Friday, February 22, 2019
art books film fashion music travel food gardening history culture
Weekend
MISS TEEN 2019
Pgs 14 & 15
And the Oscar goes to...
The awards’ long history and predictions for Sunday pgs 20 - 24
02 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
community
New inclusive playground to help kids find common ground The Mega Mergers group, with the help of volunteers and corporate sponsors, is turning the Centreville Primary School playground into a special space.
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
T
he Mega Mergers group has made a name for itself over the last few years by “upcyling” tyres in a effort to create art in various forms. But this month they significantly expanded on their venture. The group recently spearheaded an inclusive, environmentally conscious playground initiative at the Centreville Primary School. Candis Marshall, Mega Mergers founder, said the entire playground is being built from old tyres and and pallets. The team was fortunate enough to have a group from the Australia-based Playground Ideas come in and volunteer to assist, sharing their years of expertise with the Mega Mergers members. “This is first time Mega Mergers Programmes has pushed an inclusive playground, and it feels real good to be setting the tone with Playground Ideas, Erin Brown Connects, and Inclusive Innovations. Under the theme ‘The Power of Play’, the kids are about to engage in the most wonderful time in their lives where they spend the most of time at school,” said Candis. She told Tribune Weekend that the Centreville Primary School has become a second home for her own kids. She feels that enrolling her children in the school has not only changed their lives, but also provided opportunities for so many of the Bahamas’ children. “It came to our attention that even though a preschool was established at the school, there was no place designated for a playground. After speaking to the Principal (Sheanda) Maycock she became excited about it and so we did. The kids’ reaction was so exhilarating that the older kids began to play in the first tyre and pallet playground. Once again we asked, only this time
we intended on a playground for the entire school,” said Candis. “Principal Maycock was concerned about how it was going to happen. Our response was the community will work together and we are giving Centreville Primary School an inclusive [playground as the model for our nations’ schools to follow.”
The school’s perimeter will now have play spaces for soccer, a sand pit, a preschool area, a market place, a state-of-the-art jungle gym and pavilion – all made of tyres and old pallets. Candis believes the power of play is the most fundamental aspects of life. Through play, kids learn many life skills which are reinforced in their minds. Many times, she added, play can turn into a passion. During playtime, she explained, kids do to not see the differences in each other, only the similarities. So an inclusive playground enables all kids to find common ground, first in their imaginations and later with in actions.
“The goal is to also inspire entrepreneurs through the power of play. Creating opportunities to encourage each child to see beyond what is in front of them. The heart of our organisation is about training and entrepreneurship through resources found right here in our beautiful islands,” she said. “Even though I have been dubbed ‘Da Tyre Lady’ for all of the product made with tyres, this project has added pallets to the mix. We have had such an unique crew of volunteers that showed up for the this initiative and we are honoured to have each of them.”
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Friday, February 22, 2019
Inside Weekend Interview 4-5 Jasmine Wright is a real life fairy godmother Style 7 The art of table décor Food 8 - 9 Rosewood restaurant celebrates Commonwealth heritage and cuisine Books 10 -11 Bahamian fashion icon debuts novel, plus Princess Michael of Kent presents her book to local women’s rights advocates Art 12 The NAGB is throwing it’s doors open for a special after-hours event Pageants 14 - 15 Miss Teen 2019 contestants represent female icons Culture 17 An Italian expert shares his knowledge of wines Travel 18 Retrace the journey of the Oscarnominated film ‘Green Book’ Gardening 19 Jack Hardy and the African tulip tree Film 20 - 22 Oscar predictions ahead of Sunday’s 91st annual awards ceremony Literary Lives 22 - 24 The history of Hollywood’s highest honour, the Academy Awards Forgotten Facts 23 The arrest of a Bahamian governor Puzzles 26 Animals 27 JoJo’s sad story, plus Pet of the Week Cover photo | Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)
My perfect Bahamian weekend Eddi Russell ‘The Dandy Bohemian’ Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?
thing that you can’t live without?
“I’m a Sunday bruncher! I’m actually heading to one this Sunday. I like any reason to drink a mimosa.”
“I can not live without love. Whether I’m giving it or receiving it, I’m passionate about love. Everything springs from it. Sometimes I can be a little too giving...but I’ll never stop loving. It’s who I am. It’s what I do.”
Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik?
“All of the above! I don’t have favourites. Honestly, it depends on the feeling. I can have spirits at the house for months and not touch them. It’s about the vibes!”
Q: Beach or sofa?
“Definitely the beach! I’m the original boho beach bum, complete with sarong and a beach where I’m often the only one there. Perfect for skinny-dipping!”
Q: What is the one
Q: Weekend away, where would you go?
“Easy! I’m not going far either. I’m headed to Eleuthera! There’s something about that place that’s so magical and refreshing and rejuvenating.
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday • Sip and Safari Happy Hour Fundraiser Time: 5.30pm Venue: Ardastra Gardens Take a break from the traffic on West Bay Street, unwind as Vice Versa plays your favourite songs and relax with a glass, or two, before heading home. There is $10 cover charge per person. • NAGB’s Friday Night Live! Time: 6pm - 10pm Venue: National Art Gallery of the Bahamas • SEE PAGE 12 • Der Real Ting!! Musical Time: 8pm (more performances on Saturday and Sunday) Venue: Dundas Centre for Performing Arts Back by popular demand, the jukebox musical returns for four public performances. Featuring 25 of Eddie Minnis’ songs, it depicts Bahamian life in the 1970s. • The Love List Time: 8pm (encore on Saturday) Venue: Atlantis Theatre
In this comedy production by Canada’s most prolific playwright, two middle-aged men find out the meaning of “be careful what you wish for” when a dating agency sends them the “ideal” woman they requested.
Saturday
• Bahamas Junkanoo Art & Music Festival Time: 3pm - 6pm (continues on Sunday) Venue: Botanical Gardens The event will showcase the brilliance of Junkanoo artistry and creativity. Enjoy art by vendors like Cultureware, food from stalls like Da Bush Cook, Lioness Sushi On the Go and Da Poppin Popcorn, and music by DJ Kannon, one of the hottest young deejays in the country. • The Nassau Night Market Time: 6pm Venue: Market Slope (next to the Straw Market) Experience flavourful foods and specialty drinks. Browse through stalls selling local arts and crafts, and enjoy this street festival under.
• DJ Jazzy Jeff at Aura Time: 10pm - 2am Venue: Aura Nightclub For the first time ever, DJ Jazzy Jeff – of “The Fresh Prince” fame – comes to Atlantis. Dance to hiphop, soul, R&B, jazz, house, electro and funk music.
Sunday
• Where in the World Is Wally?/ Oscars Party Time: 6pm Venue: Outback Steakhouse View the first episode of the new Instagram series “Where in the World is Wally?”, followed by a viewing of the Academy Awards show, hosted by Travolta Cooper. There will a prize for the person who guesses the most winners. • The Geek Out: Movie Night Time: 6.30pm Venue: Incudesk, Chesapeake Road Calling all anime fans! Watch the “My Hero Academia” movie as you cosplay as your favourite character and meet like-minded people, play games and enjoy free popcorn.
04 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
interview She always had a generous spirit and now this wife and motherof-three tells Cara Hunt she has found not one, but two outlets for her giving nature: as a Rotarian she helps those in need in the community, and as bridal salon owner she makes every bride’s dreams come true.
Jasmine
J
Wright
asmine Wright is a real life fairy godmother who swoops in to save the day, helping brides and their bridal party look their very best on that special day. But her caring nature does not just end with her bridal salon, but extends to her charity work as a member of the Rotary Club of New Providence as well. “My best friend initially invited me to go with her on some of her Rotary service projects. So I was going along with her for a few months just as visitor,” she told Tribune Weekend. “But through those visits I could see that the club was like a family, full of love. I really liked the qualities that the members had and all of the initiatives which they stood for such as the work they do at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys and the Bilney Lane Children’s Home. It inspired me to join and I have been a Rotarian for more than a year now.” Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million community leaders who see a world where people unite and take action to create a
The Tribune | Weekend | 05
Friday, February 22, 2019
lasting, positive change across the globe. For more than 110 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects ranging from literacy and world peace, to environment and health. After joining the New Providence club, Jasmine threw herself into her role as a Rotarian. “Rotary can take up to 50 to 60 percent of your time. It becomes a part of you and your entire family. I take my husband and my kids along with me so that they are a part of our initiatives,” she explained “It is such a feeling of satisfaction you get when you can truly help those who need help. I feel that I have been (dealt) a pretty fortunate hand in life, and when you have been blessed in that way you have to give back to those who may not have been given such a hand.” Last July, her club named her Rotarian of the Month – an honour given to a Rotarian who participates in many of the club’s activities. “I was very surprised and appreciative to be given that honour, particularly since I was a new member,” she said. In addition to her Rotary work, Jasmine realised another dream of making people happy: she became a bridal store owner. “I got married in 2010 and I was a DIY bride. After my own wedding, in 2011, I assisted a few of my friends and family with their own weddings, and one of my friends really encouraged me to get into the business. As a child I had always wanted to be a fashion designer, and so while this is not exactly fashion design, I do get to style brides,” she said. Her boutique is aptly named The Wright Dress, a play on both her last name and the fact that every bride dreams of getting her dream gown. “It is a running joke between me, my husband and my best friend. We were sitting around throwing out names and that was one of the names, and we all agreed immediately that was the name, but we really don’t know who initially suggested it and everyone claims that it was them.” The Wright Dress provides gowns and accessories for all the women in the bridal party, from the bride to her maids, the flower girls and the mothers of the bride and the groom.
