Friday, November 17, 2023
Weekend
food interview music gardening history fashion puzzles animals
Holiday desserts Page 02
Cultural connection Bahamas joins forces with Georgia for cinematic collaborations pgs 08 +09
02 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 17, 2023
food
Savouring the season: Chef Simeon Hall Jr unveils a Sicilian twist on holiday desserts
W
hile sweet, autumn classics like pumpkin pies, cinnamon rolls and bread puddings are cherished staples on many end-of-year holiday menus, Bahamian celebrity chef and restaurateur Simeon Hall Jr is encouraging home cooks and dinner hosts to sweeten the holiday season even further by offering a dessert that will leave their dinner guests feeling particularly thankful. As per the suggestion of the international culinary contributor, incorporating a Sicilian-style semifrozen dessert known as the granita, is guaranteed to add an upscale and refreshing touch to any holiday feast. “Whether you’re throwing a big holiday feast or hosting an intimate get-together, my suggestion is to push your culinary boundaries and diversify your holiday menus as much as you can during the holidays,” said Chef Hall. “You can include a mix of both native dishes and international items, like the granita, if you want to leave a lasting impression on your guests.” Chef Hall elaborated on the frozen dessert, detailing reasons as to why it should be embraced on holiday menus: “First, although it’s an upscale dessert, it’s incredibly simple to make, which is ideal for novice to intermediate home cooks. It’s essentially a flaky, homemade snow cone - made with water, sugar, and desired flavourings. It’s akin to a sorbet, only much flakier. “Second, granitas are an incredible canvas for a wide array of flavours, allowing you to add flavours which complement the other flavour notes in your menu.” He continued: For a holiday granita, I like to substitute the water with champagne and infuse it with warm, autumnal spices like cinnamon and ginger - but the possibilities are endless. In fact, I often make Kalik Radler granitas and experiment with various libations, keeping in mind
appealing presentation, consider garnishing the granita with whipped cream, edible flowers, or sweetened condensed milk. “It’s worth noting that certain flavor inclusions, like robust fruit flavours such as watermelon or lime, don’t require the addition of spices and, as such, don’t need to be heated for infusion.” Chef Hall further recommended some of his favourite flavour combinations, including beer shandy, fevergrass and lime, spicy switcha, orange mango, beet juice and allspice.
Chef Simeon Hall Jr’s Boozy Caribbean Spice Granita Ingredients
1 cup of champagne 1 tablespoon of white sugar (add 3 tablespoons of sugar if you are not using any flavoured syrups) 1/2 cup of Sorrel syrup (available at Centerville Food Store or other Caribbean markets) 1 stick of cinnamon 2 star anise 4 allspice seeds 4 cloves 1 cup of cold water A CUP of granita, a Sicilian-style semifrozen dessert that any alcoholic beverage under 40 proof will freeze.” Chef Hall also shared some valuable tips for home cooks interested in incorporating a granita into their holiday menus. “What I particularly love about this dessert is its flexibility. As long as you grasp the ingredient ratios, you can make numerous substitutions. Instead of using plain water or alcohol, you can experiment with juice or tea,” he said. Chef Hall also suggested, “For a festive twist and a more visually
CHEF SIMEON HALL, Jr
Preparation: 1. In a large pot, combine all the
ingredients and bring them to a boil. Immediately turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain the mix and chill it. You can prepare various flavour combinations and store them for up to 5 days. 2. When needed, place a large glass Pyrex dish or a similar container in a flat section of your freezer. Add the liquid and freeze it.
3. Using a fork, stir the mixture every 20 minutes until even crystals form. This can take as little as 1 hour or as much as 4, depending on your freezer and how full your freezer chest is.
The Tribune | Weekend | 03
Friday, November 17, 2023
books
Dancing through life
A celebration of a unique cultural history By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
V
eteran dancer Robert Bain has documented his extensive knowledge of the art of dance in the Bahamas in a new book that seeks to educate as well as pay homage to other great dancers. “Profile of Bahamian Dance” is the name of the book which will officially be launched November 17 at the Dance Bahamas School on Nassau Street. Mr Bain, a well-known figure on the Bahamian dance scene with more than 30 years of experience, has taught, trained and developed the artistic skills of dancers who have broken barriers over the years. He began his training at the Vera Allen School of Ballet in Freeport, Grand Bahama, and then continued his education at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, New York. He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA) in Dance Education from the New York City College. He has studied and worked with choreographers and teachers such as Karel Shock, Arthur Mitchell, Patricia Wilds, Tanaquil Le Clercq, Billy Wilson, Katherine Dunham, Geoffrey Holder, Cleo Parker-Robinson, Loise Johnson, Walter Rains, and in the Bahamas, Shirley Hall Bass. Mr Bain is renowned for his dance knowledge and teaching skills. He has taught dance at government schools in the Bahamas since the early 1980s, his last post being at CV Bethel Senior High School. He has always remained committed to developing dancers locally and serves as the executive and artistic director of Dance Bahamas where boys and girls begin learning to dance from the age of three. He is also the executive and artistic director of the National Dance Company of the Bahamas, established as a national entity in 1992 to promote dance and especially celebrate and preserve dance reflecting African ancestry. The book is one of the tools Mr Bain is using to promote dance in the Bahamas.
