Friday, May 10, 2019
art books theatre film fashion music food television gardening
Weekend
MOTHER’S DAY FLOWERS Page 19
It’s never too late Cancer survivor turns to art pages 8 & 9
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Friday, May 10, 2019
food
A festive meal for mom Mother’s Day spread prepared the old-fashioned way By CARA HUNT
| Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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hef Alfred Stubbs plans to honour Bahamian mothers with a special down home dinner inspired by the meals his own mom used to make when he was growing up, This Sunday at 3pm, the chef will be hosting “Taste and Devour – A Meal for the Matriarchs”, a special buffet of food prepared outside on a fire hearth and rock oven just like families used to do “back in the day.” “Growing up I would always be in the kitchen when my mother was cooking dinner, and so when people asked me what I wanted to do in school, I thought maybe I can be a chef,” he told Tribune Weekend. He has worked in hotel restaurants for several years, but recently decided to branch out to catering meals with a twist – preparing meals outside and serving it on enamel plates. “Growing up, every Friday we would have fried fish for dinner which we would cook outside, and to go with it we would cook a pot of rice and some corn, and so that is how I learned to cook that way. It is something that we don’t do that much anymore, but I decided I would go back to that style of preparing food with a few dinners in my own backyard for family and friends. “(People) like Freddie Munnings Jr, Angelique McKay, Mix Marv Cunningham, the late Ed Moxey, the late Bishop Samuel Green, and the late Senior Commander Amos Rolle, just to name a few, are some of the many that would frequently be treated to that old-fashioned down home cooking,” he said. “This year, I decided to open it to the public and have it on a larger scale to honour mothers.”
Chef Alfred Stubbs will prepare a full Mother’s Day buffet using an oldfashioned hearth and rock oven.
Chef Stubbs said that while it will be a traditional meal, it will be still be a gourmet fine dining experience. “Avoid the hassle of packed hotel buffet lines and being rushed out of seats to accommodate more crowds. Guests will be catered to and serenaded as cocktails start at 3pm with buffet service to follow. Food will be prepared expressly to embrace the
tradition and authenticity of Bahamian culture,” he said. “Taste and Devour: A Meal for the Matriarchs” will take place at Castle Westridge overlooking Lake Cunningham. Call or WhatsApp 426-3591/431-3990, or e-mail rhobynnwood@Hotmail.com to reserve a spot. Tickets are $100.
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Friday, May 10, 2019
Inside Weekend
My perfect Bahamian weekend Arnoldlette Johnson Air Traffic Controller Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?
Interview 4-5 Gospel singer Antonio Rolle survived a brain tumour to pursue what he considers his God-given path Food 7 Bahamian chef aims to refine local cuisine with sushi and more Art 8 - 9 Breast cancer survivor sees a new world full of colour Crafts 10 A new party experience featuring woodwork Books 11-13 Best-selling local author deals with grief, plus ‘Matters of the Heart’ talk show host publishes first self-help book Celebrity 14-15 The biggest hits and misses from the Met Gala Fashion 16 Five Seasons Bridal returns with ‘Runway 2019’ and TLC star Monte Durham Theatre 17 Be ‘A Food For Love’ with new dramedy musical at the Dundas Gardening 19 Jack Hardy picks the most beautiful Mother’s Day flowers Television 20 An analysis of Daenerys’ loss of confidence on ‘Game of Thrones’ Film 21 Ryan Reynolds talks ‘Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Deadpool’ Literary Lives 22 - 24 Edgar Allen Poe’s reflections on revenge Forgotten Facts 25 Abaco – First settled by Loyalists Puzzles 26 Animals 27 The need for nature, plus Pet of the Week Cover I Art by Charliese Bevans
“It depends on who I am going out with. If it’s like my family and friends then a nice islandstyle breakfast would be amazing. But if it’s my girlfriends then a lunch would be better so we can have a few mimosas or drinks.”
Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik?
“I like wine and champagne; they’re classy and just enough to give you a buzz and a little vibration. I don’t like rum or beer that much.”
Q: Beach or Sofa?
“The beach is so freeing, you can go there to clear your head in the fresh air; it’s very refreshing.”
Q: What is the one thing that you can’t live without? “My music. No matter what your favourite type of music is, it can set the mood for whatever you are trying to accomplish.”
Q: Weekend away, where would you go?
“It would have to be somewhere close by, so I would say a Family Island like Abaco or Eleuthera. I just love that island-style living – going to the beach, fishing – it’s everything in one great package.”
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday
• Mums & Bubs Storytelling with Drums Time: 2pm Venue: Viva Physio & Wellness, Sandyport Hear a story with rhythm and rhyme. Kids can enjoy a drum infused children’s happy hour with Princess Abdiel and a range of Caribbean stories told with percussion. Reserve your spot at vivaptwellness.com. Participation is $20. • Miss World National Costume Competition Time: 7pm Venue: The Rooftop at The Pointe Colourful costumes will be on display as the eight contestants compete in the next preliminary competition. The winner receives a special award. The costume competition is always a fun event as contestants get to let their hair down and display their creativity in fabulous attire created by Bahamian designers.
Saturday
• Make Mom’s Wish Come True Time: 10am - 5pm Venue: Coin of the Realm Enjoy mimosas, flowers and prizes all day long. • Miss World – Swimsuit and Top Model competitions Time: 6pm Venue: Compass Point Beach Resort The Flying Dutchman Swimsuit Competition accounts for 25 percent of the contestants’ scores to advance to the semi finals, so there’s a lot riding on this one. And then, the Commonwealth Fabrics Top Model competition will put the ladies’ runway skills to the test. • Sip n’ Canvas at Café Madeleine Time: 6pm-8pm Venue: Café Madeleine, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Guest artist Lamero Wright will facilitate the class and guide you in painting your very own masterpiece. Enjoy two hours
of painting and bottomless champagne, as well as a special gift for all mothers. Participation is $50. • The Essence of A Mother: A Musical Salute Time: 7pm-10pm Venue: National Art Gallery The Essence band celebrates motherhood with fun, laughter and music. The evening includes five-star gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Icing Pastry and Catering, your choice of unlimited top-shelf wines, ciders and/ or ice-cold ginger lemonade, and full Essence experience. Tickets are on sale at Quality Home Centre. For more information, call 809-4281. • Movies in the Square Time: 7.30pm Venue: Pompey Square Enjoy a free screening of “The Secret Life of Pets”. Concessions are available from 5.30pm, provided by vellmonkeyfoot. Security and surveillance by Tourism Police.