Jasmine and her family (Photo/D Newton Photography)
“The feeling when you can help someone become not just a bride, but a happy bride, a smiling bride, that is just an indescribable feeling. My goal is to always to help my brides be 100 percent satisfied.”
She can also assist young ladies with proms or other special event fashion. And just like she feels satisfaction by doing her charity work, she enjoys working with her brides. “The feeling when you can help someone become not just a bride, but a happy bride, a smiling bride, that is just an indescribable feeling. My goal is to always to help my brides be 100 percent satisfied,” she said. Jasmine noted when it comes to weddings, most Bahamian brides adopt the mantra that more is definitely more. “Most brides love their bling; they want a blinged-out dress and a big headpiece. Another thing is that most brides come in sure that they want a mermaid (skirt), but whenever I can convince many of them to open their minds and at least try on other silhouettes, they often will go a different route,” she said. Part of her fairy godmother role is saving the last minute potential disasters that can stress out her brides. “We had a case where a couple came to us for the bride and bridal party’s accessories the Thursday before the wedding. They placed the items on hold but didn’t come back, so we thought
they didn’t want the items anymore. The day of the wedding the bride sent the groom to pick up the items, which we had already restocked. So we packed everything up again, but we got a call at 12.45pm that the headpiece for the bride was not included in the items sent over. The wedding was at 2pm and there was no one who could come back to the store to get it. The bride was going to improvise, but I couldn’t let that happen and so I jumped in my car and drove the headpiece to the hotel, because no bride should have to improvise on her special day,” she said. “We often get last-minute brides and I will do whatever I can to make sure they get their items, even if I have to jump on a plane and bring them back to Nassau myself.” Next month, The Wright Dress will host its second annual bridal show. In addition to showcasing her company’s own fashions, Jasmine hopes to provide a venue for small industry vendors to promote their items and services. “The smaller vendors can often get overlooked and so I’d like to assist them. And a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Rotary to assist in their community projects,” she added.
06 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
MOBILE
APP
Take us with you Everywhere you go!
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Friday, February 22, 2019
style
Setting the
table
The art of party décor By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
A
bouquet of flowers that matches the frosting on the cupcakes; balloons that complement the candies in the glass...all this might seem a bit over the top to the lay person, but décor expert Nadia Moss knows that it is this attention to detail that makes special events even more awesome. And she knows all about going the extra mile due to the services she performs through her company, Table Scapes 242, which caters to everything from colourful children’s birthday parties to sophisticated weddings. Having a vision for a décor concept and then actually seeing it become a reality is a very rewarding experience, Nadia told Tribune Weekend. She first starting decorating tables seven years ago, when she created a candy buffet for a baby shower. Over the years Nadia has added her flair to many a party, specialising in elegant, gourmet candy and dessert buffets. “Three years ago I did a dessert buffet for a community initiative, which was my first public event. Following that event, I started getting inquiries to do others,” she said. One of the greatest rewards for her work is the look of joy on children’s faces when they see the final setup for their birthday parties – be a Super Mario or Incredible Hulk inspired theme. “It’s all about the ‘wow’ factor. It gives me joy to please my clients,” she said. Nadia said she gets her drive and inspiration from her late mother, Vivienne Johnson, and other family members and friends. Other major influences come from noted event planners and stylists like David Tutera, Mindy Weiss, Karleen Roy, Khadidra Muhammad and Chloe Cook, to name a few. Following what these leaders in the industry do and keeping abreast of all the latest trends is very important for Nadia. “Table Scapes 242 believes in investing in growth and knowledge. Therefore, industry conferences are always a part of the yearly investment in the company in order to keep up with the industry trends. Promoting and building clientele is also a part of our yearly goals as a new company,” she explained. The young entrepreneur said she is thankful for how well the Bahamian community has responded to her design ideas, and said social media has played a major role in her success. For more information, check out Table Scapes 242 on Facebook or call 466-6513.
08 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
food
A culinary celebration of Commonwealth heritage “We also have that farm-to-table attitude here, everything is made fresh. If we don’t have the fresh conch, we don’t offer the conch chowder.”
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
L
iving up to its name, the Commonwealth restaurant at Baha Mar offers a menu that spans six unique regions around the world and includes dishes inspired by the cuisine of former British territories like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and of course the Bahamas. The fine dining establishment, located at the Rosewood, aims to celebrate bold flavours and historical influences in a refined modern setting. Guests can enjoy both traditional and contemporary dishes. And that is maybe the reason why it has quickly become a favourite of both locals and tourists alike. Commonwealth is has been observing many “firsts” this year. Last Thursday, for example, the restaurant hosted its inaugural Valentine’s Day experience. “We opened in June of last year so we are approaching our milestone of one year open,” said Angelo Sturrup, the restaurant’s manager. “We are very happy and very excited to...ensure that we share this with our Bahamian people. We want to let them know that they are welcome to come. It seems as if it is just super exclusive, but give us a call, make a reservation, come to the restaurant and we will be happy to accommodate. I love to see my fellow Bahamians enjoying something new and refreshing.” Breakfast is usually served as a full buffet, and the dinner, an elegant affair, is available via a la carte options or a curated chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing. “It is extremely important to us being at the Rosewood, having a part of the culture of the Bahamas infused into our resort as well. If you look at the architecture and uniforms here at the Rosewood, it is all influenced by the British fanfare – our
Artichoke and asparagus tarte
Beef Wellington, the restaurant’s signature dish
Grilled Canadian lobster
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Friday, February 22, 2019
Commonwealth and our heritage from where we came from, hence the name Commonwealth,” said Mr Sturrup. Describing the ambiance at the restaurant, Mr Sturrup said above all it’s a very romantic setting. The lights are dimmed, the seating arranged to create an intimate atmosphere, and there are private sections as well. “The restaurant itself is separated into four quadrants. We have the main dining room that has a banquet quad area where guests can have that intimacy of sitting next to each other but not really being intrusive of the other table. We also have a conservatory area that has most of our tables. This is more of a bistro type feel. And then of course we do have our outside terrace which is very romantic and quiet at night. The music that plays on the terrace is not the same that plays in the restaurant, so out there you get a different feel, very serene and a beautiful place to be shared with a loved one... I call it a sexy area,” he said. The Commonwealth also includes the Rum Room, inspired by the centuries-old rum-making tradition of the Bahamas. With rich dark woods, supple leather, and a decorative wall of premium rums and fine international wines, the Rum Room is something exclusive that can be booked for a private event. In all these spaces guests can enjoy everything from Bahamian conch chowder to Canadian confit duck poutine, Indian vegetable curry and the traditionally British fish and chips. Mr Sturrup said his personal favourite are the tandoori lamb chops, an appetiser he usually pairs with a curried kedgeree rice dish. “For me, it is amazing. We also have that farm-to-table attitude here, everything is made fresh. If we don’t have the fresh conch, we don’t offer the conch chowder,” he said. Mr Sturrup suggests people visit the restaurant on Sundays between the hours of 12.30pm and 2.30pm to enjoy a unique brunch buffet with a weekly changing menu of local and a la carte dishes such as a spicy fried chicken, Bahamian-style eggs Benedict, and boiled fish. A pricier option includes bottomless guava bellinis. For added convenience, brunch includes complimentary valet parking. “With this I want to keep our mantra here, which is a sense of place... by introducing Bahamian fanfare to our guests, as well as having a place for our Bahamian guests to have an escape. To me, when you come here it is like you
Grilled prawns
Manager Angelo Sturrup
The Rum Room, for private functions are transported into a different world,” he said. For guests who all about the dessert options, Mr Sturrup said Commonwealth has Brazilian pastry chef with unique talents. “What I like about her is that she has infused a lot of the Bahamian taste (in the menu) just by communicating with locals to learn the art of local desserts. So you would find peanut
cake, pineapple tart, guava duff, and so much more,” he said. Commonwealth also offers a “Meet The Chef” series that features Executive Chef Siddharth Krishna. During this season, guests are able to ask questions and share stories with the chef and his team, all the while enjoying a chef’s tasting menu in the Rum Room.
Mr Sturrup said the restaurant is every receptive to feedback from their guests. “We try to make sure that every (piece of) feedback that we get, we approach it with a sense of urgency,” he said. Going forward, he said, Commonwealth is planning to have themed nights, wine pairing nights, jazz nights with a band, and more.
10 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
books
Bahamian fashion icon debuts novel Flo Miller pens story inspired
Fashion icon turned author, Flo Miller
by her extraordinary journey
“I
sland life in 1950 was so free. The children were never afraid to go into the woods alone to pick wild sapodillas and coco plums or walk on the beach looking for seashell treasures washed ashore... The children had to go down the hill
to the well for water and walk back up sometimes at sunset. Each child has a little bucket for their water and they would play hide and seek along the way.” – Excerpt from “Return to Mango Hill”.