ROBERT Bain celebrates great Bahamian dancers in his new book, “Profile of Bahamian Dance”
THE FIRE dance being performed by Bahamian living in Grant Town “ ‘Profiles of Bahamian Dance’ came about because of my students not being able to find adequate research information on Bahamian dance,” he explained. Mr Bain said the book includes information about indigenous Bahamian dances and individuals who have laboured to make dance a viable art form in the Bahamas. “Bahamian dances seem to be fragmented and need to be in one place. Additionally, since the art form is near and dear to me, I felt that it was important to pay tribute
to persons who have contributed to dance not only locally but internationally,” he said. The book has two distinct sections; the first section is historical, and the second section provides a profile on more than 30 Bahamian dancers. “I’m amazed that Bahamians take aspects of our history lightly. I believe that these artists deserve inclusion into the history of this country like anyone else and their stories and lives should be documented for future generations and celebrated,” he said.
Mr Bain believes every Bahamian should have a copy of this book for their home library and the information contained in it should be taught in schools. There will be a second edition of the book as well as others released in the near future, he said. Bahamians can also learn more about dance and the culture in Mr Bain’s podcast, “Tea and Talk: A Perspective on Bahamian Arts and Culture”, where he talks about his passion and tenacity when it comes to preserving the cultural heritage of the Bahamas. The discussions are “provocative, encouraging, and memorable, with constant advocacy for dance and the arts.” Copies of “Profile of Bahamian Dance” can be purchased at Logo’s Bookstore and at the Dance Bahamas School.
04 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 17, 2023
interview
Hervin Thomas Unlike most of us who solve cases from the comfort of our homes by watching police procedurals or true crime documentaries, this young officer is out there putting in the work and time to investigate often complex cases. He tells Cara Hunt about landing his dream job with the Financial Crimes Unit.
The Tribune | Weekend | 05
Friday, November 17, 2023
H
ervin Thomas has been intrigued with crime scene investigation all his life. It’s an interest that led him to pursue a career in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and most recently, to find his niche in the Financial Crimes Unit. “From the offset I have been intrigued with being on the police force. I loved to watch all the crime investigation shows and I always knew that that was the way that I wanted to help people,” he told Tribune Weekend. “For me, it was always the investigating aspect of being a police officer that I was interested and not just the general day-to-day duties.” Hervin joined the force in 2012 and worked on several Family Islands, as well as was a road cyclist before being stationed at Elizabeth Estates. Two years ago, he was involved in a case where he had to collaborate with officers from the Financial Crimes Unit and it was as if a life-long dream had suddenly come true. “I had to work with the officers in their bigger investigation and they started telling me about all the things that they did in the Financial Crimes Unit and I just knew that there was where I wanted to be,” he said. Fortunately, Hervin was able to request a transfer to the unit in 2021 and has been happily engaged in his new duties ever since. “It was a dream come true, because I had been interested in it for so long,” he said. The Financial Crimes Unit is responsible for investigating financial crimes which usually involve more than $5,000. Hervin explained that additionally they deal with major credit card fraud cases, and cases involving stealing by reason of employment or by reason of service. “We also deal with fraudulent documents such as marriage licences, driver’s licences and passports, and
this
with cases of money laundering and proceeds from crime,” he said. Hervin said that what he loves about his current job is the intense levels of investigation and research that have to be applied to each case. “It is a different level than day-to-day policing. There are a lot of paper trails that have to be recorded and sorted out, and it is a lot of investigative work that is very fascinating and intriguing to me,” he said. And now that Mervin has found his niche in police work, he is excited to delve deeper into the field and increase his knowledge so that he can help advance the force. Last month, he completed a course called Intermediate Anti- Money laundering and Compliance Systems, which was presented by the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services. This course is designed to assist students and/or employees from banking, insurance, securities, credit unions, money lenders, money transfer businesses, law/accounting firms, hospitality, or any place of employment with gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding of anti-money laundering/counterterrorist financing (AML/CTF) requirements under the legislation. Hervin is committed to improving the effectiveness of the force through technologic advancements and he would also like to increase his unit’s crime-solving rate. “I know that a lot of persons would say, ‘Oh, my goal is to be the Commissioner of Police’, but for me I just want to do whatever I can to help enhance investigation techniques and do whatever I can to help move the force forward,” he said. And as we approach the busiest time of the year, Hervin advises the public to remain vigilant when it comes to their money. “The main thing would be to protect your credit card information so that only you know the number. Avoid people swiping your card out of your sight
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when paying for something. Don’t give anyone your personal information if they call you or over e-mail. If you have a concern, then its better than to go into your police branch and speak with someone in person,” he said. Hervin also cautions people to carry out any cash transactions in public spaces and not alone, if possible. He gives similar advice when it comes to protecting your personal identity documents: “You need to keep that information close you. Avoid having images of those documents where they can be seen and used by unscrupulous persons.”
