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to the !rst edition of Around da Islands — our brand-new weekly colour supplement, free with today’s Tribune!

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From all of us here at The Tribune – The People’s Paper.

08

This WEEK in Around da IslandsBahamian News, Features & Culture GRAND BAHAMA NEWS

Pg 4 — PM claims GBIA project moves from planning stage to physical activity on the ground

Pg 5 — Garden Villas project ‘a priority’ says Housing Minister Keith Bell

Pg 6 — GB residents ‘Hopeful But Wary’ over clarity of GBPC deal

Pg 7 — Movement for everyone at ‘ ow’ - dance, yoga and pilates studio

GRAND BAHAMA FEATURES

Pgs 8 & 9 — GB Marine conservationist wins ‘OSCARS OF THE OCEAN WORLD’ TOURISM FEATURES

Send story and feature suggestions to: Islands@tribunemedia.net 11 07 16 13

Pg 10 — Tourism’s website is BEST IN THE CARIBBEAN’ EXUMA FEATURES

Pg 11 — Farmer’s Cay Regatta

Pg 12 — Island Brainwaves

NEW PROVIDENCE FEATURES

Pg 13 — Modern dating rewritten: From First Date to Fiancé

Pg 14 — A look at history

ELEUTHERA & BIMINI FEATURES

Pg 15 — New Eleuthera icon sign at Historic Cupid’s Cay

ABACO FEATURES

Pg 16 — Bahamian Roots, Country Soul: Debut single from Abaco's Summer Aberle

PM claims GBIA project moves from planning stage to physical activity on the ground

By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net

THE long-anticipated redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA) has entered what the government describes as a new phase of tangible progress, but there remain questions about timelines and accountability while there continues to be no sign of any work being started at the site.

Speaking during a press briefng after a Cabinet meeting in Grand Bahama on January 26, Prime Minister Philp ‘Brave’ Davis said the government has moved the airport project from planning into physical activity on the ground.

He said that Polycon, the construction company contracted for the works, had been mobilised, and Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM) had begun on-site preparation.

“This marks an important transition from planning into physical activity on the ground, and it refects our commitment to moving this project

forward in a responsible and orderly way,” the Prime Minister said. However, a visit to the site just over a week later showed no sign of work being done on either the structure or the grounds of the facility.

According to the prime minister, Phase One of the GBIA redevelopment carries a capital investment of more than $100 million and will deliver a modern terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers annually, with built-in capacity to expand to one million. The proposed facility will

government’s assurances, suggesting that Grand Bahamians have heard similar promises before.

“He did say that he [prime minister] would start work on the airport in 2026. He did say that. Let’s make that clear,” Roberts said. “But as we are aware, like they have done with [other projects], they start and don’t fnish.”

include international and United States pre-clearance, a terminal footprint of approximately 100,000 square feet, new taxiways, expanded apron space, and upgraded roadways and parking.

However, he noted the airport’s history of fooding, particularly during major storms and hurricanes, has complicated redevelopment plans and said environmental impact assessments, geotechnical studies, and food mitigation surveys are being fnalised to ensure long-term resilience.

“As Bahamians know, the Grand Bahama

International Airport has experienced fooding multiple times over the years. Addressing this reality is not optional. It is essential,” he said, without explaining how work on the ground could start without such plans being completed.

The redevelopment of GBIA was frst formally announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Chester Cooper, at the 2023 Grand Bahama Business Outlook, where he outlined the government’s intention to modernise the facility as part of a broader

relaunch of the island’s economy.

Cooper gave a completion date of 2025 for the frst phase of the project. However, dates shifted over time with Cooper citing “cargo hub” negotiations, fnancing arrangements, and the complexity of environmental and food mitigation requirements.

When contacted for comments on the prime minister’s latest remarks, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, DPM Chester Cooper, did not respond. Eforts were made to reach BHM, however, up to press time there was no response.

Meanwhile, Harold Roberts, Shadow Minister for Housing and Coalition of Independents candidate for Marco City, questioned the credibility of the

Roberts accused the administration of using major projects as political tools rather than delivering timely results. “So, it’s being used as a ploy to get you to think that they are moving ahead with it,” he said, adding that Grand Bahama residents have become wary of ofcial announcements. “We have to be very careful when the prime minister speaks. He has lost the confdence, especially of Grand Bahama. That’s my statement.”

