Friday, December 8, 2023
Weekend
fashion interview art gardening history holidays puzzles animals
Things that flew Pages 10+11
A beacon of hope Abaco’s historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse restored pgs 08 +09
02 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 8, 2023
holidays
Spreading Christmas cheer the oldfashioned way By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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local designer hopes that her customised greeting cards will help clients rediscover the joy of holiday card giving. Iesha Whylly is the owner of Collective Events, a new company which specialises in providing charcuterie boards, event stationary, cupcake toppers and gift and wine bottle tags. Now, she has expanded the business to include greeting cards just in time for the holidays. Iesha told Tribune Weekend the specially handmade greeting cards are a perfect token
of appreciation and way to express holiday wishes for everyone on your shopping list. “I know that a lot of people lean toward electronic greetings or even just generic ones that are purchased in stores, but there is something just so personal about receiving a card that was made just for you and knowing that the person who gave it to you, put so much thought into making it perfect for you. It is really like giving a little gift that can last forever,” she said. “Each of these cards are personalised for the recipient, which means that they can be customised to focus on their hobbies and interests, or their career choice or even a company logo.” Iesha said her cards take about half an hour each to create, depending on how much detail her client wants to include.
Did you know? The first known Christmas card was sent by a German physician, Michael Maier, who was also counsellor to Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. He sent the card to James I of England and his son Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales in 1611. It was discovered in 1979 by Adam McLean in the Scottish Record Office. The card was hand-made and incorporated Rosicrucian imagery, with the words laid out to form a rose. It said: “A greeting on the birthday of the Sacred King, to the most
“I started my business in October and originally I was doing charcuterie themed boxes ,and I like to be extra, and so I would use my Cricut machine to make cupcake toppers for the charcuterie boards, just a little something more for my customers. Then, I started doing other customised items for events such as table numbers and event stationary,” she said. The business further took off when Iesha partnered with her brother, who has his own company that sells eternity flowers (flowers which are specially preserved so that they last much longer than usual). “And so I would do the little cards to go along with the flowers, and then it just expanded to me doing birthday cards, thank you cards or sympathy cards, and now of course, Christmas cards,” she said.
worshipful and energetic lord and most eminent James, King of Great Britain and Ireland, and Defender of the true faith, with a gesture of joyful celebration of the Birthday of the Lord, in most joy and fortune, we enter into the new auspicious year 1612.” The first commercially available Christmas card was commissioned in 1843 by British inventor Sir Henry Cole, who had helped introduce the Penny Post three years earlier, and designed by painter John Callcott Horsley. The central picture showed three generations of a family raising a toast to the card’s recipient. On either side were scenes of charity, with food and clothing being given to the poor.
The Tribune | Weekend | 03
Friday, December 8, 2023
holidays
Breakfast with the Grinch and a meaningful Christmas message By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
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ne local entity is seeking to provide children with holiday fun with its upcoming event that involves having “Breakfast with The Grinch”. The Turning Pages Children’s Book Store and Literacy Centre is hosting the event on December 16 at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. It will be held from 9am to 12pm and geared towards kids between the ages of three and 12. “Breakfast with The Grinch”, organisers said, will be a morning packed with excitement for children to enjoy. Kids will have breakfast and complete a series of holiday craft activities, from snow globes to gingerbread houses, to Grinch science experiments and more. Part proceeds from the event will go towards the Children’s Charity Initiative. There will be themed games, a 360-degree photo booth, face painting, story time, scavenger hunts, karaoke, prizes/surprises, and a special feature with the Grinch. “ ‘Breakfast with The Grinch’ was inspired by my passion for children,” said Allandra Russell, owner of the Literacy Centre. “Providing opportunities for children to simply being with kids and love every moment of it is what I most enjoy. It’s the sort of gift that keeps on giving.” Allandra hopes to help families create lasting memories with her events. “As a society, we all play a role in creating memories, for not just our own children, but others in general. These memories, believe it or not, are what remain with them for a lifetime. This event, like others we’ve hosted, allos us to do just that, and there is no greater feeling,” she said. For the upcoming breakfast event, she said, they went back and forth in regards to a seasonal character who is not only fun and exciting, but could also be used to send a deeper message. “When many think of the Grinch, we think of a mean villain whose only intention was to steal Christmas,” she said. The story selection was also a calculated one; it highlights a theme that children can reflect during this season for the year. “The underlying theme of this story teaches us so much more. We learn that kindness and forgiveness can change one’s life. It teaches that not just because someone is mean to you, you must in turn be mean to others. Most importantly, it teaches that Christmas is really not all about the gifts, decorations, or food, but rather so much more,” she said. Allandra is inviting parents to allow their children to indulge in this event which she will
provide them with a unique encounter right in time for the holidays. “Children should participate because every aspect of this event was curated with them in mind. We know that this is one they will definitely enjoy and we want as many children as we can accommodate to be a part of this fun. Children love fun, friends, and Christmas. This event allows them the opportunity to experience each of these components and more,” she said. Turning Pages is a business which seeks to provide academic services to school-aged students. The company believes in providing students with the necessary resources to reach new chapters by turning the page on their academic performance. “Our original focus was providing literacy services to struggling pupils and students with diagnosed learning disabilities. As time progressed, Turning Pages has evolved into promoting a holistic academic framework that provides tutoring across the core subject areas, as
well as study skills training and academic coaching,” said Allandra. “We also provide seasonal books, and facilitate summer camps and other seasonal activities for kids. Turning Pages was founded on the premise that every child has the ability to succeed once provided with the right tools.” In 2024, they will introducing the Flamingo Children’s Book Club with the aim of sparking a love for reading among school-aged children. “We will also be introducing a range of studentcentered workshops for school-aged children. Let’s just say that there are a lot of interesting and exciting things in the pipeline for our kids to not only enjoy, but also use as growth and development opportunities,” she said. “Breakfast With The Grinch” tickets are $50. For more information, contact 242-544-7505 or turningpages242@gmail.com.