“Return to Mango Hill” is about the life of Sammie, a young girl growing up on Mango Hill with her family and siblings. A bright-eyed, inquisitive child with big dreams, Sammie’s life would take her from the powder white beaches of the Bahamas to the hustle and bustle of New York, to the land of love and art, France, and the fashion mecca of Italy. Launched this month on Amazon. com, “Return to Mango Hill”, a novel written by Bahamian fashion icon Flo Miller, is being hailed as an exciting page-turner and has received rave reviews. For the author, writing a book was a tremendous journey of discovery, introspection and delight. “I wrote this book because I have met so many women like Sammie, I see her in myself. Sammie, came along at a time when women, especially women of colour, had to fight for everything they wanted. Getting an education was a big deal. Women had to work twice as hard to go to school, get a high school diploma, and for many, work jobs to pay for college,” said Flo reflecting on her own journey to pursue her educational goals. Born on Snow Hill, Long Island, Flo and her family moved to New Providence when she was a young girl. Growing up in Kemp Road, Flo and her seven siblings were close knit. With a keen sense of fashion inherited from her mother, as a teenager she saved funds and with nothing but big dreams moved to New York to pursue studies in fashion at the Ophelia Devore Fashion and Charm School. There, she took courses on social etiquette, make-up application, photography, and was certified as a yoga
and fitness instructor. Upon her return to Nassau, she opened up the country’s first finishing school, Upgrade Charm School. She then decided to pursue her fashion and modelling journey in Paris, becoming one of the city’s top black models. She was one of the first Bahamian women to grace the cover of an Italian fashion magazine. “ ‘Return to Mango Hill’ is not an autobiography, it is a novel, a story about a young girl and her journey through life. What intrigued me while writing the book was how many women came from the same background like Sammie. These amazing women have one thing in common, they got knocked down but they got back up. They didn’t give up and become successful in their own right,” said Flo. For the past three decades, Flo has remained in France as fashion consultant and current proprietor of Accessorizeit, an international cultural jewellery enterprise. She visits the Bahamas frequently, often for months at a time to soak in the sun, sand and sea and visit her beloved family and friends. She has long traded in the glitz and glamour of the runway and nightlife for a nice glass of wine and laptop to pen a novel from her heart. “ ‘Return to Mango Hill’ is a rich story of trials, hope and triumph,” said Flo. “Telling Sammie’s story has empowered me to dream new dreams.” “Return to Mango Hill” is now sale online at Amazon.com and will be available at local bookstores. “For women out there, I would say let nothing stop you from pursuing your dreams. I truly hope the life of Sammie from Mango Hill will spark something in each reader. No matter their age or past, I want them see life’s amazing opportunities which exist when one is willing to climb the hill, take the risk and leap into the sea,” said Flo. For more information, visit returntomangohill.com and learn about her special Mother’s Day promotion.
The Tribune | Weekend | 11
Friday, February 22, 2019
books
Women’s rights advocates welcome Princess Michael of Kent to Nassau By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
T
he Celebrating Women International organisation welcomed a member of British royalty to the Bahamas last Saturday as they hosted Princess Michael of Kent during a private reception held at Government House. During the visit, guests were gifted an autographed copy of her most recent book, “A Cheetah’s Tale”. The Princess herself presented two personalised copies to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, respectively. Dame Marguerite welcomed the Princess to Government House, saying that she was sure the book would make a delightful read. “A Cheetah’s Tale” is the seventh book the Princess has written, and while the others were more historical fiction or focused on European royalty, this book is autobiographical in nature. It traces her childhood at her father’s farm in Mozambique in the early 1960s. During her time there she encountered a number of exotic animals, including lions, snakes and elephants. The book in particular chronicles her relationship with a baby cheetah she adopted and named Tess. With the help from her father, stepmother and household staff, Princess Micheal of Kent learned how to feed and care for Tess, from a helpless kitten who needed to be taught how to hunt, to a powerful creature who had to be released into the wild at the age of two. The unusual experience sparked her lifelong interest in conservation, particularly that of big cats.
Princess Michael of Kent signs a copy of her book for Patricia Minnis.
The Princess with Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling
Princess Michael of Kent arrives at Government House. Princess Michael of Kent is currently the Royal Patron of the Endangered Species Centre in South Africa and also of the the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. Born Marie Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz, she is married to Prince Michael of Kent, a grandson of King George V who is 47th in the line of succession.
Celebrating Women International hosted the event ahead of Woman’s History Month, which is observed in March, to accommodate the Princess’ schedule. The organisation was founded in Nassau in 2014. Celebrating Women International is a group of advocates in the Bahamas,
United States and Canada who support women’s rights. Their main focus is to celebrate, honour and unite women worldwide so they can positively thrive in and change their world. This can be achieved through teaching, promoting and demonstrating the importance of sponsoring, assisting, networking, mentoring and relying on one another to further women’s causes, including supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS, cancer and other debilitating diseases that affect women. Celebrating Women International also focuses on leveraging women’s untapped leadership capabilities, with a goal of not only building community across cultures, but also creating and sustaining a unique global education initiative for individuals from all walks of life. It’s mission is to inspire women across the globe to honour, recognise and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives. Since it’s inception the organisation has honoured more than 500 woman around the world.
12 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
art
An after-hours exploration of art for the whole family
T
he National Art Gallery of the Bahamas will come alive this evening during its Friday Night Live! family event. Friday Night Live! is a one-of-kind event at the museum that is perfect for an evening out with the family, a first date, or just to experience the NAGB after hours. For the price of regular admission, you can experience special tours, drawing in the galleries, an interactive workshop inspired by the latest exhibitions, live entertainment and more. The event only comes around once a quarter, so art lovers of all ages are encouraged not to miss out on tonight’s activities.
This evening will feature “The Good Mic”, an open mic collaboration with Goodstock. The cost of the event is $7 for locals, $10 for visitors; students and seniors will be $5 and kids under 12 years and members are free. The event will be held from 6pm to 10 pm. Patrons will be able to view the gallery’s current exhibition, “Hard Mouth: From the Tongue of the Ocean”. “Hard Mouth: From the Tongue of the Ocean” is a look at the way language – both verbal and visual – has shaped the Bahamas and how we view ourselves. From the way we speak, to the way that we voice our discontent, to the way we envision
Artwork in the current exhibition, “Hard Mouth: From the Tongue of the Ocean”.
During Friday Night Live! kids can experiment with being creative. ourselves as women and as part of the black diaspora, “Hard Mouth” is a call to the “biggity” and bold nature of Bahamians and a foray into how this archipelago, around the Tongue of the Ocean itself, finds its voice. Additionally, National Exhibition 9: “The Fruit and the Seed” will remain on display until March 31. A socially curious project, “The Fruit and the Seed” is focused on how artists are working to define their space and experiences. Whether it be through the lens of race, gender, parity and class as a way to clarify cultural,
social and aesthetic decisions, the art-making process is used as a tool to bring to the fore ideologies on activism and advocacy, leading to a more empathetic and understanding culture. “The Fruit and the Seed” is an acknowledgement of the binaries in which we exist, paying attention to the fertile creative space we inhabit, its nuances, contradictions and complexities. The analogy of the fruit and seed conjure up very explicit things—from the religious and poetic, to the agency around cultivation and harvest, possibility and outcome. The fragile nature of our ecologies in the age of climate change and the Anthropocene is calling for a radical shift in how we tend to our ground and lives. It includes the work of 38 artists. The NAGB will close out the month with a screening of the iconic Sidney Poitier film “A Raisin in the Sun” as part of its NAGB film series. The film will be shown on Thursday, February 27, at 7pm. The event is free to the public. Refreshments will be on sale.
