Friday, April 6, 2018
weddings history food theatre film fashion puzzles animals
Weekend
GET FIT FREE Page 12
Art across generations Pg 8 & 9
Minnis family paints natural beauty
O2 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
culture
Taste the Bahamas ‘Down Under’
BAHAMIAN JOAN ROLLE, pictured with brew master Bill Foley in Queensland, was surprised to see a Bahamian flag outside of a brewery during her annual trip to Australia.
FORTITUDE Brewery in Australia is brewing a beer with a fruity flavour specifically to represent the Bahamas.
W
hile the XXI Commonwealth Games are underway ‘Down Under’, a popular Australian has adopted the Bahamas as its flagship country for the duration of the competition. A special beer has even been brewed in honour of this archipelago. Fortitude Brewery has the motto “In Cerevisia Fortitudo – In Beer Is Strength”, and if unity is strength, then the bonds between the Bahamas and Australia are bound to be stronger because of this connection. “Each business in our local community got to choose a country to support and we thought, why not the Bahamas... that would be awesome,” said Trish Muccignat, cellar door manager at Fortitude Brewery, located at Mount Tamborine, Queensland. The idea for companies to adopt a country during the Commonwealth Games was put forth by the Chamber of Commerce in Australia. The Chamber organised the production of the flags for the various countries as well as a passport book for each business which gives patrons a variety of discounts before and during the Games. The passport book is sold at each business
for $5. The Chamber also are did all the advertising for this promotion leading up to the Games. “We have your flag flying proudly in front of our business,” said Trish.
“It was just so marvellously wonderful to go all the way to Australia and see our flag being flown so proudly.” Bahamians attending the Commonwealth Games should look out for Fortitude Brewery, as Trish recommended: “We would love for some more of your beautiful people to visit us, as during the Games we will be brewing a special beer that we hope will showcase what you may drink in your country.” Fortitude Brewery got tips from a Bahamian on the kind of flavour which
may appeal to their patrons who would want a taste of the Bahamas in a beer during the Games. Joan Rolle was in Queensland, Australia during the Christmas season visiting her son, former Tribune Chief Reporter Rupert Missick Jr, and his family. During this visit, she was surprised to see a Bahamian flag flying at the brewery and rushed inside with a sense of pride. “I was on my yearly visit to see my (family in Australia) when I ran into the Bahamian flag being flown so proudly at a restaurant and brewery at Mount Tamborine,” Joan shared. “I got the shock of my life when we stepped up to this restaurant and I saw the Bahamian flag. I walked up to see what was going on. A lady there said that this is a part of their promotion for the Commonwealth Games and her restaurant/brewery decided to adopt the Bahamas. I said this is absolutely fantastic! “The first restaurant we stop in for lunch and they are flying my flag. We took a few pictures and they mentioned the fact they are going to brew a special beer for the Bahamas and she asked
me some things about the country and I was so proud to share. It was just so marvellously wonderful to go all the way to Australia and see our flag being flown so
proudly.” Trish said the brewery was happy to have been able to consult with a Bahamian on the brew and got to work after receiving Joan’s tips, understanding that “it needed to be very fruity”. Joan even met with the head brewer Bill Foley, who asked her questions about her country in order to get inspiration for his creation. On their Facebook, Fortitude Brewery is promoting Bahamian athletes and said it is looking forward to welcoming many team members and fans to their restaurant. The brewery’s website states that its beers are “Australian-owned and brewed on-site in the Gold Coast Hinterland”, and are “award-winning beers that pair quality with character for your drinking pleasure.” Interested persons can check them and their Bahamian beer out at www. fortitudebrewery.com.au.
The Tribune | Weekend | 03
Friday, April 6, 2018
Inside Weekend Interview
4-5 Cara Hunt talks to Bahamian filmmaker Mario Steele about his latest film, a ‘cerebral horror’ starring Eric Roberts
Food
7 Freeport’s Island Yogurt wants to go nation-wide
Art
8-9 Two generations of artists explore the beauty of the islands
Weddings
10 Buttons Bridal Show celebrates 30th anniversary
Theatre
11 Abaco meets Nassau in new dramatic play, plus Broadway shows in Florida
Fitness
12 Nurse who overcame depression launches free fitness programme
Pageants
14 - 15 Teens and tweens represent the new face of Bahamian beauty
Entertainment
17-18 Dyson Knight hosts high-energy soca party, plus K O Productions hosts ‘Mask Fete’
Gardening
19 Jack Hardy on planting in April
Books
20 Latest releases and audio book charts
Literary Lives
21 - 24 The strange but true tale of the white crow
Forgotten Facts
25 Paul Aranha remembers when Pan Am came to the Bahamas
Puzzles
26
Animals
27 Kim Aranha on the dangerous consequences of animal cruelty
Cover
| ‘Ms Lerlene’ painting by Nicole Minnis-Ferguson
My perfect Bahamian weekend Leah R Davis Marketing and public relations consultant Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch? “That’s a tough one! Both, ideally. But if I had to pick one, Saturday late breakfast please!” Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik? “Depends on the occasion. Most evenings will be Merlot. On the weekends, Kalik, and nights out, Scotch.” Q: Beach or sofa? “Definitely the beach for me. I am a self-proclaimed beach bum.”
Q: What is the one thing that you can’t live without? “Travelling! Getting off the rock is essential to recharging and remembering that there is life beyond.” Q: Weekend away, where would you go? “If I want to drive fast and enjoy amazing meals, South Florida; I like the Brickell area. If I need some downtime, one of our islands.”
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday • One Mas: Carnival Costume
Launch Time: Venue: Smugglers Square Kalik Light Platinum sponsors this costume launch. Orlando Octave will performing his hit “Single”. Admission is free. • Flying Dutchman Prince Charles Grand Opening Time: 6pm - 8pm Venue: Prince Charles Drive Enjoy the liquor store’s newest venue with a ‘Chill N Grill’ event featuring drink specials and giveaways. • Lit N’ Single Time: 7pm - 9pm. Venue: Bahamas Harvest Church, RND Plaza ‘Getting Relationships Right” is the motto for this three-day singles conference hosted by Natural Empress, Tyrone Burrows, Rossano Deal and Sylvian Rahming. Visit www. bahamasharvestchurch.com for more information.
Saturday • Bains & Grants Town Souse Out Time: 8am - 12noon Venue: PLP headquarters, Farrington Road Hosted by the Progressive Liberal Party, this souse out offers chicken, pig feet, turkey and stewed fish.
• 77th Bahamas Red Cross Fair Time: 12noon - midnight Venue: Government House Grounds “It’s A Youth Vibe” is this year’s theme. Enjoy good food and entertainment. • Little Miss Regency Bahamas Pageant Time: 6pm Venue: British Colonial Hilton See pages 14&15 • The Nassau Music Society presents the Ayriel Trio Time: 7pm Venue: The Current, Baha Mar Enjoy wine and art before the concert by the chamber music trio kicks off at 7.30pm. A second concert will be held on Sunday at 5.30pm at St Paul’s Church Hall, Lyford Cay. The Trio Ayriel comprises Ambra Albek on the violin, Simone Gramaglia on the viola, and Jamie Walton on the cello. • Countess Pepper, Queen Of Fire Dance Time: 7pm - 9pm Venue: Margaritaville, Paradise Island Admission is for the fire dance performance is free. • Live Irish music at Shenanigans Time: 7.30pm Venue: Shenanigans Irish Bar, Bay Street
Listen to a traditional Irish music session with The Mash Potatoheads and enjoy the best of Irish ballads, folk and Celtic rock. • Movie Night at the Barn with “Coco” Time: 8pm - 10pm Venue: Camperdown Riding Club Bring your blankets, cushions or chairs and watch the hit Pixar movie “Coco” under the stars. Snacks and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 per person. There will also be pony rides from 6.30pm - 7.30pm ($5 per ride). • Saturday Night with the Boys Time: 8pm Venue: The Green Parrot, Paradise Island The Charlestown Boys perform live, playing your favourite old school dance tunes. Additionally, this acoustic band performs 70s acoustic rock with calypso and traditional songs thrown in the mix.
Sunday • Lite Vibes Sundays Time: 2pm Venue: Hillside House, Cumberland Street Enjoy food trucks, games, music and fun. No cover charge.
4 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
interview While others may dream of becoming stars, Mario Steele is quite content to remain the man behind the scenes. The Bahamian filmmaker tells Cara Hunt about his newest project, a ‘cerebral horror movie’, and how he enjoys helping others fulfil their ambitions
Mario Steele
M
ario Steele’s roots may be deeply planted in the Bahamas, but he wants his reach to be felt all around the world. The successful film producer, who is based in the Unites States, was in Nassau last week for the local premiere of the movie “But Deliver Us From Evil”. The film, described as “cerebral
horror”, stars up-and-coming actress Alice Rose, Torrei Hart (ex-wife of Kevin Hart), “The Bold and The Beautiful” star Thorsten Kaye (“Ridge Forrester”), and Eric Roberts, who attended the Nassau premiere and greatly enjoyed his time in the Bahamas. Mario told Tribune Weekend that he got his start in the entertainment business by hosting parties.
Left to righ, Film producer Mario Steele with actors Alice Rose and Eric Roberts at the Bahamas premiere of “But Deliver Us From Evil” at Galleria Cinemas “Then I became a Christian and started to do religious events which eventually led to my production company,” he explained.
PHOTO: TERREL W CAREY
Mario, whose mother hails from Eleuthera and father from Inagua, attended SC McPherson in New Providence. He was head boy when he graduated in 1993. After graduation, he attended university in the US, first in Alabama and then North Carolina, before getting married and having four children. Following the founding of his own
The Tribune | Weekend | 5
Friday, April 6, 2018
production company, Mario eventually made his mark as a sought-after promoter on the East Coast. He has dealt with countless clients in both the music and motion picture industries. During his short stint in the music world, Mario was instrumental in booking and promoting opening acts for established artists such as Canton Jones, Kiki Sheard, Niyoki and Jeff Majors. He also shared the spotlight at the 2007 Lamp Lighter Awards with gospel legend Shirley Ceasar. Currently, he is one of the managing partners of the 20/20 Visions Entertainment Group and Fresh Oil Production, with a focus on movie production. His current endeavour was the idea of writer Joshua Coates. “I was introduced to Joshua Coates, a playwright, director, and he needed help getting his movies out. I’m the type of person who when I take on a project, I won’t stop working on it until it until it happens,” he said. One of their initial movies was “Iniquity”, starring Cynthia Rodriguez of the TNT show “Animal Kingdom”. It was released direct to Walmart. Mark Lipsky, an executive producer on “Coming to America” and “The Nutty Professor”, served as a consulting producer for the film. “That movie was a take on David and Bethesda and it sold out in Walmart and did very well,” said Mario. “Iniquity” is about the “crowned king of Philadelphia’s judicial system”, attorney David Marshall. With a fearless approach to life and unwavering confidence he attracts the most soughtafter women in the city. But he soon find himself entangled love affair with a married woman. Following “Iniquity”, Mario and Joshua Coates once again teamed up for their latest project, “But Deliver Us From Evil”. According to the official synopsis, the film tells the story of a succubus who wreaks havoc on a US city. Lilith, Adam’s first wife in Jewish folklore, seeks revenge against all of God’s creations. God expelled Lilith from the Garden of Eden because of her refusal to obey Adam, the man. Scorned, she returns in present day with a vengeance against man and his offspring. Leaving dead bodies in her wake as she makes her way through the southern US, she finally gets her opportunity when she goes head-to-head with the one man who can stop her – Adam’s direct descendant and the only son of a fallen pastor.