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Friday, May 10, 2019
interview
After surviving a brain tumour as a child, this Grand Bahama native was told he was meant for greater things. After dabbling briefly in secular music, the singer/songwriter has found his calling in gospel. He tells Cara Hunt how his songs are now being played on some of the biggest international radio shows.
Antonio Rolle
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ntonio Rolle hopes that his new album, “Another Level”, will encourage listeners to realise their purpose and that life is a gift to be treasured. It is a lesson that he and his family learned very early after he faced a near death experience at birth. “I am the youngest of seven children and I was the only one who was born with a problem. I had a brain tumour and had to be rushed State-side as a baby for treatment,” the Grand Bahama native told Tribune Weekend. Thankfully, the surgery to remove the tumour was successful and he made a full recovery. Antonio’s mother was told by a local priest that her son had recovered from his illness so he could go on to do great things. Antonio said he feels like this prediction has proven true, as he has grown up to follow is passion of making music. “When I was growing up I always had a passion for singing. I used to sing at Mount Tabor Baptist Church and I led the children’s choir. We would appear on Mount Tabor’s television show, ‘Power of the Blood’.” Over the years, his skills as a performer grew and he would often be asked to preform at local events, like singing the National Anthem at the Hugh Campbell Basketball Tournament, at boxing matches and track meets. In addition to singing, he also discovered a love of songwriting, and today he uses his lyrics to encourage his listeners.
“I had an opportunity to sing with Baha Men...but honestly I just was not comfortable.. I then I started hearing God telling me, ‘I didn’t call you to sing that’.” As Antonio got his start in church, he said there was never a question that he would pursue a career in gospel music rather than focus on making a name for himself in the secular arena. “From the time I was a little baby I was raised in the church and in a Christian home, and so gospel has always been a part of my life. When I knew that singing was going to be my life, being a secular singer just never even crossed my mind. In 1999, I had an opportunity to sing with Baha Men and I was starting to learn their songs, but honestly I just was not comfortable. I didn’t think that it was for me. I prayed about it for a while and I then I started hearing God telling me, ‘I didn’t call you to sing that’, and this
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Friday, May 10, 2019
“Sometimes people are afraid and downplay their gifts for fear of being ridiculed. But if God has called you for a purpose, you need to follow that and trust that God will find a way to make it happen for you.” As an infant, Antonio survived surgery to treat a brain tumour he was born with. was my confirmation that a gospel career was the right path for me,” he explained. From that point on, his career became about using his music to the glory of God. And Antonio has steadily been making a name for himself within the local gospel music community. Popular gospel artist Landlord helped grow Antonio’s career and now he is getting traction around the world as well. His music has been played in Barbados by Cristo J Paul on Life 97.5 and on the “Stephen Smith Morning” show in Ohio. His music is also played on the Clareta Haddon-Jackson’s show. She is the sister of popular Los Angeles preacher and performer Deitrick Haddon. Her show is aired on more than 150 radio stations around the world. In the near future, he is looking to perform at gospel concerts in West Africa and he is preparing to take the Caribbean by storm with a tour of Trinidad, Guyana and Costa Rica. Antonio was excited to tell Tribune Weekend all about his latest venture. His newest project is the “Another Level” album for which he wrote all the songs. “My music is a combination of worship and praise, and of course
Antonio wrote all the songs for his new gospel album, “Another Level”.
The cover art for Antonio’s single “Lord I Thank You”.
dancehall and reggae. I wanted to provide a taste of everything because everyone has different taste in music. But all of the songs on the album are designed to be uplifting to God,” he said. The title track, “Another Level”, encourages people to be who God has called them to be. “It’s about looking in the mirror and saying to yourself it is time to walk in my destiny,” he said. His song “Lord I Thank You” is a dancehall inspired track that really reflects the journey that he has been on throughout his life. “I hope that everyone who listens to those will just be encouraged to live life to their fullest potential. Sometimes people are afraid and downplay their gifts for fear of being ridiculed. But if God has called you for a purpose, you need to follow that and trust that God will find a way to make it happen for you.” The “Another Level” album is available for download from iTunes, Napster and CD Baby. He said his next immediate project will be to film a music video for the record’s title track. “I think the song would have an even bigger impact if there is a visual to go along with the words,” he said.
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Friday, May 10, 2019
food
Sushi and beyond
Mobile culinary company seeks to refine Bahamian cuisine culinary company currently provides catering, hospitality training, cooking demonstrations, consultations and private chef services. Chef Montgomery said he is happy to say the feedback he has received has been very positive. Moving forward, it is his team’s hope to be able to offer additional services that include culinary vehicles for rental, fully equipped for individuals at food festivals, and a website for newlyweds who are interested in introductory cooking classes. “We will offer our services, in particular our sushi, to our family of islands... infusing a touch of each island’s flavour into (our dishes). As the year progresses, we plan to launch a website and take Mokamo Culinary Services international,” he said.