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Friday, February 22, 2019
film
A sweet
review
swan song for
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ RUNNING TIME: 104 MINS
B
orn in the 3-D land rush, “How to Train Your Dragon” has never quite shrugged off the bland corporate sheen attached to it from the start. But almost a decade since taking flight in 2010, these movies have made up for their lack of fire with enough sincerity and genuine sense of wonder to sustain a mild but moving trilogy. “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” brings the franchise to a close with an affectionate chapter that continues the adventures of the Viking boy-turned-chief Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his faithful dragon Toothless, a sleek, black kind of dragon called a Night Fury (not to be confused with an evening-time presidential tweet storm). In “The Hidden World,” the dragon utopia that Hiccup has built on the Island of Berk, where Vikings once feared and fought dragons, comes under threat from a dastardly dragon hunter named Grimmel the Grisly (F Murray Abraham) whose toothy grin resembles a moonlighting vampire with violently retrograde policies on dragon coexistence. With Berk under attack, Hiccup rallies the Vikings to uproot and flee to a mythical, undiscovered realm called the Hidden World where dragons could live safely away from humankind. It feels like an overreaction. Fearsome as Grimmel is, he’s a single and kind of goofy villain, and, plus, real estate values in hidden worlds are notoriously unpredictable. Written and directed by series veteran Dean DeBlois, “The Hidden World” may not overwhelm in its necessity; it’s a tale that lacks the stakes of the previous instalment,
Astrid, voiced by America Ferrera, left, and Hiccup, voiced by Jay Baruchel
The female Light Fury dragon and Night Fury dragon Toothless which dealt significantly with Hiccup’s parents — the discovery of one (Cate Blanchett) and the death of another (Gerard Butler). But the $1 billion in box office taken in by the first two movies, combined, was enough to push the franchise forward and put “How to Train Your Dragon” back into action five years later (and following the sale of DreamWorks to Universal). There are two compelling parts of “The Hidden World” that validate it. The first is the courting scene between Toothless and another white (and presumably female) Night Fury who turns up just as Grimmel does. They swoop
and swoon through the sky, gliding in the glow of the Northern Lights like a dragon version of “La La Land.” The second is the film’s terrific coda, which leaps years forward and adds a wider, wistful and more grown-up dimension to what has always been, at its heart, a boy-and-his-dog story, just with wings. “How To Train You Dragon” has done a lot of things right along the way. It brought in cinematographer extraordinaire Roger Deakins to add to the rich Nordic atmospherics. (Deakins remains credited as a visual consultant in “The Hidden World.”) And the
series deserves credit, too, for building a story — adapted from Cressida Cowell’s books — around two unimpeded protagonists (Hiccup and Toothless) with prosthetic appendages. Without much to draw on from the surrounding characters (voices include America Ferrera, Jonah Hill and TJ Miller), “How To Train Your Dragon” has always been predicated on that central twosome and the laudable lesson that animals, even fire-breathing ones, aren’t our enemies unless we make them so. JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer
14 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
The Tribune | Weekend | 15
Friday, February 22, 2019
pageants
Teen queens embark on journey to the crown C o n t e s t a n t s w i l l h o n o u r l o c a l f e m a l e i c o n s
PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA
By LEANDRA ROLLE
T
he 2019 Miss Teen Bahamas International pageant got off to a great start last Sunday at the Courtyard Marriott. Nine contestants were introduced to the public during the official launch event which drew a large crowd of avid pageant fans along with family and friends of this year’s contenders. And rest assured, attendees were not disappointed. They were able to get a good look at each contestant as they paraded down the red carpet and making their bid for the crown official. The contestants have an exciting lineup of events in the coming weeks. This Saturday, the young ladies will be visiting Balmoral Island for a professional photo shoot. In addition to this, they will attend a church service at Trinity City of Praise. The contestants will also be going on a girls’ getaway trip to Abaco for some fun in the sun. And these are just a few of the many events planned for the beauty queens. The nine young women will also continue their training regards to etiquette, fitness, speech and communication, all in preparation for the next stage in the competition. Franchise director of Miss Teen Bahamas International, Monalisa Thompson, said that she’s very proud of this year’s contestants and is very hopeful for the future. “Every year we get bigger and better and so we hope to get more sponsors on board because that’s one of the things you need when you’re dealing with these ladies. They’re here because they want to make a difference,” she told the Tribune Weekend. This year’s pageant is being held under the theme “This is Me” and each delegate is representing an influential Bahamian female icon who has greatly impacted the country. The icons being highlighted are Elaine Pinder, owner of the Bamboo Shack Sapodilla and Frankie Gone Bananas restaurants; Priscilla Rollins, ‘Bahamian Queen of Soul’; Pia Glover, talent manager; Shaunae Miller, Olympic champion; Pauline Allen, the first woman to become manager of a commercial bank in the Bahamas; Joann Callender, acclaimed opera singer; Mary Moseley, newspaper owner/
Tinazenae Thompson
Syonne Smith
Timeica Thompson
editor, Therese “T’rez” Hepburn, a beloved Bahamian entertainer, and Yolett McPhee-McCuin, current head coach of the University of Mississippi women’s basketball team. The winner of Miss Teen Bahamas 2019 will go on to participate in the international pageant, scheduled for this July in West Virginia. She will also receive a four-year scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University. The nine young ladies competing for the Miss Teen Bahamas crown are: Tinazenae Thompson, Onetia Spence, Miya Rodgers, Fanaeya Nicholson, Tamecia Thompson, Deja Dorsette, Syonne Rolle, Mannisha Charlton and Adria Adderley. Following a float parade on March 23, the top five contestants will be announced on April 13 and will go on to compete for the title of Miss Teen Bahamas International 2019 on April 28.
Deja Dorsette
Mannisha Charlton
Onetia Spence
Adria Adderley
Myia Rodgers
Fanaeya Nicholson
16 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
celebrity The Weekend Fashion Report BRIT Awards 2019
FAIL
FAIL
SPLIT
SPLIT
SPLIT
Pink ”What About Us”
Jorja Smith ”The One”
Dua Lipa ”Electricity”
H.E.R. ”Best Part”
Anne-Marie ”Friends”
Karin says: That high collar does her no favours; makes her look stiff like a board and like she has no neck. The almost neon yellow also doesn’t work with hair or complexion. And why she decided to throw on a short studded leather jacket of all things...there were better ways to preserve her P!nk-is-punk aesthetic.” Cara says: “This outfit totally cuts off her neck in a very non-flattering way. Plus the bright yellow is just a bit obnoxious, if I’m being honest. It’s just not a great combination all around. I really don’t care for it; any of it.”
Karin says: “The top half of the dress is fine; it has an interesting colour combo and print going on. However, the feathered hemline...I hate this look; makes her seem like a flamingo standing there. I think if you have to have big Vegas feathers they need to be at your ankles on a long gown, not around your thighs.” Cara says: “I looked at just about every angle of this dress I could find online and I still can’t figure out what the print it, but it’s very retro. I like the fabric, but I am not sure how I feel about the feather hem; it just seems so unnecessary.”
Karin says: “Fresh off her concert here in Nassau and Dua keeps getting these nominations! The black lace top is obviously sexy and I like it paired with the solid fuchsia skirt, but the way the bodice meets the skirt is what bothers me. It’s just plain strange how it goes half way up her torso on one side.” Cara says: “This colour combo is to die for, unfortunately it misses the mark with the bodice, that takes what could have been a fabulous dress and makes it really sleazy. It just looks like cheap, itchy lingerie. Sorry.”
Karin says: “I like the attitude, I like the hair and the shades, but a gold pantsuit...really? This new Grammy Award nominee is probably still figuring out her style, but shiny pants with elastic waistbands are not cute...I actually think it’s the waistband that offends me the most.” Cara says: “So this outfit is pretty cute. What I like about it is that it looks so effortless and comfortable yet elegant all at once. Also loving that ‘big hair, don’t care’ attitude she has going on. This gets a thumbs up from me.”
Karin says: “I mean, that is a teeny white dress; it’s barely there. So what makes this ensemble is the coat. And it is fabulous. I love the shades of pink and purple. So I can understand why she went for such a plain dress. The one thing I would, however, change is that awful extreme middle part she has going on with her hair.” Cara says: “This outfit is the equivalent of wearing a fur coat to the beach. Yes, it’s fabulous, but it makes no sense considering that you are wearing it with a bathing suit. I feel like the drama of the coat/wrap is wasted by the ugly cheap T- shirt dress.”
PHOTOS/JOEL C RYAN/INVISION/AP
With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt
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Friday, February 22, 2019
culture
Get wined and dined
Italian wine professional hosts food pairing event By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
A
n Italian wine professional is making his way to the Bahamas next week to share his vast knowledge on how to pair specific flavours with a variety of dishes. Matteo Di Donato, Caribbean export manager of Santa Margherita, will share his expertise on wines during the brand’s wine pairing event to be held in February 26 at Meze Grill at 7pm. During the event, spearheaded by Commonwealth Brewery, Mr Donato is expected to facilitate conversation with guests around the wines served throughout the course of the evening. The event will feature Santa Margherita wines as well as Torressella and Ca’ del Bosco wines, which will be paired with dishes prepared by Meze Grill. While wine may be a universally beloved alcoholic beverage that is also enjoyed by many Bahamians, there are some who are still testing the waters and haven’t fully converted. Its true wine can be an acquired taste, which is why Lamara Bain-Major, wine representative at Commonwealth Brewery. suggests test tasters try a blend of the alcoholic drink. “Wine is a universal language made to consume and enjoy with family and friends all year round. There are so many types of wine that there is surely something to please everyone’s taste. I usually suggest that persons start off with a blend before exploring. That way they can decide which direction they want to move in in terms of flavour profiles,” she told Tribune Weekend. And when they have developed an appreciation for the vast wine flavours and found one that they love, learning how to pair the right foods with the right wine is a natural progression. “The event will be both entertaining as well as educational. Consumers will have the opportunity to interact with a wine professional from Italy who is directly associated with Santa Margherita while enjoying excellent wines and great food in a comfortable atmosphere,” she said. Mrs Bain-Major said with this event they wanted to bring awareness to the new wines in the Commonwealth Brewery portfolio from the Santa Margherita brand, as well as allow consumers the opportunity to enjoy great food that these wines pair well with. Wine and food enthusiasts, she said, can also expect a few surprises. “Traditionally there are certain expectations or rules so to speak, like tomato based dishes or steak should pair with red wines, or fish with white wine. I have met quite a few wine connoisseurs and they all say to drink what you like with whatever food you like, so I would recommend to just keep it simple,” said Mrs Bain-Major. Dinner for the evening is $75 per person. For more information, contact mezegrill@titans.bs or 322-4826.