Bahamian filmmaker Mario Steel with Hollywood producer Mark Lipsky (“Coming to America”, “The Nutty Professor”).
“(Eric Roberts) is so excited and says he would love to make a film here, and that says a lot about Bahamian hospitality, that a major star is so interested in working here.”
Alice Rose as Lilith in a scene from “But Deliver Us From Evil”.
“A lot of work went into this film and we are so proud of it,” said Mario. “Joshua was in Jamaica and wanted to do a Caribbean premiere as well, so I told him that if there was anywhere we should do it in the region, it should be here.” The premiere was held last Thursday at Galleria Cinemas followed by an after party at Outback Steakhouse. “Easter was the perfect time to show this film, because it does have a religious message,” said Mario. “We had a lot of people in attendance, including ministers of the government, and a lot of media personalities. The movie was very well received and everyone had a great time.” Also in attendance was the film’s star Eric Roberts, who Mario said had an “absolute ball” in the Bahamas. “Bahamians have a way of making people fall in love with them and the country, and they certainly made Eric feel very welcome,” said the filmmaker. Mr Roberts, older brother of Julia Roberts, is considered one of Hollywood’s most hardest working actors, starring in close to 80 films a year. He was recently seen in “The Dark Knight”, “The Expendables” and on shows like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Suits”. “(Eric) is so excited and says he would love to make a film here, and that says a lot about the Bahamian hospitality, that a major star is so interested in working here,” said Mario. He said there is a special kind of magic to being behind the scenes and producing movies. “There is something about seeing something go from idea to fruition that really appeals to me. I never wanted to be a star,” he said. “But what I really enjoy is helping other people achieve their dreams. It’s a pleasure for me to see other people with a gift and I can help them have a future with that gift.” Looking ahead, Mario said his next project is a film called “Generation Text”, based on a novel he wrote with his brothers Leonard and Rodger Steele. “It is about a pastor who kills his wife while he is texting and driving, something he had been warned about. The purpose of the film will be to educate about the dangers of texting and driving, but it is also a story of forgiveness and about what God can do in the life of a person,” he said. His company, 20/20 Visions Entertainment Group, is also producing a film called “Hollywood”, which will once again star Eric Roberts, Torrei Hart and Alice Rose.
06 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
section
The Tribune | Weekend | 7
Friday, April 6, 2018
food
Paul and Kimberley Brown have big visions for their future Island Yogurt franchise.
Fresh and fruity By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
H
usband and wife duo Paul and Kimberley Brown, operators of Island Yogurt, are enjoying their sweet success as business partners and are now moving to the next level by franchising their company and creating economic opportunities for others. The Browns opened the self-serve, soft-serve frozen yogurt establishment in 2011 in Freeport, Grand Bahama, and they are determined to make their delicious and healthy product available throughout the islands of the Bahamas. Island Yogurt is located at Port Lucaya Marketplace. It offers products that are low in fat, low in calories and loaded with healthy probiotics, according to the couple.
Customers can choose from a myriad of flavours and toppings – everything from jelly beans to chocolate sprinkles and fruit. You pick your yogurt flavour and toppings and pay by weight. “Throughout the years we have been encouraged by the overwhelming confidence and support that residents and visitors to our store have shown towards us. We want to create opportunities for economic empowerment as we make Island Yogurt franchises available throughout the Bahamas,” said Mrs Brown. The Browns opened the business after returning from a trip to California. “I was inspired to create a taste of paradise in Freeport,” said Mrs Brown. The couple believes that an Island Yogurt franchise can provide
Bahamians with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs themselves. Mr Brown said he envisions an Island
Yogurt in the communities of East and West Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma and New Providence. “These islands and the thriving communities that exist within them are a starting point for where we want to encourage owners to consider investing within their communities,” said Mr Brown. The Browns held their first orientation and open house for prospective franchise holders on March 21 to discuss the process of getting started and introducing interested individuals to their product line and process. “Both Kimberley and I feel confident that our economy is right for new business opportunities throughout the Bahamas. We want Island Yogurt to be a household name with more locations in Grand Bahama and new locations in Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma and New Providence,” said Mr Brown.
8 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
art CREDIT HERE
Generations of talent Minnis family captures beauty of the islands By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
W
hen Eddie Minnis and family came together for their new collaborative pop-up exhibition at the Ocean Club last weekend it was more than just a reunion; it was a celebration of an artistic milestone. Under the the “Imagine the Bahamas”, the exhibition boasted works by the iconic Bahamian musician Eddie Minnis and his daughters Nicole and Roshanne, as well as Roshanne’s husband Richie Eyma. The temporary display, the four artists said, was a celebration of the natural beauty and simplicity of the Bahamas.
“As a family of artists we try to organise a major exhibition of our work about every five years,” Roshanne told Tribune Weekend. “The National Art Gallery held a retrospective exhibition of our work in 2014. However, the last major show we organised was at UBS Bahamas in 2010, so we thought it was time to exhibit a collection of our work in a new venue. The management of the Ocean Club kindly hosted the show at their beautiful golf club. We could not have had a more picturesque location.” Eddie Minnis is a well-known master artist, singer and songwriter. He studied architecture at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, but decided to focus on a career in art, being primarily self-taught. His training in architecture comes through in his
“Bri’land Today” by Eddie Minnis, far left; “Cracking Conch” by Ritchie Eyma, above; “David and Goliath”, left, and “Endless Summer”, below, by Roshanne Eyma
The Tribune | Weekend | 9
Friday, April 6, 2018
“Woman At Her Chores – Marie’s Load” by Ritchie Eyma
“Ocean Club Beach Scene” by Eddie Minnis, above; with “Fine Tuning” and “Ms Lerlene” by Nicole Minnis-Ferguson, below
landscape paintings. He works mainly in oil on canvas with a palette knife, with his specialty being the brilliant flora of the Bahamas, including the colourful poinciana and bougainvillea. Mr Minnis pioneered cartoons in both The Nassau Guardian and The Tribune with his daily feature entitled “Pot Luck”. And he passed his talent on to his daughters Nicole and Roshanne, both of whom were exposed to art and attended exhibitions at an early age. While Mr Minnis focuses on landscapes, his daughters both prefer to paint the people of the Bahamas. Nicole is known to paint mainly in oils with an attention to detail, and is also an accomplished portrait artist. Roshanne uses both
oils and soft pastels, and incorporates studies of the Bahamian waters and nature in her pieces. Roshanne’s husband Ritchie Eyma is also an artist. His work is inspired by the Impressionist movement and his childhood spent in Haiti. He features unusual angles and compositions featuring both landscapes and figure studies. There was a total of 43 pieces of original art on display at the recent exhibition. One of Ritchie’s pieces, entitled “Pink Sand Rider”, captured a rider and horses on the Harbour Island beach. He also showed scenes from Abaco, such as “Abaco Blue Hole” and a “Waterfront Stroll” on Cooper’s Town,
as well as Nassau’s colourful clapboard houses and fishermen “Cracking Conch” in The Bluff, Eleuthera. Roshanne’s pieces featured people at work, play and doing nothing at all: a woman washing with a pleasant demeanour in “Labour of Love”, boys shooting marbles in “David and Goliath”, and a young man chilling on the dock in “Endless Summer.” Her love of the sea as a subject was evident in the oil painting “Full Circle”, which showed a conch fisherman on Potter’s Cay, as well as in the pastel seascape “Footprints” and “The Argument.” Nicole also focused on people, and particularly children. One of her most striking portraits, “Ms Lerlene”, depicts
a hard-working Acklins woman, while “Sun Day” captures a girl in her red dress, and “Fine Tuning” boys at work on their box cart. Meanwhile, Eddie Minnis showed a seascape featuring their host venue, the Ocean Club. Other paintings featured scenes of Harbour Island in “Bri’land Today”, Eleuthera in “Poincianas and Palms” and a stunning “Tuckaway Shower of Gold”. As he is also a master of watercolours, Mr Minnis showed a few smaller pieces in this style, including the painting “North Beach Palms”. “In keeping with the theme, ‘Imagine the Bahamas’, we hope that each viewer would have come away with a mental image of a scene that caught their attention, an aspect of life in the Bahamas sometimes overlooked, and a greater appreciation for our beautiful home, the islands of the Bahamas,” said Roshanne. “The feedback was very positive. They said the layout of the artwork flowed from one piece to the next, with each artist’s style and subject matter complementing each other. Everybody loved the relaxed and pristine setting.” The Minnis family hopes to continue producing quality Bahamian art and reproductions that everybody can enjoy and afford. The artists have also recently updated the website www. EddieMinnis.com so that reproductions of their artwork on canvas and other media can be easily available. A new play entitled “Der Real Ting” by Philip A Burrows and Nicolette Bethel set to feature 25 Eddie Minnis’ original songs is scheduled for October. The family said they are all looking forward to the premiere.
10 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
weddings
30 years of bridal dreams By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
C
elebrating 30 years of making couples’ dreams come true, Buttons Bridal and Formal Wear is preparing for its biggest show yet, the Bahamas Bridal Show 2018, set to take place April 15 at the Meliá Nassau Beach All-Inclusive resort. Reflecting on the three decades of growth of the bridal showcase, coordinator Makeva Wallace said there is a feeling of honour that comes with knowing they have successfully and consistently offered brides- and groomsto-be the best the industry has to offer. The Bahamas Bridal Show is where wedding dreams begin, said Ms Wallace as she spoke about the vision of founder Tommy Stubbs, who is also the general manager of Buttons Bridal and Formal Wear. “Tommy Stubbs has allowed me and others to inject our ideas over the years to keep the show fresh. The bridal show was designed to show engaged couples better preparations for their celebrations and to provide Bahamian companies a forum to showcase their products and services, and thus keeping the money at home. The event is designed for everyone to enjoy – men, women, the entire family,” said Ms Wallace. Moreover, she said the bridal show and the activities that surround it have become must-attend events for couples who want to learn about the newest trends, products and services for their special day, all while enjoying a chance to win more than $30,000 in prizes to help them reduce the cost of their nuptials. This year’s theme is “The Promise”. The show, set to begin at 12noon, will feature 45 exhibitors, various games and a fashion show. “As this is our 30th production, we will be honouring persons who have
Scenes from past bridal shows
contributed to the success of the show over the years. We will also feature photos from many of the 29 past bridal shows, including our poster couples. At these shows, persons also get to see the latest bridal gowns, bridal party gowns, tuxedos, and even clothing for those attending during a theatrical fashion show. It’s an event where companies, especially wedding suppliers, come to showcase their new products and where seasoned companies remind you what they offer,” said Ms Wallace. Speaking about this year’s theme,
Ms Wallace said the team came up with “The Promise” based on the fact that they all make promises and vow to live up to them, including the promise to produce a quality show. While preparations for an event of this magnitude can present a challenging task, Ms Wallace said knowing she had a hand in the success of the number one social event of the year makes it all worth it. “Our show exhibitors never seem to fail us year after year. It amazes me how they transform the ballroom of
the Meliá Nassau Beach All-Inclusive into something you have never seen. This is truly world-class event where companies come to impress. It also allows for networking between the participating companies. We have had companies that actually refer one another whenever they book a client based on the services they need,” said Ms Wallace. In addition to the bridal show, she said Bahamians can also look forward to a Buttons Bridal and Formal Wear event to take place this September.