On the ground at the temporary international arrivals facility, taxi drivers who serve visitors daily say the airport’s condition directly afects their livelihoods and the island’s image.

“Every day we pick up guests and think to myself, we need a proper airport,’” said one veteran taxi driver stationed outside the former Fixed-base Operator (FBO) Building that is now being utilized for international fights. “It does hurt the image of Grand Bahama.”

Another driver echoed concerns about delays and the impact on tourism. “When fights slow down or people complain about the airport, especially no pre-clearance, that means less work for us,” he said. “We hear about big plans all the time. We just want to see the machines moving and the building going up.”

Garden Villas project ‘a priority’ says Housing Minister Keith Bell

BY BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net

AS GRAND Bahama and by exten-

sion the country continues to face shortages of afordable housing and rentals, Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell has acknowledged the growing strain, while outlining government plans aimed at addressing long-standing challenges through new construction, repairs and rental initiatives.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting held on the island on January 27, Bell said housing remains a priority for the Davis administration, particularly as more residents continue to occupy abandoned or substandard structures across the island.

“There are a number of things that we’re doing in Housing and Urban Renewal,” Bell said. “I met with the Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey and Prime Minister Philip Davis, who is also the Minister of Finance, to ensure that we get these projects going in Grand Bahama, particularly with a focus on home construction in the Garden Villas area.”

Bell explained that progress in Garden Villas has been slower than anticipated because the properties in the area are not owned by the government. A major hurdle has been acquiring the land before construction can begin.

“That was the major step for us,” he said. “We are continuing that process and we anticipate that we

should be able to complete it very shortly.”

Once acquisition is fnalized, Bell said the ministry is prepared to move ahead, noting that preliminary drawings for single-family homes and multi-family buildings have already been completed.

The project is expected to ease pressure on the island’s limited stock of afordable housing, particularly rental units, which residents, social advocates and real estate professionals have repeatedly fagged as a growing concern.

We mean business.”

Addressing questions about residents currently living in the run down and abandoned structures in the Garden Villas area, Bell stressed that the government’s approach is centered on relocation, not displacement.

“We’ve spoken with the Minister of Social Services Myles LaRoda to see if we can put them in a diferent location,” he said. “The idea is not to displace anyone or disadvantage anyone, but to provide proper, adequate housing with proper facilities and infrastructure.”

Bell noted that the number of occupants in the area appears to be increasing. After visiting the community earlier, he said discussions are already underway to begin moving residents into safer, more suitable accommodations.

The minister also responded to public criticism over the pace of home repairs after residents voiced frustration that little visible work has taken place in some

communities, particularly in West Grand Bahama.

“That statement is completely inaccurate,” Bell said, pushing back against claims that repairs have not been done. “No area has been untouched.”

According to Bell, the government has spent more than $15 million on home repairs nationwide. Cabinet has also approved an increase in the amount allocated per home to address rising construction costs.

“Yes, we know there are more homes to repair,” he said. “But we anticipate addressing as much as we possibly can, as quickly as we can.”

Bell added that he remains open to hearing directly from residents who believe their needs have not been met and said he plans to continue visiting communities to assess conditions frsthand.

With rental housing especially in short supply on Grand Bahama, Bell confrmed that government-backed rental developments are planned for the island.

“Absolutely,” he said when asked whether rental projects similar to those in New Providence could be introduced locally. “Rental is poised for Grand Bahama.”

In New Providence, the government has rolled out a mix of housing initiatives over the past several years, including afordable housing developments, repair programs for existing homes, and rental units designed to assist low- and middle-income families.

Those projects, ofcials say, form part of a broader promise to modernize housing infrastructure and expand access to safe, afordable homes across The Bahamas.

Bell said similar eforts are now being positioned for Grand Bahama, signaling that housing relief for the island remains frmly on the government’s agenda.

“We mean business,” he said. “And we are serious about delivering for the people.”

GB residents ‘Hopeful But Wary’ over clarity of GBPC deal

BY BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net

PRIME Minister

Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’ announcement that the Government of The Bahamas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emera Incorporated concerning the future of the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across the island, with residents “cautiously” hopeful about potential relief from high electricity costs, but uneasy about the lack of clarity surrounding the deal.