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
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ITH over 17 years in the culinary field, Chef Montgomery K Mortimer-Penn has made quite a name for
himself. Under his brand, Mokamo Culinary Services, he has been hard at work trying to refine and influence Bahamian cuisine. He does this by giving cooking demonstrations at agriculture and culinary events, training aspiring “culinarians” and teaching the art and science behind cooking. Chef Montgomery’s culinary journey begun in the hospitality programme at the CC Sweeting Senior High School, which awakened his passion for cooking. Upon completing high school, he attended then the College of the Bahamas, taking part in an apprenticeship programme that provided him the opportunity to work in various restaurants at Atlantis well as the former One&Only Ocean Club and Harbourside. As his skills grew, he was able to make his mark in the kitchens of restaurants such as Sapodilla, 3 Tides at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, and Nobu at Atlantis. He has received many certifications and awards over the years, and especially honed his talents when it comes to sushi, his specialty. He told Tribune Weekend his goal for Mokamo Culinary Services is to prepare well-balanced nutritional meals in a safe, clean and friendly environment using the highest quality products on the market. The idea is to provide competitive prices, exceptional customer service and prompt delivery, while treating every customer and employee with trust, respect and integrity. But it is also his desire to contribute to the Church and community at large. He said many people believe Mokamo only offers sushi, but their services include many other options. The mobile
Chef Montgomery K Mortimer-Penn
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Friday, May 10, 2019
art
Seeing a world full of colour Breast cancer survivor celebrates gift of life by painting By JEFFARAH GIBSON
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| Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
AVING survived breast cancer and having reached a milestone birthday, Charliese Bevans has been looking at life through a different lens. Today, the 50-year-old is unapologetic about living her life to is fullest. And living fully for Charliese has meant immersing herself in the things she loves, including her new-found passion for art. Last year, she officially debuted her artwork under a new business venture called Me 2 U by Charliese. “I have always been interested in art. I love nature and always thought about capturing it in colour. Though my art skills were poor in school, I really never tried hard because I knew I didn’t know what I was doing.” For years, her aunt, Andrea Eve, had boasted about her art class with Lendrex Ross. So last January, to start celebrating her upcoming 50th birthday, and the fact that she had beaten breast cancer, Charliese decided to
embrace the opportunity and joined the class. “Initially, I was only painting for fun and relaxation. Not long ago, I was inspired to begin a business to share my talent with others, hence the name Me 2 U by Charliese. It is my desire that when persons purchase my paintings, customised greeting cards or customised notebooks, they feel the love that was put into it,” she told Tribune Weekend. With her paintings, she tried to capture the beauty of life itself on canvas. Charliese said her artwork has been purchased to use as décor for cottages, hotels, guest houses, homes, offices and banks. Prints can be ordered in all sizes on canvas or paper. Customised greeting cards and envelopes are available in variety packs of eight or same print. “I want my work to be uplifting when (people) see it. I want them to feel the tranquility, and I want them to feel treasured. I want them to be able to believe that every door that opens
Summertime
Artist Charliese Bevans
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Friday, May 10, 2019
Serenity
Beyond Words
Green Treasure
“Life is stressful as it is, and we really need to stop, slow it down a bit and enjoy this one life that we have. That is what art does for me and I want to share it with the world.”
Open Door
The Lighthouse
before them will be a door that opens to opportunity, abundance of love, wealth, health, grace and everything that is positive. Life is stressful as it is, and we really need to stop, slow it down a bit and enjoy this one life that we have. That is what art does for me and I want to share it with the world,” she said. Painting, said Charliese, transports her into a completely different space. Brush in hand, she is never quite sure where her inspiration will take her. However, she always hopes the finished work has captured all of the positive energy she felt during the creative process. “My inspiration comes from this beautiful world we live in, in particularly, our country, the Bahamas. I paint from pictures. Nature itself is a wonder. The sea is so beautiful in its different shades of blues and greens with caps of white foam. I love to look at and paint the billows of clouds. Some may not see it, but they have multiple colours, not just white; it is fascinating. And then there are some clouds that look like multiple cotton balls. All the gifts from Creation are a beauty. I love the trees, the texture of the trunk and the different shades of brown, and the multiple colours in the flowers. I can go on and on about what inspires me. It’s the beauty of life itself…the gift,” she said. And she has her art teacher to thank for inspiration as well. “He is very humble but a very good artist in my opinion. He likes landscapes and the sea like me. I also like paintings by Eddie Minnis. His paintings are very detailed, and both these men, among many other Bahamian artists, I don’t think, get the respect that they deserve,’ she said. Charliese is employed at the University of the Bahamas where she has served in many departments. She is presently the assistant director of talent management in the human resources department.
Reflections
Pink Tranquilizer
Secret Garden
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Friday, May 10, 2019
crafts
Getting crafty with it New party offers unique wood-working experience
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
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| Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
his year has been an unexpectedly busy one for Leanne Key, who has been developing her handlettering company, learning carpentry skills, teaching private classes and launching her latest venture, the Make + Take Crafting Studio. This new undertaking which Leanne is particularly excited about is a pop-up crafts party that includes music, wine and good vibes held on a monthly basis at various venues. Similar to the popular paint and sip format, participants create a piece of art that they get to take home at the end of the night. This month, the venue for the Make + Take Studio session is Sherwin Williams at the Prince Charles Drive location on May 24 from 6pm-9pm. Each pop-up is hosted by an experienced facilitator who helps each crafter (inexperienced or seasoned) to create a wooden home décor piece with the help of stencils. “Right now our only offering is wooden wall hanging signs, but I hope to expand our project offerings in the very near future,” said Leanne. Working with wood is central to this experience. “The highlight of the experience is working with a piece of wood and taking it from a bland, boring piece of wood to creating something you will be proud to hang and show off in your home,” she said. No previous crafting experience is necessary for the party. “There is enough time allotted for each step and all of our crafty hosts are knowledgeable and patient. All of our crafting experience involves stencils, so there is no need to be afraid of messing up. The stencil does most of the work,” she explained.
Make + Take participants enjoy learning how to make art from a piece of wood. She encourages anyone interested to make an attempt at what she describes as a unique and fun activity. “There is joy in every step of a Make + Take experience. People always comment how therapeutic sanding wood is, and the truth is, it is. Paying attention to details always seems to calm everyone in attendance. Couple that with good wine, good
company and it’s bound to be a good time. It’s my hope that each event sparks someone’s crafting love and they continue to craft on their own,” she said. While Leanne works at offering this new craft experience to Bahamians, she is also continuing to develop The Nassau Script Company, her handlettering business.
The company started as a hobby in 2015, and by 2017 had turned into a full-fledged business. It offers a full range of hand-lettering and modern calligraphy options. From envelopes to wood, glass and mirrors, customers can request hand-lettered messages on just about any surface. Leanne said she was inspired by the beautiful calligraphy she was seeing all over social media. It seemed like almost every quote she saw posted was created with some inspiration from calligraphy, and she was compelled to try her hand at recreating artwork from Instagram. After several weeks of practice, she found her own style and started publishing her own completed calligraphy art on Instagram. The Instagram account gained traction and people started requesting hand-lettered pieces for almost every special occasion.