The Tribune | Weekend | 11
Friday, April 6, 2018
theatre
Abaco and Nassau join forces for new play
Productions based in Treasure Cay, Abaco for this play. According to the producers, the play explores a vulnerable time in a married couple’s life. There will be hardship, silent cries, adultery, and an unconventional plot twist that will have all “in awe”. The play’s cast features both Nassuvian and Abaconian actors,
Cast members of “For His Sake”
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
S
ome may laugh, some may cry, others may do both, but one thing producers are sure of, the new “For His Sake” stage play will serve up enough drama to keep audiences thoroughly entertained until the curtain falls. “For His Sake” was written by Jaquay Adderley, more popularly known as Bertram Oh Bubbler and founder of Unorthobox Entertainment. He teamed up with Sasha Laing-Rolle from Dream
including Taniqua Fowler, Kadesh Collie, Claire Basden, Molina JuenePierre, as well as Mr Adderley and Ms Laing-Rolle. “This play was inspired by my production partner, Sasha, who brought the concept to me in her attempt to bring some life to her home town, Treasure Cay, Abaco through the arts. I heard it, loved it, and we got the ball rolling,” Mr Adderley told Tribune Weekend. While he is no stranger to the stage, having performed numerous times as the comedy character Bertram Oh Bubbler, this is his first outing as a playwright. “This is my first stage play and it’s amazing that I get to share this experience with the Family Island,” said Mr Adderley. “It is interesting working with actors and actresses from two islands and bringing them together to rock the stage.” “For His Sake” will be showing next month in Abaco. While no Nassau dates have been determined as yet, Mr Adderley believes it would be a hit with audiences in the capital. “I think audiences would absolutely love the humour in the play,” he said.
‘Hamilton’, ‘Phantom’ and more come to Fort Lauderdale
B
roadway in Fort Lauderdale has announced that the hit musicals “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen” will play their South Florida premiere engagements and anchor the 2018/19 season at the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts. The 2018/19 Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale season showcases Broadway’s finest hits. The wildly successful “Hamilton” will play for a limited five-week run December 18, 2018 – January 20, 2019. Meanwhile, 2018 Grammy and Tony nominee “Dear Evan Hansen” visits March 26 – April 7, 2019. It has been called “one of the most remarkable
“Hamilton”; “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Phantom of the Opera” shows in musical theatre history” by The Washington Post and is the winner of six 2017 Tony Awards Later this year, from October 10 21, audiences will be able to see the
Andrew Lloyd Webber classic “The Phantom of the Opera”. Critics are raving that this new production is “bigger and better than ever before” and features a brilliant
new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. Then, from November 20 - December 2, 2018 enjoy Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I”, based on the 2015 Tony Award-winning Lincoln Centre Theatre production. The Broward Centre for the Performing Arts is one of America’s premier performing arts venues, consistently ranked among the top 10 in the country.
12 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
fitness Participants enjoy the free fitness programme.
Get fit for free Nurse overcomes depression to help others live healthy By FELICITY INGRAHAM
N
akita Cash is a registered nurse who was willing to admit her own weaknesses, and by doing this discovered her life’s purpose: helping others get healthy. Her vision: Get Fit With Nick Family Fitness – The Dream Family Programme. Her motto: “Transforming Bodies, Minds and Spirits... Getting Families Fit For Life”. “After a great desire to discover my purpose while battling depression, I cried out to God to reveal my divine purpose to me,” Nakita told Tribune Weekend. “On September 10, 2017, God revealed my purpose to me in a vivid dream that depicted me travelling around the world teaching people about health. The next day, Get Fit With Nick
Nakita Cash, founder of Get Fit With Nick Family Fitness
Family Fitness was born.” Oprah Winfrey’s advice to “turn your wounds into wisdom” inspired her, and today she is a life coach, image consultant and motivational speaker, all while still working as a registered nurse. “After months of my husband Jamaal Cash encouraging me to exercise to help me overcome depression, I finally mustered up the energy to get out of bed and get dressed,” she said. Nakita drove to her mother’s house to take her to the park to exercise as she, too, was struggling with depression. “On our first day at the park we immediately felt relaxed and happy,” she said. “Within just a few minutes into the exercise our worries disappeared. Laughter, joy and happiness began to fill our lives. The fresh air, the sunlight and the view was so amazing.” She recalls laughing with her mom, Karen Robinson, at the park as they began chanting, “Get fit with Nick!” repeatedly. “That same day we met a very nice gentleman, a Rastafarian, the late Mike’s Bethell, who heard us chanting.
He said he loved the name. I shared my vision with him and he suggested I name the programme after our chant, and that’s how we got the name.” Within the first month, Get Fit with Nick signed up 18 people. Nakita said it was with the encouragement and support of people like her father, David Ramsey, her sister-in-law Monique Cash, mentor Keshelle Davis and dear friend Annakay Seymour that made the launch of her programme possible. Just a few months later, at the beginning of January this year, Nakita and her husband made the decision not to charge participants for the service, which included motivational talks, health consultations and the exercise segment. By the end of January, the couple took it even further and started a health club at their church, Johnson Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, called Get Fit with Christ. In this way, the church became the first one to be a part of Nakita’s family fitness programme. “I was encouraged by my pastor, Leonardo Rahming, who came up with the health initiative for the church, to motivate the members to collectively lose 1,000 pounds in 2018,” she said. “Since then, members of other churches have joined us and hundreds of people have been a part of the programme. Lives have been changed forever. Many people often send us encouraging messages about how their family members and friends have noticed the change in their bodies, minds and spirits. Many people have had their blood pressure and blood sugar levels controlled. Many people have lost weight and are living healthy lifestyles. People have been encouraged to live their purpose and some have started businesses.” “The children look forward to family time and the programme builds unity and is for all ages and members of the family; the aim is to build better families, communities, a better Bahamas and a better world at large,” said Nakita.
•She is now hoping for sponsors to
come forward and help her to maintain this free programme. The group meets every Sunday at 4.30pm near the Bahamas resort in the Fidelity Bank parking lot. There are health screenings for weight and blood pressure, a health talk and prayer, warm-up and then a one-hour walk. Interested persons can call Nakita at 544-9581 or 565-0590
The Tribune | Weekend | 13
Friday, April 6, 2018
celebrity With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt
HIT
SPLIT
HIT
HIT
Emily Blunt Mary Poppins Returns
Jordana Brewster Lethal Weapon
Brandon Victor Dixon Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Blake Lively The Shallows
Karin says: “It’s so girly and I love it! Who knew red velvet went that well with a soft pink? I would have preferred if it hadn’t been strapless, but the puffy petal skirt is darling! And it’s such an unusual red carpet gown to boot!”
Karin says: “She was going for casual, yet stylish and ended up with BORING. I hate that those black PJ pants seem loose at the waist; I also hate the camisole and the leather string she’s got slung around her neck.”
Cara says: “I want this dress. I think it’s beautiful. The colour combination is fabulous and I think the petal effect on the skirt is really nice. She looks great.”
Cara says: “OK, this is flirty and fun. It reminds of the Pink Ladies in ‘Grease’ a little. And I love that little dot of lace on her top; just a nice feminine touch to the outfit.”
Karin says: “Not many men can pull off magenta, but after nailing it as Judas Iscariot in last Sunday’s live show, I guess the man can do anything. Love the black shirt with it and the cut of the suit. Just the right length of jacket and pants.”
Karin says: “Basically, she’s wearing half a carpet. But it works! Sure, we’ve seen this silhouette a hundred times, but the mix of the fabrics – the pleather top and more sturdy skirt – really makes this different. Love the midi length as well.”
Cara says: “Oh, you just wearing this suit, Brandon! You look wonderful. The colour, the shiny shoes that match that bald head...the way cool collarless shirt...I’m loving it.”
Cara says: “This is not bad. Fun, casual, and the plunging V is not at as obnoxious as we’ve seen on countless others. I really like the chunky bracelets and her shoes.”
