09052023 WEEKEND

Pottering around Local gallery offers hands-on exploration of ceramics glazing

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

One of New Providence’s newest galleries seeks to offer its guests a hands-on and interactive activity that allows them to engage with ceramics in a fun and approachable manner.

The CAB Gallery and Studio’s Glaze Bar has proven to be very popular. The ceramic painting class is held every Saturday from 10am to 1pm at the gallery space on South Ocean Road in the western part of the island.

Samantha Treco, CAB’s manager, said the Glaze Bar offers a space for individuals to embark on an independent artistic journey, lightly guided by a studio technician. It serves as a relaxing and enjoyable experience for art enthusiasts of all ages, fostering a sense of artistic exploration and accomplishment.

During the classes, attendees can choose from a range of ceramic items to paint, allowing for personal expression and creativity.

“The inspiration behind the Glaze Bar…was born out of a desire to introduce a fun and accessible

activity to the local community in the Bahamas,” Samantha told Tribune Weekend.

“Recognising that ceramics was not a common or easily accessible art form in the area, CAB Gallery and Studio saw an opportunity to provide a unique and enjoyable experience. By offering the Glaze Bar, the aim was to make ceramics more approachable and eliminate the lengthy process typically associated with it. The goal was to create a fun and easy activity that locals could engage in without the limitations of time or expertise.”

Samantha explained the experience at the Glaze Bar begins with a warm welcome from a member of the CAB team. They will guide you through a selection of ceramic items to choose from, such as mugs, vases, planters and more.

Celebrating a cultural icon who immortalised Nassau in song and helped create the beer of the Bahamas

Junkanoo pioneer Dr Offfff to be recognised in upcoming documentary by Kalik

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IN CELEBRATION of its 35th anniversary, the Kalik brand has been using cultural figures to tell the story of what it means to be truly Bahamian.

The latest cultural icon whose story is being told through a mini documentary set for release early next week is the late Junkanoo pioneer Tyrone Fitzgerald, better known as Dr Offfff. He was also a well-known musician, and advertising and marketing professional.

Among his many achievements was co-writing the iconic hit song “Funky Nassau” and the 1980’s classic “Get Involved”.

The upcoming video documentary delves a little deeper into Dr Offfff’s music career as well as his contribution to the Kalik brand. It is narrated by his son, Tyrone Fitzgerald Jr.

“Dr Offfff was like a mythical, mystical creature to me – part artist, part genius,” his son says.

Videographer Lavado Stubbs said he’s honoured to have been given the opportunity to direct and produce this piece for Kalik.

“Also, having a connection to the Fitzgerald family makes this piece even more special to me. Kalik continues to be a driving advocate for Bahamian culture and I’m very happy that they decided to honour this Bahamian global music icon. This project will also introduce Dr Offfff to a whole new generation of Bahamians,” he said.

Dr Offfff was the product and promotions manager at Burns House at the time that Kalik was first created.

As part of promotions, he had the idea to create a beer and brand that reflected Bahamian culture. In doing so, he came up with the name Kalik, which represents the sound of the cowbells used in Junkanoo music.

To accompany the beer’s unique name, Dr Offfff also created a Junkanoo-inspired logo that represents hands shaking a cowbell.

“Dr Offfff and the group that came up with the brand name found a creative way to tie the brand to the Bahamas’ most significant cultural expression, Junkanoo, and help to build the foundation of one of the most iconic brands in Bahamian history,” said Queswell Ferguson, senior portfolio manager for beers at Commonwealth Brewery Ltd (CBL).

Mr Ferguson said it is important for Kalik to share these facts about its history with the general public and celebrate those how have made a significant contribution to the brand.

“This year marks the 35th anniversary of the brand, and it is important to celebrate the persons that helped to build the brand to where it is. Due to the foundation built by Dr Offfff and the rest of the team at the time, we now have a brand that has helped to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars (towards) sustaining and supporting Bahamian cultural activities nationwide,” he said.

The brand will continue to showcase and celebrate Bahamian cultural icons in the Kalikverse.

The Kalikverse is Kalik’s very own augmented reality that will have an icon series that gives people a one-on-one look at some cultural icons like Percy ‘Vola’ Francis, Tonique Williams-Darling, and more, telling the stories of why they are proud to be Bahamian,” said Mr Ferguson.

In April, Kalik launched its “Proud to Be” campaign with its cultural referendum. This declaration of boldly Bahamian expressions was first featured in newspapers, web banners and social media posts. Bahamians from all walks of life were encouraged to be proud of their heritage, even if they preferred pancakes over boiled fish, or “made the controversial decision to put mayo in their conch salad.”