Following the cabinet meeting in Freeport last week, the Prime Minister said the MOU signals a “decisive shift away from longstanding arrangements that have burdened residents and businesses with high electricity costs,” framing the move as part of the government’s efort to reform the energy sector and improve afordability and reliability for consumers in Grand Bahama.

However, an internal GBPC email to employees said that, while there are active discussions with the government, an MOU has not been signed, leaving Grand Bahamians unsure of what, if anything, will change.

Alexander Smith noted that GBPC’s response raised questions about how far negotiations have actually progressed.

“One side is saying it’s a big shift, and the other is saying nothing is fnal. As residents, we’re stuck in the middle. We just want straight answers and some relief,” he said.

“I’m glad the prime minister is fnally talking about these high light bills because people are hurting,” said

One side is saying it’s a big shift, and the other is saying nothing is nal. As residents, we’re stuck in the middle. We just want straight answers and some relief.”

Virgie Brown, “But we’ve heard promises before. Until I see my bill come down, I’m not celebrating.”

For Devano Farrington, the uncertainty is the main issue. “It’s the back and forth that worries me. If nothing is fnal, then why announce it like a done deal? Businesses plan based on these things. We can’t plan on maybes.”

Beverly Pinder said residents have grown weary of announcements that do not translate into immediate improvements. “We’ve been paying high electricity for years. Every government talks about change. I hope this time it’s real, but I’m tired of getting my hopes up.”

A statement from the GBPC’s parent company, Emera, said that the company shares the government’s goal of ensuring Grand Bahamians have access to reliable power at an afordable cost. “This has always been Emera’s priority, and we have been in discussions with the government on how best to accomplish this, together,” the statement said. “While the discussions are active and

have been productive, there is no fnal agreement at this time. For now, it is business as usual.”

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), which regulates GBPC, also sought to clarify the situation, noting that it is not aware of any concluded or binding arrangement and that Emera has confrmed discussions with the Government remain preliminary in nature.

GBPA further indicated it has been advised by Emera that it will be informed should any substantive developments arise. The statement also emphasised that any transaction involving a change in ownership or control of GBPC would require the consent of the Port Authority as the regulator.

A subsequent statement from the Ofce of the Prime Minister veered slightly from the original announcement saying the MOU represents a framework for continued negotiations aimed at “placing the long-term interests of Grand Bahama residents and businesses frst,” and that the government remains committed to pursuing outcomes that will reduce energy costs, improve service reliability, and support economic recovery on the island.

The Prime Minister’s Ofce acknowledged that discussions are ongoing and said further details will be shared once negotiations advance to a more defnitive stage.

Movement for everyone at ‘flow’ - dance, yoga and pilates studio

BY BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net

FREEPORT

has a new heartbeat, and it’s synched to music, breath, community and movement. Since opening its doors in mid-September 2025 at Adventurers Way and West Mall Drive in downtown Freeport, “Flow” has positioned itself as far more than a traditional dance studio.

RICO Thompson and his partner Julia Geiger

Founded by Rico Thompson and his partner Julia Geiger, the space was created with one clear intention: “to bring movement, connection and breath back to Freeport,” said Geiger.

“Clients are everybody,” Geiger said. “From three years old to 99 and beyond. As long as you can stand, you can move.”

That philosophy defnes Flow’s approach. The studio welcomes toddlers taking their frst creative movement class, seasoned dancers refning technique, ofce workers loosening tight limbs after long hours behind a desk, and seniors simply looking to stay mobile.

Fear, Geiger emphasizes, should never be a barrier.

“The people who are most scared to walk through the door are often the people who need us the most,” she said.

Flow ofers a diverse lineup of classes designed for all levels and interests. These include creative movement for young children, beginner ballet for ages seven to 12, contemporary dance for older students, jazz, Pilates, stretching, and yoga.

Latin dance is another cornerstone of the studio. Geiger teaches salsa and bachata, weaving cultural context into each class by explaining musical structure, rhythm and Latin American roots.

“If someone has never done jazz before, we cater to that,” Geiger said. “If someone wants to work on turns, jumps and technique, we can do that too.”

“It’s not just steps,” she explained. “We listen to the music, understand where it comes from, and connect to it.”

Yoga classes at Flow are approached as both physical and spiritual practice, she said. “[It’s] an invitation to explore breath, awareness and aspects of the self that go beyond muscle and movement.”