04 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 8, 2023
interview
Rev Clinton Minnis This Baptist preacher and songwriter is determined to make the Bahamas known around the world as the home of gospel ministry. As president of a new local chapter of a US gospel music network, he tells Cara Hunt how he and his team plan to grant local artists better access to global markets.
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ospel music in the Bahamas is about to go global, thanks to a recent partnership with a major American gospel entertainment network. Last weekend, the Californiabased Gospel Industry Network (GIN) hosted a special launch presentation for its new Bahamas chapter at the Providence Baptist Church in Nassau. GIN was established in 2019 to cultivate appreciation and advancement of the contribution of gospel music and the arts to the industry — from the expressive and skilled veterans of the past to the still unimagined creative breakthroughs of ensuing generations of music professionals. Bishop Kenneth Wells, GIN founder and CEO, explained: “This new platform will give unheard voices who work diligently behind the scenes an opportunity to finally be heard. The GIN. membership roster includes radio, television, film, record labels, music executives, songwriters, artists, pastors, business owners, promoters, publicists, bloggers, influencers, print media, business professionals, worship leaders, choir members and directors. New local chapter president Rev Clinton Minnis told Tribune Weekend how excited members are for this opportunity to join the organisation and discussed how important it is to put the Bahamas on the map for the global gospel industry. The Bahamas chapter, he said, was formed with the idea in mind to give local gospel artists access to the US market, which will afford them greater
opportunities, more exposure and subsequent financial success. GIN has presence in 70 American cities and in London, England. He added, “The Ministry of Tourism is in the group business, and ‘heads in beds’ is their mantra. We degree and declare now that the Bahamas will be known and branded globally as the home for gospel ministry. Rev Minnis said this is only fitting, considering our history: Prominent British landholder Captain William Sayle left Bermuda for Eleuthera in 1646 with 70 settlers who were looking for a place where they could worship God freely. “(Christian) practioners like Captain William Sayle and others needed an escape and sought refuge and solace for their spiritual souls in the Bahamas,” he said. Already, Rev Minnis said, the Bahamas chapter of GIN has been invited to host the Gospel Music and Entertainment Summit (GEMS), planned for May 30 - 31, 2024. And he hopes exposure from this event will make more international artists want to visit the country. “From every continent, they want to come home, like tourists, and it’s our job to create our niche and explore our partnerships. We have access not only to artists, but our network has relationships with radio and television station owners, deejays, hosts, film companies, producers, agents, writers, and the wholesale gospel industry market place and technical consultants,” he said. Rev Minnis said they hope this partnership between GIN
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Friday, December 8, 2023
and the Bahamas will also benefit those in the Family Islands. “Beginning in January 2024, our road trips to the Family Islands will begin, to finalise the conversations and make decisions to establish sub- chapters in order to build out our leadership portfolio,” he said. Rev Minnis said they want to ensure no talent is left behind, regardless where they reside. “The goal is to assist in their mission and fundraising activities, thereby facilitating and incentivising that market,” he said. Rev Minnis also explained the partnership has been in the making for some time now. “I was invited to attend several meetings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by a music ministry radio host, cultural curator, prophetic preacher and ministry colleague, Dr Deborah Brown, in late 2018 and early 2019. As a songwriter and executive producer of several music projects, I felt comfortable sitting at the table for
this
the Bahamas,” he said. “The significance of the organisation speaks to the spiritual integrity one needs in life and in doing business for the advancement of the kingdom of God. “Like any small, start-up business, it took five years from deciding, sourcing the needed help and establishing operations; monitoring, evaluating and identifying who, what and when to mobilise for true success.” Rev Minnis admitted that the gospel music industry faces severe challenges and that is why it’s important to create a new culture of collaboration. He said it is not God’s plan for everyone to just work away in their own little corner. “We are living in the Bahamian economy, a market place that calls for organised collaboration, therefore, we are stronger, better wiser and can become more successful if we are together in our Christ-like efforts,” he said.