CULTURAL icon Dr Offfff

TYRONE FITZGERALD, aka Dr Offfff

(l-r) Videographer Lavado Stubbs, Queswell Ferguson of CBL and Tyrone Fitzgerald, Jr, son of Dr Offfff

Michael Pike, MBE

As a police adviser from the United Kingdom who has lived in the Bahamas for nearly 40 years, this author offers a unique insight into the country’s development since Independence. He tells Alesha Cadet about his latest book, in which he seeks to offer a balanced account of Bahamian history, free from political bias, and look at the young nation’s lost opportunities as well as its potential.

“The main thrust of the book is to describe the tremendous potential that exists within this young country, but due to the scourge of drugs, violent crime, corruption, and an obsession with party politics, opportunities have been lost to advance the nation and lift the clouds of poverty, hopelessness and despair that still exist.”

Michael Pike, MBE, first arrived in the Bahamas in 1985 as a representative of Her Majesty’s Police Inspectorate of Constabulary for an inspection of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The following year, Mr Pike, who had served at a senior level in the British police service, including as part of the Inspectorate, was appointed as a police adviser to the Bahamian government.

Since 1986, he said, he has lived and worked in the Bahamas, and as a non-Bahamian, he feels he is not fettered or influenced by any political party.

Mr Pike said he is free to reflect on the changes and challenges that have tested the resilience and fortitude of the Bahamian people over the last 50 years.

To this end, he was written a book which he considers a personal reflection on the Bahamas, its history and progress since Independence in 1973.

The book is called “The Road You’ve Trod” and is now available from Amazon UK. It will be available for purchase in the Bahamas from Logos Bookstore in early September.

“The main thrust of the book is to describe the tremendous potential that exists within this

this weekend in history

September 1

young country, but due to the scourge of drugs, violent crime, corruption, and an obsession with party politics, opportunities have been lost to advance the nation and lift the clouds of poverty, hopelessness and despair that still exist. The future challenge is to identify leaders, untarnished by the past, who recognise that their primary duty is to the Bahamian people and their country and not to themselves or the party,” said Mr Pike.

Although he has been closely involved with police reform and the

challenges of crime, drug trafficking and corruption over the years, in this new book he provides a wider and unique perspective of this archipelagic nation, its culture, traditions and people.

“The early chapters describe the history and political development before and after Independence to (the Bahamas’) present status as a popular tourist destination and offshore financial centre. The title of the book is taken from the Bahamas national anthem and the underlying theme of the book is to what extent the Bahamas has followed a path to God given its strong Christian tradition,” he said.

Mr Pike said it is only fitting that the book’s foreword is written by the Rt Rev Laish Boyd, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

“(It) provides the context in which the book contributes to a better understanding of the challenges ahead,” he explained.

Mr Pike said he was inspire to write of his experiences, as he felt it would be helpful to provide the present and future generations with an independent and balanced account of developments since Independence; free of any political bias or misinformation.

“The motivation for writing is to provide a public platform for issues that I feel would benefit society. I am

not motivated by profit or personal gain – net proceeds from the sale of ‘The Road You’ve Trod’ will be donated to the Royal Bahamas Police Force Dependents’ Trust,” he said.

This is not his first foray into writing. Mr Pike has also penned “The Principles of Policing”, published by MacMillan in 1985 following Lord Scarman’s report on the Brixton Riots in 1981 and covering his experience of policing in the United States.

More recently, he has written “Choices” (2016), an inspirational book primarily for young people; the “Value of Your Vote” (2020), presenting a case for electoral reform in the UK, and the “Thin Blue Line” (2020), which presents a case for police reform in England and Wales, including regional police forces.

Mr Pike also has considerable experience in the field of financial services, both with compliance in the Bahamas and Caribbean region, and with the financial services regulator in London. He holds an honours degree in law from University College, London, and has been a visiting lecturer at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

A native of the Isle of Wight, he is married with two children and three grandchildren. He was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to policing both in the UK and overseas.

September 2

September 3

THE LAST Voyage of Henry Hudson, John Collier’s 1881 painting of Hudson, his son, and loyal crew set adrift

Pottering around Local gallery offers hands-on exploration of ceramics glazing

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

Once you’ve made your selection, you’ll be led to the studio space where you can choose your colours and begin painting your chosen item. The process is accompanied by some light guidance from a studio technician, ensuring that you have the support you need while still maintaining a sense of independence. After your painting session, the items will be prepared for collection the following Saturday.

“The feedback from patrons of CAB Gallery and Studio has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors and participants of the Glaze Bar have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage in a creative experience,” she said.