Both Thompson and Geiger bring extensive international experience to Flow. Thompson travelled the world for two years as a professional dancer and singer. He is also a certifed gymnastics trainer and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports science. His expertise blends athletic discipline, body awareness and creative performance. Geiger spent fve years with the Austrian National Dance Team. She and Thompson have competed at European and World Championships, including a fourth-place fnish at the World Championships in Florida, placing just behind the United States, Japan and Mexico.

“Obedience, accountability, and striving to be the best version of yourself, that’s what we learned abroad,” Geiger said. “Now we want to bring that knowledge back to the community.”

Unlike many studios, Flow does not lock students into rigid class structures. Most classes are open-level and adapted to the people who walk through the door.

The studio is intentionally non-competitive. Flow encourages dancers from other schools to attend, learn, and return to their home studios with new tools and inspiration. “We don’t want to compete,” Geiger emphasised. “We want to support.”

Flow also operates as a community hub, welcoming guest instructors from The Bahamas and abroad. Current guest teachers include Eva, a Canadian physiotherapist and yoga instructor specialising in spinal health, and Julie, a resident yoga teacher.

The studio is available for rent and open to churches, personal trainers, visiting instructors and organisations seeking space to teach, rehearse or share knowledge. Two churches already use the space for mime practice.

“Our doors are open,” said Geiger. “Any teacher, any trainer, anyone who wants to share movement.”

From dance cardio and Pilates to yoga, stretching and social dance, Flow is designed for people who want to move, not necessarily perform. “You don’t have to be a professional dancer,” Geiger said. “Come, sweat a little, have fun. Take a salsa class and go dancing at Port Lucaya or the Fish Fry afterward.”

At its core, Flow is about inclusion, confdence and community. “We want to be the place in Freeport that brings movement back to the island,” Geiger said.

Flow Dance Freeport can be reached at (242) 827-0655. Email: fowdancebahamas@gmail. com and on Instagram and Facebook: @fow. freeport.

As Geiger puts it simply: “There is really something here for everybody.”

GB Marine conservationist wins ‘OSCARS OF THE OCEAN WORLD’

Cristina Zenato

around Grand Bahama. Over the decades, she has become internationally known for her work with Caribbean reef sharks, her pioneering cave exploration, and her advocacy for conservation through education.

She has trained hundreds of divers at all levels, from open water students to full cave specialists, and is widely respected for her calm, respectful approach to shark behaviour. Her work mapping underwater cave systems in Grand Bahama, including within Lucayan National Park, has provided vital data used to support conservation planning and environmental protection.

“I see the NOGI almost like a PhD,” she explained. “By the time someone earns a PhD, they already have the knowledge. The degree is the validation. That’s what the NOGI is for me.”

She added that the award is a form of ofcial recognition that can help elevate conversations around conservation and hopes that it will help

advance conservation discussions in The Bahamas and bring greater attention to the work already being done to protect its marine environment.

“It’s a badge, a passport that allows what I’ve been saying and doing for years to be ofcially validated, so it can reach more people,” she said.

At the core of her conservation philosophy is the concept of interconnectivity, the idea that land, water, and people are inextricably linked. In The Bahamas, she says, that understanding is essential.

“In The Bahamas, it’s land over caves over freshwater fowing through mangroves and into the ocean,” Zenato said. “If we want to protect a single thing, we need to protect the whole. Nothing works independently from the others.”

She often points to shark conservation as an example. While sharks are fully protected in The Bahamas, Zenato notes that protection must

water, into the ocean, and eventually onto their own plate and into the water they drink,” she said.

That holistic approach underpins her nonproft organisation, People of the Water, which focuses on education, training, and expanding access to marine knowledge. Through the organisation, Zenato has worked with local Bahamian students and divers, helping foster a deeper understanding of the connection between people and the ocean.

Although Zenato has received numerous international honours, including induction into the Women Divers Hall of Fame and The Explorers Club, she remains frmly rooted in Grand Bahama, where her work continues on a daily basis. She has said that recognition at this level is not something she views as personal, but as an opportunity to further highlight the importance of conservation and education.

For Grand Bahama and The Bahamas as a whole, Zenato’s NOGI Award represents not only individual achievement, but international recognition of the country’s role as a global leader in marine conservation, and of one woman’s lifelong commitment to protecting the waters she calls home.

Tourism’s website is BEST IN THE CARIBBEAN

BAHAMAS.COM, the ofcial website of the The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), has been named Caribbean’s Best Tourism Authority Website 2025.