weekend in history December 8 s )N *EANNETTE 2ANKIN THE lRST WOMAN ELECTED TO THE 53 #ONGRESS CASTS THE SOLE VOTE AGAINST THE 53 DECLARING WAR ON *APAN DURING 7ORLD 7AR )) 3HE HAD ALSO VOTED AGAINST !MERICAN ENTRY INTO 7ORLD 7AR ) NEARLY A QUARTER OF A CENTURY EARLIER s )N "RITISH MUSICIAN AND FORMER "EATLE *OHN ,ENNON IS FATALLY SHOT IN FRONT OF HIS LUXURY APARTMENT BUILDING IN .EW 9ORK #ITY 4HE $AKOTA BY -ARK $AVID #HAPMAN (IS DEATH CAUSED A GLOBAL OUTPOURING OF GRIEF &OR A
MEMBERS of the Bahamas chapter of GIN at the official launch event
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$ECEMBER s )N THE ANIMATED SPECIAL h! #HARLIE "ROWN #HRISTMASv FEATURING CHARACTERS FROM #HARLES 3CHULZ S h0EANUTSv COMIC STRIP lRST AIRS ON !MERICAN 46 )T BECOMES AN INSTANT HOLIDAY CLASSIC
BEREAVED fans hold up a sign of John Lennon in front of The Dakota
s )N "RITISH 0RIME -INISTER *OHN -AJOR ANNOUNCES THE FORMAL SEPARATION OF #HARLES 0RINCE OF 7ALES AND 0RINCESS $IANA -AJOR SAID ROYAL COUPLE WERE SEPARATING hAMICABLY v
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PLUNGED INTO THE FRIGID WATERS OF A SMALL LAKE KILLING SEVEN OF THE EIGHT MEN ABOARD (IS LAST RECORDED SONG h3ITTIN /N 4HE $OCK /F 4HE "AYv IS RELEASED IN ITS hUNlNISHEDv FORM STILL CONTAINING HIS PLACEHOLDER WHISTLED VERSE SEVERAL WEEKS LATER
25 Old lie about banishment (5) 26 Move aside, losing singular notion (4) 27 Sends yell out without finishing (9)
06 | The Tribune | Weekend
Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.
TARGET Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
CN F E I A ENR
L Y S Y E Y R C N Skipper, 22 Adorn, 20 I am, alas,21 returning E E S V X E F G W sausage (6) 23 Antecedent. 26 27 Naive, 2December Tenacity, 23 European Down: wife Friday, is 1inside D 8, E 2023 W K T U I N V ship (5) 3 Writer, 4 Rash, T L B T Z V E I E 5 Hygiene, 6 Propitious, F Y I J X S R M X 9 Transplant, 12 Elongate, W B A P V Z Y U E 14 Unction, 16 Hoarse, D E U Q I P C F D 19 Adopt, 20 Apse.
THE ALPHABEATER
● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)
L J Y V U U R I L E M O E O F F E N R A D X M W N P R
CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid Extra lett number represents a letter – or black square. 0907 18 THE ALPHA AsTARGET in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet (Deduct three each extra clue is used. But you have to complete the grid too! Inspect, Across: W AUTHORITY Use the arty given letters Uniform, Bandanna airy authorand black squares below Full so Though, Caress, hairgrid hairy hart theAUTHORITY grid to start. The is ‘rotationally 0907 Lu 18 Despair, Rerun, hoar hoary houri ithurt symmetrical’ – in hour other words, looks the *Calls cost Nas 80p your telephon ratio ratty rotaupside rout down. (clue). same if you turnriot the page network acc Down: Inhibit, Lade ruth rutty taro tarot tart Solution tomorrow
Osmosis, Exchange thirty thro throat throaty tiro tort tour trait tray Quarts, Wait, Kang Athru 9 trot 34 troth 32 32 11 troy 36 17 Circa, 25 Dummy, 32 39 Sile 7 trio trout B truth tutor tyro your yurt C 15 22 4 13 36 15 28 12 37 34 27 D E 5 3 32 36 37 35 27 20 34 17 12 F G 39 10 14 20 37 38 11 3 11 38 2 H I6 34 8 7 38 39 11 15 8 13 12 J 3 24 18 36 40 23 38 30 K 12 10 4 L 36 34 11 13 7 10 14 20 5 34 M 1 N Yesterday’s 24 7 O 14 25 39 33 30 37 32 34 5 Kakuro Answer P 26 25 7 32 17 19 25 6 4 28 Q 4 R S 21 27 40 10 34 32 38 37 36 25 39 T 36 34 22 U 20 22 14 30 31 30 38 9 V 34 3 1 36 14 26 4 16 7 15 W 5 X Y 17 11 15 14 18 20 15 32 36 37 33 Z
HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in S permitted. TODAY’S TARGET Good 17; very good 25; excellent 33 (or more). Solution tomorrow
Call 0907 181 2585 Yesterday’s
for today’s Target solution
*Calls cost Answer 80p per minute plus your telephone Sudoku company’s network access charge.