18 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
travel
Retrace Oscar-nominated ‘Green Book’ path with some research ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (AP) — The Oscar-nominated interracial road trip movie “Green Book” has spurred interest in the real guidebook that helped black travellers navigate segregated America. With a little research, travellers can find copies of “The Negro Motorist Green Book” online and retrace the route in the movie or develop their own tours of sites that once provided refuge to African-Americans. The Peter Farrelly film follows an Italian-American bouncer, played by Viggo Mortensen, as he drives a prominent black classical pianist, played by Mahershala Ali, during a 1962 music tour through Jim Crow-era America. To avoid conflict and to protect the pianist, Mortensen’s character uses the Green Book — a guide published from 1936 to 1966 by Harlem postal worker Victor H Green. The Green Book offered black travellers tips on places to eat, visit and sleep while on the road. The taverns, hotels and gas stations were often black-owned and were identified via word-of-mouth or through advertisements. “Carry your Green Book with you,” the book warned readers on its cover. “You may need it!”
Today, curious travellers can find copies of every edition of the Green Book for free at the New York Public Library Digital Collections or purchase replicas from the Camarillo, California-based About Comics publisher. Inside, readers will find listings in almost every state with addresses of places that catered to African American travellers amid of world of “Whites Only” restaurants, hotels and other establishments across the United States. Some of the places featured in the travel guide still exist, at least as shadows of their former selves. In Birmingham, Alabama, the city of the final performance in the movie, the once black-owned A G Gaston Motel is now part of a national monument established by then-President Barack Obama. Martin Luther King Jr and aides stayed at the motel while planning demonstrations against legalised racial segregation in the city in 1963. Now abandoned and owned by the city, the motel once was an upscale haven with a restaurant and live music for blacks seeking safety in a place known as the most segregated city in America. It eventually will be refurbished as part of plans that call for it to become a centrepiece of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
Viggo Mortensen, left, and Mahershala Ali in a scene from “Green Book.” (Universal Pictures via AP)
About 90 miles to the south, in Montgomery, King often got his hair cut in a barber shop inside the Ben Moore Hotel, which was a Green Book fixture at the time King was pastoring a church in Alabama’s capital in the 1950s. The hotel still stands on a corner, vacant and decaying. Meanwhile, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the De Anza Motor Lodge, a business owned by Zuni trader and Indian art collector Charles G. Wallace, along the historic Route 66 is still standing, barely. It offered black motorists opportunities for a good night’s rest and a chance to catch a nearby show of American Indian and Mexican-American doo-wop singers. The motel was listed in some editions of the Green Book and is undergoing renovation after years of being abandoned. The Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma, is on the National Register of Historic Places for its distinction as a black-owned filling station along the Route 66 “Mother Road.” The Threatt family’s recent partnership with historians to preserve the former station and the movie “Green Book” have brought about a renaissance of sorts for the structure, The Oklahoman reported in December. Charles Becknell, Sr, 77, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, said he bought a 1954 edition of the Green Book online after he saw the movie. The retired educator plans on visiting some of the
sites mentioned in the book to see what’s there now. “I also wanted my grandchild to see this book for themselves,” Becknell said. To be sure, some of the sites mentioned in the Green Book no longer exist and the buildings that once housed them have been replaced or torn down. Frank’s Restaurant in New York City’s Harlem neighbourhood, advertised in the 1959 Green Book edition, is long gone and a now defunct discount store occupies the spot. The former Booker Washing Hotel and Courts in San Francisco, which once offered black travellers “splendidly decorated suites” and a “cocktail lounge,” is now a Safeway grocery store and apartments. Still, visitors can use the guide to visit the sites and see how a place that once provided safe haven has evolved and contemplate what it meant for black travellers more than 50 years ago. The movie “Green Book” is nominated for best picture at the 91st Academy Awards scheduled to air Sunday on ABC. Mortensen is nominated for the best actor award and Ali as best-supporting actor. ___ Reeves reported from Birmingham, Alabama. RUSSELL CONTRERAS and JAY REEVES Associated Press
The closed De Anza Motor Lodge on Route 66. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File)
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Friday, February 22, 2019
gardening
The African
tulip tree Jack Hardy has a yearslong dream fulfilled...sort of... with all the joy that comes along with it, but none of the extra work
T
here are times when you really hanker after something, and you must have it. If you are frustrated the disappointment can last into your waning years. The opposite can also be true. In those waning years you may wonder: What on earth was I thinking of? I once desperately wanted an African tulip tree. There is no doubt that it is one of the most attractive of trees, large and dominating, heavy foliage, and huge flowers that are stunning. One of these in my yard, I used to think, would be dramatic and fulfilling. But all my attempts to obtain a tree came to nought. The African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) comes from the tropical and subtropical region of Africa centred on Lake Victoria. Its deep roots make it virtually impervious to drought conditions and at the same time it provides water for birds, insects and climbing mammals. The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of branches and these are reddish-orange laced at the rim with a white picotee, and the size of teacups. Water is collected in the flowers and also stored under pressure in bud capsules that are incipient flowers. When squeezed, the capsules release a jet of water. You can imagine how valuable an African tulip tree can be during the dry season in its natural terrain. The leaves provide shade while the flowers and
capsules provide life-saving water. The tree caters for birds in particular but also for creatures that can climb. The actual flowering season depends upon a tree’s location but is usually most of the year in ideal locations. Here in the Bahamas the trees flower from October to May. The African tulip tree is not a climbing tree. Rather like royal Poinciana, it has brittle branches that break easily in high winds. It is a messy tree that spreads leaf and branch detritus in abundance. The first African tulip trees I saw growing were around the Ministry of Works residence in Marsh Harbour, located on a hill to the south of the town. From a distance the area is a blaze of red in the cooler months. Close up you can see the reason why. What started as a single tree has turned into a tulip tree jungle. Winged seeds are dispersed freely and the trees also produce new plants from their roots that lie close to the surface of the soil. The unfortunate side of African tulip tree was further exposed by the owner of a house in a subdivision near the Ministry of Works residence. A single sapling was planted in the middle of a front lawn and over the years I noted the progress of this tree. Within two years it was sturdy and blooming. Within four years it was taller than the house and the side branches obliterated any view of the house from the
road. Within eight years there were multiple growths from the roots and matters were getting out of hand. A major operation took place with attempts to remove all traces of the trees and their roots. It was a real lesson to me to do my research thoroughly before thinking about planting a tree. The beautiful African tulip tree is one of the worst invasive plants in the world. In Australia, Queensland in particular, it presents a massive problem which goes to show you can have too much of a good thing. In nearby Florida the trees have colonised great swathes in the warmer south and eclipsed the native flora. It is obvious that great care must be taken before establishing a tulip tree. In the mid-90s I was teaching at Abaco Central High School (now Patrick J Bethel High School) and the institution had a number of plants donated from Nassau for beautification purposes. One of them was an African tulip tree and I considered myself fortunate: I would see the tree most days of the week yet I would not have to clear up the detritus because the school had groundsmen.
An African tulip tree in full bloom at Moxey’s Nurser y, Treasure Cay, Abaco.
The African tulip sapling established itself within the school’s main quadrangle and soon became a large tree. It was bearing its beautiful flowers within three years and providing shade for students on sunny days. In Africa the tree grows to 80 feet; here in the islands it usually tops out at 50 feet, so the Patrick J Bethel tulip tree can now be considered mature. The blooming period between October and May fits nicely into the school year. I visited the school last week to take a photograph of the tree. The students I chatted with were very aware that the tree was special and selected a good angle for me to take the photo. “The flowers are so beautiful!” they told me. The tree has already survived half a dozen hurricanes. I never did get an African tulip tree in my yard – thank goodness – but the tree I helped establish is appreciated by hundreds of students and will be for generations to come. • For queries and comments e-mail jacktribune242@gmail.com
20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
film
Oscar predictions
What will win, what should win
A
head of Sunday’s 91st Academy Awards, Associated Press film writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle share their predictions for a ceremony that has few sure things.
• BEST ACTOR Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody
• BEST PICTURE
The nominees: “Black Panther,” ‘‘BlacKkKlansman,” ‘‘Bohemian Rhapsody,” ‘‘The Favourite,” ‘‘Green Book,” ‘‘Roma,” ‘‘A Star Is Born,” ‘‘Vice” BAHR Will win: “Roma” Should win: “A Star Is Born” Not to go all Sean Penn here, but “A Star Is Born” really should win best picture, even though it probably won’t. “Roma” is wonderful, but I fear it’s one of those films that won’t be re-watched or even talked about much five or 10 years from now, whereas “A Star Is Born” is not only great, but feels like a classic already. And that’s something special. COYLE Will win: “Roma” Should win: “Black Panther” The guild wins, which usually point the way, have been all over the map making this a hard one to call. The momentum is with “Roma” thanks, in part, to an all-out blitz of a campaign from Netflix (which has eyes for an Oscar the way Jackson Maine wants another look at Ally) and because of, well, it’s a fairly astonishing movie. But “Black Panther” and the response it provoked epitomised the cultural height of movies, something some doubted was still possible. Wakanda for February 24.