See a review for “A Quiet Place” on page 16
AP PHOTOS
The Weekend Fashion Report Premiere of “A Quiet Place”
16 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
film JONNY COURNOYER/PARAMOUNT PICTURES VIA AP
review
Krasinski’s ‘A Quiet Place’ is intoxicatingly creepy A QUIET PLACE RUNNING TIME: 90 MINS
L
et’s start with a popcorn warning. If you’re bringing your usual tub of multiplex popcorn into “A Quiet Place,” just be aware that you’ll be hearing every single crunch. That’s because much of John Krasinski’s ingeniously creepy new film, in which he stars alongside his real-life better half, Emily Blunt, takes place in virtual silence. This is a movie about a world where noise gets you killed. In fact, if you ate popcorn IN the movie, you’d quickly be dead. Unless you were standing by a waterfall. More on that in a minute. Krasinski, in his third feature outing as director, has a lot going for him here: An inventive premise, a terrific cast featuring two extremely effective child actors, and the always superb Blunt, who can register fear, joy, love and anxiety in one scene without needing to utter a word. He takes all this and runs with it, producing a taut, goose-pimply thriller that earns its jump-out-of-yourseat moments and only occasionally strains its own logic — and then, who really cares? It’s a monster flick! We begin on “Day 89.” But what exactly happened 89 days ago? Our first clue is that there’s nobody in the streets of the desolate town where the Abbott family — Lee, Evelyn and three young kids — makes a precarious shopping trip. The family has ventured on foot from their farmhouse to search an abandoned store for badly needed medicine. The next clue is all the “Missing” posters on the streets. What happened to all these folks? The
Emily Blunt as Evelyn Abbott and Millicent Simmonds as Regan Abbott, above; and Actor-director John Krasinski in a scene from “A Quiet Place” with Noah Jupe, right
most obvious clue is that the family cannot speak, or make a sound. They communicate in sign language, and walk barefoot on soft sand and dirt so even their feet won’t give them away. An early, shocking tragedy makes it clear what they’re up against: evil, hungry monsters who consume anyone who catches their attention with sound. Soon, that fateful Day 89 skips ahead to Day 472. The monsters still rule, and now Evelyn (Blunt) is pregnant. As the family goes about its soundless daily routines — cooking meals silently,
eschewing the washer-dryer for hand washing, playing board games with soft pieces, dancing to music on headphones — one wonders how they’ll possibly bring a baby into the world without making noise. Krasinski and fellow screenwriters Bryan Woods and Scott Beck are cleverly tapping into universal parental angst here. First, childbirth, already pretty darned painful and stressful, is made even more difficult — you can’t even scream! And how on Earth can you keep a newborn from crying? More
broadly, there’s the constant fear for Lee and Evelyn that any daily task can lead to an errant noise, and quickly, death. What’s worse than feeling like you can’t protect your child? Basically the only place where one can talk freely, in this world, is next to the roaring waterfall where Lee takes Marcus (an appealingly sensitive Noah Jupe) one day. Because the waterfall is louder than they are, they can holler with abandon. They’ve left older sister Regan at home to help Mom. Despite her obvious smarts and instincts, Regan is technically at even greater risk from the evil creatures, because she is deaf and can’t hear them even if they’re right behind her. To survive, she will need to be more resourceful than anyone else in the family. (Regan is embodied with warmth and poignancy by young deaf actress Millicent Simmonds). “A Quiet Place” may not have the weighty social meaning or piercing comedy of another recent high-profile horror thriller, “Get Out.” But like that movie it is smart, it moves fast, it has a hugely satisfying ending — and it deserves to attract a much broader audience than the usual horror film devotees. JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer
The Tribune | Weekend | 17
Friday, April 6, 2018
entertainment
Entertainer Dyson Knight, left; and above, newlyweds Knight and Wendi Lewis on stage
Dyson Knight hosts high-energy soca party By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
I
t has only just begun, but 2018 is already shaping up to be a great year for Dyson Knight, whose song with the Baha Men premiered worldwide during a taping of the “Live with Kelly” and Ryan at Atlantis in February. Dyson also debuted three songs at Trinidad Carnival, mentored the C R Walker Knights band for its participation in The Music Project competition, and most importantly, tied the knot with fellow Bahamian singer Wendi Lewis. And now in the midst of juggling life as a newlywed with his musical endeavours, the veteran entertainer has
been spending most of his time planning the second annual “Just Vibes... The Party” for April 19. The event will feature a night of highenergy performances from both Dyson and Wendi, as well as entertainment from two top Caribbean DJs, Close Connections”and Boom Bostic. DJs Big L, Buttonz and LJ will also be holding their own at the turntables. The party will be held at the Bahamas National Trust’s Retreat on Village Road from 7pm to 11pm. Dyson told Tribune Weekend that the lack of events for artists to showcase and promote their music was the driving force behind him hosting “Just Vibes”. “I find that there haven’t been enough events that headline local artists, and I didn’t see a point in complaining about it, so I decided to
invest in myself. In doing this, I realised that entities like Percy’s Island Game, Xtasy, Da Glass Kitchen, Club One Fitness Centre, 700 Wines and Spirits, BTC and many of my friends and family all support and believe in what I’m seeking to accomplish. Last year I was able to pull off the ‘Play Party’ with about 200 patrons on the very same night that all of the major political parties hosted their mass rallies,” he said. “This was very encouraging. I was also able to host performances by Rik Carey, Benje, Wendi, Patrice Murrell, Julien Believe and Sketch. The party also featured DJs Big L, LJ, Spleen and John Doe. I was left feeling like I had shattered the invisible ceiling that determined how successful I can be as an entertainer here in the Bahamas.
This is why I was excited to do it all over again.” Dyson said while he and Wendi’s performances will “shake the stage”, the duo will also release a song they believe is going to “totally dominate the every soca party for the next 10 years”. “That’s all I’m going to say for now. Other than that, people will not want to miss the performances from myself and Wendi. The international DJs will also bring more energy and vibes than normal. I have been listening to their mixes for over 20 years and I have to say that they are truly gifted,” he said. Dyson and Wendi will also perform recent releases such as “Just Vibes”, “Attitude” and “Book Smart”. “Book Smart”, said Dyson, is also an opportunity for more exposure as it is featured on the Hips Sing Riddim album that also features artists like Elephant Man, RDX, Skinny Fabulous and others. “This is a clean party. I find that a lot of the other soca-based parties include paint, power and water and the like, but ‘Just Vibes... The Party’, is just vibes. You can come out after work and be home by 11.30pm, having enjoyed an awesome party and not have to bathe 20 times to look like sense the next day,” he said. Food will be provided by Da Glass Kitchen and there will be Kalik Lite Platinum Beer specials. Lucaya Water will be the featured rehydration distributor. There will also be prizes courtesy of BTC, cash giveaways from Percy’s Island Game, as well as free gym membership prizes from Club One Fitness Centre.
18 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
entertainment
Carnival unmasked By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
W
ith preparations for the Bahamas Carnival season in full swing, there will be increasingly more events to get party-goers amped for the full experience scheduled from May 4-6. But until then, there will pre-gaming activities to get soca enthusiasts through the wait until the main event next month. K O Productions will be hosting its ‘Mask Fete’ tomorrow at Pompey Square from 7pm until. For this event, the K O team once again collaborated with Presidente beer. In addition to a mask competition and costume launch, there will be a performance by soca stars Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons. This is the second Carnival themed event hosted by the K O leading into the 2018 season. “After pulling off one of the biggest parties of the year with Mardi Gras, ‘Deeds for Beads’, K O Productions wanted to keep the momentum hype and unique experiences going leading
into Carnival season, hence the Mask Fete,” said Jayde Knowles, public relations officer. Just like any other K O Productions event, the Mask Fete will feature a unique line-up of entertainment. “The venue is unique. The line-up of activities, DJs and the experience
alone is unique. Also the fact that we are adding an international artist to a fete this go round, something we do not normally do. But of course, we are full of surprises,” said Ms Knowles. “People attend because they know they are coming to not just attend a regular party but to an entirely different
experience. Safety is always our number one concern for our patrons and security will be strictly enforced by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Additionally, the option to park at The Points can also assure our patrons that their safety and comfortableness is of paramount concern to us.”
KB returns with sounds of home
‘J
ones Town, Eight Mile Rock” is the latest music project by Bahamian singer, songwriter, producer and entertainer KB. The 12-track CD is the first full length album released by KB since “Rake N Scrape Fool” in 2013. The title “Jones Town, Eight Mile Rock” is a tribute to the community
where young Kirkland ‘KB’ Bodie was raised – the close-knit settlement of Jones Town, Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, where important values were instilled in him as a child and where the foundation was laid for the man and artist he is today. Many of the songs that fuelled KB’s popularity in the 1980s, ‘90s and
early 2000s were based on life in Jones Town and the surrounding Eight Mile Rock communities.
Therefore, it seems only fitting that his first major project in five years is named after the place where it all began. Reintroducing listeners to his talents as a singer and prolific storyteller, KB reminds his audience of the gifts that were instrumental in his evolution as an entertainer. The album’s first
single, “Dis Time”, is a mid-tempo rake n’ scrape love song with a smooth back beat rhythm that KB fans will easily identify. Like with fan favourite “Heaven Knows”, this new track shows KB at his best, serenading the woman he loves, telling her that this time he is promising her all of his love. “Dis Time” was
written and produced by KB with help from fellow musicians and friends Colyn McDonald and Ira Storr. The music video for “Dis Time” was shot on location in Jones Town and Tynes Bay Beach, Freeport.
•“Jones Town, Eight Mile Rock” is available now for purchase on all digital music platforms.
The Tribune | Weekend | 19
Friday, April 6, 2018
gardening
The vagaries of April This is the month when we are seriously reminded that summer is coming, says Jack Hardy
T
he summer-loving veggies like okra, Malabar spinach, snake beans, peppers, collards and such can be planted, but very little else as salad season is more or less over, and tomato-sowing season is definitely over. In my own garden I have kale, chard and Chinese cabbage producing and all of these make my diet a little healthier. I noted recently that chard, along with related beet greens, were fifth and eighth in a list of the top ten healthy foods. Michihili cabbage is very versatile and the young leaves can be eaten raw in salads and such. Sweet pepper plants seem to be extra productive in Spring but it would be wise to get some new ones under way. If you have no more room in your garden you may consider planting them in three-gallon pots. Once they have reached the flowering stage you should set the pots where the early afternoon sun cannot reach them. Hot pepper plants tend to be tougher and can stay in full sun so long as they are watered regularly. Birds – especially mockingbirds – love to peck tomatoes in the dry season. I do not think they particularly relish tomatoes but the juices provide refreshment. A bird bath somewhere near your tomatoes may cut down on the damage but I have found the only way to protect ripening tomatoes is to hide them. A soda can-sized brown paper bag can be slipped over a
It’s sowing season for heat tolerant flowers like gaillardia ripening fruit and held in place with a clothes pin. Unfortunately this method is unsuitable for smaller hot peppers such as, of course, bird peppers. You can try a rubber snake to deter birds; lacking that, a two-foot or so length of black electricity wire can be snake-shaped and hidden amongst your pepper plants. I say hidden because birds have great eyesight and the merest glimpse of something that could be a snake will make them change direction. Allow the mock snake to be a little too visible and the birds may conclude it is inanimate.
During April I will be moving my potted pineapple plants into a shaded area. Pineapples are bromeliads so can grow well in shaded conditions. If left in full sun the young fruits can be scorched and rendered useless. Do not shade strawberry plants, at least not until the main bearing season is over. Strawberry plants need plenty of water and should do well in the sun if their irrigation needs are fulfilled, which means watering every day. It is wise to snip or nip away any runners that appear at fruiting time. When the season is over you can allow the runners to trail and produce baby plants. These can be potted in small containers (cup size) and will part of next year’s harvest.
Do not remove baby strawberry plants from the parent plant until the runner - the stolon – is dry. Re-pot the young strawberry plants into larger containers. It is the sowing season for heat tolerant flowers: vinca, gaillardia, cosmos, marigolds, tithonia and zinnias. If you are a serious landscaper then you will take note of the plant heights and colours and sow the seeds for best effect. Potted geraniums can last through summer if shaded during the heat of the day and watered regularly. Sometimes overlooked are calla and canna. These have similar needs and growth habits so can be planted in the same area. Both are best planted in groups to make a stand. If you get into the habit of attacking the plants now and then with a pair of scissors to remove dead and dying leaves you can develop beautiful stands or groups that really catch the eye. Both calla and canna benefit from growing in an area that is sheltered from the wind. Petunias and impatiens are coming to the end of their winter flowering season. Before pulling your petunias nip off the seed capsules that appear on the end of stalks. These can be stored refrigerated in a small paper bag or plastic container of suitable size. When the weather grows cooler next October the capsules can be rubbed and the seeds released to be planted for the new season. It will be pot luck as to what colour your new plants will be as petunias are extensively hybridised. I have been told that if you plant the seeds from a petunia, then its seeds, and continue for several generations , the petunias will end up with only white flowers. The seeds I planted this season gave some beauties that were different from the parent plants. Several were white with irregular blushes of pink that I found adorable. Heaven knows what this mango season will be like. A windy Spring has taken the first flower spikes and for two years in a row I will have no Julie mangoes. Hopefully the older trees will be able to hold flowers and give a decent harvest. At this stage there is little we can do but hope there are no more gale force winds. In the last week of March I ate the first mulberry pie of the year. Well, some of it. I did share. Mulberries are reliable and prolific fruit producers and mulberry pie is a personal favourite. The fruit has an amazing history that we can look at next week.