BATTLESHIPS CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Enid is upset internally (6) 4 Don perhaps has well to drain off (8) 9 Judged me in what was done (6) 10 Wells included with writers in this case (8) 12 Get together about the morning paper (4) 13 Poet gives agreement about a time (5) 14 Woman in evening dress that’s figure-revealing (4) 17 It doesn’t become a grownup (12) 20 A craft school for youngsters (8,4) 23 Herb’s sure about foreign ways and is sorry (4) 24 New brain child (5) 25 He’s amongst the richest men in the land (4) 28 Conditional statement? (8) 29 Father leads a dog back in the building (6) 30 Not a mind prepared to be masterful (8) 31 A number try out the French shrub (6)
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Yesterday’s Easy Solution
Down 1 The sort of speech that Across: 1 Mummy, 4 Faberge, 8 Tan, 9 Alabaster, 10 Staunch, gets reported (8) 11 Undue, 13 Equity, 15 Canvas, 2 Basic story may be 18 Suede, 19 Andante, 21 Objet d’art, 23 Oak, 24 Tempera, expressed in a score (8) 25 Outer. 3 They are timid yet pipe up Down: 1 Matisse, 2 Miniature, 3 Yearn, 4 Flashy, 5 Bravura, (4) 6 Rut, 7 Eyrie, 12 Davenport, 5 An American can (12) 14 Theatre, 16 Speaker, 6 May be sent home (4) 17 Banana, 18 Short, 20 Ditto, 22 Jam. 7 Slow movement gets a soldier in trouble (6) 8 Execute rabbits and birds (6) 11 Drops from hard work (12) Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution 15 Decorate a pole up north Across: 1 Suede, 4 Fitting, (5) 8 Eat, 9 Ambulance, 10 Trestle, 11 Ashen, 13 Prompt, 16 Practice gives us time (5) 15 Slight, 18 Riser, 19 Earshot, 18 Our haste ruined the 21 Collapsed, 23 Err, 24 Estonia, distribution (5-3) 25 Eased. Down: 1 Swept up, 2 Entre nous, 19 Wise step in the present 3 Exact, 4 Fibres, 5 Tell all, 6 Ian, era (5,3) 7 Glean, 12 High heels, 14 Pertain, 21 Conducted an examination 16 Tutored, 17 Persia, 18 Ruche, 20 Ridge, 22 Lot. in favour of retirement? (6) 22 Blamed for an uproar (6) 26 Check soundness of the rule (4) 27 Gladys is a woman of refinement at heart (4) Down Across 1 Marine painting 1 Induce to commit (8) perjury (6) 6 7 8 2 New York 4 In addition to theatreland (8) (2,4,2) 3 Discourteous (4) 9 In conflict (2,4) 5 Retiring (4-8) 10 Outrageous (8) 6 Irritably nervous 12 System of (4) principles (4) 14 7 Idler (6) 13 Expand (5) 16 8 Establish 14 Apprise (4) residence (6) 17 Take foolish risks 11 Be the deciding (4,4,4) 18 19 factor (3,3,6) 20 Fall heavily (4,1,7) 15 To faint (5) 23 Deceive (4) 16 Tolerate (5) 24 Subdivision of a 18 Intermittent (8) play (5) 19 Careful 25 A grating (4) 25 forethought (8) 28 Every year (8) 27 21 Concern (6) 29 Saturated (6) 22 Captain Bligh’s 30 Supporter of ship (6) monarchy (8) 26 Become 31 An overworked uninteresting (4) phrase (6) 27 Frustrate (4)
EASY PUZZLE
FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off. Solution tomorrow
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● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your mobi text DXBEAT to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your usual opera
KEIJO 1 2 1 1 x Battleship
3 x Destroyer
2 x Cruiser
4 x Submarine
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Place t the g four numbe differe appear and
So tom
The Tribune | Weekend |07
Friday, December 8, 2023
fashion
Eye-popping designs for your nails By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
C
aryl Gardiner wants to become one of the best nail artists in the Bahamas and beyond, and she knows she can’t achieve this goal with run-of-themill nail art; she knows she needs to offer something unique, something eye-catching, and maybe even outrageous. And the BTVI graduate is doing just that with her Ridiculous Pop nail art brand. “After graduating high school, I knew I wanted to do something along those lines so I chose to study cosmetology at BTVI. While doing cosmetology, I found that I liked doing nails more than anything else,” she told Tribune Weekend. “During the pandemic, in 2021, I discovered my skill for art, specifically painting and drawing. I then decided to start drawing on my nails as if they were my personal canvas.” Caryl believes choosing to become a nail artist was one of the best decisions she has ever made, because now she gets to wake up every day and do what she loves. “The thing I love most about being a nail artist is that I get to bring my clients’ dream nails to life, whether it’s nails for their wedding, vacation, special events, or just a regular day,” she said. Caryl started her nail art journey by drawing cartoon designs, before moving on to caricatures. “Now, I am currently on my journey of doing portraits and realistic drawings on nails as well,” she said. “Going from drawing on canvases to drawing on nails was a bit difficult at first because of size difference. Drawing on nails requires the same amount of details on a small surface, however, I became efficient at it over time and with more practice.” Another unique idea she had is to sculpt nail charms from clay. She also loves creating aquarium nails (nails with liquid inside them to give off a floating effect.) “I love designs that are elaborate and eye-catching. When I look at nail artists like Nailz by Dev, Nailsbytuhbarbie and Vivxue, I am truly inspired. Seeing where they started, where they are now, and how they
NAIL art designer Caryl
Gardiner
are still progressing and growing every day encourages me to keep going and persevere even when times get tough,” she said of her biggest inspirations in the international world of nail art. “My BTVI community has also had a great influence on me and my journey towards becoming a nail artist and a business owner. During my time spent there, I developed my cosmetology skills. I also learned the importance of soft skills, professionalism and the team work needed in the salon environment. Some of my cosmetologist instructors that have a big influence on me while at BTVI are Dr Tiffany Rolle, Dr Donalee Minnis and Dr Woods,” she said. “I would love to make a difference with my skills, and also be a
motivation to aspiring nail artists and business owners. I also see myself collaborating with other companies, television shows and businesses, both locally and internationally. I do have big goals for the future, and I know that with God, anything is possible.” For the holiday season, Caryl is, of course, doing Christmas-themed cartoons; classics like the Grinch and Frosty the Snowman, along with others. To see more of her work, visit her Instagram page at Ridiculous Pop Nails, or her Facebook page at Ridiculous Pop Stuff. Caryl also plans to be present at several pop-up markets this Christmas, selling press-on nails.