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‘The man in the iron mask’
06 | The Tribune | Weekend
A 827 33 B Friday, Good 17; very November good 26; 17, 2023 C 39 23 excellent 34 (or more). D Solution next Saturday. ACROSS E 29 31T 1 Fizzy drink (8) 1 2 3 4 5 TARGET F 36 LAST SATURDAY’S 6 News piece (4) G 13 11 ● The SOLUTION CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid 8 Occurrence (5) Extra letter Target 6 7 8 9 10 number centrepresents enticea letter – or black square. H0907 181 2 uses 11 Source (6) As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet words in I(Deduct 4 three3min EXISTENCE 12 Oak or elm, for the main is used. But you have to incest complete the grid too! each extra clue lett 11 J body of insetandnest next below Useinsect the given letters black squares Full solutio example (4) Chambers K0907 thenice grid to start. The grid is ‘rotationally 9 181 352 nicest niece 14 Hair product (3)21st Century symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the *Calls 80p per m 12 13 14 Lyourcost scene scent seen 15 Slumber (5) Dictionary same telephone co if you turn the page upside down. M network 28 access 6 c seinetomorrow sent since sine Solution 16 Harangue (3) (1999 edition) 15 N sixteen stein teen 17 Turn quickly (4) A 13 25 2 30 4 19 40 36 21 O 30 5 tense tine 33 239 19 Kitchen gadget (6) B HOW many words of four letters or 16 17 18 C 37 8 33 23 2 15 31 26 2 P 6 18 2 (5) the letters more 20 can Clamour you make from D Q 31 39 shown21 here? Glass containers (4) E 11 30 6 2 34 37 5 17 40 17 29 30 In making a word, each letter may be 19 R 22 Pupils (8)must contain F used once only. Each the centre letter and there must be at G 33 34 40 21 31 17 34 38 7 S 25 34 30 1626 least one nine-letter word. No plurals. H 20 21 T DOWN Verb forms ending in S permitted. I 36 30 14 2 23 26 27 39 22 36 15 33 U 32 35 1 TODAY’S Using one’s ears (9) J TARGET 22 Good215; Simple very good(4) 23; excellent 30 K 30 21 29 32 10 11 22 19 1 V 17 31 7 (or more). Solution tomorrow W 31 4 3 Decent leg (anag.) (9) ML 26 19 5 3 17 2 28 12 30 34 24 1 4 Lair (3)181 2585 X Call 0907 N For today’s solution call: 0907 181 2583 for Target solution (9) O 39 2 30 17 21 5 15 7 37 Y 30 Lack of movement *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. 5 today’s 38 22 3927 *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone P 7company’s Whirlwind (7) network access charge. Z Q 7 24 10 18 15 14 5 25 29 26 7 30 LAST SATURDAY’S SOLUTION 9 Grape plants (5) R Call 0907 181 2586 for ACROSS 1 Officers, 6 Twin, 8 Heard, 11 Inform, S 25today’s 12 Else, 14 Tar, 15 Close, 16 Wed, 17 Eyes, 19 Leader, 2 35Target 13 31 30 31 2 26 37 10 34 10 More impoverished (7) solution BATTLESHIPS 1 2 3 4 26 Strange to get second chances (4) 27 Second fool first to get a book (9)
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Friday, November 17, 2023
The Tribune | Weekend | 07
Jem’s jewels
Jem’s jewels F By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
ixing a too-big necklace gifted to her by a friend set stage for Jem Rolle becoming a jewellery designer in her own right. Readjusting that first necklace, with thought of “I can fix this” in her mind, eventually Jem to not only resizing the piece but also adding an extra bit of flair to the original design. “I ended up making a few more choker necklaces of all different designs that just came to my mind. I really loved making them and seeing their beauty. I took them to work and showed the ladies, and they loved them. A few of them placed some orders and wanted me to make bracelets too. So I started like that and I just enjoyed doing it,” said Jem. As she began making what she calls “simple jewellery”, she also challenged herself to come up with more fancy options. “I saw how easy it came to me. One of my friends encouraged me to share them on social media, so I did, and the support was mind-blowing. I then made it into my own small business,” she told Tribune Weekend. Her “Jewels By Jem” brand began taking off. But jewellery wasn’t her first creative venture. As a young girl she used to make clothes for her dolls, which then evolved into making decorations for her school bag, then later for her desk at work, for her car and her home. But she always loved for jewellery and it was important to her that her jewellery boxes were mostly handmade. “I have a love for most handmade jewellery. I could tell if someone put a lot of love in making something and I admire that the most. I myself make jewellery with a lot of love and I make sure everything is on point or I’m doing it over,” she said. Today, Jem makes earrings, stainless steel necklaces, beaded necklaces and bracelets, rope necklaces, hand chains, anklets, and waist chains. She is also a writer and also includes poems, book marks, wallet cards, and cards called ‘Prayer Jems’ among her merchandise. “Customers love my drop earrings, stainless steel necklaces and anklets. The wooden-look pieces are a favourite too. Also, the beaded necklaces for men are growing popular. Sometimes a customer shows me exactly what they want and I would deliver that,” she said. “Others will just show me an outfit and I would think of a design best suited for that outfit. And this one is my favourite, when I put supplies in front of me and just start beading. I would look at it as I go and decide what to do next. The end product always surprises me and is so unique and beautiful. I always ask the Lord to give me new ideas as I get ready to make new pieces.”
“Customers love my drop earrings, stainless steel necklaces and anklets. The wooden-look pieces are a favourite too. Also, the beaded necklaces for men are growing popular. Sometimes a customer shows me exactly what they want and I would deliver that,” Jem is currently working on her upcoming Christmas pieces and is hopeful that customers will continue to reach out and support her small business.