• For questions and comment e-mail j.hardy@coralwave.com
20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
books
‘Too Close to Breathe’ excels with realistic characters
D
ublin makes a formidable background for a tense police procedural that introduces a strong heroine in “Too Close to Breathe.” Irish author Olivia Kiernan imbues Detective Chief Superintendent Frankie Sheehan with intelligence and unusual sleuthing skills in the exciting debut, “Too Close To Breathe.” Frankie plunges back into work after recovering from severe wounds suffered when she responded to a murder that was still in progress. Her latest assignment should be simple — sign off on
the apparent suicide of Eleanor Costello, a microbiologist and part-time lecturer at University College Dublin. But Frankie sees too many inconsistencies at the scene, and her further investigation uncovers evidence that Eleanor had dark secrets and a history of violence, despite her prim and proper demeanor. The investigation takes another turn when Frankie and her team learn that Eleanor’s husband, Peter, has been missing for several weeks. Peter also is the link to another woman who was murdered live on the internet. As Frankie delves into the
‘Other People’s Houses’ offers view from the carpool minivan
F
rances Bloom can jam seven children into a minivan designed for six with no problem. Her daily carpooling duty tethers her neighbors’ lives together. It also affords her snapshots of their mornings, which are typically less than scandalous. This changes the day Frances whips the car around to retrieve a kindergarten passenger’s forgotten school supplies. In addition to finding the urgent project tools (toilet paper rolls), she
finds her neighbor, Anne Porter, in the middle of an affair with a younger man. Abbi Waxman’s “Other People’s Houses” follows the four families impacted by Anne’s fling. Rumours and suspicions ooze through the upper middle-class Los Angeles neighbourhood like slime, and even the tamest of marriages begin to toe fragility. All the while, Frances continues to taxi children to and
Costello investigation, she also prepares to testify in the trial of the murderer who injured her. Kiernan’s insights into Frankie’s emotional and physical recovery are skillfully woven into the plot of “Too Close to Breathe.” While the serial killer is often overused, Kiernan finds a unique twist to this trope, where Dublin’s streets and neighbourhoods receive a fresh view. “Too Close to Breathe” excels with realistic characters, from Frankie and her police colleagues to the surprising villain. OLINE H COGDILL Associated Press from school, take her best shot at parenting a high schooler and two other needy children, and maintaining a sexless life with her dependable husband. Large swaths of the read take place in Frances’ head. She possesses a hilarious inner dialogue and listening in on her decision process as to which chicken to purchase for dinner proves relatable and entertaining. When we’re not loitering in Frances’ psyche, we’re privy to other characters’ thoughts. The omniscient narration at times borders on
feeling overdone (at one point we’re even in the head of a cashier), but avoids discombobulating territory. Settings provide their own comedic flair to the hubbub. The drama unfolds in front yards, around kitchen tables and in the cheering section of dreaded youth soccer games. Waxman’s take on the drudgery of parenting is fantastic. Anyone who has ever unintentionally memorised an episode of “Dora the Explorer” or attempted to awaken a sleeping teenager will find comradery with the comically flawed folks residing in “Other People’s Houses.” CHRISTINA LEDBETTER Associated Press
The top 10 audiobooks on Audible.com Audible.com best-sellers for week ending March 30:
1 2 3 4 5
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, narrated by Wil Wheaton Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, narrated by a full cast Pet Sematary by Stephen King, narrated by Michael C Hall A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, narrated by a full cast
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo and Jill Twiss, narrated by Jim Parsons, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jeff Garlin, Ellie Kemper, John Lithgow, Jack McBrayer and RuPaul
6 7 8 9 10
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, narrated by Julia Whelan Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J K Rowling, narrated by Jim Dale
The Fifth Doll by Charlie N Holmberg, narrated by Angela Dawe
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, narrated by Julia Whelan The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf, narrated by a full cast
By The Associated Press
The Tribune | Weekend | 21
Friday, April 6, 2018
literary lives
The mystery of the white crow Sir Christopher Ondaatje recounts a strange but true tale involving witchcraft and the disappearance of an English reporter during a time of political upheaval in Sri Lanka
O
ne of the strangest afternoons I have ever spent in Colombo, Sri Lanka was with the late President J R Jayawardene (1906-1996), three years before he died. He was an extraordinary man, the first Executive President of Sri Lanka (1978-1989), and the man singly responsible for changing the constitution of the country to a Gaullist system which introduced an executive presidency. A man with immense power, he was not above criticism particularly for not acting swiftly to prevent Sinhalese mobs attacking Tamils in a frenzy of ethnic violence in July 1983. These attacks led to an intensification of the separatist struggle by militant Tamil groups,
notably the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the emigration of many Tamil families. Increased military pressure of the insurgents, who had been receiving help from India, brought Indian intervention. The LTTE rejected Jayawardene’s 1988 Accord which agreed to devolve power to a North-Eastern Provincial Council to meet Tamil demands for autonomy and turned against a newly formed Indian Peace Keeping Force sent by Delhi to force the LTTE to disarm. He retired in 1989 while the LTTE and the Indian Peace Keeping Force were still battling, with the ethnic problem no nearer a solution. When I last met J R Jayawardene in 1993, I was in Sri Lanka helping the historian Hendrik Hooft publish, first
in Dutch and then in English, his epic biography “Patriot and Patrician”, which followed the steps in Holland and Ceylon of our ancestors Hendrik Hooft and Pieter Ondaatje who were champions in the 1780s of a popular movement which brought to the Dutch Republic the first democratically elected government in Europe, a few years before the French Revolution. Jayawardene was also a great romantic, student of history, and a superb raconteur. At tea at his home in Ward Place, after showing us around his Jayawardene Museum, he held us enthralled with his recollections of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Ceylon in (1978). Continued on page 22
22 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
Continued from page 21 “How would you like your people to see me?” the Queen asked the President. “I think they would like to see you with your crown on, Your Majesty,” Jayawardene replied. “I’m sorry, Mr President, but I don’t travel with my crown,” the Queen apologised. Later the Queen had told the President that her most embarrassing moment had been in Uganda during a state visit in the 1960s. Arriving in Kampala after a long flight she was asked, with little warning and with not much time for recovery, to drive some considerable way over rough terrain to open a new and quite large school for children some miles outside the Ugandan capital. Arriving after a long bumpy drive, the Queen and entourage arrived at a large clearing with about 400 students – the girls neatly turned out in blue tunics and white blouses; and the boys in blue short trousers and white shirts. “They were organised in several lines across the compound which was circled by the school buildings. Unfortunately, the young Queen explained, after the lengthy and relatively rough journey, she had to go to the lavatory and asked to be shown to the building, which was housed at the rear end of the compound some distance inside the circle of buildings, but behind the lines of school children. With that the Queen was accompanied through the many lines of children from the dais where the cars had arrived in front to the humble out-house at the back of the congregation. She climbed the steps up into the chamber and closed the door. Less than half a minute later, the Queen exclaimed, 400 children burst into “God Save the Queen”. However, this is not the story I intended to relate. As anyone who has driven along, or entered one of the spacious houses that line the treed avenue of Ward Place, it is difficult not to notice the noisy armies of crows that inhabit the trees and gardens in the area. They are large birds, over a foot long, with heavy pointed bills and powerful legs. Omnivorous, they eat fruit, large insects, small vertebrates, as well as other birds’ eggs and young. Often seen on the ground, I know from experience that they are extremely intelligent birds – gregarious and noisy as a rule, and are entirely black with a very slight metallic sheen. Therefore it was not so surprising that as ‘Henk’ Hooft and I were driven with the former President in his
Sri Lankan President J R Jayawardene (1906-1996), above; and Sir Christopher Ondaatje, below
limousine, past the guarded gates to the portico in front of the President’s house, that we noticed several crows busily and collectively going about their activities in the President’s garden. However, what was surprising, and both of us noticed it without comment, was one crow – entirely white in colour except for its pink legs and a light grey beak – an extraordinary sight. Central to all the crows’ activities, the white crow seemed also to be the leading instigator of the other crow activities. Intent on listening to what President Jayawardene was telling us during the drive, I said nothing further until much later in the afternoon when we had had sandwiches and tea, and were thinking of leaving. Indeed the President had himself moved standing at the window overlooking his garden and seemed himself engrossed on watching the activities of the crows on his garden lawn. Seizing my moment, I moved next to him and asked him about the curious presence of the white crow. He paused
pensively for a few minutes, turned to me and said, “I think we had better sit down.” Moving away from the window, the President, quite serious now in his outlook, looked at us and asked me, “What do you know about Meredith Foster? Do you remember, a few years ago, the British press announced the disappearance of the English reporter who had come to Sri Lanka in the mid 1980s to cover the eruption of the violence against the Tamil minority here. “It was a terrible time for us, and a particularly difficult time for me because I had to make some very difficult decisions to try to stem the Sinhalese mob violence. Not everything worked, even with the Indian Peace Keeping Force help. In fact, the strained argument between the Sinhala and Tamil population became intensified with the unpopular Indian involvement. Anyway, Miss Foster’s reports, and I say Miss Foster although I realise she
The Tribune | Weekend | 23
Friday, April 6, 2018
had a husband in England, got worldwide attention for a while – particularly in the Western world. She was a good writer, seemed to have a better than average understanding of a complicated political situation, and took some quite extraordinary risks to get her stories – sometimes actually going to battle fronts and war zones where reporters were definitely not allowed. “She made quite a name for herself overseas, but also here in Colombo where she was based and where she spent most of her time when she was not in the field. Her husband did visit her occasionally at first but she really seemed to have made a permanent home for herself in the Barnes Place area, also in Colombo, not far from here. I suppose she was here for six or seven years before she suddenly went missing – supposedly on one of her more dangerous reporting missions. There was terrible consternation because both the Tigers and the Sri Lankan army had taken great pains to
A Sinhalese female devil
“Now, I want to ask you a very personal question. Do you know anything about demonology and witchcraft?” advise and protect foreign journalists – knowing full well the bad press this troubled island would get if a Western reporter was hurt or killed. But for a long time there was some confusion as to Miss Foster’s whereabouts and her reporting mission. And then over the next few months, with no further news, the mysterious situation died down and there was little or no further press.” I did remember news in England about the disappearance of an English reporter. It caused quite a stir at the time, but I said nothing as President Jayawardene seemed anxious to continue his story. “Well, what the foreign press and few people knew was that Meredith Foster, a good looking blonde girl in her mid-30s, was known by all of us close to the government to be having rather a serious affair with a high ranking official in the government. It certainly was an embarrassment for all of us, but nothing was done about it although the minister in question – a married man
himself – was warned several times about the dangers of the compromising relationship. The situation was further complicated because the minister’s wife was herself related to the Bandaranaike family and we knew she was understandably in a high state of anxiety about her husband’s involvement. We knew there would be trouble sometime. “Now, I want to ask you a very personal question. Do you know anything about demonology and witchcraft?” We both shook our heads, never taking our eyes off the President’s face. He was eager to continue.