• BEST ACTRESS
The Nominees: Yalitza Aparicio, “Roma”; Glenn Close, “The Wife”; Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”; Lady
(Photo/Alex Bailey)
Gaga, “A Star Is Born”; Melissa McCarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” BAHR Will Win: Glenn Close, “The Wife” Should Win: Olivia Colman, “The Favourite” The conventional wisdom is that Glenn Close is overdue for an Oscar. Thankfully, she’s really wonderful in “The Wife,” as the dutifully supportive spouse of a newly-minted Nobel-winning writer. A “career Oscar” isn’t a bad sentiment and definitely not a “pity Oscar.” But love definitely has no limits when it comes to my own appreciation of Olivia Colman’s performance as Queen Anne in “The Favourite,” which could get passed over because Colman hasn’t been a fixture on the schmooze circuit (she was busy shooting “The Crown”! which is a totally reasonable excuse). COYLE Will win: Glenn Close, “The Wife” Should win: Glenn Close, “The Wife” There’s not a bad choice in the bunch and many more, too, that didn’t make the cut. There may be room here for an upset from Colman, whose Queen
The nominees: Christian Bale, “Vice”; Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born”; Willem Dafoe, “At Eternity’s Gate”; Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”; Viggo Mortensen, “Green Book” BAHR Will win: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody” Should win: Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born” That Rami Malek somehow became the consensus choice here still kind of baffles me, especially when there’s Bradley Cooper giving the perfor-
Regina King as Sharon in “If Beale Street Could Talk”
Anne was a delirious heap of emotions. Surely there will be some voters who’d like to see Colman thank “my bitches” again at the Oscars. But it feels like this belongs to Close whose subtle performance in “The Wife” overflows with the kind of intricacy that can go (and, in Close’s case, often has gone) overlooked at the Academy Awards.
mance of a lifetime as sad, sweet, awful and tragic Jackson Maine. He felt realer than the sanitised Freddie Mercury of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” that’s for sure. COYLE Will win: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
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Friday, February 22, 2019
Should win: Willem Dafoe, “At Eternity’s Gate” In an Oscars full of question marks, Malek’s win seems the most assured. His performance is the kind of showstopper that Oscar voters love. (Malek chews so much scenery they gave him extra teeth.) But another biopic, Julian Schnabel’s “At Eternity’s Gate,” featured a far more searching and deeply felt performance in Dafoe’s Vincent Van Gogh. For the second year straight, Dafoe (a nominee in 2018 for “The Florida Project”) won’t win an Oscar he deserves.
BAHR Will win: Alfonso Cuaron, “Roma” Should win: Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” Cuaron did an astonishing job writing, directing and shooting “Roma,” “Spiderwhich feels like an epic although it’s in Man: Into fact a very small and contained story. The Spider- But it is Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” that Verse” is the big, cinematic achievement to be celebrated in the directing category. Lee has made it more than the sum of its parts, more than just a great movie: It’s a rollicking, unforgettable indictment of the deplorable foundation of the film industry and the country. COYLE Will win: Alfonso Cuaron, “Roma” Should win: Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” Alfonso Cuaron’s achievement in “Roma” is staggering in the precision of its obsessiveness. But who wouldn’t want to see Spike Lee win? “BlacKkKlansman” is equally as chalk-full of Lee’s own passions and perfectly synthesises the themes that have long propelled the filmmaker. Also, with the Knicks this bad, Lee deserves to catch a break.
• BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
The nominees: Amy Adams, “Vice”; Marina de Tavira, “Roma”; Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”; Emma Stone, “The Favourite”; Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite” BAHR Will win: Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk” Should win: Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk” Sometimes will and should match up, and it definitely does for Regina King’s heart-wrenching turn as Sharon Rivers, protective and supportive mother and almost grandmother who will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter’s family intact. She is the foundation and beating heart of “If Beale Street Could Talk.” COYLE Will win: Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite” Should win: Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk” Regina King is the favourite and deservedly so, but there’s a sneaky chance for an upset here. King wasn’t nominated by the Screen Actors Guild, whose picks often correlate to the Oscars. That could leave open a window for Rachel Weisz, who won at the British Academy Film Awards. The love for “The Favourite” and its terrific cast could bubble up in a few categories, including this one.
• BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
The nominees: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”; Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman”; Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born”; Richard E. Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”; Sam Rockwell, “Vice” BAHR Will win: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”
Rachel Weisz in “The Favourite”
Should win: Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born” At this point Mahershala Ali is the only safe way for “Green Book”-loving academy members to give the film an award, and it won’t be undeserved. Ali brings dignified complexity to the fascinating character of Dr Don Shirley, but, much like “The Favourite,” it’s really a co-lead anyway. And is there a single image that can conjure up as many emotions as seeing a teary-eyed Sam Elliott backing out of the driveway where he’s just dropped off his troubled half-brother off at home for what could be the last time? It’s a perfect supporting performance. COYLE Will win: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book” Should win: Richard E Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
• ANIMATED FEATURE
An unheralded avenue for a successful Oscar campaign, if you can pull it off, is starring concurrently in HBO’s “True Detective.” Just as Matthew McConaughey did a few years ago before winning for “Dallas Buyers Club,” Mahershala Ali is proving every Sunday how good he is. A win for Ali, two years after he took home the same Oscar for “Moonlight” (a, uh, different movie than “Green Book”) would be something to applaud. But so would an Oscar for Richard E. Grant, a brilliant character actor who has enjoyed the Oscar spotlight more than anyone.
• DIRECTOR
The nominees: Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman”; Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War”; Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite”; Alfonso Cuaron, “Roma”; Adam McKay, “Vice”
The nominees: “Incredibles 2,” ‘‘Isle of Dogs,” ‘‘Mirai,” ‘‘Ralph Breaks the Internet,” ‘‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” BAHR Will win: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” Should win: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” “Spider-Verse” will and should win because, frankly, it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen in this animation category before. There are a lot of good and even great films in here, but they’re all familiar in some way — except for “Spider-Verse.” COYLE Will win: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” Should win: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” The game-changing “SpiderVerse” has it in the bag, though I’m tempted to make a case for Brad Bird’s “Incredibles 2.” A win would so please Jack-Jack. LINDSEY BAHR and JAKE COYLE AP Film Writers
22 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019
literary lives
The history of the
Sir Christopher Ondaatje delves into the history of the Oscars, given out annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to recognise excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy’s voting membership.
Academy Awards
T
he 91st Academy Awards ceremony, honouring the best films of 2018, will be held this Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony will be broadcast on ABC at 8pm. But how many people who will watch the broadcast know the history of the Academy Awards? The Academy was founded in 1927 and the idea of presenting awards was discussed, but not immediately approved because the Academy was bedevilled by labour problems and was intent on improving the tarnished image of the film industry. It was not until May 28, 1928 that the Academy approved the committee’s suggestion to present Academy Awards of Merit in 12 categories: • Best outstanding production • Most artistic or unique production • Best achievement by an actor • Best achievement by an actress • Best dramatic directing • Best comedy directing • Best cinematography • Best art directing • Best engineering effects • Best original story writing • Best adaptation writing • Best title writing The first Academy Awards were for films that had been released between August 1, 1927 and July 31, 1928. They were presented on May 16, 1929 at a private dinner held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and hosted by actor and producer Douglas Fairbanks. Members of the Academy nominated candidates in all the categories, and five boards of judges – one from each of the Academy’s original branches: actors, writers, directors,
producers, and technicians. They determined the 10 candidates with the most votes in each category and then narrowed those down to three recommendations. A central board of judges, which consisted of one member from each branch, selected the final winners. Emil Jannings was the first Best Actor awarded for his performances in “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh”. Janet Gaynor won the Best Actress award for her performances in “7th Heaven”, “Street Angel, and “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans”. Frank Borzage won the Best Director, Drama award; and Lewis Milestone for Best Director, Comedy. “Wings” (at that time the most expensive movie ever made) won the award for Best Picture. Two special honorary awards were made: to Charlie Chaplin for acting, writing, directing and producing “The Circus”; and Warner Brothers for pioneering talking pictures – “The Jazz Singer”. That first ceremony lasted only 15 minutes. Douglas Fairbanks and Academy Vice President William C De Mille (elder brother of legendary filmmaker Cecil B De Mille) presented the 30 centimetre high, 24 carat goldplated britannium trophies which had still not earned their Oscar nickname. Talking pictures were the most talked about subject, and this first ceremony was the last to include silent films exclusively. Douglas Fairbanks, the king of silent pictures, was about to see his career enter a steep decline. Talking pictures, which began with Al Jolson’s famous line “You ain’t heard nothing yet” in “The Jazz Singer”, were about to revolutionise the movie industry. “The Jazz Singer” was not allowed to compete for Best Picture because the Academy decided it would be unfair to let sound movies compete with silent films. At the second Academy Awards ceremony on April 3, 1930, which honoured films from
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Friday, February 22, 2019
The 26th ceremony was held on March 25, 1954. It took place at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, and the NBC Century Theatre in New York City. It was second national telecast of the awards show and drew an estimated 43 million viewers.