10 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 17, 2023
gardening
Let us harvest G ood day, gardeners. This week I got lucky. Lucky enough that I was picking fresh, soft, tender lettuce, mesclun and arugula greens for a salad to trump all salads of the thousands of years before it.
The best evah! World famous! While a tad early to pick from that particular garden, it reminded me that I need to get some lettuce seeds in the ground or in pots for some salad greens to grow for eating. Typically, lettuce and baby greens are ready to pick in less than a handful of weeks after sprouting. Depending upon the particular seed mix being used or upon the varying micro climate conditions, amongst other factors, the seeds of lettuce mixes can take anywhere from three or five days, to two weeks or so to sprout. For me in my own garden, I find that they can be used as soon as there are three or more true leaves on the seedlings. When at this early stage, I selectively pick off one or two leaves of a few of them. It wont take long to get a bowl full of salad greens, and if growing enough, this can be done on a daily basis. When seeding lettuce mixes, it can help to thin the seedlings out some after they’ve sprouted. By thinning, it gives a bit more space for neighbouring seedlings to develop into stronger and more productive plants for a quick harvest. I have known myself to be impatient at times over the years of growing green salad mixes though. The salad that I had this week, the leaves were almost as soft as a tissue paper, and they very quickly deteriorate when at that very young stage, once any dressings are added. Baby greens are best when served immediately, for an incredibly soft, healthy, and delicious greens mix. When used shortly after picking, the nutrient and water content in the leaf is at its highest point, and this will only lessen with time. The sooner they’re used after picking, the better.
Over 90 percent of a baby lettuce leaf is water, and so, eating fresh green salads will contribute positively to human hydration, this is good. Apparently many lettuce varieties are high in the vitamins A and K, with small amounts of vitamin C as well, that is good. What I do know for certain is that when I consume tender greens, I can feel the positive effects that by eating baby greens instead of mature lettuce leaf, it has on the body. I feel good when eating baby greens and lettuce or other greens that are eaten at the baby stage. They all seem much livelier and active, more alive when eaten small. Many seed marketers will recommend 6-8 hours of direct sun for growing, but I have better results when I grow in a bit more shade, especially for use as baby greens. At our latitudes, I have had the best results when growing under a 30
percent shade, with very little, if any, direct sunlight. Lettuce and greens mixes can be seeded straight to garden beds or garden containers. They can be grown in trays and transplanted but it’s best to seed straight to the growing area for the fastest, most tender greens. While they enjoy and prefer a relatively moist growing medium, whether garden soil or soilless planting mixtures, they can be prone to fungus or leaf rot if overwatered. When the seedlings have not been thinned out, any wet leaves can stick together and very quickly develop rot which has the potential to spread
very quickly through the batch or crop, especially at the early growing stages. Fertilize lightly and don’t allow them to dry out. Growing fresh salad greens is easy and does not require an abundance of space to be grown in. Once you get some growing, it is on time to say, let us harvest! As always, I wish you happy gardening. UÊ `> Ê À > Ê ÃÊ Ì iÊ ÕÀÃiÀÞÊ > >}iÀÊ>ÌÊ ÝÊ Ê ÕÀÃiÀÞÊ Ê iÀ >À`Ê, >`°Ê9 ÕÊV> Ê V Ì>VÌÊ ÊÜ Ì Ê> ÞÊ µÕiÃÌ ÃÊÞ ÕÊ >ÞÊ >Ûi]Ê ÀÊÌ « VÃÊÞ ÕÊÜ Õ `Ê iÊÌ ÊÃiiÊ` ÃVÕÃÃi`]Ê>ÌÊ }>À`i }Ó{ÓJ} > ° V °
The Tribune | Weekend | 11
Friday, November 17, 2023
community
Celebrate the earth’s bounty at Eleuthera Agro-Industrial festival By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
T
he highly anticipated Eleuthera Agro-industrial Festival is returns this weekend to Bayfront Park in Governor’s Harbour,
Eleuthera. Under the theme “Farm, Fresh, Fun,” the two-day event which starts today will highlight fresh produce, handcrafts, live entertainment, education exhibits and livestock displays. The event is being hosted by the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) and powered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources. Viola Smith-Mackey, BAIC executive assistant, said the main attractions of the festival are related to the agricultural, industrial and cultural industries. She said through the event, the organisations aim to promote the livelihoods of farmers, for example, high-quality crops, livestock, industrial and technological equipment. The festival also aims to support local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture and industrial sectors. It seeks to showcase creative and innovative businesses within those sectors, as well as provide exposure for creative entrepreneurs within the orange economy. “This event is a re-vamp of an Agricultural Expo that was a staple in Eleuthera a few years ago. It is safe to say that not only are the locals excited about the event, but students from North, South and Central Eleuthera are eager to attend the event as well,” said Viola. “I am looking forward to the festival stimulating economic growth in the community of Governor’s Harbour. I believe that as a staple event, the festival will have a significant economic impact on local businesses, boost tourism, increase the sale of goods and services, and create job opportunities related to the organisation of the festival.” She said for those who not aware, an agro-industrial festival is a fun-filled event where you cannot only nurture your curiosity and be