“Well, Sri Lanka, together with Haiti and South Africa, is known to be among the most sophisticated in one practice of demon worship. The belief in the realities of an invisible world of evil spirits has not always received an acceptance in most parts of the Western world, but in this country superstition, coupled with the worship of gods and demons, as well as Buddhism, has had an extraordinary degree of influence on the minds of the Sinhala people. Even respected historians and writers from Robert Knox in the 17th century, and more recently Sir Emerson Tennant, have written of the results of their enquiries and experiences in matters
connected with this island. Curiously, Buddhism acknowledges the existence of demons and connives at, even if it does not openly countenance the practice of demon-worship, or at least a good deal of which belongs to it. A Sinhala demon is himself a being subject to death, like all other beings recognised by Buddhism, although that event may in some instances take place only at the end of some tens of thousands of year. This difference arises from the Buddhist doctrine that there is no state of perpetual existence for any being: that happiness or misery can never be perpetual: that the rewards or punishments for the actions of one life will be reaped in one or more states of existence afterwards and then come to an end; and that mere obedience to a demon does not necessitate any disobedience to one’s religion. “The priests of demonism are styled Yakaduras, Yakdessas, or more commonly Cattadiyas, and there is scarcely a village in the island which does not boast of at least one. So it is not that surprising that when someone gets into trouble, or is involved in a relationship or situation which cannot be resolved in a normal way of life, that they ask advice and put themselves in the hands of a village priest – who can call on one of the demon or malignant Yakseyo, who are invisible but do have the power to make themselves visible, generally in some other shape, often that of beasts, or of men, or of women. There are many of these demons and are said to have enormous influence over life, death, disease, health and love. Although it is believed that there are a great many demons in existence, the number of those who belong to demon worship does not exceed fifty or sixty, and there are a great many books and letters on the subject. This is a complicated business involving Hooniyan charms, Agarm and Pilli charms, and even Jeewang charms whose object is to bind any demon in a certain manner so as to make the demon an obedient slave to its master. There are many, many learned books and letters on the subject – many not yet translated from the Sinhala language. “You must also try to understand that Cattadiyas or priests receive no particular respect from anyone as the Buddhist priest does. The village priest’s profession is looked up as any ordinary calling like a shopkeeper or boatman. There is nothing sacred about him like Continued on page 24
24 | The Tribune | Weekend
Continued from page 23 a Buddhist priest, and his main job is to cure or inflict diseases and other tasks by the agency of demons. There are many of them. For example Reeri Yakseya, the demon of blood, who is considered to be the most cruel and powerful; Calu Cumara Dewatawa or the Black Prince particularly exposes young and fair women to his attacks; and Madana Yakseniyo is the name given to the seven sisters or female demons of lust. “Then there is Baddracali, a demon whose assistance is sought for winning lawsuits and for subduing enemies and rivals of any kind; and it may be that the wife of the government official with whom Meredith Foster was intimately involved called on Baddracali to help her in solving her matrimonial problem – of course through the agency of her village priest in her home town near Kandy. But there is also Bahirawa Yakseya, another female demon generally feared for being able to inflict diseases on women, and it is to Bahirawa Yakseya that we now think that the government official’s wife called on through her priest – mainly because Bahirawa Yakseya is known to have operated on a giant hill Bahirawa Canda which you may know and which stands looking over one side of the town of Kandy. Remember, she comes
Friday, April 6, 2018
from that area, and residents of the Kandy region have been steeped in folklore of Bahirawa Yakseya who is known to have influenced one or the earlier Queens of Kandy, who was pregnant and who also was known to have miscarried several times within a few months of her confinement. Eventually, and again through the agency of a village priest, the demon categorically stated that he would not remove her influence over the Queen unless a yearly sacrifice of a young virgin was made to her on the summit of Bahirawa Canda. The King of Kandy, hearing this, did as he was told and after that several children were born to his young wife. “Now it is suspected, and I only know this by hearsay, that the politician’s wife was told by the demon that in order to rid herself of Meredith Foster and save her marriage she must sacrifice her rival in the same way that the sacrifices were made for the Queen of Kandy: a stake being driven into the ground on the summit of Bahirawa Canda, the girl tied to it with jungle creeper, flowers and boiled rice placed close by on an altar constructed for the purpose; and certain invocations and incantations pronounced to conclude the ceremony. Inevitably, the next morning the girl would be found dead. Thus it was, we suspect, that Meredith Foster, during one of her many assignments, was
The Bahirawa Kanda Buddha statue in Kandy kidnapped and taken to Bahirawa Canda in Kandy and tied to the sacrificial stake. Her body was never seen again. “The strange thing about this story is that there is living today an old woman in Kandy who was also offered up to the demon in an earlier life during the reign of Sri Wikreme Rajasingha, the last King of Kandy. But somehow or other she managed to effect her escape. When questioned further she explained that the demon Bahirawa Yakseya, although having considerable powers over disease, did not in fact have any power over life and death, which is why the demands were made for the young virgin to be sacrificed in such a gruesome manner. Inevitably it is true, the next morning the young girl would be found dead – not from any direct propitiation by the demon but almost certainly from either exposure or fright. The old woman further explained that escape was possible in only two different ways – either by reincarnation, as she had chosen, where she could choose to take the form of a human in another life in another time, or take on the immediate form of an animal or bird of the demon’s choosing and approval. “Nobody really knows what
happened, but this female white crow appeared here in Ward Place almost eight years ago at almost exactly the same time that Meredith Foster disappeared. No one talks about it much because Sinhala people, as I explained, are extremely superstitious and fear reprisals from a slave of demons if they are ever suspected of any thoughts or deeds questioning the actions of any spirit. Of course many people come, with permission, to see the strange albino-like bird, but they say nothing. It flies off to other gardens and busy streets, where it is sometimes seen, but people are very careful not to disturb or frighten it in any way, and certainly not to harm it. And it always returns here, where it congregates with other crows, seeming sometimes even to be their charismatic leader.” What an incredible story! Neither ‘Henk’ Hooft nor I had very much to say. We just stared in disbelief at what President Jayawardene had just told us. But then, almost at the moment that we were making our excuses and thanks and preparing to depart, we heard a continuous and persistent tapping on the drawing room window overlooking the garden at 66 Ward Place. Looking towards the irritating noise we were amazed to see that it was the white crow which was on the other side of the window cill, continuing to tap on the glass with its beak, as if giving some kind a message in code. President Jayawardene then, completely unfazed, got up in his flowing white Ariya Sinhala costume, for he was indeed a stately figure of a man, walked slowly and purposefully to the window and opened it. Immediately the white crow flew into the drawing room, circled briefly around the centre, and then alighted on the President’s shoulder, quite as if it knew exactly what was expected of it. The President too seemed completely at ease with what had just happened. I was just about to say something when I saw the President looking at me with a threatening expression. We stared at each other for a few brief moments. He said nothing. Nothing needed to be said. With a half apologetic smile on his face he shrugged slightly, not disturbing the lovingly possessive bird. NEXT WEEK An American writer whose frontier stories spawned some of the best-loved Western films
• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author “The Last Colonial”, “The Man-Eater of Punanai” and “Woolf in Ceylon”
The Tribune | Weekend | 25
Friday, April 6, 2018
history
Pan American World Airways By PAUL C ARANHA
I
n its day, Pan American was one of the best-known and highlyrespected airlines in the world. It connected America with the world and the world with America. Every day, their flight #1 left New York, headed eastward to land in Frankfurt, Germany, then continued its eastward journey around the world, all the way back to New York. Flight #2 did a similar thing, in a westerly direction. In its latter days, their jet aircraft were emblazoned with the words Pan Am, in giant letters that could not be mistaken. Pan Am started in 1927, carrying passengers and mail between Key West and Havana. That was its only route. In 1927, Pan Am introduced scheduled air service between Miami and Nassau – their second route. Oakes Field, our first land airport, did not open until 1940, so Pan Am used a variety of seaplanes and amphibians, all of which landed in Nassau Harbour, where there was a floating dock, a seaplane ramp and Pan Am’s office building and terminal. The first Bahamian airline, Bahamas Airways, was based at this Pan Am ramp, which is now the BASRA headquarters.
Immediately east of BASRA one can still see the historic Pan Am building. Steve Albury sent me this interesting report from the Miami Daily News about a special flight on a Pan Am Douglas DC-3: “On Monday June 2, 1941, Sir Harry Oakes, Harold G Christie and Roland Symonette stood in front of the new Pan American Airways plane Bahama Panairliner, as it made its inaugural flight. The new twin motor plane was the latest in aeronautical engineering. It cut the flying time from Miami to Nassau in half. The new plane made the inaugural journey in just one hour and ten minutes. It would be landing at the new Oakes Field, named after its owner Sir Harry Oakes. “It was Roland Symonette, former member of the Nassau Development Board, who reminisced about making his first journey by sailing boat to the United States, 16 years prior to 1941. Mr Symonette said that back then it required five days on a sailing vessel to reach Miami from Nassau.” Pan American Airways’ original waterfront headquarters is a part of Bahamian history that looks like it will soon be gone and forgotten.
The decline of the former Pan Am building
2006
•For questions and comments, e-mail
2008
islandairman@gmail.com
WINGS OVER OCEAN – Strengthening the communication and transportation between the United States and the then British Colony of Nassau, Bahamas, Pan American Airways inaugurated a new, speedy land plane service. Passengers who participated in the first flight ceremonies included (l-r) George Hastings, former New York senator; Sir Harry Oakes, international financier; Humphrey W Toomey, PAA official, and Harold Christie and Roland Symonette, members of the Bahamas Development Board
2017
SoAP oPERA
AND SUE 26 | The Tribune | Weekend
LR I SmALL CRoSSwoRd I OC TEASER TARGET
10
Northwestwardly, Impetuous, Horseshoe, Deanery, Depress, or services that may beDoughty, of interest to you. To stop receiving SMS messages pleaseentertainers text ‘NSNOINFO’ (8) to 83310.