In addition to holding art classes, Samantha said CAB also plays hosts to a variety of art activities and events, where creativity thrives and community flourishes.

“The studio buzzes with the shared passion and camaraderie of fellow artists, fostering an environment where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are born, and artistic boundaries are pushed,” she said.

“At CAB Gallery and Studio, the genius lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the physical and virtual realms, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary art. It stands as a resolute testament to the enduring power of art. Whether you seek inspiration, wish to acquire a breathtaking masterpiece, or embark on your own artistic journey, CAB is a sanctuary that welcomes all with open arms,

creating a tapestry of artistic brilliance that will leave an indelible imprint on your soul.”

CAB first emerged during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a virtual platform on Instagram, curated by its founder, Natascha Vazquez Pyfrom.

Drawing from her experience as a curator at The Current: Baha Mar Gallery and Art Studio, Natascha’s unwavering

dedication to the arts led her to open the CAB Gallery and Studio. It became a sanctuary for local artists, providing them with a much-needed platform to showcase and sell their creations during a time of uncertainty.

Since its official opening in January 2022, Samantha said the gallery has experienced remarkable growth. It has hosted a total of 13 successful art exhibitions and has become a prominent

platform for Bahamian artists to showcase their talent and sell their artwork.

Alongside exhibitions, CAB has developed a comprehensive studio art programme catering to kids, preteens and adults. This programme encompasses a range of art classes, including printmaking, painting and ceramics. Additionally, the gallery provides space rental options for various events, further establishing itself as a multifaceted creative hub.

“CAB Gallery and Studio has an exciting lineup planned for the remainder of the year, extending into the Fall season. Several captivating exhibitions are in the works, promising to showcase a diverse range of Bahamian artistry and talent,” said Samantha.

To stay up to date with all the latest news and events from CAB Gallery and Studio, follow them on Instagram and Facebook at “cabgalleryandstudio” and check out their website, cabgalleryandstudio.com.

FROM PG B12

Crimes against horticulture

Good day, gardeners. We’ve been spared from strong winds so far this season, but I do hope that the storm hitting Florida will remind you all to pay attention to any large trees that you may have on your property, and to thin them out in the centre, remove weak branches, and call a professional to do the work if you’re not comfortable with it.

The value of trees for wildlife and for shade alone outweighs the small amount of maintenance to keep them strong and wind tolerant.

On another note, there are wrong ways to manage plants and trees, and when done incorrectly, sometimes those in the industry who know what’s what make fun of such bad maintenance and there’s even groups out there highlighting crimes against horticulture. The reason that I bring this one out today is shown in the photo attached.

The tree in today’s photo is a Calophyllum, likely C. inophyllum, commonly called the Beauty Leaf or Mast Wood.

The tree grows to over 50 feet tall. They make wonderful shade trees, and provide excellent shade coverage and wind breaks.

The wood is used for boat building and cabinetry et al.

The roots do not pose problems and it is typically used as a shade tree on parking lot islands, road medians, or as an urban street tree. It is a strong tree and has no major pest issues.

It’s an outstanding tree to be used exactly as it has been initially intended in the photo provided, as a shade tree in a parking area. One tree alone can potentially provide 2,000 square feet of shade, and in doing so can reduce the temperature in a parking lot by several degrees.

Many studies show results on average around 3° to 5° cooler when shade trees are used! Yet we complain how hot it is. Who’s to blame?

Firstly, blame property owners who don’t have shade trees in parking areas, secondly blame town management for not having shade trees covering the tarmac roads.

On our property, government had reclaimed some land to make sidewalks. There was a large, old

tamarind tree that provided shade, shelter and food for wildlife, and fruit for neighbors who used to ask to harvest them to make sauces and drinks from them. Well, government decided that instead of shifting their plan by six or eight inches, the smartest thing to do was to cut down a hundred-year-old tree. Madness. Horrible planning. Short sightedness. What else? You fill it in.

Not everyone will agree with me, but I really don’t care.

As per the following quote from the English monk and poet John Lydgate (c.1370 - c. 1451) – it is an approximation and not particularly exact, as records were not precise or

preserved from the time: “You can satisfy some of the people all of the time, you can satisfy all of the people some of the time, but you can’t satisfy all of the people all of the time.”

Many of us know this quote as later adopted and altered somewhat by Abraham Lincoln and PT Barnum. For those interested, Lydgate does have some quotes on roses and thorns; there’s your garden connection!

John Lydgate is responsible for many of the proverbs and aphorisms still tossed around today. “Empty barrels make the most noise” is one that can be heard sung by the late great Tony McKay aka MacFarlane

Gregory Anthony Mackey of Exuma, The Obeah Man, also a lover of the natural world.