Hattie McDaniel, left, was given the Academy award for the Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for her work as “Mammy” in the film version of “Gone With the Wind”. The presentation of the award was given by actress Fay Bainter, right. (AP Photo)
the second half of 1928 until 1929, the number of categories had been cut down from 12 to seven, and the two major film awards were combined into one called Best Picture. The Academy has since continued to make frequent changes and alterations in rules, procedures and categories. In fact, so many changes have been made by the Academy in the years following 1929, that the only constant seems to be the Academy’s
dedication to change in order to keep abreast of the evolving changes in the film industry. Three of the most significant changes were made in 1933 – to alter the eligibility period for award consideration to the calendar year; and in 1936 when the addition of the Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress was made. The design for the Academy Award statuette – a knight in Art Deco style standing on a reel of film and holding
A far cry from the glamour of today’s Oscars, Janet Gaynor wore a simple skirt, sweater and scarf as she accepted the first Oscar awarded for Best Actress in 1929 from Douglas Fairbanks.
a sword – is credited to MetroGoldwyn-Mayer (MGM) art director Cedric Gibbons. Sculptor George Stanley is said to have sculpted the original statuette, based on Gibbons’s design of the Mexican actor Emilio “Indio” Fernández. The statuettes, presented at the initial ceremonies, were gold-plated solid bronze on a black metal base. During World War II they were made of plaster because of metal shortages. They are now made of gold-plated britannium, but the design has remained unchanged except for the height of the black metal base which was streamlined in 1945. The statuette remains at 13.5 inches tall and still weighs 8.5 lbs. The origin of the statue’s name Oscar remains disputed. One source is that Bette Davis, who was a President of the Academy, claimed that the nickname originated from her observation that the rear end of the statuette resembled that of her husband Harmon Oscar Nelson. Another is that the Academy’s Executive Secretary, Margaret Herrick, said that the statuette looked like her uncle Oscar. A third claim is by columnist Sidney Skolsky who had heard Margaret Herrick’s comment and gave the statuette the “Oscar” name in his byline. The earliest known mention of the name “Oscar” dates back to 1934 when Time magazine mentioned it when they covered the 1934 Academy
Awards ceremony. However, some remember Walt Disney thanking the Academy for the Oscar he won in 1932. The now famous statuette officially received its name from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1939. The Academy Awards ceremony is the oldest worldwide entertainment awards ceremony, and was first broadcast on radio in 1930. It was televised for the first time in 1953. It is estimated that a total of 3,072 Oscar statuettes have been awarded from its inception in 1929 through to its 90th ceremony last year. Although some Oscar statuettes have been sold, since 1950 sales of the coveted awards have been restricted by a clause stipulating that they must first be sold back to the Academy for $1. Winners have to agree to this restriction – otherwise the Academy has the right to keep the statuette. Orson Welles’s 1941 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay was auctioned after his heirs won a 2004 court decision that the controversial actor/ director had not signed the restrictive agreement with the Academy. The Oscar was sold in 2011 for $861,542. Before that, Vivien Leigh’s Oscar for Best Actress in “Gone With the Wind” (1939) sold at Sothebys in 1993 for $563,000; and Clark Gable’s Best Actor for “It Happened One Night” (1934) sold in December 1996 for $607,500. It was bought by Steven Spielberg and donated back to the Academy. David O’Selznick’s Best Picture Oscar for “Gone With the Wind” was purchased by Michael Jackson in June 1999 for a staggering $1,542,500 – the highest ever price for the statuette. Bette Davis’s Best Actress Oscar for “Jezebel” (1938) was also purchased by Steven Spielberg in July 2001 for $578,000 and given back to the Academy. Michael Curtiz’s Oscar for Best Director for “Casablanca” (1942) was sold in 2003 for $232,000; and Herman Mankiewicz’s Oscar for writing “Citizen Kane” (1941) was sold in February 2012 for $588,455. Victor Fleming’s Best Director Oscar for “Gone With the Wind” (1939) was sold in December 1994 for $244,500. Some Oscars have been sold despite the Academy’s restriction – the most notable being John Lennon’s Oscar for his song “Let It Be” in 1970, sold in October 1992 for $110,000. A recent Forbes magazine article suggests that only an approximate 150 statuettes have been sold. There are some other interesting facts about the Oscars and the Academy Awards. A ticket to the very first Academy Awards at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on May 16, 1929
24| The Tribune | Weekend
Sidney Poitier, from Cat Island, is the first black actor to win a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in “Lilies of the Field” (1963).
cost only $5 – to the private dinner for 270 people, hosted by Douglas Fairbanks. The Academy Awards were first televised in 1953, but the shortest television broadcast was in 1959 – only taking one hour and forty minutes. Lisa Minelli won the Best Actress Oscar for “Cabaret” in 1972 and is the only Oscar recipient whose parents were also Oscar winners. Her mother Judy Garland received an Honorary Award in 1939, and her father Vincent Minelli won the Best Director award for “Gigi” in 1958. Marlee Matlin became the first deaf actor or actress to win an Oscar for her performance in “Children of a Lesser God” in 1987. “Gone With the Wind”, at 234 minutes, is the longest movie to win the Best Picture award. The only X-rated film to win the Best Picture award is “Midnight Cowboy” (1969). “The Godfather: Part II” (1974) is the only sequel to have won the Best Picture award. Shirley Temple was the first performer to receive the Academy Juvenile Award – a mini Oscar statuette – given to recognise the talents of young actors. The award was suspended in 1962. Sidney Poitier, from Cat Island in the Bahamas, is the first black actor to win a Best Actor Oscar for his performance in “Lilies of the Field” (1963).
Friday, February 22, 2019
Walt Disney receives a special Oscar for “Snow White and the Seven-Dwarfs” from child star Shirley Temple in 1938. Vivien Leigh with her Oscar for “Gone With the Wind” in 1940.
Audrey Hepburn (left) and Julie Andrews with her Oscar for “Mary Poppins” in 1965. Leading up the ceremony, the press had pitted the two actresses against each other. However, in one of Oscar’s biggest snubs, Hepburn failed to receive a nomination for her role in “My Fair Lady”.
Three people have refused the Academy Award honour in the history of the Oscars: • Dudley Nichols for Best Screenplay for “The Informer” in 1935. • George C Scott for Best Actor for Patton, saying that the Academy Award ceremony was a “meat parade”. • Marlon Brando who refused his Best Actor Award for “The Godfather” (1972) because of the discrimination towards Native Americans by the US Government and
Hollywood. Sacheen Littlefeather was sent by Marlon Brando to collect the award and to read a 15-page speech which was curtailed. Later it was discovered that Sacheen Littlefeather was a little-known actress named Maria Cruz. Since 1969 the Academy Awards ceremony has been broadcast internationally, and by the end of the 20th century the ceremony had become a major event viewed by millions of people. Although the first Academy
Awards lasted only 15 minutes, the 2002 ceremony lasted four hours and 23 minutes. The Academy Awards ceremonies now seldom run longer than three and a half hours. Although still enormously popular, the viewership has dropped from 55 million in 1998 (the year that “Titanic” was voted Best Picture) to a low of 32.9 million in 2017, when “Moonlight” was the recipient of the Best Picture award (after Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced “La La Land” as the winner); and only 26.5 million viewers when “The Shape of Water” won Best Picture in 2018. It may be that the choice of Best Picture may indicate something about the popularity of the awards or the award system. Whether the 91st Academy Award candidates for Best Picture: “Black Panther”, “BlacKkKlansman”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “The Favourite”, “Green Book”, “Roma”, and “A Star is Born” will have an influence on the future popularity of the Awards ceremonies remains to be seen. NEXT WEEK: Hemingway’s pre-war days in Bimini • Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of “The Last Colonial”. The author acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia and Enclyclopaedia Britannica.
The Tribune | Weekend | 25
Friday, February 22, 2019
history
The arrest of Montfort Browne, Governor of the Bahamas Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha
William Alexander, Lord Stirling In this painting by W Nowland Van Powell, the three-masted ship, flying the Grand Union flag, is the Continental Navy’s ship Alfred, which engaged the HMS Glasgow.