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books
Best-selling Bahamian author deals with grief By FAY KNOWLES
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hen best-selling Bahamian author Tanya R Taylor’s beloved father Cecil Caleb Ferguson passed away unexpectedly on April 5 her life was immediately put on hold. She was in the middle of writing her 25th book, “A Faint Whisper”, the 12th in her popular Cornelius Saga series, which was due to be released last month. The author had no alternative but to notify all of her fans and followers around the world, including those who had already pre-ordered the book that she would have to postpone the release. She told them: “Your preorders will still stand and those who have not ordered the book as yet still can. I’m sorry to have to delay the release, but I want to give you a great story, one that isn’t rushed, and this is the best way.” She also shared her feelings and experience of losing her father with her followers and told them: “My family and I are struggling to cope with his loss. I know he was the type of person who would not want me to remain in the same place as I was on April 5, so I’m trying my best while planning his April 13 funeral to move forward and to continue with what I know he would have wanted me to do. He was so proud of me as a daughter, friend and author and was always so very supportive. I never knew before his passing what it is to lose a loved one.” As a result of her newsletter, Ms Taylor received an outpouring of condolences and support from her readers. She said it took her several days to respond to each e-mail because of the volume of messages she got. She wrote back: “I truly appreciate your outpouring of love. I’ve kept each message from you in a special folder that I can revert to whenever I’m feeling down
Author Tanya R Taylor and need some encouragement and right now I’m taking the pain of my loss one day at a time. I also appreciate your understanding for the postponement of ‘A Faint Whisper’. It’s now due to be released on May 24. From the depths of my heart, again, I say thank you.” Ms Taylor stated in the funeral programme that she personally prepared for her father’s funeral. She wrote about how her father was educated at St Joseph’s Catholic School and became an altar boy. One of her father’s first employers was Nassau Ready Mix and at age 16 he was responsible for doing the payroll where he worked. She said: “He was very industrious, becoming a home-owner before the age of 21.” Cecil Ferguson was employed at Bahamas Pavers for several years, and then eventually ventured into his own paving business. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Gwendolyn Ferguson, three daughters, three sons, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ms Taylor fondly remembered the times she and her father spent watching TV shows together during her
“A Faint Whisper” will now be released on May 24. childhood and how this later impacted her writing. She said: “We both enjoyed shows like ‘The Twilight Zone’, movies based on books by Stephen King and documentaries. My father always used to say, ‘Think big’. That meant I had no room for mediocre thinking.” “Cornelius”, Amazon No 1 best-seller in Teen & Young Adult Multigenerational Family Fiction, was inspired by an adventure Ms. Taylor and her older brother Dwayne had when she was a little girl living in Sea Breeze. One of the scenes mentioned in the book concerning a canal was from her memory of a childhood event that her father never knew about until she told him decades later. She laughed: “If Daddy had known about it back then, we would have had to face his wrath as what we did was forbidden by him!” She said after her second book in the Cornelius Saga, “Revenge of Cornelius” (now “Cornelius’ Revenge”) and the tremendous response she received from readers from all over the world, she knew she had to continue the series.
And now, encouraged by her father’s memory, the author is focused on releasing her new book, “A Faint Whisper”. The novel centers around a vacant house located directly across the street from the Cullens. When a family from out of town moves in they have no idea that their new life won’t be anything even remotely close to what they expected. Seventeen-year-old Ashley Morrison is plagued by what she soon perceives as taunts from the unseen realm. Is the house really haunted or is there something more sinister at work? When the mystery is eventually unravelled it leaves the entire community in shock. Ms Taylor writes in various genres including paranormal romance, fantasy, science-fiction, mystery and suspense. She is the author of several No 1 best-sellers across the various Amazon stores. All of her books have made Amazon Kindle’s Top 100 Paid Best-sellers’ List in several categories. For more information about Tanya R Taylor’s books, visit her Amazon author page or the website tanya-rtaylor.com.
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books
New releases hitting shelves this week Again, but Better by Christine Riccio Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents…sounds ideal — but Shane’s made zero friends, goes home every weekend, and romance…what’s that? Her life has been dorm, dining hall, class, repeat. Time’s a ticking, and she needs a change — there’s nothing like moving to a new country to really mix things up. Shane signs up for a semester abroad in London. She’s going to right all her college mistakes: make friends, pursue boys, and find adventure! Easier said than done. She is soon faced with the complicated realities of living outside her bubble, and when self-doubt sneaks in, her new life starts to fall apart. Shane comes to find that, with the right amount of courage and determination one can conquer anything. Throw in some fate and a touch of magic – the possibilities are endless.
Moneyland: The Inside Story of the Crooks and Kleptocrats Who Rule the World
From ruined towns on the edge of Siberia, to Bond-villain lairs in London and Manhattan, something has gone wrong. Kleptocracies, governments run by corrupt leaders that prosper at the expense of their people, are on the rise. Once upon a time, if an official stole money, there wasn’t much he could do with it. He could buy himself a new car or build himself a nice house or give it to his friends and family, but that was about it. If he kept stealing, the money would just pile up in his house until he had no rooms left to put it in, or it was eaten by mice. And then some bankers had a bright idea. Join the investigative journalist Oliver Bullough on a journey into
Moneyland—the secret country of the lawless, stateless superrich. Learn how the institutions of Europe and the United States have become money-laundering operations, attacking the foundations of many of the world’s most stable countries. Meet the kleptocrats. Meet their awful children. And find out how heroic activists around the world are fighting back. This is the story of wealth and power in the 21st century. It isn’t too late to change it.
The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine
Dr Kate English has it all. Not only is she the heiress to a large fortune; she has a gorgeous husband and daughter, a high-flying career, and a beautiful home anyone would envy. But all that changes the night Kate’s mother, Lily, is found dead, brutally murdered in her own home.