The prestigious accolade was announced at the World Travel Tech Awards Gala Ceremony 2025 held in Bahrain, celebrating excellence in travel technology and recognising platforms that are redefning how destinations connect with the world.

The achievement follows Bahamas. com’s nomination among a distinguished regional shortlist that included the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Experience Turks and Caicos, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, VisitBarbados. org and VisitJamaica.com, placing The Bahamas at the forefront of a highly competitive feld of Caribbean tourism leaders.

“This award is a powerful afrmation of our national vision,” said Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Bahamas.com is not just a website. It is our digital front door. It is where inspiration begins, where journeys take shape and where the world meets The Bahamas. From one island to sixteen, from one click to countless memories, this platform carries our story with clarity, confdence and global reach. It is not one island. It is a lifetime of them.”

Latia Duncombe, Director General, said the honour refects the Ministry’s strategic

focus on innovation, accessibility and meaningful engagement.

“This recognition underscores that excellence is the result of intention and refects the Ministry’s strategic focus on innovation and accessibility. Bahamas. com integrates technology and storytelling to deliver an experience that is both functional and inspiring. Our teams have remained focused on providing timely information, intuitive navigation and a high-quality user experience that supports travel planning and discovery.”

The Bahamas continues to set the standard for destination marketing in the digital space, where innovation meets authenticity and technology amplifes storytelling. As travelers seek seamless, inspiring and trustworthy platforms, Bahamas.com remains a powerful gateway to discovery, connection and the unforgettable experiences found across The Islands of The Bahamas.

Record-breaking year for Bahamas tourism

TOURISM in

The Bahamas recorded another record-breaking year in 2025, with signifcant increases in visitor arrivals, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

Mr Cooper, the Minister of Tourism and Investments, presented the latest fgures in the House of Assembly yesterday, welcoming what he described as an “unprecedented” 12.5 million visitors, the highest ever recorded.

Visitor arrivals grew by 11.4 per cent year over year, surpassing the 2024 record and exceeding pre-pandemic levels by more than 72 per cent, he said. Sea arrivals exceeded 10.6 million visitors, representing a 14 per cent increase year-over-year and nearly doubling 2019 levels.

Mr Cooper attributed the performance to years of relationship-building, improved port operations, and new infrastructure.

While visitor and sea arrivals increased, foreign air arrivals fell slightly to 1.7 million, about 1.6 per cent below 2024 levels, though Mr Cooper noted positive late-year momentum despite global aviation disruptions and weather challenges.

Stopover visitor numbers in 2025 remained above 2019 levels at 1.8 million.

The World Travel Tech Awards was established to acknowledge and celebrate excellence across all sectors of travel technology. Today, it is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry achievement. It is the sister event of the World Travel Awards, which has celebrated

Air arrivals to Grand Bahama were up 20 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024 and more than 30 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

Sea arrivals also surged with the opening of Celebration Cay, increasing by more than 90 per cent year over year and more than 100 per cent above 2019 levels.

Abaco, said Mr Cooper, also recorded its highest total visitor arrivals on record, with just under 520,000 visitors in 2025. The growth was driven by record air and sea arrivals, with air arrivals increasing by 5.2 per cent, making Abaco the second-fastest-growing destination by air arrivals.

Farmer’s Cay Regatta

BY CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH the weather may not be the best, it will be full sails ahead for the 28th annual Farmer’s Cay, Exuma, regatta this weekend.

Cecil Smith, regatta spokesman, explained that despite the forecast, organisers are still hoping to have a good sized crowd for the event which draws hundreds of attendees from throughout the Bahamas and other parts of the world to watch the class C and E boats compete.

The Farmer’s Cay First Friday Festival happens the frst Friday in February each year in conjunction with the regatta.

Returning guests, along with frst-time visitors, travel from around the world to participate in the festivities for a fun weekend. Guests have the opportunity to watch, enjoy or compete in the sailboat races and win great prizes. Thursday night is the annual Captains’ Party open to all guests on the Cay.

The Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club provides entertainment for guests to dance the night away while enjoying the ambiance and company of fellow yachtsmen and women. This three-day eventpacked weekend is flled with games, music, good food, mixed drinks, competitions, and more.

Mr Smith explained that the regatta is the frst of the season’s schedule. It is also the largest, apart from the National Family Island regatta.