intrigued by human ingenuity, but also see the fruits of real labour. The event is a celebration of the diversity and endless possibilities that nature provides. “Patrons can hear industry stakeholders share the stories behind their product offerings, thus turning each transaction into a narrative of connection. The event is not merely a gathering but a kaleidoscope of culture, technology and the earth’s bounty. One can expect to hear laughter and witness camaraderie as persons of all ages partake in the festival activities,” said Viola. Visitors of the event will be offered an engaging experience with livestock and horticultural exhibits, shopping, live entertainment, educational venues, cuisine, and creative arts. “BAIC’s Fish and Farm stores along with local farmers and artisans will have fresh produce, unique hand-made items, and various farming products for sale,” Viola. “BAIC’s Food Processing Department and Octis Organics will demonstrate the process of creating value-added products. Attendees can network with local entrepreneurs and other stakeholders with innovative business and learn about technological trends within the industry.” There will be diverse lineup of food and beverage vendors and several fun activities for kids of all ages. The entertainment lineup consists of local DJs, performers, bands, and Junkanoo show groups from Eleuthera. with headliner performances from FanShawn and Geno D. By promoting the agricultural and industrial sectors, Viola the festival is essentially nurturing the roots and branches of a sturdy tree, as agriculture serves as a vital foundation, providing sustenance and raw materials. “Those that attend the festival will not only be able to personally interact with stakeholders within the industry but also have a better understanding of how these
industries relate to food security, economic growth, diversification of economy, employment opportunities, technological advancement, infrastructure development, trade balance, and quality of life,” said Viola. “In essence, promoting the agricultural and industrial sectors is like
creating a harmonious symphony where each instrument plays a crucial role in the overall composition of a prosperous and sustainable nation.” And the influx of tourists to events like this, she added, not only boosts the local economy, but also promotes the destination as a cultural hub.
12 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, November 17, 2023
Literary lives - Paul Robeson (1898 –1976)
A voice of the people PART ONE Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the American bass-baritone concert artist, stage and film actor, professional football player, and activist who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.
Robeson finished university with four oratorical triumphs and varsity letters in multiple sports. His play at “end” won him first team All-American selection, in both his junior and senior years. His classmates recognised him by electing him class valedictorian. At Rutgers Robeson also gained a reputation for his singing, having a deep rich voice. Robeson entered New York University School of Law in 1919. However, he felt uncomfortable at NYU and moved to Harlem and transferred to Columbia Law School in February 1920.
“Every artist, every scientist, every writer must decide now where he stands. The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative.”
Robeson began dating Eslanda “Essie” Goode and made his theatre debut as Simon in Ridgely Torrance’s Simon of Cyrene. They married in August 1921.
- Paul Robeson Paul Robeson was born on April 9, 1898, in Princeton, New Jersey, to Reverend William Drew Robeson and Maria Louisa Bustill.
Robeson played for the NFL’s Akron Pros while still studying. He sang in the off-Broadway productions of Shuffle Along before joining Taboo in Britain. He ended his football career after the 1922 season, and graduated from Columbia Law School in 1923.
His mother, Maria, was a member of a prominent Quaker family of mixed ancestry. His father, William, of Igbo origin, was born into slavery. He escaped from a plantation in his teens, and eventually became the minister of Princeton’s Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church.
Robeson worked briefly as a lawyer but he renounced a career in law because of racism. His wife supported them financially. She was the head histological chemist in Surgical Pathology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She continued to work there until 1925.
In 1900, a disagreement with white financial supporters of the Witherspoon church caused him to resign, forcing him to work menial jobs. When Robeson was six years old, his mother, who was nearly blind, died in a house fire. William eventually found a stable parsonage at the St Thomas A.M.E. Zion in 1910. Robeson attended Somerville High School in New Jersey, where he performed in Julius Caesar and Othello, sang in the chorus, and excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track. He won a statewide academic contest for a scholarship to Rutgers College and was named class valedictorian. “My father was a slave and my people died to build this country and I am going to stay here and have a part of it just like you. - Paul Robeson In late 1915, Robeson became the third African-American student ever enrolled at Rutgers College, and the only one at the time. He tried out for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team and succeeded, despite having a broken nose and a dislocated shoulder. He joined the debating team, and sang off-campus for spending money, and on campus with the Glee Club.
In December 1924, he landed the lead of Jim in Eugene O’Neill’s All God’s Chillun Got Wings, which culminated with Jim metaphorically consummating his marriage with his white wife.
PAUL Robeson and his wife Eslanda, an anthropologist, author, actress, and civil rights activist, aboard the SS Majestic, 1935.jpeg As a sophomore he was benched when a Southern football team, Washington and Lee University, refused to take the field because Rutgers had fielded a Negro – Robeson. After a standout junior year of football, he was recognised for his athletic, academic, and singing talents. During this time his father died, and Robeson expounded on the incongruity of African-Americans fighting to protect America in World War I but not having the same opportunities in the United States as whites.