As a culture (particularly central government in New Providence), we are awful at managing our green spaces, our history, and our trees.

Imagine a town covered in shade trees. Imagine those parking lots, which are hotter than the gates of hell, were planted with properly maintained shade trees.

Back to the tree in the parking lot which is the subject of the crimes against horticulture: Imagine a tree is 40 feet wide in diameter (not butchered to a four-foot-wide lollipop).

To get the area of shade created, the following equation yields the result:

πr²=sf (pi x radius measured in feet, squared = square foot coverage). So if a tree is 40 in diameter, it is 20 in radius. 3.14 x 20² = 1256.6 square feet of shade!

That is of course unless it’s butchered and made impotent and completely ineffective as in the photo. I find it utterly ridiculous that while the designer of this planting likely had the right idea of it being used to shade the parking area, whoever has taken responsibility for its management is obviously oblivious to any correct means of tree management and maintenance, or the owner is and directs it as so, which I would walk away from, because it is horrendous and a crime against horticulture! As always, I wish you happy gardening.

What to stream this week: Indiana Jones, ‘One Piece,’ and ‘Power Book IV: Force’

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

— “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” Harrison Ford’s last outing as the adventure-seeking archaeologist, is finally available to watch at home via video-on-demand. This fourth installment might not be quite as great as “Raiders” or “The Last Crusade,” but it’s also more fun than many gave it credit for on its bumpy release this Summer. Veteran director James Mangold took the helm from Steven Spielberg and does his best to capture all the things we love about Indy, including a possibly too-extended flashback featuring our hero de-aged to 45. It’s really not necessary because Ford, at 80, is firing on all levels — as funny, vibrant and game as he ever was. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a great new character played by “Fleabag’s” Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW SERIES TO STREAM

— “One Piece,” a new live-action fantasy series coming to Netflix has been adapted from a beloved Japanese manga and anime series. The graphic novels by Eiichiro Oda have sold more than 516 million copies across 103 volumes in 61 countries, making its success similar to the “Harry Potter” book series. The story follows a protagonist named Monkey D Luffy who sails the ocean in search of treasure with his band of pirates. “One Piece” is now on Netflix.

— The fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” returns to Prime Video for its second season today. Rosamund Pike stars as Moiraine Damodred, a member of the Aes Sedai, a group of women with magical gifts. We meet Moiraine on a quest to find the Dragon, a long dead leader with the ability to save or destroy the world. “The Wheel of Time” is based on a 14-book series of the same name created by Robert Jordan. A third season has already been ordered.

— The third “Power” spin-off, “Power Book IV: Force,” debuts its second season on Starz today. It centers around Joseph Sikora’s Tommy Egan character, a convicted drug dealer who leaves New York for Chicago to continue his criminal enterprise.

— Alicia Rancilio

— This Summer’s Final Fantasy XVI brought dramatic changes to the storied franchise — and made some of us a little nostalgic for the FFs of the 1990s. Canada’s Sabotage Studio aims to scratch that itch with Sea of Stars, its new retro-inspired adventure. Its pixelated, top-down graphics and turn-by-turn combat are designed to induce flashbacks in fans of old-school role-playing games. And then there’s its story:

Two mages, the Children of the Solstice, team up with other dogooders to stop an evil alchemist, The Fleshmancer, from destroying the world. It even has fishing and cooking minigames! You don’t need to travel back in time 30 years; this epic begins on PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

— Speaking of old-school, Sega has decided it’s time to revive a long-dormant character from the ’90s: Amigo, the sombrero-wearing, maracas-shaking Brazilian monkey. He’s back in Samba de Amigo: Party Central, a new musical game for the Nintendo Switch. It turns the Switch’s palm-sized Joy-Con controllers into a pair of maracas, and your challenge is to shake them in rhythm to an assortment of dance hits. The 40-song soundtrack ranges from current stars like Ariana Grande and Carly Rae Jepsen to geezers like Culture Club and Gloria Gaynor, with more downloadable tunes on the way. Amigo is ready to bring the fiesta to your living room on Tuesday.

— Lou Kesten

(Starz_Lucasfilm_Amazon Prime via AP)

NETFLIX’s live action version of ‘One Piece’

literary lives – Marvin Gaye (1939 - 1984)

The tragic life of a Motown legend – Part II

Sir Christopher Ondaatje delves into the life of American R&B and soul singer and songwriter who helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, and brought the concept album format to rhythm and blues and to soul music in the 1970s, delivered by one if its finest voices.