Mr Smith noted that the regatta is also the only one that’s date is fxed and not tied to a public holiday.

“We will be honouring three persons at the regatta,” Mr Smith said. “Simon Smith and Eddison Smith, for their contribution to the sport, and

Ernestine Bain, the owner of the Ocean Cabin resort, for her contributions to the overall development of the area.”

Additionally, the regatta races will have a moment of silence in memory of several sailors who passed away this year including Debbie Eneas, Patrick Brown, Emmett Munroe and Horace Mckinney.

While the attention remains heavily focused on the competition on the water, of course everyone loves the on-shore action as well.

Mr Smith said that participants can expect good local food and fellowship.

Weekend activities kicked of yesterday with the cruising regatta - a series of fun races and activities for sailors and observers not taking part in the ofcal races.

“Last year, we declared a frst second and third winner and people really enjoyed it.

“After the cruise regatta there is a reception with peas and rice macaroni and BBQ chicken ribs and all that kind of stuf and this year we did the same thing at the Farmer’s Cay Yacht and Marina.”

The goal for everyone is competitive racing –and fun.

features

Brainwaves

Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Modern dating rewritten: From First Date to Fiancé

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AS FEBRUARY

unfolds and Valentine’s Day approaches, conversations about love tend to narrow into romance, gestures, and expectations. But for Bahamian Lance Gibbs, the season presents an opportunity to broaden how people think about love, relationships, and commitment - especially with the release of his new book, From First Date to Fiancé.

Gibbs, who is also a matchmaker and founder of Legacy Matchmaking, said the book was written to address what he believes many women were never taught about navigating dating with intention.

“The biggest scam sold to millennial women is that if you do everything ‘the right way’ Prince Charming will just magically appear at the fnish line. No one actually prepares women for the how of fnding a husband in a healthy, intentional way.”

He explains that even women who have invested heavily in selfwork often still feel stuck.

“And even after some women have done the healing and have done the therapy, they are still stuck with no clear answers in sight.”

That gap is what led him to write the book.

The author said he wanted to provide a surgical approach to the male mind. And in doing so he hopes the book answers what every woman wants to know about getting the right relationship without losing themselves in the process.

The book arrives during a season when love is highly visible but not always deeply examined. Gibbs said Valentine’s Day often places emphasis on surface-level markers rather than meaningful connection.

“Love and relationships is a celebration. It’s popular to focus

on the theatrics around how much money someone spends or even how creative or thoughtful they can be without a big budget. But as humans, the single most important thing to us is relationships and community,” he told Tribune Weekend.

He believes love should be viewed beyond romantic partnerships alone.

“Focus on how good it feels to just have someone in your life to be there whenever you need them. Someone who makes life worthwhile. Someone who sends you over the moon and back.”

That perspective, he said, matters regardless of relationship status.

“Even if you’re single, whatever love and relationships you have, whether with family, friends, or coworkers, think about how good it feels to have any kind of support and how miserable life would be without it. Reach out to someone outside of your romantic relationship and tell them how much they mean to you.”

For many, Valentine’s Day can also bring pressure or disappointment. Gibbs said the holiday has a way of amplifying perceived lack.

“Valentine’s Day puts a lot of weight on what you don’t have or what you aren’t doing, but I want people to fip the script. There’s a feld of study called the Psychology of Happiness that teaches us to stop looking at our faws and start looking at our strengths.”

He points to research that shows the impact of focusing on personal strengths.

“Studies show that when you pick one of your positive traits and you intentionally use that strength fve times a day, your happiness and productivity skyrocket. We’re talking about you being 3 to 5 times more efective in your daily life.”

A major theme in From First Date to Fiancé is why commitment feels increasingly out of reach for many people who say they want it. Gibbs believes this comes down to postponing growth.

“People have these bad habits, and they tell themselves, ‘I’ll change once I fnd the right one.’ But that’s not how it works. You have to be the person you plan to be in the future right now to attract the person you want.”

He shares his own experience to illustrate that mindset.

“I didn’t go into dating feeling desperate, but I went in with the rock-solid identity of a man who was husband material. I didn’t wait until I met the right one to start opening doors or being a man of my word,” he told Tribune Weekend.

“When I met my wife, we were married within weeks of dating. Why? Because I was already walking in the spirit of a husband.”

The book also challenges how people interpret chemis try, which Gibbs said is often misunderstood.