10 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 8, 2023
history
Things that flew
O
n July 28, 1954, the Nassau daily Tribune reported that “Mr Paul Aranha arrived in Nassau from London by BOAC this morning, after finishing school in England.” How good it was to be back home! Nassau had changed, but so had I, although I did not dream that having a private pilot’s licence would determine my future. At Woodbridge School, as a member of the RAF Section of the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), I applied for and was granted an RAF Flying Scholarship, with orders to report to Marshall’s Flying Service on the day after my TIGER Moth at Marshall’s Flying Service, 17th birthday, to learn to fly the Cambridge, in the 1980s
THE AERONCA was a rival of the similar-looking Piper J-3 Cub, in which I became a licenced seaplane pilot in 2006, at the age of 70 (Photo_Antho
A PIPER J-3 Cub at Brown’s Seaplane Base in Florida
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Friday, December 8, 2023
CAPTAIN Paul Aranha with daughter Joei
PAUL Aranha’s book on the history of the first Bahamian airline Bahamian registered Aer1932-vintage DeHavonca 7AC Champ. illand DH82A Tiger The Aeronca is a tandem Moth. two-seater plane, with a About three weeks 65-HP Continental engine. later, I became a This one was nicknamed licenced pilot, though ‘Vicki’ and could be hired the ink on my UK by members for £3 (three private pilot’s licence pounds Sterling), per flying (No. 40250) was still hour the equivalent of wet. It was valid PAUL C $8.40. For dual instruction for two years and it there was no extra charge. was not until it was ARANHA After two ‘dual’ flights about to expire that FORGOTTEN FACTS and some ‘solo’ flying, I I thought to do anybecame the holder of Bahathing with it. mas private pilot’s ;icence No. 34. It The front page of The Tribune was still the early days of Bahamian of July 6, 1954, under a picture of aviation and Bob’s licence was No. Jackie Sawyer and Robert Hall, 16. reported that the Flying Club had Looking back, I wonder why I was been revived, so I headed for the Department of Civil Aviation, where happy to fly over the ocean in such a plane, but I often did just that – Bob Hall, the Chief Operations travelling about one mile per minute Officer, advised me to become a - always taking the precaution of member of the club. Liking the idea, climbing to a high enough altitude to I asked how to join, to which he be able (hopefully) to glide to shore, replied, “You just did”. No mention if the engine failed. It never did. of membership fees. The day came when I had enough Thus, did I meet Bert Malone hours in my log book to qualify and Lambert Albury, Bob’s partners in the ownership of VP-BAE, a for an assistant instructor’s rating
(allowed give flying lessons but not allowed to send students on ‘solo’ flights) and later a full instructor’s rating. For each of these I had to pass an exam by Colyn Reece, holder of the Bahamas Airline Transport pilot’s licence No. 1. (My ATP licence is No. 81). I was so happy teaching people to fly (not charging for my time) that it got to the point where I was giving two hours of flight instruction each morning, before going to work at Esso. Maurice Cole, a colleague at Esso, and his cousin, Roy Cole, invited me to join them as founders of an air freight charter company, for which the pilot would be required to have a commercial pilot’s licence (or higher) and, to them I owe the decision to become a professional pilot. We did our homework and convinced ourselves that here was a constant Out Island demand for such a service and I upgraded to an American commercial pilot’s licence. We leased a single-engine STOL plane called a Leaseair 102 that
could take off or land on a 100-foot strip and our first customer was the Caterpillar dealer, who shipped a very heavy tractor part of Marsh Harbour, Abaco. I hate to admit it, but that was our only revenue flight. When the Leasair went back to its owner, I trained to get a multi-engine rating, and an instrument tating and flew an Aero Commander 560E for Neville and Dawson Roberts, whose business took us as far as Barbados. After they sold the Aero Commander, I joined Bahamas Airways Limited (BAL) on June 1, 1963. My book, “Bahamas Airways – The Rise and Demise of a British International Air Carrier”, is the history of the first Bahamian airline (1936-1970) and my small part as one of its pilots. As a final point-of-interest, the first Bahamian to fly solo was John Maura, who went on to fly for the Royal Air Force in World War II. UÊ ÀʵÕiÃÌ ÃÊ> `ÊV i ÌÃ]Ê « i>ÃiÊÃi `Ê> Êi > ÊÌ Ê Ã > `> À > J} > °V
12 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, December 8, 2023
literary lives – Amy Winehouse (1983 - 2011)
A soulful legacy cut short
Part I
Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the shattered life of the English singer and songwriter. She was known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, reggae and jazz.
Darcus Beese, her future Arts & Repertoire representative, heard of her by chance and took several months to find her. By then Winehouse had already signed a publishing deal with EMI and formed a working relationship with Salaam Remi. Beese introduced Winehouse to his boss, Island head Mick Gatfield, who shared his enthusiasm in signing the young artist. Winehouse’s debut album Frank was released on October 20, 2003, produced mainly by Salaam Remi, and received critical acclaim. The album entered the upper reaches of the UK Albums Chart when it was nominated for the Brit Awards for Best British Female Solo Artist. She and Remi won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song “Stronger Than Me”. The album was also shortlisted for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize.