The opening of the play was postponed due to national controversy over the plot. This delay led to the revival of The Emperor Jones, with Robeson as Brutus. Robeson answered critics of Chillun by stating that the true meaning of a culture is in its artistic contributions, and that the only true American culture was African-American. The success of Robeson’s acting placed him in elite social circles and an ascent to fame. His wife quit her job and became his agent, and negotiated his first movie role Body and Soul (1925) - a silent race film. He also performed his repertoire of spirituals on the radio. Lawrence Brown, a pianist, together with Robeson, ad-libbed African-American folk songs and spirituals, and signed a contract with Victor Records in September 1925. They travelled to London for a revival of Emperor Jones, and
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was named by American Motion Pictures as the tenth most popular star in British Cinema. In 1935, Robeson met Albert Einstein backstage at the McCarter Theatre. The two discovered that they had a mutual passion for music, and shared a hatred of fascism. The friendship between Robeson and Einstein lasted twenty years. Robeson believed that the struggle against fascism during the Spanish Civil War was a turning point in his life and transformed him into a political activist. In 1937, he used his concert performances to advocate the Republican cause and the war refugees.
performed a series of concerts in America from January 1926 to December 1927.
then refused offers to perform in central Europe – but not Russia.
He modified the words of “Ol’ Man River” by singing the word “darkies” instead of “niggers”, and later replaced the fatalistic last verse from “Ah gits weary/An’ sick of tryin’/Ah’m tired of livin’/An’ skeered of dyin’” to an uplifting verse of his own (“But I keep laffin’/Instead of cryin’/I must keep fightin’/Until I’m dyin’”).His business agent warned him about his political involvement, but Robeson overruled him.
During a hiatus in New York Essie became pregnant and in November 1927 Paul Robeson Jr was born.
In early 1924, Robeson enrolled in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). He studied phonetics and Swahili and stated
“The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I have no alternative.”
In 1928, Robeson played “Joe” in the London production of Show Boat at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His rendition of “Ol’ Man River” became the benchmark of future performances of the song.
“I want to be African and embrace my ancestry.” Paul Robeson
ROBESON singing ‘Ol Man River’ in the Showboat movie
He was summoned for a Royal Command Performance at Buckingham Palace. Show Boat continued for 350 performances and the Robesons bought a house in Hampstead, London. However, an incident in the Savoy Grill in which he was refused seating became a matter of public debate. Robeson’s wife Essie learned early in their marriage that Robeson was involved in extramarital affairs, but she tolerated them. The couple appeared in the Swiss film Borderline and then Robeson returned to the Savoy Theatre in London to play Othello opposite Peggy Ashcroft. Mixed reviews noted Robeson’s “highly civilised quality”. After Essie discovered that Robeson was having an affair with Peggy Ashcroft, she filed for divorce and they split up. He was the first black artist to make recordings at EMI Recording Studios (later Abbey Road), and returned to Broadway in the 1933 revival of Show Boat. Robeson and Ashcroft’s relationship ended in 1932 and Robeson and Essie reconciled. In 1933, Robeson returned to the United States to star in Emperor Jones – the first African-American to feature in a starring role. He returned to England and got negative reactions from the press when he publicly criticised African-American rejection of his own culture. He
His friends in the anti-imperialist movement and his association with British socialists led him to visit the Soviet Union. He and Essie travelled there in December 1934 with an invitation from Sergei Eisenstein, the Soviet film director. A stopover in Berlin enlightened Robeson to the racism in Nazi Germany. On arrival in Moscow, in the Soviet Union, he said: “Here I am not a Negro but a human being for the first time in my life … I walk in full human dignity.” He took the role of Bosambo in Sanders of the River (1935), in which he felt would render a realistic view of colonial African culture. The movie made Robeson an international movie star. However the stereotypical portrayal of a colonial African was seen as embarrassing to his stature as an artist and damaging to his reputation. The Commissioner of Nigeria to London protested the film as slanderous to his country, and thereafter Robeson became more politically conscious of his roles. He played Stevedore in the Embassy Theatre in London in May 1935, which was favourably reviewed. In early 1936, he decided to send his son to school in the Soviet Union. He then played Toussaint L’Ouverture in the eponymous play by CLR James at the Westminster Theatre, and followed this by appearing in Song of Freedom and Show Boat in 1936. In 1937, he starred in My Song Goes Forth, King Solomon’s Mines, and Big Fella. In 1938, he
Paul Robeson
He travelled to Spain because he believed in the International Brigade’s cause, and sang to wounded soldiers. In England he hosted Jawahrial Nehru and supported Indian independence. He appeared in the pro-labor play Plant in the Sun while playing an Irishman – his first “white” role. Working for the Council on African Affairs (CAA) Robeson became an advocate for African nationalism and political independence. Robeson’s last British film was The Proud Valley (1940) set in a Welsh coal-mining town. After the outbreak of World War II Robeson and his family returned to Enfield, Connecticut and became America’s “No.1 entertainer”, with a broadcast of Ballad for Americans. Nevertheless, during a tour in 1940, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was the only hotel willing to accommodate him due to his race – at an exorbitant rate provided he registered under an assumed name. However, he sat in the lobby every afternoon for two hours where he was widely recognised. Robeson narrated the 1942 documentary Native Land, labelled by the FBI as “Communist Propaganda”. After an appearance in Tales of Manhattan (1942) he announced that he would no longer act in films because of the demeaning roles available to Blacks. UÊ- ÀÊ À ÃÌ « iÀÊ" `>>Ì iÊ ÃÊÌ iÊ>ÕÌ ÀÊ vÊ / iÊ >ÃÌÊ > °ÊÊ iÊ>V Ü i`}iÃÊÌ >ÌÊ iÊ >ÃÊ µÕ Ìi`Ê LiÀ> ÞÊvÀ Ê7 «i` >°
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entertainment
What to stream this week: Dolly Parton rocks out, ‘The Crown’ returns, ‘Rustin’ creates a march By The Associated Press
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM
Shaw in the 1950s and Kurt steps in as the character in present day. The live-action series takes place in world where Godzilla, King Kong and other monsters are real, and a secret multi-government agency known as Monarch tracks and studies them. In the series, Monarch becomes threatened by Shaw’s monster knowledge. “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” premieres today on Apple TV+.