“Too often, what people call a spark is actually just their ner vous system reacting to a familiar trauma. People end up betraying their own needs because they’re chasing a sleeping memory rather than a real partner.”

Instead, he emphasizes two factors he believes matter most.

“What actually predicts a long-term, rock-solid marriage isn’t that initial high. It’s a healed nervous system and the ulti mate act of love which is self improvement.”

For readers looking to apply something immediately, Gibbs said action matters more than conversation.

“The single fastest takeaway from my book is to start Somatic Therapy. Your brain forgets, but your nervous system remembers everything.”

He explains that releasing stored stress changes how people show up.

“By clearing the static out of your body, you clear the path for love.”

This day in history

February 6

Elizabeth II ascended the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland this day in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. She became the longest-reigning monarch in British history in 2015.

1945

Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley—who achieved stardom by blending early ska, rock steady, and reggae forms into an electrifying rock-infuenced hybrid— was born.

February 7

1940

The animated flm Pinocchio had its world premiere, and it became one of Disney's most beloved classics, known for its brilliant animation and compelling story.

2023

American basketball player LeBron James became the all-time highest scorer in the NBA, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387.

February 8

1887

The United States passed the Dawes General Allotment Act, providing for the distribution of Native American reservation land among indigenous individuals; the bill was sponsored by Senator Henry L Dawes.

1976

The American flm classic Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese, had its world premiere; the drama was especially known for the performance of Robert De Niro as a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran.l.

New Eleuthera icon sign at Historic Cupid’s Cay

ELEUTHERA

has a new landmark ICON sign at historic Cupid’s Cay, celebrating heritage, pride and place.

The unveiling, on Majority Rule Day, forms part of the national ICON Sign Initiative led by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA).

Located at Cupid’s Cay, where Bahamian parliamentary democracy began with the frst Parliament meeting in 1746, and where the frst United States Consulate General in The Bahamas was established in 1789, the setting refects Eleuthera’s enduring connection to freedom, governance and nation-building.

The installation was designed by His Excellency Jamaal Rolle, The Bahamas Ambassador to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientifc and Cultural Organization).

Featuring Eleuthera’s iconic pineapple, the design refects the island’s heritage and identity while ofering

visitors a memorable sense of place.

Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said the occasion held special meaning.

“On Majority Rule Day, we gather on the Isle of Freedom, at a place that represents the early foundations of Eleuthera’s story,” he said. “This sign gives visitors a way to connect with our history while creating a source of pride for the community.”

The Eleuthera unveiling follows similar installations in Exuma, Cat Island and Grand Bahama, with additional signs planned across other islands.

Together, the ICON signs encourage visitors to explore The Islands of The Bahamas one destination at a time, discovering the stories, culture and communities that make each island distinct.

Set against the waters of Cupid’s Cay, the Eleuthera ICON sign ofers visitors a natural pause to take in the view, capture the moment and connect with the island’s story.

AA launching new Miami-Bimini

ights hot on the heels of other

new airline routes to Bahamas

American Airlines is about to launch the only regularly scheduled non-stop service from the United States to Bimini, meeting the rising demand for an island escape with quick, under-an-hour journeys.

Beginning February 14, the new route will connect Miami to Bimini, further expanding air access to one of The Bahamas’ most storied and easily navigable islands.

Operating three times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays),

the service ofers travellers a convenient gateway to both North and South Bimini, known for their beaches, marine life, fshing, snorkelling, and relaxed island culture.

With seamless connections via Miami from dozens of U.S. and Canadian cities, the route increases accessibility for travellers seeking island adventures close to home.

The new Miami-Bimini fights comes on the heels of several Bahamas-bound

routes being debuted at the end of 2025.

They include Tradewind Aviation’s service from Fort Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour and North Eleuthera, alongside American Airlines’ Miami-based operation ofering three daily departures to both destinations.

Also, there is JetBlue’s addition of a daily route from Boston to Nassau, and Delta’s increase of fights to Nassau with new nonstop service from New York, Atlanta, Miami, Detroit, and Minneapolis.

By LEIGH LIGHTBOURNE 242newsbahamas@gmail.com

AT THE stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day, Bahamian singer-songwriter Summer Jane Aberle quietly marked a major personal milestone: the release of her debut single, Bury Me in My Boots, now available on Spotify. While the song leans into a country sound, its roots are frmly planted in the Family Islands of The Bahamas, where Aberle spent her formative years growing up in Abaco.