“Life is short. Anything could happen, and it usually does, so there’s no point in sitting around about all the ifs, ands, and buts.” – Amy Winehouse Amy Jade Winehouse was born on September 14, 1983, to Jewish parents. Her father, Mitchell “Mitch” Winehouse, was a window panel installer and taxi driver; her mother, Janis Winehouse (née Seaton), was a pharmacist. Her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003. Winehouse’s great-great-grandfather emigrated from Minsk, Belarus to London in 1891. She had an older brother, Alex (born 1979). The family lived in London’s Southgate area, where she attended Osidge Primary School and then secondary at Ashmole School. Winehouse attended a Jewish Sunday school while she was a child, and only went to a synagogue once a year on Yom Kippur “out of respect”. “Since I was sixteen, I’ve felt a black cloud hangs over me.” – Amy Winehouse Many of Winehouse’s maternal uncles were jazz musicians, and her maternal grandmother was a singer who had once dated Ronnie Scott. She and Amy’s parents influenced Amy’s interest in jazz. Winehouse’s parents separated when she was nine and she lived with her mother in Whetstone, London, and stayed with her father and his girlfriend in Hatfield Heath, Essex on weekends. In 1992, her grandmother suggested that Amy attend the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School where
After her first album, Winehouse shifted to the style of girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s. She hired New York singer Sharon Jones’s longtime band, the “Dap-Kings” to back her up in the studio and on tour. In May 2006 Winehouse’s demo ”You Know I’m No Good” and “Rehab” appeared on Mark Ronson’s New York radio show on East Village Radio. Her second album was produced by Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson. she went on Saturdays to further her vocal education and to learn to tap dance. She attended the school for four years before going to Sylvia Young Theatre School, from which she had been expelled. Sylvia Young denied the claims. She attended the Mount School, Mill Hill and the BRIT School in Selhurst, Croydon. but dropped out at the age of sixteen. After messing around with her brother Alex’s guitar, she bought her own and began writing music. She soon began working for the World Entertainment News Network and singing with the Bolsha Band. In July 2000, she became the featured female vocalist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. She was influenced by Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington. Winehouse was nineteen when she was signed to Simon Fuller’s 19 Management in 2002 and was paid £250 a week against future earnings. She was kept as a recording industry secret although she was singing jazz standards at the Cobden Club.
Ronson said in a 2010 interview that he liked working with Winehouse because she was blunt when she did not like his work. “I’m not frightened of appearing to be vulnerable. There’s no point in saying anything but the truth; because at the end of the day, you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself.” – Amy Winehouse Promotion of Back to Black soon began and, in early October 2006 Winehouse’s official website was relaunched with a new layout and clips of unreleased songs. Back to Black went to number one on the UK Albums Chart for two weeks in January 2007. In the USA it entered at number seven on the Billboard 200. It sold 1.85 million copies over the course of the year. The first single released from the album was “Rehab” which reached the top ten in the UK and the US.
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the opening night of a 17-date tour was marred by booing and walkouts at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. “It was one of the saddest nights of my life … I saw a supremely talented artist reduced to tears, stumbling around the stage and, unforgivably, swearing at the audience.” – Birmingham Mail Other concerts ended similarly, with fans at her Hammersmith Apollo performance in London saying that she “looked highly intoxicated throughout”, until it was announced on November 27, 2007, that her performances and public appearances were cancelled for the remainder of the year, citing her doctor’s advice to take a complete rest. A statement by concert promoter Live Nation blamed:
Time magazine called it the Best Song of 2007. Music critic Josh Tyrangiel praised Winehouse for her confidence, saying: “What she is is mouthy, funny, sultry, and quite possibly crazy – and impossible not to be seduced by her originality. Combine it with production by Mark Ronson that references four decades worth of soul music without once ripping it off, and you’ve the song of 2007.” She then appeared on Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny and performed on the cover of Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through the Grapevine. She also performed Toots and the Maytals’ A YOUNG Amy “Monkey Man”. At his special request, Bruce tonbury Willis introduced her at the MTV Festival and Lollapalooza in Movie Award in Universal City, Chicago. California early in 2007. During the summer of 2007 she performed at The rest of her tour, however, did various festivals, including the Glasnot go as well. In November 2007,
visa approval had not been processed in time. After the Grammys Back to Black sales catapulted to number two on the U.S. Billboard 200. A special deluxe edition topped the charts on March 2, 2008. In Paris, she performed a 40-minute set at the opening of the Fendi Boutique. By 12 March Back to Black had sold 2,467,575 copies – putting the album on the UK’s top ten selling albums of the 21st century. Amy Winehouse – The Girl Done Good: A Documentary Review, a 78-minute DVD, was released on April 14, 2008.
“… the rigours involved in touring and the intense emotional strain that Amy has been under in recent weeks for the decision.”
In May, at the 2008 Ivor Novello Awards, Winehouse became the first-ever artist to receive two nominations for the top award: Best Song Musically and Lyrically. She won for “Love is a Losing Game” and was nominated for “You Know I’m No Good”.
Mitch Winehouse, her father, later wrote about her nervousness before public performances in his 2012 book Amy, My Daughter.
Although her father and manager tried to dissuade her, she performed at the Rock in Rio Lisboa festival in Portugal in May 2008.