On June 1, 1970, Marvin Gaye went back to Hitsville, USA, where he recorded one of his greatest hits, “What’s Going On?”, inspired by an idea from Renaldo “Obie” Benson of the Four Tops after he had witnessed an act of police brutality at an anti-war rally in Berkeley, California.

Initially, Motown boss Berry Gordy refused to release the song for fear that it was too political. Gaye, however, responded by deciding against releasing any other of his material before “What’s Going On?” was released. It was eventually released in 1971 and reached No 1 on the R&B charts within a month, and stayed there for five weeks. It also reached No 1 on Cashbox’s pop chart for a week and sold over two million copies.

Gaye had a four-octave range. In his first recordings with Motown he recorded in a baritone and tenor range. However, he changed his voice to include a rasp for gospel inspired later hits.

“He had one of the sweetest and prettiest voices you ever wanted to hear. He had the ability to take a blues, any kind of song, and make it his own. Gaye was the most versatile vocalist.”

– Eddie Holland Music critic

Trying to wrest creative control away from Motown, Gaye spent ten days recording the What’s Going On? album. Motown did eventually issue the album after Gaye remixed the album in Hollywood. The album became Gaye’s first million-selling album, also launching two more top ten singles: “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Inner City Blues”. The album brought the “concept” album to rhythm and blues and soul music.

“It was the most important and passionate record to come out of soul music, delivered by one if its finest voices.

– All Music

Gaye received two Grammy Award nominations in 1972 for the album, which also topped Rolling Stones’ year-end list as its Album of the Year.

In 1971, Gaye signed a lucrative contract with Motown, worth $1 million (or $6,500,000 in today’s money). This made it the most lucrative deal of any Black recording artist at the time. His first Motown contribution under the new contract was Trouble Man released in late 1972. But before the release, Gaye brought out the a single, “You’re the Man”, from the album of the same name, a follow-up to What’s Going On?

However, Motown again refused to promote it, worried that it would upset Motown’s conservative audience. Gaye shelved the project and substituted it for Trouble Man. This almost certainly resulted in Gaye and his family moving to Los Angeles – one of the final Motown artists to move there despite protests urging him to stay in Detroit.

In August 1973, Gaye released the album Let’s Get It On. It became Gaye’s second No 1 single on the Hot 100. The album was hailed as “a record unparalleled in its sheer sensuality and carnal energy.”

Other singles from the album included “Come Get to This” and the suggestive “You Sure Love to Ball”. The album had only moderate success, halted mainly by radio companies refusing to play the sexually explicit songs.

“Diana and Marvin”, mostly written by Ashford and Simpson, was Gaye’s final duet project with Diana Ross. It was popular internationally despite their contrasting styles.

Gaye was building his own live image as a concert personality and performed at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 4, 1974. He was instantly popular and received critical acclaim. This resulted in the release of the album Marvin Gaye Live!

A following concert tour in 1974/75 built his reputation as a live performer, for which he was paid $100,000 a night (or over $500,000 in today’s money).

His popularity allowed Gaye to build his own recording studio at Motown.

To support UNESCO’s African Literacy drive, Gaye sang at a UNESCO benefit concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall in October 1975, and was commended by Ambassador Shirley Temple Black and Kurt Waldheim.

His studio album, I Want You, in March 1976 reached the top spot on the charts and sold over a million copies.

He made his first European tour the following year, beginning in Belgium, and released another bestselling album, Live at the London Palladium, which sold over two million copies.

Gaye had become Motown’s most popular and lucrative performer, but always seeking more independence. Success led to his divorce from his first wife Anna Gordy in 1977. He released the album Here, My Dear with the intention of paying her part of the royalties as alimony.

The album did not do well. He also developed an addiction to cocaine and had serious problems with the Internal Revenue Service.

He went on another European tour, relocated to London, and feared imprisonment for failure to pay back taxes in the sum of $4.5 million. He worked on the album

In Our Lifetime in London’s Air

and Odyssey Studios. It was not a good time for Gaye. To make matters worse, a master tape from one of Gaye’s travelling musicians, Frank Blair, was stolen and given to Motown who remixed and released the album Far Cry in January 1981 without Gaye’s consent. Livid, he vowed not to record any more music for Motown.

With continuing problems with the IRS, and a growing cocaine addiction, Gaye relocated to Ostend, Belgium, where he tried to give up his addiction to heavy drugs and embarked on a fitness programme to restore his confidence. There followed several months of recovery after which Gaye sought a comeback on stage in London and Ostend. It was a short-lived tour during which CBS president Larkin Arnold negotiated Gaye’s release from Motown and a deal with CBS Records. Gaye’s personal lawyer later said that the singer’s Ostend period was “the best thing that ever happened to Marvin”. However, his problems continued.