Take the online Mensa workout www.mensa.org.uk or apply for aLimb, supervised IQ test in your area, Echt, Menu, Boat, Feel. Lisa Wild Pen atname, email bookatest@mensa.org.uk or telephone 01902 772771. Mensa does not accept hyphenated
ending in “s”. 16 Bit blue for landing (9) B Crusader 17 A loan found in vehicle with Friday, April 6, 2018 Crosswo GETnov THE BRILLIAnT EXPR C 13 ; *SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390 words, and uses the Oxford Dictionary of English (Second Edition Revised) as its official reference. 6: R Bentley, Cardigan, Ceredigion almanac (8) TODAY’S TARGET Cambs; nov 8: H Garrat, Denton, D Manches THE DAILY EXPRESS 30-SECOND CHALLENGE 19 A royal competitor’s Good 17; very good 26; SUNDAy EXPrESS EvEry wEEk? Kent; nov 10: B Maxwell, Keith, Banffshire appearance (7) E 12 Replace each setINTERMEDIATE of dashes with a fiveADVANCED = 580. TodAy’S AnSwERS: BEGINNER = 8; = 308; excellent 34 (or more). W Mids; nov 12: M Ball, 21 Came with bachelor having letter word. The same five letters must be used F for Please allow 30 days Solution Monday. difficult time (7) ACROSS 1 are the words? 2 3 4 5 for both words. What CAN you crack the Alphabeater?G It’s 17 a 22 Snack for cold royal is an 1 Bugle call (4,4) Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro LAST SATURdAy’S Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid mental muscles to the limit. Each afterthought (6) of H grid 6 Way off (4) words is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so HOW many YESTERDAY’S ACRoSS 1 Fastened 5 Hard up 10 The pow with several given numbers. The object is to place the The juice bottle gotCoffees in the 8 6squashed 7 9 10 Plant unexpectedly up (5) Alphapuzzle, every letter of the Ialphab the sum of each horizontal block equals themensateaser: number to its 8 24Normal (5) or morelitcan WIN Rombouts One Cup Filter Fill the grid so that four letters SOLuTION numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, 13 Screened 15 Ducks 18 Dregs 2031Gera left, and thecolumn, sum ofrow, each vertical block equals the number A British house renovators 11 25Revel presence ofthe (6) every and given letters and the given black squar shopping basket and unfortunately it _ _ _ _ _ each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number 26 The eleventh hour 27 De you make from alive anvil avid delving J on its 3x3 top.square No number may block more initially (5) (4) by family owned coffee roasters Rombouts back in 1958, theSudoku One includes all be used in the sameInvented 12 Past tensehate of draw only once. The difficulty level the over Conceptis 11 shop floor. To add to the fiendish fun, Alphabea For extra cluesfrom call: down 1 Father 2 diva Spectacle 3 Emotive than once. difficulty of the Conceptis Kakuro so juice _ Sunday _ _ drinkers. _of_ all the letters shown here? dEvALUInG devil the digitsThe 1 to 9. level Cup Filter is a classic, must-have item for all coffee The range includes K 32 14 Facial twitch (3) ● The Express Bookshop stocks increases from Monday to 8 9 Islander 14 Negative 16 Cou from Monday to Sunday. same dive if Peerless you divulge turn the page upside down Level: moderate 0901increases 322 5603 numerous books of Sudoku In a (5) word, each divan Original, Italian Style, Colombian and Decaffeinated www.rombouts.co.uk 15 making Truncheon L 25 M 21 Neither 22 Energy 24 Bleep puzzles (from £5.99) and the Target: mins SMALL CROSSWORD SATURDAY *Calls cost 75p plus your telephone company’s24 network access charge. So, forevil example 12 13 14 letter be used once evading 16 Lav may (3) gaveif there is a six-lette Infinite Sudoku CD Rom (£9.99). for Teaser Take the online Mensa workout at www.mensa.org.uk orAnswer apply for a supervised IQ test in18/11/17: your area, Beverage. M 37 w corresponding six-letter word Across For today’s full solution To order, please call email bookatest@mensa.org.uk or telephone 01902 772771. Mensa does not accept hyphenated 17 Perambulator (4) contain gavel only. Each must give PUZZLES given yesterDay’s solution * 562310 or order online BRILLIAnT EXPRESS Non y For your chance win, Revised) call: 0907 181reference. 2723 or text DXMENSA to 83310** 19 GET Style inTHE which a thing is Everyleaving black square hasAPP a symmetric words, and uses the Oxford Dictionary of English (SecondtoEdition as its official call: 0907 181 2575 01872 15 at www.expressbookshop.com. the centre letter and invade live *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge and last 2.5 minutes. arranged (6) Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. UK delivery is free. O squa 28 This can helpnaive identify other black there must be at least lived liven nave **Text cost £2 plus your usual network rate. Lines close at midnight on Friday, December 1. For full T&Cs see 20 Pilotless radio-controlled Replace each setwww.express.co.uk/campaigns/terms/7. of dashes with a five corresponding ‘twin’. Solution onP Mond SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390. By responding to promotions, offers one nine-letter word. No navel unveil vague 16 17 18 aircraft (5) To order the Rupert annual for 2018The (no.82)same at £9.99, please call 01872 562315, letter word. five letters must be used Q 17 9 or send a cheque/PO to Rupert Bear shop, PO Boxand 200, competitions Falmouth, TR11 you 4WJ agree that Northern & Shell may contact you by post, SMS and/or email with offers, goods plurals or(4)verb forms A 10vale23valid 21 Cooker vain valine 29on 31 13 26 or services be of interest to you. To stop receiving SMS messages please text ‘NSNOINFO’ to 83310. or online at www.classicrupertbearshop.com. UK delivery is free. for both words. What arethat themay words? you It’s a tough twist our popular Alphapuz 22CAN Reaffirm (8) the Alphabeater? R ending incrack “s”. value valuing B valued 19
©2017 Acorn Editorial Ltd. All words appear in tionary.
yesterDay’s solution
UDOkU
N PILLS no 18
QUE LR I I OC
Lisa Wild
THE A
THE ALPHABEAT
mental muscles to the limit. Each grid number below represents a letter or HOW many words of Rupert crouches beside his boulder, vane veal vegan Sto18com C 13vaned The juice bottle got squashed in the *SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390 28 you 11 have25 34 Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is2used.16But now DOWN four letters or more can TODAY’S TARGET but soon he realises that the big veil veldthevena T D veinbelow 21 from the 1 given Hugeletters election win (9)given black and the squares main grid to start. shopping basket and unfortunately it _ _ _ _ _ 20 you make dragon has moved away. Next minute Good 17; very good 26; venal vend venial vial 2 Rescue U 13In17o To add (4) to the fiendish fun, Alphabeater symmetrical’. clues call: E 12 is33‘rotationally so juice _ _ _ _ _ all over the shop floor. 7 37 letters shown here? Express Bookshop stocks there is an● The extraordinary sound and, excellent (or more). vide vied vile13vina2 3 same Pierces a34 hole inthe (9) if you turn page upside down. V 2 5603 22 numerous books of Sudoku In making a word, each Solution F peering round the corner, he sees that 4 Prosecute (3) Monday. puzzles (from £5.99) and the vine SMALL CROSSWORD SATURDAY ACROSS ompany’s network access charge. So, for example if there is a six-letter word Across which starts in 5 letter may be used once 5 Arrangement, 26 6to W the Infinite Sudoku CD Rom (£9.99). Answer1for Teaser2 18/11/17: 3Beverage.4 G 17 18 17 4 6 22 position (9) the pet dragon has descended from 1 Bugle call (4,4) six-letter word Across which ends in the bottom right corne ull solution To order, please call ● The Express Bookshop stocksonly. a wide selection of puzzle books across 7 corresponding Each must contain X alway Ardour, zeal (7) * or text DXMENSA to 83310** 01872 562310 or order online H 6 Way off (4) the tree and that the two strange For your chance to win, call: 0907 181 2723 YESTERDAY’S all crossword puzzle genres. To obtain our up to date list please visit Every black square has a symmetrical ‘twin’ but the ‘twin’ may not 181 2575 at www.expressbookshop.com. centre and 7 9 www.expressbookshop.com, 9 Exclusive news story (5) 8 the Normal (5)orletter *Calls cost 80p per minute plus6your telephone company’s network8access charge and last 2.510 minutes. call 01872 562310 write to Express Y 38 39 one company’s network access charge. UK delivery is free. I 31 creatures are capering about happily. SOLuTION 8Of course 20 if 16 6 34 canor help identify the centre square is must at(6) least 10This Excite trouble (7) other black squares. Bookshop, POT&Cs Box see 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ. Pleasebe enclose an SAE for **Text cost £2 plus your usual network rate. Lines close at midnight on Friday, December 1. For full 11 there Revel presence of Z corresponding ‘twin’.delving Solution on Monday. “I was right,” murmurs the little bear. alive anvil avid J return. www.express.co.uk/campaigns/terms/7. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390. By responding to promotions, offers 13 Truck (5) one nine-letter word. No 12 Past tense of draw (4) Yesterday’s dEvALUInG devil diva Yesterday’s LAST SoLUTIon and competitions you agree that Northern &11 Shell may contact you by post, SMS and/or email with offers, goodsSATURdAy’S “The big one came in answer to that 18 AParty, K 0907 or verb 32 2818117112586 14plurals Facial twitch (3) forms 10 slang 23 (4) 29 31 13 26 9 30 2625for3821 6 33 16 17 Call or services that may be of interest to you. To stop receiving SMS messages please text ‘NSNOINFO’ to 83310. ACRoSS 1 Hedgehog, 6 Agog, 8 Per se, 11 Attire, 19 BEnemy (3) divulge whistling call. But I still don’t see how divan dive Sudoku Answer Kakuro Answer in Tame, “s”. 15ending Truncheon (5) L 1 2 12 Disc, 14 Leo, 15 Crock, 16 Off, 17 19 Edible, today’s Target solution 12 13 14 16 Lav (3) I’m going to get that little one away.” evading Ctoday’s plus 20 Elves, 21 Cart, 22 Reverses. For solution *SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390 13 2evil 16gave28 11 *Calls 25 M cost 34 80p223per minute 3131 15 1640 8 36 35 37 27 your 38 ■ 17 Perambulator (4) telephone company’s network TODAY’S TARGET Timidly he offers one of the dragon gavel give 181 given down 1 Hard-nosed, 2 Dots, 3 Epitomise, 4 Ore, 21 22 D 0907 call: 2583 N access charge. All puzzles use 19 Style in which a thing is Good 17; very good 26; 15 5 Reforests, 7 Gainful, 9 Erect, 10 Steamer, 13 Crude, eet, pills. He thinks, “Although they love to play, invade *Calls cost 80p perleaving minute telephone E 12 33 plus 13yourlive 2 7 37 OThe 17 Chambers 31 2713 4 32 3515 2 8 10 16 arranged 28 2 Dictionary 18 Alas, 19 Eve. (6) network access charge. excellent 34 (or more). company’s A pill may tempt the pet away.” © Express Newspapers 2017 lived 20 Pilotless radio-controlled F liven naive nave P Solution Monday. ACROSS navel 17 18 3 16 4 5 aircraft (5) To order the Rupert annual for 2018 (no.82) at £9.99, please call101872 562315, 2 G 17 unveil 18 17vague 4 6 22 Q 17 6 912 51 1123 2613 3330 13 13 1 Bugle call (4,4) or send a cheque/PO to Rupert Bear shop, PO Box 200, Falmouth, TR11 4WJ 21 Cooker (4) vain H vale valid valine 6 Way off (4) or online at www.classicrupertbearshop.com. UK delivery is free. YESTERDAY’S 22 Reaffirm (8) R CRYPTIC PUZZLE value valued valuing 6 7 8 9 1910 8 Normal (5) I 31 SOLuTION 8 20 16 6 39 35 16 26 37 17 3 de his boulder, vaned veal vegan 34 S 18 11 Easy Revel presence of (6) 19 23 28 32 19 26 Yesterday’s Solution alive anvil avid delving vane