Winehouse received five Grammy Awards on February 10, 2008, winning in the following categories: Record of the Year; Song of the Year; Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the song “Rehab”; and Best Pop Vocal Album. The singer also earned a Grammy as Best New Artist, earning her an entry in the 2009 edition of the Guinness Book of Records for Most Grammy Awards won by a British Female Act.
The set was plagued with her late arrival and problems with her voice. She performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday party in London’s Hyde Park on June 27, 2008. The next day she performed at the Glastonbury Festival. “Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen.” – Amy Winehouse
Additionally, Back to Black was nominated for Album of the Year. Mark Ronson’s work with her won the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, in the non-classical category. She ended her acceptance speech for Record of the Year saying: “This is for London – because Camden Town ain’t burning down.” (a reference to the recent Camden Market fire.)
In May 2009, Winehouse performed at a jazz festival in St Lucia. It was reported that she was unsteady on her feet and had trouble remembering her lyrics. She apologised to the crowd for being “bored” and ended the set in the middle of a song. Her troubles were only just beginning.
Performing “You Know I’m No Good” and “Rehab” via satellite from London’s Riverside Studios at 3am London time, she couldn’t be at the ceremony in Los Angeles as her
UÊ- ÀÊ À ÃÌ « iÀÊ" `>>Ì iÊ ÃÊÌ iÊ >ÕÌ ÀÊ vÊ/ iÊ >ÃÌÊ > °Ê iÊ acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia.
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Friday, December 8, 2023
community
The ultimate island shopping experience By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
T
he More Things: The Ultimate Pop-Up Shopping Experience returns to Eleuthera this holiday season to not only bring entertainment and fun, but also to provide a one-stop shop for those looking to snag great Christmas gifts without having to order them off-island. The outdoor market, which hosts fifth biannual event from December 15 to 17 in Cupid’s Cay, Eleuthera, aims to deliver holiday cheer, shopping opportunities, games, food, giveaways and live entertainment. It will once again feature small businesses offering apparel, accessories, home décor and more. The Talk of The Tee Boutique is one of the organisers, in conjunction with Tri Tu’s Governor’s Harbour and Pivotal Flow Advisors. During the summer, organisers expanded the event’s entertainment experience to feature a live band, so the New Vision band will be putting in an appearance to entertain the crowds. And there will also be some other special appearances. “We had the Grinch make an appearance at last year’s Christmas event. This time he’s not only coming back, but he’s bringing Santa Claus along with him. I am just as excited as the kids for that highlight,” said the owner of Talk Of the Tee and founder of More Things. The event will feature 15 vendors: Xtreme Game Express, BB’s World of Fun and Games, Tri Tu Naturals, Da Novelty Plug, R&D Games and Surprises, BeYoutiful Boutique, Posh Treasures, Talk of The Tee Boutique, Pineapple Catering, Tropical Snow, Cocojo, Emma’s Taste, Cupid’s Cay Italy, Tootsie’s Treats, and Twice But Nice Consignment. “The fact that the event is still consistently happening against all odds, is admirable. I speak on behalf of the entire More Things team when I say we are proud of how far it has come. This is not only an event, it is an experience that people look forward to attending in an effort to shop local and have some wholesome family fun in an intimate setting,” said the event’s founder. “I think we have accomplished making a name for the event on the island of Eleuthera.” Putting on an event of this magnitude is not easy. The team has pulled all the tops to ensure a great shopping experience as well as visibility for all the small businesses participating. “The response is motivating, really. Knowing that the vendors trust our team to execute the way in which we do is heartwarming. Putting on an event is no easy task. We’ve gotten some backlash in the past, but even that is motivation to keep it moving and push forward,” the event’s founder said.
“We try our best to promote each and all of our vendors, sharing information about their business in hopes of them receiving the full benefits of the pop-up experience with their clients. I have been a vendor for many events and each time I participate, it is assurance that the More Things
Experience is on a level of its own; we really care about our vendors. “I truly believe the only secret ingredient to success is consistency. As mentioned before, we can see growth with all the events we have hosted. I never imagined having a live band performing at the fifth More Things event, but here we are. This year’s sponsors include Popstylers Entertainment, J’anna’s Gift Shop, Pivotal Flow Advisors, and a small number of generous donors.”