On returning to the US, Gaye worked on his first post-Motown album, Midnight Love. A single on the album, “Sexual Healing”, recorded in Ostend, was released in September 1982. It became Gaye’s biggest career success and spent ten weeks at No1 on the Hot Black Singles chart, and became the biggest hit of the 1980s. It went on to the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1983 and peaked at No 3 before reaching the top of the charts in Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia and Belgium. It became Gaye’s most successful single, selling over two million copies in the United States.

“Sexual Healing” won Gaye his first two Grammy Awards, as well as Best Male Vocal Performance. People magazine called “Sexual Healing” America’s hottest musical turn-on since Olivia Newton-John’s “Get Physical”. The album Midnight Love was released a month later and was equally successful, selling over three million copies in the US. It became Gaye’s eighth No 1 album on the Top Black Albums chart.

In March 1983, Gaye performed at the “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” special. Two months later he appeared on Soul Train. They were Gaye’s final two television

performances. His final concert tour, the Sexual Healing Tour, started in April 1983 in San Diego, and ended in August 1983 at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California – but the tour was plagued by cocaine-triggered paranoia and illness. After the tour, Gaye moved into his parents’ house in Los Angeles.

Early in the afternoon of April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye interfered in a domestic argument between his mother and father in their LA family house. At 12.38pm, the argument escalated and moved into Gaye’s bedroom, where Gaye’s father shot his son in the heart and shoulder. Gaye was declared dead at the California Hospital Medical Centre less than half an hour later – one day before his 45th birthday.

Marvin Gay Sr was initially charged with first-degree murder. However, following an unusual diagnosis of his having a brain tumour, the charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter and he was given a sixyear suspended sentence. He lived for another sixteen years.

GAYE and his second wife, Janis Hunter

GAYE performing in Amsterdam in 1978. (Photo_Gijsbert Hanekroot)

FRIENDS of the late Marvin Gaye bring the casket into the funeral service home at Forrest Lawn Memorial Park, in Los Angeles, California, on April 5, 1984. (AP Photo_ Heung Shing Liu)

“Coming to Nassau to make the crooked straight… or else!”

After the General Strike of 1958, Governor Raynor Arthur persuaded the Colonial Office to actively press for reforms in the Bahamas, arguing that a democratisation of election laws was needed.

To start this process, Secretary of State for the Colonies Alan LennoxBoyd took the unusual step of personally visiting the Bahamas from April 6 to 13, 1958.

The Tribune announced that Lennox-Boyd was “coming to Nassau to make the crooked straight… or else!”

To save face, the so-called United Bahamian Party (UBP) spun the story declaring that this was nothing more than Lennox-Boyd’s acceptance of an invitation extended by a Bahamian delegation to London in November 1957. The majority of Bahamians, however, did not believe this version.

When Lennox-Boyd arrived, electoral reform was a main discussion point. Demands for democratic reforms had made for several years. The so-called Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) had included universal suffrage and proportional representation in its 1956 election platform and sent a delegation to London to submit specific demands to the Colonial Office. These included universal adult suffrage, the abolition of plural voting and the company vote, stronger laws against bribery and corruption at elections, and the redrawing of electoral districts.

The Bahamas Democratic League (BDL), a short-lived, centrist opposition party started by Tribune editor Etienne Dupuch in 1955, seconded the call for electoral reform.

In 1957, it submitted its proposals in the form of a petition to Queen Elizabeth II. The Governor also compiled a list of what he perceived to be defects in the Bahamas’ election laws. This served as the basis for discussions during Lennox-Boyd’s visit.

The UBP agreed to some changes, such as universal male suffrage. The Colonial Office not only considered this too little, too late, but also

doubted a timely implementation: “a (first-class) piece of windowdressing…, but I am afraid it will be more than a decade before we shall see a programme of this kind implemented.”

On the last day of his visit, Lennox-Boyd publicly announced an agreement reached by all political parties. He described the settlement “as a victory for no one, just a triumph for common sense.”

It also included an implementation timeline: new legislation was to be enacted before the end of 1958. Apart from reforms in the field of labour legislation, this compromise included several electoral reform measures.

First, there would be four additional seats in the House of Assembly for New Providence.

By now, approximately 60 percent of the Bahamas’ population lived here, but the island accounted for only eight of the House of Assembly’s 25 seats. The new ratio would be 12 to 17, which still did not reflect the true population balance. However, not only would a greater increase of New Providence seats, fully expected to be won by the PLP, have been unacceptable to the UBP, but the notion of similar-sized constituencies to provide for greater proportionality in parliamentary representation was even less developed in the Bahamas then than it is now, with constituency sizes still varying considerably, owing largely to the archipelagic nature of the country.