Heartbroken and distraught, Kate reaches out to her estranged best friend, Blaire Barrington, who rushes to her side for the funeral, where the years of distance between them are forgotten in a moment. That evening, Kate’s grief turns to horror when she receives an anonymous text: You think you’re sad now, just wait. By the time I’m finished with you, you’ll wish you had been buried today. More than ever, Kate needs her old friend’s help. Once Blaire decides to take the investigation into her own hands, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems in Baltimore high society. As infidelity, lies, and betrayals come to light, and tensions rise to a boiling point, she begins to alienate Kate’s friends and relatives with her relentless, accusatory questions, as she tries to find Lily’s killer. The murderer could be anyone—friend, neighbour, loved one. But whoever it is, it’s clear that Kate is next on their list...
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books
'Matters of the Heart' talk show host releases first book By ARTHIA NIXON Atlanta, Georgia – Bahamian talk show host and university academic advisor Kirk Johnson has released his first book, “My Heart Matters: Making a Comeback After Love Breaks Your Heart.” The book debuts just as Mr Johnson revealed plans to relaunch his popular radio show, “Matters of the Heart”. Mr Johnson’s talk show was a hit in the Bahamas. During an episode he would moderate lively discussions on family, relationships, grief, personal growth, and other human interest topics. He then continued to try and inspire through his social media platforms, as a relationship educator and persistence coach. Since moving to the United States a few years ago, Mr Johnson served in several academic roles while completing his graduate studies. He now resides in Atlanta where his US book tour begins. The self-help book takes his work in human development to a higher level as it recounts pivotal moments in the author’s life, including broken relationships, the tragic death of his younger brother, and his lifechanging self-discovery. “I thank God for the opportunity to speak on paper,” he said. “My book’s completion is just the beginning of another journey. I’ve learned and grown a lot while drafting it, and now I’m a published author.” Mr Johnson said he is excited to host a book signing in the Bahamas because it is where his story began. He expressed gratitude to his wife Charlene, his parents Chris and Edna, and his brothers for
Kirk Johnson holds up a copy of his first book. their invaluable encouragement and support. “ ‘Matters of the Heart’ was born out of a broken heart,” he explained. “When I think
The top 10 books on Apple’s iBooks
about the show and what inspired the book, I think back to how my mom and dad were in my corner when emotionally things were really difficult.
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They instilled principles that influenced my life greatly, even today. My folks are really important to me, and I thank God for them and to be able to say thank you,” he said. The first two copies of his book, he said, went to his wife. The Johnsons met when they were cast to play an engaged couple in the stay play “One Man’s Struggle”, directed by Radel Hanna Parks of Redemptive Productions. By the time they were cast in a second production, “The Other Woman”, he said they were in a committed relationship. “She’s that person I trust, who always believes in me and my potential and my ability to really and truly impact lives and inspire the world,” said Mr Johnson. “She’s extraordinary, and I love her. I believe in her. We’re building a family and a future but also the ability to positively influence the world.” Other than his family, he revealed
. Texas Ranger by James Patterson . Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
. Unbreak My Heart by Lauren Blakely
. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis . Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
. Tailspin by Sandra Brown
. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn . Paradox by Catherine Coulter . MacKenzie’s Mountain by Linda Howard . All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin
that the late Dr Myles Munroe was another key figure in his life. Dr Munroe served as a pastor, mentor, and friend to Mr Johnson before his tragic plane crash in 2014, which also claimed the life of Radel Parks. “I think about Dr Munroe, and his legacy still lives,” he said. “He is certainly someone who has inspired and influenced my life greatly.” The book is currently available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and the Apple Store. An audio version of the book will soon be available and local retailers will also carry print copies. Read excerpts of the book on https://myheartmatttersbook.com.
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fashion
'Runway 2019' TLC star Monte Durham returns for tonight’s showcase By CARA HUNT
| Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
F
ive Seasons Bridal will host the seventh annual edition of its popular bridal show this evening, focusing on giving brides-to-be their wedding of dreams on any budget. The boutique’s owner, Tennille Darville, told Tribune Weekend brides to be will have the opportunity to view some of the newest and hottest trends in wedding gown fashions. “The event promises to be unlike any other show in previous years, and our special guest, Monte Durham, will take part in the fashion show segment offering advice.” Monte Durham is the fashion director at Bridals By Lori, the famous wedding boutique in Atlanta where TLC’s hit show “Say Yes to the Dress” is filmed. The show follows brides as they search for the perfect dress for their big day. Tonight’s show, “Runway 2019 – An Evening with Monte Part II”, will feature 30 vendors and showcase more than 50 dresses on the catwalk. “When I started out, it was always the intent to give brides a glimpse of what we experience during New York Bridal Fashion Week, and it gives me so much joy that I get to bring them dresses that some would not ordinarily have access to,” Tennille said. The show this year is taking a slightly different approach, and Tennille hopes it is one her guests will enjoy.
Less is more for the Kylie design by Eva Lendel.
“Say Yes to the Dress” star Monte Durham returns for tonight’s ‘Runway 2019’ at Atlantis. “It was our custom to feature one design house every year, but this year it was so hard to do that so we have a display of more designers with two new designers from the Ukraine,” she said. Brides can expect to see some of the hottest trends of 2019, including geometric patterns, pantsuits, puffed sleeves, textured fabrics with sparkle, and thanks to royal bride and new mom Meghan Markle, a return to very simple gowns. “Over the past few months I’ve been looking for designers that can help to accommodate budget brides and this evening there are two designers that
The Cherry by Crystal Design Couture features the trendy puffed sleeves. have dresses that are under the usual $1,500 price point,” she said. Additionally, the two main segments of the evening – the fashion show and the vendor exhibit – will take place simultaneously. “We hope to be a night of food and fun, advice and laughs, prizes and surprises, with more than $30,000 of giveaways from participating vendors,” Tennille promised. The event will be held at Atlantis Paradise Island this evening. Cocktails
The Brinkley Lynette by Maggie Sottero for plus-sized brides. and the vendor expo start at 6pm and the ‘Runway 2019’ fashion show begins at 8.30pm. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $75 for the VIP pass.
