executive producer, writer, director and lead actor Deji LaRay said the Bahamas ranked first for them when it came to possible filming locations outside of the US; a first for the show.

He also said it was important for locals to be involved to ensure Bahamian authenticity.

The episodes were filmed in Nassau at the Sandyport Beach Resort and Atlantis Paradise Island.

Conchboy Films owner Lavado Stubbs was hired as the local director and co-producer for the two episodes. He also headed the pre-shoot search to select the location spots.

Lavado said once he got the scripts, he immediately knew which locations he had to choose to ensure the Bahamas was a character in the show and not just a backdrop.

“The Bahamian beauty and local feel of Sandyport Beach Resort made it an obvious choice. It has

been here for years and is very Bahamian,” he said. “It further added to the portrayal of the Bahamas as a character in the show, as every aspect of the resort contributed to the cultural element of the series.”

The award-winning resort also housed the international actors and film crew during the week-long shoot.

“We knew we wanted to go to a beautiful country and island,” said “Johnson” star Deji LaRay.

“The Bahamas’ beaches are the best in the world and the people are incredibly inviting and supportive. Bahamian director Lavado Stubbs brought a unique perspective and ensured that the episodes captured the authenticity of the Bahamian culture.”

“Johnson” executive producer Reesha L Archibald echoed Deji’s sentiments, noting that the show was looking to elevate the series beyond just location, so the inclusion of Bahamian culture and typical events was key.

“The Bahamian production team members and actors, Chantel O’Brian and young artist BahaMian Trae, and the many extras all contributed to the success of that goal. And we decided that it would be smart and send a big ‘thank you’ to Nassau to include Lavado as a director because of his expertise, local knowledge and his film production company,” she said.

(Photos/Ashley@serenawilliams-pr.com)

“It has been phenomenal and definitely worth the months of planning; it was also surprising and wonderful to learn that our show has Bahamian fans.”

Lavado said the shoot was enlightening for him.

“What was amazing to me was the ‘Johnson’ team wanted these episodes to be authentically Bahamian, meaning the Bahamas wasn’t just the backdrop, as is usually the case, but a major part of the storyline,” he said.

“As a Bahamian director, I’ve learned that’s rare with a visiting film crew. It has made me realise that any other projects that come here could see that local production talent is the right way to go.”

Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager Leeanne Clarke said it was great experience working with the “Johnson” production team and is thankful that the Film Commission in the Ministry of Tourism and Conchboy Films reached out to the resort with the opportunity.

Clarence Rolle, Film Commissioner at the Bahamas Film Commission, said overall, the decision to film in the Bahamas and involve local talent in the “Johnson” series demonstrates a commitment to authenticity, cultural appreciation, and the elevation of the show.

“It’s a positive development for both the Bahamian entertainment industry and the visibility of the country on an international platform,” he said.

“Johnson” returns for a new season on Bounce TV this Saturday, August 5, at 8 pm.

two new back-to-back episodes.

with

(L-r) Executive Producer Reesha L Archibald; Bahamian actor Chantel O’Brian; “Johnson” creator, writer and lead actor Deji LaRay; Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager Leeanne Clarke, and General Manager Cheralda Arnett; Conchboy Films production assistant Keanna Rigby and Conchboy Films owner Lavado Stubbs.

LAVADO STUBBS, Conchboy Films owner and director of two episodes of “Johnson”, takes a break with Bahamian production team member and actor Chantel O’Brian.

“Johnson” creator, writer and lead actor Deji LaRay with Sandyport Beach Resort’s Reservations Manager Leeanne Clarke.