Second, all men would be enfranchised. Regardless of property qualifications, every adult male British subject would be able to cast one vote by virtue of a residential qualification.

Propertied men would continue to be entitled to cast more than one vote, but plural voting would now be limited. Henceforth, property qualifications would only allow for a second vote in general elections, but not for a third, fourth, etcetera

Third, the company vote would be abolished.

While some understood the limited form of plural voting that was to be retained to take the form

SECRETARY of State for the Colonies

of a business vote, Lennox-Boyd’s original statement merely said, “The present situation under which it is possible for one voter to have a. vote in every constituency should be brought to an end. The plural vote should be limited to two, the second vote requiring a property qualification in another constituency.”

Particularly the interpretation of this last point would prove contentious going forward.

Furthermore, it was agreed that the current House of Assembly would run its normal course.

No early general election would be called. Instead, the newly created seats for New Providence would be filled in bye-elections. This procedure was contrary to established constitutional practice –in the United Kingdom, too.

An extension of the suffrage ought to see immediate general elections to ensure that the elected chamber of the legislature represented the electorate as defined by law.

Lennox-Boyd also considered a Royal Commission to identify current areas of conflict, to investigate their causes and to make recommendations, both in terms of immediate policy as well as in terms of constitutional restructuring. After the Burma Road Riot, the Governor had appointed the Russell Commission. The House of Assembly, having appointed its own Committee, disregarded it altogether and never considered any of the recommendations made by the Russell Commission.

It would be difficult to disregard a Royal Commission appointed at the request of the Secretary of State for the Colonies as easily. However, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, seeking to avoid conflict, ordered Lennox-Boyd to stand down.

The negotiated settlement amounted to a bigger step towards a democratic franchise than the Bahamas had seen in its history. For now, it seemed to contend all sides. The Bahamian Legislature was to pass the required Bills within the agreed upon time frame. However, having witnessed Bay Street’s modus operandi in the past, the Colonial Office realised that this might require additional encouragement, and before his departure from the Bahamas Lennox-Boyd reminded everyone of “the final authority and responsibility of the Imperial Parliament.” -

STEPHEN B ARANHA FORGOTTEN FACTS

Alan Lennox-Boyd

Did anybody say pigs?

Animal matters

Kim Aranha

Alas, yes, I did. I said Pigs and once again we are having an embarrassing moment with the rather questionable tourist attraction created by the swimming pigs.

The history of swimming pic dates back quite a few years back when an unassuming farmer left a bunch of pigs on an island in the Exumas that had a natural source of water. A couple of visits a week with lots of food, and his pigs were contained as well as any fenced-in yard, water all around and they we safe and sound.

The first issue is that people in boats feel compelled to feed anything to any animal. Chicken to seagulls (isn’t that marginally cannibalism?); “twinkies” to the majestic iguana, beer and hot dogs to pigs, and the list goes on.

I mean really; do you suppose that these lovely people in their floating homes stop for a second and ask themselves if what they are doing is right? Nah, why think about it when you can wing it, right?

Fast-forward a year or two and these boaters multiply, and so do the pigs. Those that get too big or aggressive magically turn into pork chops and are mysteriously replaced by a gaggle of adorable piglets, who, in turn, grow up and, most likely, become pork chops, too.

The notion of “swimming pigs” takes off like wildfire. Whatever for?

I have to ask this, I mean, who really cares if a hungry pig can swim out to a boat and have some food thrown to it? What we should worry about is why does that animal have to swim out to a boat for food, and what kind of food is it being fed, and under what circumstances are pigs being exploited?

Now we are approaching the crux of the matter. Why is the Bahamas so willing to exploit everything? Is

it greed? Is it cultural? It is a lack of understanding?

I am at a loss for words when I see the latest video taken by a shocked tourist in Grand Bahama. She went to this particular facility thinking the pigs were free to move around as they wish. Only it didn’t quite work like that. In the video, the tourist said the pigs were pushed to venture far from the seashore to interact with people. In the clip, tour guides appeared to be forcing the pigs into the water. Some of the animals seemed uncomfortable.

I am sorry: this is fun? Animals forced to treat water to amuse a bunch of senseless tourists? Cooped up in pens until released into the sea to entertain?

It is a crying shame that this pig mania has become an epidemic in the

Bahamas. Every third person is putting pigs in the sea so that they can swim out to a boat and be fed potato chips by somebody who has just downed their third beer and thinks it is hilarious.

Did you know that there are even visitors who are so duped that they actually believe that these pigs are a special species, a “merpig” only found in the Bahamas?