The Tribune | Weekend | 17
Friday, May 10, 2019
theatre
Be 'A Fool For Love' with new dramedy musical A By ALESHA CADET
| Tribune Features writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
t one time or another, everyone loses their mind over a relationship. And to hold a mirror up to those who are crazy in love in a humorous way, the Real Laughs Network is presenting their latest play, the dramedy musical “A Fool for Love”, this month. The show will be playing at the Dundas Centre For Performing Arts on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at 7.30pm nightly. The team behind the new production said this type of play has never been seen in the Bahamas. Founder of Real Laughs Network, and the writer and executive producer of “A Fool For Love”, Rakel Rolle, said the play will be one that will have people talking about it for months to come. “Yes, we have put on a lot of comedic plays, but with this one we are focusing more on drama and suspense with a hint of music. ‘A Fool for Love’ is just what the name says, it’s about fools falling in and out of love,” she said. “Love is probably one of the most fickle emotions that we have in society today and we wanted to provide our audience with an opportunity to engage in just how fickle it can be. The inspiration behind this play came from people such as myself that are hopeless romantics. We love love at all costs and sometimes people forget the realness and what it takes to be loved. I was inspired by the realness.” Rakel said the entire process from writing the script to the production stage has been a very rewarding experience. It was also her most challenging play to write. “I have been writing for over 15 years and I have always had an active and vivid imagination to convey a story. This was my hardest play yet to write because it’s so hard capturing so
Rehearsals for “A Food For Love”
many emotions and having the realness with the comedy and not allowing yourself to get so close to the storyline. It’s hard to be filled with drama and still have people feel remorseful for the characters while depicting humour. As a writer, I always want to give my
audience characters to connect to,” she said. “I don’t write fairy tales and it’s not because I don’t believe in them, I just feel like the world isn’t (made) that way so I don’t want to paint that picture to our audience. If they want
a fairy tale, they can watch a Disney movie, but if they want real and riveting, they can catch us on stage on May 17 and 18. “Having the opportunity to do an original musical on stage has me so excited to bring this production to you I cannot even begin to describe how overcome with emotions I am. I am always motivated by everyday life and my husband, both he and my family are my biggest fans and they always inspire me with ideas that I need to do in a script, whether it’s a beginning or an ending,” said Rakel. The cast of “A Fool For Love” includes Omar Moss, Basil Armbrister, Arnelle Rolle, Ebony Gibson, Jaquay Adderley, Xavier Knowles, Maseline Cherami, Elleia Mackey, Edeline Nicolas, Camille Dorsett, Urvan Moxey, Chavis Sherman, and Frantz Ferguson, who is also directing. Rakel herself is also taking the stage as a performer. “Real Laughs Network anticipates the message from ‘A Fool for Love’ will be well received. It will hit close to home for many families and relationships. In addition, we hope that our audience will follow our theatre troop for future productions to come. You can look forward to productions from Real Laughs Networks real soon, as a matter of fact, before the year is out. The overall goal of this event is to encourage other Bahamians who may have a thirst for acting and extend the platform beyond the scope of the Bahamas and tap into the international markets using our Bahamian talent,” said Rakel. For more information, contact Real Laughs Network via Facebook.
18 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, May 10, 2019
royalty
Wool wrap for royal baby suggests tradition will win out LONDON (AP) — Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor slept through his first press conference, but royal experts say the merino wool wrap in which he snuggled said a lot about how his parents, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will approach his future. Meghan, a former TV star, is known for promoting social causes and niche brands with her clothing choices. Yet she and Harry introduced their son to the world Wednesday in a hand-finished shawl and cashmere cap made by GH Hurt & Son of Nottingham, whose intricate knitwear has swaddled royal babies for decades. Wrapping Archie in a shawl knitted by the small, family-run English company suggests that Meghan and Harry aren’t as intent on shaking up the royal family as much as some people have forecast — or feared. “I read this as an attempt to reassure the public that they are not going to stray too far from tradition,” said Pauline Maclaran, co-author of “Royal Fever: The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture.” ‘‘There has been a lot of press recently taking a slightly negative tone about Meghan, and this is an opportunity to show that she’s not trying to change everything.” Princess Diana wrapped Harry and his older brother, Prince William, in GH Hurt. William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, chose the firm for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The royals don’t advertise, but they do set trends with whatever they are wearing, seeing or doing. Whether it was Queen Victoria popularising Christmas trees or Princess Diana’s fluffy collars, people have long tried to copy or emulate their style. These days, the royal effect is turbocharged by social media. The internet offers fans the opportunity to examine
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan wrapped their son in a merino wool shawl made by GH Hurt & Son of Nottingham (Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP) royal fashions in minute detail, to look at the fine stitching on a baby blanket and identify it instantly. Websites such as whatkatewore.com and whatmeghanwore.net quickly identify designers of the outfits they are wearing and tell their stories. Susan Kelley, the American founder of whatkatewore.com, said the public’s fascination with Meghan will likely trickle down to her son. And as a former actress, she has a great sensitivity to the messages sent by her sartorial selections. “Meghan is somebody who wants to carve her own path, but she is respectful of the monarchy and traditions of it,” Kelley said. “The fact that Meghan is a feminist doesn’t mean she doesn’t honor tradition.”
Princess Diana wrapped both Prince William (pictured here) and Harry in GH Hurt. Still, by selecting the Leaves And Flowers Baby Shawl with shell detailing ($137), Meghan chose one of GH Hurt’s less-traditional designs.
The company saw traffic on its website increase immediately after pictures of young Archie hit the news. In less than an hour, 266 visitors had looked at the shawl, up from five to 10 a day previously. The firm, which has been in business since 1912, has a collection of vintage hand-frame knitting machines that date back hundreds of years and work alongside modern knitting technology. “Babies at the best of times are wonderful news and they are wrapped up with so much emotion and goodwill,” said Richard Taylor, part of the family firm. “But from a business point of view ... we get coverage right around the world.” DANICA KIRKA Associated Press
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Friday, May 10, 2019
gardening
Mum's the word
Jack Hardy helps to pick out the perfect Mother’s Day flowers
M
other’s Day is just three weeks after Easter Sunday this year and that makes your local nursery an interesting place to visit. A mélange of plants suitable for both occasions should be on display and there may very well be certain varieties that you will only see once in a blue moon. This being the case, I have decided to address the recipients of these gifts – the mothers – rather than the purchasers. Christmas is poinsettias, Valentines is roses, Easter is lilies, and by and large Mother’s Day presentations are potted plants rather than cut flowers. The selection of plants available in May is far greater than during the other special days. The official flower for Mother’s Day in Australia is the chrysanthemum. Australians do not say Mom or Ma, they say Mum. Chrysanth what? The chrysanthemums we usually get shipped in are in gallon or bigger containers and contain more than one plant. By selective removal of most buds the final product is a mass of flowers looking as though they grow from a single source. The mother that receives such a gift will wonder what to do when the flowers die. It is best to remove the flowers and soil from the pot and divide the arrangement into individual plants. These can be planted in new pots with new soil and become patio favourites. An individual chrysanthemum plant is a different experience to the nursery mass and one that I prefer.