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Friday, December 8, 2023
animals Animal matters Kim Aranha
PET OF THE WEEK
Shark attack
PHOTO/LINDA GILL-ARANHA
T
o cull or not to cull? Ever since the latest very unfortunate shark attack there have been a lot of people calling to cull the larger sharks in the vicinity of New Providence. Wanting to get rid of those sharks is frankly a panicked knee-jerk reaction, though perhaps a natural reaction to this dreadful tragedy. There’s no doubt that we are having a very serious time with shark attacks in the Bahamas, and as stated on Good Morning America, we are the “Caribbean” country with the most shark attacks and deaths. Let’s look at this: do we have more tourists than other nations? More dives? More people swimming, snorkelling ? Statistics can be thrown out like confetti to say whatever you want them to say, frequently conveying the wrong message. I grew up in the Berry Islands, famous for a prolific marine life. We would swim and fish all over those islands, but we were extremely careful, and we were very respectful of the sharks that inhabited the waters that we really were trespassing in. Sharks appear to be much bolder and brazen than before. They used to swim away and not want to check on humans. Are they more interested in humans because we feed them relentlessly? This may not be a popular question, but should we be feeding them? Shark diving is very specialised, and initially few operations offered the experience. Now everybody’s doing it. Individuals offering private shark dives, one dive instructor, and a couple of tourists, jump overboard, and off you go! If we are going to continue this practice it needs to be regulated. There is an excellent article on Facebook by Andre Musgrove. He lays out a number of very pertinent facts presenting a clear argument to why culling is not the answer and more. I have a son who did much shark diving over the years and he has
always insisted that the most essential thing when encountering a shark is to remain calm. Alas, though excellent advice it is not always easy to do. The reports from this attack are inconsistent and sketchy at best. We know very little about what really actually happened. The first information that the victim was a newlywed appears to be inaccurate; she was actually with her husband of 13 years. So, if that was inaccurate can we depend on anything else we are told? Were they ¾ of a mile off New Providence or off the island in front of Sandals? Was she paddle-boarding or was she dangling in the sea off the side of the board sending all kinds of “fish in distress” signals? It is unlikely the shark intentionally knocked her off the board. Several shark divers had
A chill pal By The Bahamas Humane Society Potcake Kyle is a social butterfly who likes to be around people and other dogs. He’s about four years old and more than ready to have his own family to hang out with. He walks well on the lead and really enjoys the dog walks. Do you need a gentle soul in your life? One who would love to go for walks with you and then chill out watching TV or reading? Kyle might be your match! Come to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet him or call 323-5138 for
voiced the same opinion (as did Andre Musgrove). Did they see it coming and scramble frantically? And perhaps most key information: what kind of shark was it? The bull shark is the most aggressive of the bunch. He is always hunting and is an opportunistic predator, but we do not know which type shark was responsible for this horrible and dreadful attack. We are the ones who are constantly and consistently attracting sharks nearer and nearer to us, and when something terrible goes wrong, we scream and yell and blame the shark. Yes, the harbour is full of large sharks. Why? Because we clean tons of fish a week and spill the blood and guts into the harbour. A long time ago kids used to dive coins in the harbour quite Photo by Scott Craig Aranha
more information. Kyle looks forward to meeting you! • Come and see the BHS at Bluefields Farm Holiday Market on Saturday, December 9, from 10am to 4pm. We’ll have raffle tickets, T-shirts, magnets, holiday pet toys, and more. Then mark your calendars for Friday, December 15, from 11am to 3pm and Saturday, December 16, from 10am to 2pm for the first ever two-day Thrift Shop jewellery sale!
safely, now I really wonder if we could go a day without incident. Is this the shark’s fault? No, obviously not. Man has been encroaching more and more on nature, both marine and land. We have little or no tolerance of the basic rights of nature, nor does man, in general, care about the damage he does to nature to reach certain goals. Now we hear people who honestly should know better calling for a mass culling of large sharks… it is ridiculous and, in the opinion of many, would achieve very little. There was a radio show host calling for just that a couple of days ago. Perhaps he should have engaged in some research first or spoken to people who actually know about sharks. Frankly, there is such sketchy information about this attack that it is even a challenge for the experts to know how and why it took place. If we want to continue shark feeding there must be designated areas, miles away from where people habitually swim. The shark dive operators must be licenced; they must adhere to the boundaries. No more permits should not be given to research boats who chum the waters extensively in areas known for recreational diving such as the area around Rose Island. This knee-jerk reaction is not constructive. (This conversation will continue next week; readers opinions are welcome: berryislandgirl@gmail.com)
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fashion
Celebrate the ‘king’ in your life with some gems By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
J
ust in time for Christmas and to help celebrate the men in your life, jewellery designer Allia M Dean has released her new collection of bracelets called “King of Kings”. Featuring fine and semi precious stones, these bracelets from the ‘Always by Allia’ brand are “dedicated to the men of our society,” she said. “As you know, we just celebrated International Men’s Day, which led to my contemplation and consideration to really appreciate our men.” Something which makes these bracelets unique, she said, are that they were created with aromatherapy in mind, which means essential oils or cologne can be poured them without doing damage and the bracelets then carry the scent, “thus increasing and enhancing areas they would want to focus on, whether it’s to energise, balance or relax,” said Allia. The signature symbol for the new collection, she said, is a crown with a cubic zirconia stone. This, she said, celebrates and encourages men to be reminded of their value and purpose in society. “I do believe that we all have a part to play in uplifting and motivating each other to be our best selves. So if you or anyone you know has a special gent in their lives, choose to celebrate him this holiday by purchasing and supporting the ‘King of Kings’ collection,” she said. In addition to celebrating men, Allia is also offering her usual women’s line of jewellery under the “Mistletoe” theme. Going forward, she is also launching a number of experiences and jewellery-making social events such as a ‘Wine and Wire Wrap, Sip and Scrub’ and a ‘Paste and Pour’ – all perfect for family bonding, girls’ nights out, corporate events and birthday parties. Allia said she is grateful for all the success she’s had since launching her jewellery brand in 2012. “We can all read and research the theory of the highs and lows of business, but to have a pocket filled with stories and experiences to share is priceless,” she said. Allia is also thankful for her team and her clientele. “The world is small; relationships matter, so take good care of them. You can not do it all alone, you need a team,” she said. “Always By Allia” will be popping up at events like Art Walk at Marina Village, Paradise Island, on December 9, 16, and 23, from 2pm - 10pm, and at the Junkanoo Festival at Marina Village on December 15, 22, and 29.