— A powerhouse performance by Colman Domingo fuels the Netflix drama “Rustin,” streaming today, about the civil rights pioneer and March on Washington architect Bayard Rustin. The film, directed by George C Wolfe, chronicles the run-up to the indelible 1963 march where Rev Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. “Rustin,” the first narrative feature from Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground, is a portrait of grassroots activism and of the often under-sung Rustin, an openly gay man combating injustice on numerous fronts.
— An eight-episode anime series inspired by the 2010 movie “Scott Pilgrim vs the World” is now Netflix.
— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle
NEW SERIES TO STREAM
NEW MUSIC TO STREAM
— Season 21 of “NCIS” is delayed due to the actors’ strike but fans can get their fix with the franchise’s first international spin-off, “NCIS: Sydney.” Debuting this week on CBS, the series follows a task force of US and Australian law enforcement investigating naval crimes in waters connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans known as Indo Pacific. Episodes will also stream on Paramount+.
— Last year, Dolly Parton politely asked to be removed from consideration for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. She thought that as a country musician, not a rock ‘n’ roll one, she didn’t deserve the honor. Of course, her musical legacy is undeniable, and they brought her in anyway. The move inspired “Rockstar,” her first release in the rock genre. Today, it is 30-tracks of star-studded covers, from “Let It Be” with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to “What’s Up?” with Linda Perry and Lizzo lending her flute-chops to “Stairway to Heaven.” There are also nine originals, written across the last few decades.
— Twenty years ago, a mall goth battle cry rung out across the world: “Bring Me to Life,” the lead single from nu-metal alt-rock band Evanescence’s debut album “Fallen” connected with an apathetic audience searching for dooming catharsis – frontwoman Amy Lee’s airy soprano challenged traditional images of the genre. Then, of course,
were the other Myspace-ready records on “Fallen”: “My Immortal,” “Everybody’s Fool,” and “Going Under.” Now, two decades removed, “Fallen” is getting a remastered release — and it sounds as immediate as ever. — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
— The first half of the sixth and final season of “The Crown” has returned to Netflix. The episodes begin with Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) connecting with Dodi Fayad as Dominic West’s Prince Charles seeks the Queen’s (Imelda Staunton) blessing of his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. — Kurt and Wyatt Russell star in the new MonsterVerse series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” but the real-life father and son don’t have scenes together. That’s because they play the same character at different ages. Wyatt plays army officer Lee
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off ” features the voices of the film cast including Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Brie Larson and Anna Kendrick. — Alicia Rancilio
NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
— Atlus’ Persona 5 dazzled roleplaying game fans back in 2016, and its characters are so beloved that they’ve branched out into three spinoffs. In the latest, Persona 5 Tactica, Joker, Morgana and the rest of the Phantom Thieves are summoned to an oppressive dystopia and tasked with leading an “emotional revolution.” As usual, our teenage heroes can fight with standard weaponry like swords and firearms — or they can conjure up mythical beasts to get the job done more quickly. Tactica takes P5’s flashy animation and puts it in colorful, 3D battle arenas, and it looks quite a bit more challenging than the flagship’s dancing spinoff. While we’re all waiting for Persona 6, it’s still nice to see the gang reunite, starting today on Xbox X/S/One, PlayStation 5/4, Nintendo Switch and PC.
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animals Animal matters Kim Aranha
S
o many of you are becoming interested and gradually involved in the many different ways that you can be part of this amazing endevour we call Operation Potcake ’24. I thought I should take the time to give you an overview as to where we stand, who has stepped up to assist, and to those of you who have not yet done so, provide you with enough information that you just might decide to become a supporter yourself, you or your business. Let me start by pointing out that Operation Potcake is not just for the animals, there are many benefits to the humans of this nation and to the country itself. Let’s take a tourist’s perception of the Bahamas. How do you think a tourist feels when they come to our country, and particularly if you happen to be a cruise ship passenger. You walk to what is now called Junkanoo Beach, Long Wharf in the older days. The jumble of hair braiding, beachside massages, jet ski operators, daiquiri bars, Bahama Mamas and conch fritters (filled with no conch and tons of dough), and in the middle of this thriving humanity squeezed between the sea and Bay Street, lurking in the shade, are a whole lot of potcakes who have found their way to where garbage is most prolific in the evenings. Most of these dogs are doing pretty well. They are fed all the wrong foods, but potcakes appear to be able to cope with that. But (there is always a “but” in all of these stories) what about the ones who are not doing so well? The pregnant
(PHOTO BY JUDY YOUNG)
Operation Potcake ’24 update – Become part of the solution!