A yellow chrysanthemum flower
White begonias
A fuchsia in bloom
Chrysanthemums come in just about any colour and the flowers can be quite small – an inch across – or three to four inches. For re-planting purposes the plants with large flowers tend to do better. The plants originated in the warmer parts of China and are sub-tropical so our climate suits them, though that does not mean leaving them in full sun during the summer months. Survival depends on being placed where they receive good light but no direct sun. There are some people who believe that fuchsias are the perfect hanging basket plant. The drooping habit of the branches shows off the little dancing girls to good effect and, of course, the magenta and red of the usual fuchsia flowers is a lovely combination. Other people consider the plant tacky and gaudy, too showy. One thing is sure – you cannot ignore it. Fuchsias come from Central and South America rain forests where they live in quite deep shade and receive plenty of water. Those are the conditions we must try to replicate for our potted fuchsias, whether in a hanging baskets or free-standing pots. Once July comes the plants would be better off lodged in a fairly densely canopied tree and checked for water regularly. If you are one of those fortunate people who can afford 24/7 air conditioning you may consider bringing your fuchsia inside by a window. Begonias are plants that have leaves almost as pretty as the flowers. There are thousands of varieties but one of the favourites for nursery purposes is the Angel Wing leaf variety. Some of the leaves
are bronzed or colour patterned while the flower sprays can bear petals of pink, white, orange, yellow, or red. Begonias love slightly acid soil so it is worth investing in a box of Miracle-Gro Miracid to help feed your plant. Begonias also like shade but hate having their leaves wetted or subjected to wind. A Florida room would be perfect but also a shaded patio with a sheltered location. A begonia is made to be looked at so put it where plenty of people can see it. The bell-shaped flowers of gloxinia, a native of Brazil, are magnificent and often look oversized in relation to the plant, but one look at a gloxinia and you realise the leaves are very tender. They are so tender you must avoid getting any water onto them while nurturing the plant. They are also very sensitive to sunlight and must be grown in a situation of good light but little or no direct sun. Early morning and late evening sun without heat is permissible. Gloxinias put a lot of effort into flowering and sometimes flower themselves to death. Be careful here because gloxinias are perennials but have been weakened by generations of hybridisation. If your gloxinia dies back a month or so after you get it, and you know you have been watering it sufficiently, do not be in a hurry to dispose of it. There is a good chance it will come back from its tuber after a period of rest. I bought one earlier this year and the first thing it decided to do was die. Left for a while it came back beautifully. As a mother you are used to beautiful things – such as your children – also being a lot of hard work. You are well-equipped to nurture any oddball potted plants that come your way. Enjoy Mother’s Day. You deserve it! • For queries and comments e-mail jacktribune242@ gmail.com
20 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, May 10, 2019
television
Game of Thrones: Dany sees confidence slip WASHINGTON (AP) — Faith is waning in Daenerys Targaryen’s ability to conquer and then justly rule Westeros. The Mother of Dragons is down to only one firedrake, after a barrage of oversized crossbow bolts from an enemy ship killed her dragon Rhaegal. As the playwright Oscar Wilde might say, to lose one dragon may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose two — as Dany has — looks like carelessness. She is short on troops. Short on strategies. Short on friends. And her claim to the Iron Throne has weakened upon learning that the bastard Jon Snow, in fact, shares her royal Targaryen blood. Dany is suffering what can be called a crisis of confidence. Such crises are common in the modern global economy and can ultimately affect the fate of corporate chief executives and world leaders. A falling share price can encourage activist investors to seek the firing of a once-popular CEO. A drop in consumer confidence can lead to less consumer spending and disrupt a presidency, while a surge in confidence can propel stronger growth and help incumbents. In the AP’s “Wealth of Westeros “ series, we’re delving into the latest plot twists and analysing the economic and business forces driving the last season of “Game of Thrones.” This week, we thought the emerging challenge of Jon Snow to Dany’s previously solid claim to the Iron Throne highlighted the importance of confidence in leaders and economies. Daenerys has been down and out before. But this crisis is occurring at a moment that was supposed to be triumphant, when she would force the ruthless Cersei Lannister to surrender her crown and the capital of King’s Landing. But Cersei is defiant. And fewer of Dany’s own followers believe in her. It’s particularly interesting since it follows what was ultimately a victory for the Dany-led forces of the living over the Night King and the undead.
A scene from the episode “The Last of the Starks” that aired last Sunday.
Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is suffering from a crisis of confidence. (Helen Sloan/HBO via AP) What often matters more is how confidence responds to a setback. Researchers at the New York Federal Reserve found in a 2013 analysis that confidence measures held up after a series of financial crises, including the 1987 stock market crash, the 1994 bond market rout, the 1997 Asian crisis and the 1998 Asian debt crisis. This likely helped contain the damage from these events and possibly stop the kinds of fears that would lead to a recession. Yet those outcomes may have led to overconfidence among policymakers. Alan Greenspan writes in his 2007 autobiography that the ability of the
U.S. economy to bounce back from those financial crises showed how resilient it was. The Great Recession began just months later in December 2007. Consumer confidence, as measured by the business research group the Conference Board, plummeted 75% by February 2009. It took almost six years for it to recover to pre-recession levels. Spending, not surprisingly, remained historically weak during that time. Until recently, confidence could also foreshadow the outcome of elections. It almost certainly helped presidential candidates unseat incumbents in 1980 and 1992, according to a 2008 commentary by Richard Curtin, director of the University of Michigan consumer sentiment surveys. He correctly predicted that falling consumer confidence would help Barack Obama to the presidency. However, in the hyper partisanship that emerged in the past decade, feelings about the economy are increasingly correlated to one’s political identity rather than actual economic performance. As Lord Varys on “Game of Thrones” once said: “Power resides where men believe it resides.”