J Down DOWN 12 Past tense of draw (4) hat the big Across veil vein veld vena 11 T 20 21 1 dEvALUInG Huge election win (9) diva devil 1 Downtrodden, it leads to 1 Frozen, it takes half a day K 28 venial 11 25 vial 21 33 17 22 25 9 17 8 19 14 Facial twitch (3) Across: 1 Tagus, 4 Riddled, ay. Next minute venal32 vend 2 divan Rescuedive (4) divulge 36 17 15 29 31 35 U 13 Truncheon (5) inflation (4,4) to dig out (6) 8 Ace, 9 Red15carpet, 10 Penance, L ary sound and, vide vied vile vina 12 13 14 3 Pierces a hole in (9) 16 Lav (3) 11 Hobby, 13 Drowsy, 15 Maquis, evading evil gave 2 Could be nine seas in 22 4 Sign of joy, though an M 37 23 31 27 40 36 V 38 19 7 37 35 16 20 ner, he sees thatexpression of disgust 4 gavel Prosecute Perambulator (4) vine 18 Fence, 1917Example, give(3)given tumult (2,1,5) 40 22 31 W 26 33 23 5 N 1923 Style which a thing is 5 invade Arrangement, position (9) 21 Blackjack, Tie,in24 Elderly, scended from comes in afterwards (8) 15 leaving live 3 Revered figure in holding ● The Express Bookshop stocks a wide selection of puzzle arranged (6) books across 7 Ardour, zeal (7) 25 Worry. O 28 2 13 32 15 8 X 16 15 16 8 36 5 9 wo strange 9 A speaker who is skilled at all crossword puzzle genres. To obtain our up to date list please visit lived liven naive nave company (4) 20 Pilotless radio-controlled 9 Exclusive news story (5) Down: 1 2 or Greenhorn, 16 39 17 3 4 www.expressbookshop.com, callTrapped, 01872 562310 write to Express P Y 38 17 grderabout happily. navel unveil vague 16 17 18 splitting alternatives (6) aircraft (5) 5 Performed with a high 3 Siren, 4 Redeem, 5 Drachma, the Rupert annual for 2018 (no.82) at £9.99, please call 01872 562315, 10 Excite or trouble (7) Bookshop, PO Box 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ. Please enclose an SAE for Q 17 12 1 23 13 30 Z 13 38 17 31 40 32 14 a cheque/PO to Rupert Bear shop, PO Box 200, Falmouth,and TR11 4WJ 21 12 Cooker vain vale valid valine sendthe little bear. 6 Lip, 7 Dotty, Blue(4) peter, return. degree of skill (12) 10 Flings about disturbs 13 Truck (5) nline at www.classicrupertbearshop.com. UK delivery is free. 22 (8) 14 Speaker, 16 Reaffirm Scenery, LAST SATURdAy’S SoLUTIon R answer to that the cat’s rest (8) 19 for 18value Party, valued slang (4) valuing 6 Entrance 0907 Legacy,6 18 Fable, ACRoSS 117 Hedgehog, Agog, 8 Per20 se,Askew, 11 Attire, vaned veal vegan Call S 18 19 181232586 28 for 32 19 26 5 26 22 35 34 6 19vane Enemy (3) ll don’t see how spectators (4) 12 A quick glance either DOWN 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 1 22 Add. 12 Disc, 14 Leo, 15 Crock, 16 Off, 17 Tame, 19 Edible, today’s Target solution veil vein veld vena T 7 A quaker may display21 ttle one away.” way (4) 20 1 Huge election win (9) *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your 20 Elves, 21 Cart, 22 Reverses. Forvenal today’s solution ■ ■ 31 vend venial vial it (6) 2 Rescue (4) 4 Ore, 36 17 network 15 29 31 21 35 24 27 25 26 4 U 13 telephone company’s of the dragon13 Number have a light down 1 Hard-nosed, 2 Dots, 3 Epitomise, 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 3 call: 0907 access charge. All puzzles use vide vied181 vile2583 vina 3 Pierces a hole13inCrude, (9) grip Take 5 Reforests, 7 Gainful, 9 Erect, 10 Steamer, V The Chambers Dictionary He(5) thinks, “Although they love to8play, 22 exception to Ernest *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone K Prosecute (3) vine 18 Alas, 4 19 Eve. being reformed (6) company’s network access charge. A pillhave may soft tempt the pet away.” 26 33 23 5 40 22 31 11 8 32 37 36 31 papers 2017 14 Many W 5 Arrangement, position (9) feathers (4) 11 A choice of stocks a wide selection of puzzle Yesterday’s Solution ● The Express Bookshop books across 7 Cryptic X Ardour, zeal (7) all crossword puzzle genres. To obtain our up to date list please visit coffee (5,2,5) 17 What a bad summer will 9 Exclusive news story (5) 16 39 17 3 4 34 35 24 38 16 www.expressbookshop.com, call 01872 562310 or write to Express Y 38 17 40 Across: 1 Arced, 4 Pasteur, do? (12) 15 Like the200, thoughts of 4WJ. a Please enclose 10 Excite or trouble (7) Bookshop, PO Box Falmouth TR11 an SAE for Z 8 Hen, 9 Foothills, 10 Iceberg, return. 13 Truck (5) number getting over 20 Having left the army, not
SmALL CRoSSwoRd
Lisa Wild
working (3,2,7) 23 Girl seen in a jumble sale (4) 24 Had conceded (5) He thinks, “Although theycooks love touse play,it (4) 25 Wise A pill may tempt the pet away.” 28 More than father I had, though not worth it apparently (8) 29 Join silent order (6) 30 Journalist about to take a drink (8) 31 Stopped wearing corsets (6)
SmALL CRoSSwoRd
LAST SATURdAy’S SoLUTIon 11 Major, 1318 Mishap, 15 Prince, Party, slang (4) fever?1 (5) ACRoSS Hedgehog, 6 Agog, 8 Per se, 11 18Attire, Cadet, 1919Earplug, Enemy (3) 16 Tears out 15 forCrock, a look (5) 17 Tame, 21 12 Disc, 14 Leo, 16 Off, 19 Edible, Restraint, 23 Log, 24 Leander, 20 Elves, 21 Cart, 22 Reverses. 25 Downs. For today’s solution 18 It’s your go (8) 1 Hard-nosed, 2 Dots, 3 Epitomise, 4 Ore, 1 Atheism, 2 Condensed, Down: 19down A number expelled are call: 0907 181 2583 5 Reforests, 7 Gainful, 9 Erect, 10 Steamer,313 Crude, 4 *Calls Defoe, Plough, cost 80p 5 per Schemer, minute plus your telephone downcast (8) 18 Alas, 19 Eve. company’s accesslaw, charge. 6 Eel, 7 Riser, 12 network Jungle 21 It may be rude to make a 14 Altered, 16 Engages, digression (6) 17 Senior, 18 Carol, 20 Rated, 22 Dormant fish turned into a 22 Spa. snake (6) 26 Fight, probably rigged (4) 27 One the soldier returns to after leave (4)
EASY PUZZLE
Across 1 Ancient enemy of Athens (6) 4 Emergency medical help (5,3) 9 Cloak (6) 10 Austrian composer, d. 1828 (8) 12 Well ventilated (4) 13 Vile smell (5) 14 Hindu spiritual guide (4) 17 Intimate conversation (5-2-5) 20 Wearing glasses (12) 23 Observe carefully (4) 24 Existence (5) 25 Bargain (4) 28 Emotionally charged (8) 29 East Mediterranean coastlands (6) 30 Similarly (8) 31 Jovial (6)
Down 1 Fellow feeling (8) 2 Exceptional (8) 3 Rumour (4) 5 Whitehot (12) 6 Humiliating rebuff (4) 7 Way of access (6) 8 Circuitous route (6) 11 Radio interference (12) 15 Sharply inclined (5) 16 Gap (5) 18 Make hostile (8) 19 Immoderate devotion (8) 21 Illusory (6) 22 Rush past (6) 26 Put away (4) 27 Prophet (4)
Call 0907 181 2586 for today’s Target solution
*Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. All puzzles use The Chambers Dictionary
1 21
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
■
K
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
■
K
H
F
The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, April 6, 2018
animals Animal matters By Kim Aranha
J
Just when you think it can’t get any worse
ust when you honestly believed that the Bahamas had hit rock bottom you see another video clip of unparalleled cruelty, and that is when you realise that there is simply no end to man’s disgusting behaviour. There is a sweet gentle little potcake dead on the rocks after being intentionally killed by a large pit bull at the insistence of the pit bull’s owner. The tragic footage of this small dog wagging it’s little tail in submission as the owner commands his dog to “kill”... the screams from that little animal haunts me nightly and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. This disgusting footage was uploaded to a social media page by
PET OF THE WEEK
Michael Culmer of ‘242 in the Know’. Mr Culmer did so because he was disturbed by the footage and asked all animal lovers and activists to share the footage for it to reach the proper authorities. It is certainly the most disturbing video I have ever seen. Originally uploaded by a man with the crass, tongue-in-cheek comment in bold capitals: “ I TRIED TO SAVE HIM LOL.” This Facebook page has now been cleared of any related footage. Perhaps the person realises that the anger he has unleashed is such that it cannot and will not be put back in the box. In fact, this tragic death, this disgraceful killing, has done quite the opposite. We need a movement to
demand that our government take these incidences of extreme animal cruelty more seriously. We need stronger penalties than are in existence. The public outrage has been significant and very encouraging. This is the action of a psychopath. At the end of the nauseating film clip the man congratulates the dog and tells him: “Dat tree under da belt, good boy, good boy, you kill dat one. No dat’s four, dat’s four under the belt, ‘cos yesterday was the third… Kill, kill, kill, kill, let’s go boy.. He finished”…(I have shortened this because he repeats himself something fierce). All this time the small brown potcake lies dead or dying on the rocks. I cannot, and will not, mince words here. This is disgraceful and
Perky Paulette By The Bahamas Humane Society
PATRICIA VAZQUEZ
“G
ood morning! My name is Paulette and I’m here to let you know a little bit about me. I am two years old. I have been here at the Bahamas Humane Society for several months now. The BHS is a no-kill shelter so I can stay as long as I need to, but I hope I find a home of my own soon. I’m outgoing and friendly, and am managing here at the BHS with my kennelmates. Do you need a dog like me in your home? I’d love to learn some new tricks and of course be rewarded with some treats! Come in to the BHS to meet me or call 323-5138 for more information. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. I look forward to meeting you!” • The next Thrift Shop jewellery sale will be held Saturday, April 14, from 10am to 2pm. As usual, there’s a great selection and a wide range of prices, and all proceeds go to the Bahamas Humane Society.
dangerous. Any “human” (yes, I intentionally use quotation marks) who is capable of doing what I saw on this video clip and capable of watching and encouraging his dog, is a menace to society. He has much to answer for and much to pay for. It is not monetary; it is to society as a whole. He needs psychological evaluation. What happens when watching dogs getting killed, screaming and suffering is not enough, then what? Psychiatrists will tell you that a potential progression from killing animals to killing humans happens frequently. You have read me say this time and time again. Those who practice cruelty to animals are a danger to our society, a danger to our well-being and the safety of our children. When will Bahamians take this warning seriously? Do we have to wait until a homeless person or elderly person or child lies dead after a horrific attack encouraged by a psychopath in order to hear what I am saying. Believe me, I will get no satisfaction from saying “I told you so”. What is it that inhibits people from seeing the repercussions of this behaviour? Why will nobody listen to me? I feel like I am beating my head against a brick wall. Is it so hard to understand? It is high time that the authorities take this wave of animal cruelty, which has reached new heights, seriously. In order to protect the citizens of our country we must take these manifestations of violence more seriously and detain the perpetrators before they move on to hurt humans. Dear God, even if you are not an animal person, you must be able to understand this, and you must want to do something about it. Contact your Parliamentarian; ask your church to preach against cruelty, and tell them that it is time to act. Protect your children and yourselves from the dangerous and violent people who walk in our lives daily.
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, April 6, 2018
section