For Aberle, the journey to releasing her frst song has been shaped less by industry connections and more by family, community, and a childhood steeped in creativity, music, and island life.

“I defnitely inherited a lot of my creativity from both of my parents,” she said. “They were always super supportive of anything related to music and art and reading and

Debut single from Abaco's SUMMER ABERLE Bahamian Roots, Country Soul:

Music, however, has always been more than personal refection for Aberle. As the granddaughter of the late Cay Gottlieb, one of Grand Bahama’s most respected and beloved musicians, she grew up surrounded by his legacy. Gottlieb’s music remains deeply embedded in Bahamian cultural memory, and within Aberle’s own family, his infuence was ever-present.

Her early experiences with performing were equally community-driven including one memorable appearance at just two years old.

“My mom has this video of me in my frst Christmas play,” she said with a laugh. “I was just so happy, singing my heart out. I’ve always loved performing.”

As her musical voice developed, Aberle found herself drawn to country music, not for its sound alone, but for its storytelling tradition.

writing. That encouragement made a huge diference.”

In Abaco, Aberle attended Hope Town Primary School on Elbow Cay, an experience she credits with nurturing her creative instincts from an early age. She recalls a school that valued hands-on learning and artistic expression — something she still carries with her today.

“They really fostered an environment that allowed students access to lots of creative outlets,” she said.

“I’m not only a singer, I also paint, write, and I’m pursuing a career in architecture. All of those creative paths are connected.”

Beyond school and family support, Aberle says the rhythm of life in the Family Islands left a lasting imprint on her worldview and artistic voice.

“Many of us who grew up here refect on a slower, more deliberate lifestyle centered on community and family,” she explained. “That kind of life really forces you to acknowledge the poetics of living. In a place that beautiful, it’s hard to ignore the more ephemeral qualities of life.”

Those refections form the emotional backbone of Bury Me in My Boots, a song she describes as an exploration of life’s feeting nature.

“That really temporal essence of life, that’s what the song is about,” she said. “I think it was a good way to start this release journey.”

“I have really fond memories of my grandma and my mom playing his old records and singing along with a lot of pride,” she recalled. “Songs like Daybreak and Lady Cellulite were always favourites.”

Rather than pressure her toward fame, Aberle says her grandfather’s legacy shaped her understanding of what success in music truly means.

“For me, the most important thing is that I’m creating something my family and my immediate community can be proud of,” she said. “That’s defnitely been a big infuence that Cay has had on my life.”

Music fowed naturally through the rest of her household as well. Her father, Neil Aberle, sings and plays guitar and was her frst teacher, while her mother, Rachel Aberle, also has a musical background — even playing drums in a band while pregnant with Summer’s younger sister.

“He really taught me pretty much everything I know,” Aberle said of her father. “I have him to thank for that.”

Aberle also credits the church and her early teachers in Hope Town with helping to shape her confdence as a young performer. Through church youth programmes, she received early musical guidance from mentors including Miss Chelsea and Miss Nicole, both of whom taught her piano, guitar, and vocal technique. “They really helped me grow into my voice and learn how to perform,” she said, noting that those early lessons laid an important foundation for her musical journey.

“Country music is really powerful because it tells good stories,” she said. “It takes very personal or even mundane moments and writes them in a way that feels meaningful and accessible. That really resonates with me.”

Today, Aberle is studying architecture at graduate school in Austin, Texas, a city widely known for its vibrant live music scene. Choosing Austin was no accident.

“One of the reasons I came here was because of the live music culture,” she said.

While Bury Me in My Boots is her frst ofcial release, Aberle has several demos already recorded and plans to eventually release a fully produced EP.

“I don’t have a record label or a record deal,” she said. “But I’m working with a great producer here in Austin, and the goal is to start getting more of my music online so people can fnd it.”

Despite studying and recording abroad, Aberle remains conscious of where she comes from and what it means to represent Abaco and The Bahamas through her work.

“I want my music to refect where I’m from,” she said. “That sense of place, community, and storytelling is something I’ll always carry with me.”

As her debut single begins to fnd its audience, Summer Aberle’s journey stands as a reminder that even the quietest milestones can carry deep roots, shaped by family, island life, and a Bahamian musical legacy that continues to echo across generations.