Who was the smartie pants who came up with that one? Why is it OK to mislead people just to make a dollar?

Some years ago, a bunch of pigs all died in the Exumas; there was a major fuss. I have never given so many interviews in my life. I was even phoned from Moscow Today. I was quoted in the daily papers all over the world, because it was the swimming pigs.

What is it that has captured everybody’s fancy? I get the Bahamian enthusiasm: it is money, lots of it. But why is the international visitor so enamoured at the spectacle of a bunch of farm animals swimming out to a boat?

How can we allow these animals to be corralled and forced with shouting to swim way further than necessary for food when clearly in the video you can see that they do not want to?

Are we going to be upset when 60 Minutes decides to do a piece on the way the Bahamas treat the swimming pigs? We will be offended and indignant when it is all true?

I am waiting to see our leaders stand up and say something and condemn this kind of behaviour. There are many government ministries that could jump in and do something about this, yet total silence. Why am I not surprised?

By The Bahamas Humane Society

Smiling Mae is about four years old and would make a great addition to a household that needs a calmer, slightly smaller dog.

She’s friendly with most other dogs and has a defnite love for humans. As you can see in the photo, she really enjoys the BHS dog walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays and would like to fnd a home where outings are a regular event.

Is yours that home? Then come into the Bahamas Humane Society to meet Mae, or call 325-6742 for more information. Mae looks forward to meeting you!

• Forever Home Fridays, Second Chance Saturdays, and Happy Tails Tuesdays are a chance for adopters to meet and greet potential new family members in reception at the BHS. Come and meet the dogs from 11am to 3pm (Saturdays will start after clinic ends).

A still from the video which alleges pigs have been mistreated at an excursion business in Grand Bahama.

A small bundle of joy

Into the blue

Blue Lagoon Island partners with BREEF and Island School to provide hands-on learning for BESS scholars

As her peers settle into their college dorms, Windsor School’s class of 2023 graduate Maya Lindeman has chosen a different, distinctive path. Instead of heading straight to college, Maya has embarked on a transformative gap year to gain practical experience—a decision she believes will significantly enhance her college journey.

She was one of two students to be named a Bahamas Environmental Stewards Scholar (BESS) programme awardee. The year-long programme is offered in partnership by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and the Island School in Eleuthera.

Maya has her sights set on a degree in Environmental Policy and Law and is confident that the hands-on experience gained during her gap year will provide her with an invaluable foundation for her ambitious academic pursuit.

The 18-year-old is spending two weeks working side by side with the educational and zoological teams at Blue Lagoon Island, learning about marine species, husbandry, which is the care of animals, animal training and the company’s sustainability practices.

BESS scholars spend a semester at the Island School and participate in a paid fourmonth internship with BREEF. As part of the internship, scholars spend two weeks working alongside organizations including Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation, IDEA Relief and Blue Lagoon Island.

“I’ve always had a strong passion for the environment, and I know I want to work in the field. These weeks at Blue Lagoon Island have been amazing as it really pulls me into the physical aspect of what it is I’ve been studying all along,” said Maya.

The Blue Lagoon Island immersion is led by the company’s education supervisor Te-Shalla Clarke. She explained that the partnership with BREEF and the Island School is a natural one for the company.

“We all have the same mission – to educate and protect our natural marine environment. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by exposing our youth to the importance of taking care of our incredible marine habitat,” she said.

Te-Shalla was particularly excited to work with Maya, given her academic and career goals.

“We are governed by environmental policy and law, our accreditations are based on all of that, so having a Bahamian focus on that would be incredible,” she said, “it’s a great opportunity for Maya to have this sort of practical experience as she works towards her career goals.”

BESS Scholars spend a day working with each of the different types of animals and their trainers as well as a day with the veterinary team at Blue Lagoon Island during their first week, and the second week they work closely with Te-Shalla to decide which aspect of the business they would like to focus on.

Maya was excited to spend time getting a better understanding of the company’s sustainability initiatives after spending a week learning about the company’s dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and nurse sharks, getting tips on how to tell the dolphins apart, assisting with meal prep in the fish kitchen and participating in programme training sessions with some of the young dolphins.

“Living in the Bahamas you can see right in front of you what you’re fighting for, and the impact hurricanes and climate change have on our islands, so it’s such a great opportunity for me to see first-hand what a company like Blue Lagoon is doing to help protect our environment and operate in a sustainable way,” she said.

MAYA Lindeman assists Blue Lagoon Island Education Supervisor Te-Shalla Clarke with a wellness check on Bonnie the sea lion.

NOAH practices his cheek kiss on Maya as part of his daily training sessions.