M
y recent article, “The First time the Americans captured Nassau”, sparked an interesting question. A reader wanted to know whether it was true that Ezek Hopkins had arrested the Governor and had him taken away in chains to be used as a hostage in 1776 – which he most certainly, was. Hopkins sailed off with Governor Montfort Browne in handcuffs and the Governor was eventually exchanged for an American general, William Alexander (1726-1783), who had been captured by Lord Cornwallis’ army at the Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776). Alexander is an interesting character. Known as Lord Stirling – being the senior male descendant of the paternal grandfather of the 1st Earl of Stirling, who had died in 1640 – he was considered the heir to the Scottish title of Commodore Esek Hopkins the Earl of Stirling. He sought the title sometime after 1756, and his claim was men of note...The fleet now shaped granted by a Scottish court. The House a course to the northward, dropping of Lords ultimately overruled Scottish law and denied Alexander the title, but some of the smaller vessels as they proceeded along the coast...And now this did not stop him calling himself occurred one of the most remark“Lord Stirling”. able engagements of the entire war Another enquirer wanted to know which, for intrepidity and gallantry, is more about Esek Hopkins’ voyage unequalled in naval annals. back to America, which sent me rifling About one o’clock in the morning of through “Stark’s History of and Guide the 6th of April, a ship was discovered to the Bahamas” (1891), where I found steering towards the Alfred (24 guns), the following: the fleet, at the time, being somewhat “...Commodore Hopkins abandoned scattered... about two, the stranger New Providence on the 17th of March having gone about, the Cabot (14 guns) (1776), bringing away with him, as prisoners, the governor and one or two closed with him and hailed. Soon after,
the latter (Cabot) fired a broadside... but was no match for an enemy like the one she assailed...she was compelled to haul aboard her tacks, to get under the guns of her antagonist, having had her captain severely wounded, her master killed, and a good part of her crew killed or wounded. The Alfred now took the place of the Cabot, ranging alongside the enemy and delivering her fire. The Providence (12 guns) got under the stern of the English ship and the Andrea Doria (14) was enabled to come near enough to do some good service...After the battle had raged for nearly an hour, the wheel of the Alfred was shot away and the ship broached, by which the enemy was enabled to rake her, with deadly effect. Being satisfied that he could not capture the whole fleet, the English commander, after delivering this last, fatal broadside...(and) sailing better than any of the squadron, most of which were deep in consequence of the cannon and stores they had taken aboard (at Nassau), the English ship, slowly but steadily, gained upon her
pursuers, though a warm cannonade was kept up, by both parties... The vessel that so bravely attacked the American fleet was the Glasgow, 20 guns, with a crew of about 150 men. There were two of the American fleet superior to her in size, number of men and guns. Her close encounter with, and eventual escape from, the American squadron reflected great credit upon her commander, Captain Tyringham Howe. She was somewhat cut up and had four men killed and wounded, but the American fleet suffered severely... lost twenty-three killed and wounded.” Note: Two ships of the United States Navy have been christened USS Nassau: the USS Nassau (LHA4), an amphibious assault ship, is named specifically in recognition of the battle against Fort Montagu, while USS Nassau (CVE-16) was named for Nassau Sound, the body of water off the coast of Florida, near Jacksonville. • For questions and comments, e-mail islandairman@gmail.com
Target times: Average: 16 mins Good: 12 mins Excellent: 8 mins Yesterday’s solution: aside, VoiCe (across or down)
26 | 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.
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 Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Neat finish (6) 4 Files put in the wrong order with malicious intent (8) 9 Make a mistake and run for it (6) 10 In the convent it gives preferential treatment (8) 12 Boring makers of laws (4) 13 A growing source of opium (5) 14 Just the place to find amusement (4) 17 They have an interest in conversion schemes (12) 20 Motorists and golfers must do so to begin with (5,2,5) 23 High spots of a European tour (4) 24 So the reformed show spirit (5) 25 It’s made to last (4) 28 Morning revolution? (8) 29 Learned man took the chair around the front (6) 30 Careless example of hit and run (8) 31 Exchanged abuse with a guard, apparently (6)
Down 1 With which to welcome honest members (4,4) 2 Sits reel out, though unwearied (8) 3 In extremities they can be accommodating (4) 5 Drops from hard work (12) 6 Gathered to be all right (4) 7 When I’d get into a brawl? (6) 8 They put things on scales (6) 11 Monopolise rocks that are important in building (12) 15 Women of strange views (5) 16 Worn by the widow taken out by a gardener (5) 18 Strong drink can lead to a smash (8) 19 An exploit indeed to be beaten (8) 21 Shrubs for the French underground (6) 22 The city may be seen as part of ancient Greece (6) 26 No stranger to what dupes may be? (4) 27 A stage joke turned fatuous with the passage of time (4)
Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Cycle, 4 Sapling, 8 Net, 9 Crescendo, 10 Acrylic, 11 Odium, 13 Sparse, 15 Confer, 18 Villa, 19 Booklet, 21 Sotto voce, 23 Cue, 24 Annoyed, 25 As yet. Down: 1 Canvass, 2 Caterwaul, 3 Excel, 4 Sketch, 5 Piccolo, 6 Inn, 7 Groom, 12 In full cry, 14 Shadowy, 16 Retreat, 17 Abroad, 18 Vista, 20 Opera, 22 Tin.
Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Rummy, 4 Gudgeon, 8 Was, 9 Uplifting, 10 Ephesus, 11 Evict, 13 Sapper, 15 Storms, 18 Rinse, 19 Caravan, 21 Billiards, 23 Rye, 24 Dresses, 25 Scene. Down: 1 Rawness, 2 Misshapen, 3 Yours, 4 Galosh, 5 Deflect, 6 Eli, 7 Night, 12 In reverse, 14 Enemies, 16 Sincere, 17 Scores, 18 Rabid, 20 Roses, 22 Lee.
EASY PUZZLE
Across 1 Vague and wordy speech (6) 4 Epoch-making (8) 9 Haughty (6) 10 Rebellion (8) 12 Report of recent event (4) 13 Oppressively dazzling light (5) 14 Portent (4) 17 Paradise (6,2,4) 20 Especially (2,10) 23 Disposition (4) 24 US-Canadian lake (5) 25 Only (4) 28 Freedom of action (8) 29 Happen to (6) 30 Form of memorial (8) 31 Lay on (6)
Down 1 Almost (4-4) 2 Preface (8) 3 Interval of calm (4) 5 A defect (12) 6 Clip into shape (4) 7 A dried grape (6) 8 Convincing (6) 11 Unexpectedly (3,2,1,6) 15 Mock attack (5) 16 A forest tree (5) 18 Fabled land of riches (8) 19 Unswervingly loyal (4-4) 21 Badge (6) 22 Scene of Tea Party, 1773 (6) 26 To check (4) 27 Consider (4)
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The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, February 22, 2019
animals
JoJo’s story Animal matters | KIM ARANHA
JoJo still has bullet fragments lodged under his eye that cannot be removed.
to us? His voice is kind, not like the man who shot us. We drive, I fall asleep. We stop, he picks us up and carries us to a table. I am examined. I receive treatment and an injection, a painkiller. My brother is near. The injection is working, I am so tired. I sleep, I am safe. I am a good boy! In the morning I think this must be a hospital, they have them for animals. There is activity, people talk to me kindly, they take me and X-ray me. I hear them say there is a bullet lodged in my head. It hurts, I hurt, they give me another injection. I find the strength to lick the hand of the kind man who is holding me still. I am a good boy, he says so. I sleep. I am no longer frightened, my humans have been to see me. Many people have visited me and my brother, they are all kind. In spite of the pain my tail still wags and I can lick some of them to say thank you. They smile, dogs can
understand smiles. I sleep a whole lot. I had surgery, they removed the bullet, there are fragments lodged under my eye; they cannot be removed. I will carry that memento with me for the rest of my life, a memento of a man standing in front of a tied up dog and shooting as if I were target practice. I heard them say a policeman shot me. I thought the police were there to protect us. What did I do wrong, must I fear policemen now, must we all fear policemen? I know I am a good boy, everybody says so. My brother went home before me, I missed him. They take me for little walks, the food is good, the Bahamas Humane Society is a kind place with kind people. I know I will live, but will I be shot again? I put my head down between my big paws, I close my eyes and I dream of being safe for the rest of my life. I am a good boy!
N
A rakish Rescue By The Bahamas Humane Society
PET OF THE WEEK
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am a brave boy, but something terrible happened to me, I still don’t understand why. I was at my home with my brother who shares my garden. We were chillin’ on a Friday night. When my human is home, I keep my ears alert. I was tied up. I don’t actually like being tied up, I prefer freedom to sniff any leaf I want, dig a hole, and look out through the gate...but I was tied up. I was being a good boy, lying on the cool ground, dreaming of treats and being stroked. I especially like it when I hear the words “good boy, JoJo”. Dogs live for the love of our humans; kindness resonates more than roughness. My nose twitches! I smell strangers! My ears warn me there is movement. We are being attacked! Suddenly there are people in my yard; the yard that my brother and I are there to protect. I jump up and I start protecting and barking as I have been taught to. I think to myself, my people will be pleased with me. I will scare these intruders away! I stand firm at the end of my leash, barking my best, so does my brother. The only thing we can think of is to protect our humans inside the house; they have a baby human too. I am on top of this, I can do this! Suddenly the men in front of me stop. “It’s working,” I think to myself, “my people will be so proud of me. I am a good boy!” As that thought runs through my mind, I see the man pull out something, point it at me and bang! Oh my God! What is happening to me? The pain, the burning pain! Bang! Again I jump and twist to get away but I can’t. Bang! I can’t run away because I am tied up. Bang, bang! I don’t know how many times he shot me. He shot me in my legs and my face and I went down, down onto the hard ground, into the dirt. Am I dying? I worry about my humans I am supposed to be protecting; I can hear my brother crying in pain. They shot him too. But I am a good boy! I close my eyes as the blood flows out of my body; I remember being a puppy and my mother would lick me as we all snuggled up to her. I remember feeling safe. I must have lost consciousness; somebody unclips the chain from my collar, gently leads me to a vehicle. My brother is next to me. I am frightened, what is going to happen
PHOTO/PATRICIA VAZQUEZ
ine-month-old Rescue had a rough start to his young life. At only five months old he was found one morning tied to the Bahamas Humane Society’s fence. He also had a very heavy chain around his neck, one that was so heavy it required bolt cutters to remove it. In spite of this, Rescue has remained a friendly, spicy young fellow. He would make an excellent yard/guard dog and would love to have some canine company at his post. He’s not too keen on cats, but kids and humans are awesome. Rescue would like to find a home that will appreciate his exuberance and allow him to remain free the rest of his days. Do you need a Rescue in your life? Come and meet this lovely chap! Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or you can call 323-5138 for more information. Rescue looks forward to meeting you!
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, February 22, 2019