PET OF THE WEEK
mother struggling to feed her puppies; thin and hungry. The mangy case who needs skin care, the dog who is the smallest and doesn’t get enough food? What do you think the tourist feels about those poor needy animals? The way we are perceived to care for our animals effects the impression these visitors have of all of us. No tourist wants to see a starving, hungry, suffering animal on our street corners. It gives them a miserable feeling and they go away with a very poor opinion of us and our country. Operation Potcake is the only humane and effective way to reduce the population of dogs and cats on our island. It is there to help the animals but to help the humans too. Many generous corporations have already jumped on board to help us in so many ways. Atlantis, Towne Hotel and Breezes are providing accommodation for our visiting volunteers. Other contributing corporations include Bahamas Welding and Fire, Bahamas Waste,
Isn’t she Lovely? By The Bahamas Humane Society Have you been in search of a loving, lovely companion? Then look no further! Lovely is currently at the Bahamas Humane Society, seeking a family of her own. This five year old lab mix (maybe?) has a very outgoing, mellow personality, and enjoys going for the Wednesday and Saturday walks. She was a fabulous mother to her pups but is happy that part of her life is over. Lovely is a good with other dogs, not so much with cats.
Baha Mar, Insurance Management, Aristo Foundation, the Paint Place, Starbucks, PVP, Nassau Tile, NUA, Ports International, Palmdale Veterinary Hospital, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Bahamas, Ministry of Tourism; and every day the list grows. We are still looking for help. The assistance we need is diverse. There are so many different ways to help this amazing project. A cheque can be applied to any number of necessities, but it does not have to be money. We will be looking for help preparing (very specific) meals for our volunteers that can be eaten on the go in the clinics whilst they work, and of course many of them are vegetarians. There is still lots of vacancies for assistance with airport pick-ups and drop-offs. A sunny welcome to the Bahamas when they arrive full of enthusiasm would be a lasting memory for these “angels” flying down to the Bahamas at their own expense to assist us get a handle on our population explosion of dogs
Do you need Lovely in your life? Then come to the BHS to meet her or call 325-6742 for more information. Lovely looks forward to meeting you. • Did you know? The Bahamas Humane Society has a thrift shop! It’s right next to the main shelter and sells gently used items. All funds raised go to the BHS. Donations welcome! The shop is open Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 3pm, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
and cats. We still need some specialty items that hardware shops, medical suppliers and pharmacies would be able to supply. Something that we need lots and lots of are newspapers to line cages and towels for the recovery area (they can be old, even torn or stains). There is no such thing as too much newspaper or towels. If everybody reading this could go through their linen closet and beach towels, I bet you could make a difference without even trying. If you are inspired by this article to step up and meet the OP ’24 challenge so that you can be counted amongst the many who are vowing to help us to make a difference, please email us at: operationpotcake242@gmail.com. Let us know how you can help, what you could supply. Newspapers and towels can simply be dropped off at the Bahamas Humane Shelter in Chippingham, clearly marked please that they are for OP ’24. Of course, if you live in an area that you know has a pack of fertile roaming potcakes, please let us know so that we can put that location on our list. It will not rid you of those dogs, but the pack will not grow any bigger and they will congregate less because there will be no females on heat to attract the males. Now is the time. Step up and become part of the solution!
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music
The Bahamas’ Wendi joins forces with Bajan soca star for new remix By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
B
AHAMIAN songbird Wendi has joined forces with popular Bajan artist and TikTok trending singer DJ Cheem on the remix of her single “Slippery”, making it a must-listen sexy soca tune. The “Slippery” remix will be the fifth single off DJ Cheem’s “Unboxed” soca and Bashment album. Cheem hails from the island of Barbados and his breakout hit ‘Ba Ba Ben’ has over 100 million streams and was a trending tune on TikTok. “Slippery” was officially released on January 13 this year as part of of Wendi’s first full-length album. She was happy for a unique voice to add even more flavour to the tune. “Cheem and I connected few months ago and we hit it off big time. We knew that meant we had to do a song together, and he loved ‘Slippery;. He hopped on the song and I also hopped on one of his remixes of ‘Ba Ba Ben’,” Wendi told Tribune Weekend. The song features Cheem on the second verse giving a response to Wendi. “Cheem’s Barbados Bashment style really gives the song a new flavour. I am very excited for the song to be exposed to Cheem’s very large audience and also for the industry to experience this Bahamas x Barbados connection,” said Wendi. Not to mention, the video for the song, which is being released today, is equally as fun. “The music video for ‘Slippery’ is thanks to the SBDC Creatives Grant and the Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture Grant,” the singer said. Wendi once again teamed up with Jiggy Productions to produce a “positively infectious visual accompaniment” to the remix track. The song was produced by Freddie ‘Gotsykz’ Seymour, written by Anwar McDonald, Wendi and Tacheem Bovel. “A huge shoutout to the Jiggy Productions team who I have been working with for a few years now. We have been doing some amazing things in the pushing the envelope of pairing visual and motion picture art with Bahamian music,” she said. Wendi is the Bahamas’ top female recording artist. Her entrance onto the Bahamas’ music scene began at the tender age of four and her reintroduction was born out of a need for fresh new artistry and innovation. Wendi strives to represent female empowerment, sex appeal, powerhouse vocals, strength, and has been trailblazer in the Bahamas, putting on dynamic live performances throughout the country and the region.