That can make life difficult for politicians and CEOs when those perceptions shift. British Prime Minister Theresa May called an unexpected election in April 2017 in an effort to bolster her support as she negotiated the terms of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. Her party lost seats instead, weakening her hand. A year and a half later she was barely fending off “no confidence” votes. Chief executives can experience even swifter falls from grace. Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO and Chairman of Nissan, was once a celebrated, larger-than-life figure in Japan, credited with rescuing both Nissan and Renault from near bankruptcy. But several of his underlings turned against him, and Ghosn alleges they orchestrated a conspiracy. He has been arrested twice in Japan and removed from all his executive posts, after being charged with under-reporting his post-retirement compensation. Ghosn denies the charges. Will Dany ultimately fall out of favour? Her top advisers are already grappling with the fact that there is a legitimate alternative in Jon Snow. Varys, a crafty supporter who advises her alongside Tyrion, is leaning toward Snow because of his popularity among different groups of people. The confidence of the people can give a ruler legitimacy. “You know where my loyalty stands,” Varys told Tyrion. “You know I will never betray the realm.” “What is the realm?” Tyrion responds. “A vast continent home to millions of people, most of whom don’t care who sits on the Iron Throne.” Varys responds bluntly, “Millions of people, many of whom will die if the wrong person sits on that throne. We don’t know their names, but they’re just as real as you and I.” By JOSH BOAK, CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and PAUL WISEMAN AP Economics Writers
The Tribune | Weekend | 21
Friday, May 10, 2019
film
Ryan Reynolds on 'Pikachu' and the future of 'Deadpool' NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Reynolds once envisioned himself, best-case scenario, as Wilson on “Home Improvement” or Mr Furley on “Three’s Company.” “When I started in this business, my highest goal was to be the wacky neighbour on a sitcom,” Reynolds says. “It took a much different path.” Against his own expectations, Reynolds has emerged as one of Hollywood’s top movie stars, thanks in large part to the runaway success of his two “Deadpool” movies, R-rated wisecracking films that seemed to unlock Reynolds’ own powers of motormouthed sarcasm. In “Pokemon Detective Pikachu,” in theatres today, Reynolds uses his sharp-tongued talents for good — or at least, for a more cuddly, familyfriendly movie. Reynolds voices the title character, a Pokemon who helps a 21-year-old man (Justice Smith) search for his missing father, Pikachu’s former partner. In an interview, Reynolds discussed his Pokemon transformation. AP: You’ve voiced characters in a number of films, including “The Croods” and “Turbo,” but on “Detective Pikachu,” you also crafted the character through facial motion capture. Reynolds: I did about an hour of motion capture and performance capture on “Deadpool 2” as Juggernaut. But this is the first time I’ve really been in that world in this immersive way where I’m shaping a character’s arc from beginning to end with motion capture. You’re wearing a tracking suit, head to toe. There are multiple cameras fixed to your head, which is completely insane. I’m sure that in our Instagram world there are people
Ryan Reynolds at the premiere of “Pokemon Detective Pikachu”. (Photo/Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) wondering where they can buy that for their personal use. AP: You must have had considerable free rein considering this was a Pokemon character rather than, say, an ape. Reynolds: It’s a mythical pocket monster. There’s no tether to reality whatsoever with this character. It’s pretty free rein, which is its own weird burden. Once possibilities become limitless, you can get a little locked up. It took me a couple sessions to realise everything’s possible and just to embrace that. It’s really just a matter of accessing that six-year-old part of your brain that’s fueled exclusively on imagination, and just let that run wild. I wish I could do every movie like this. AP: Is there less PG-friendly B-roll of you in that environment? Reynolds: Dear god, yes. There’s probably an entirely different film that they could cut together that wouldn’t
make the PG cut at all. When you’re feeling that kind of freedom, you don’t really govern yourself by ratings systems or that sort of thing. AP: When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, the culture clash was often represented by drawings of Mickey Mouse and Deadpool together. Do you have any concerns that future “Deadpool” films will be toned down under Disney? Reynolds: I don’t, no. I don’t have any reason to be concerned based on everything I’ve heard Disney say publicly and privately. So at this point, I have nothing to be particularly worried about. AP: You’ve become so connected to “Deadpool.” Was making “Detective Pikachu” a conscious pivot to something more family-friendly? People are already oozing over the cuteness.
Reynolds: I’ve never really looked at things from the 30,000-foot view of: How will this shape public perception of me? That stuff honestly makes me nauseous to even think about. Really it just came organically. They had animated a test example of Pikachu and they had obviously tried out a whole bunch of actors’ voices to it. And they tried out mine and for whatever reason, it worked, according to them. I think that juxtaposition between his visuals and me being kind of acerbic and grumpy as his voice is a match made in heaven. AP: You’ve kind of carried over the tongue-in-cheek marketing of “Deadpool” to “Detective Pikachu.” You made a video extolling your immersive, Method-acting to get into character as Pikachu. You seem to enjoy a side of the business that most disdain. Reynolds: I love marketing. I have a company, Maximum Effort Productions, and that’s what we do. We’re a film production company but we’re also a marketing company. We do the marketing for Aviation Gin, a lot of stuff for “Deadpool,” a lot of stuff for “Pikachu” and a few other companies. It’s a blast. I think marketing is most interesting when you’re acknowledging and playing with the cultural landscape. AP: Part of that has been an ongoing mock social-media feud with Hugh Jackman. Do you have any message for him? Reynolds: (Laughs) I’ll save my catalogue of insults for Hugh Jackman for our next interview. JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer
22 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, May 10, 2019
literary lives – edgar allan poe
Reflections on revenge Sir Christopher Ondaatje reminds us of Edgar Allan Poe’s dramatic short story “The Cask of Amontillado” – a macabre tale of insult and revenge, published in November 1846.
E
dgar Allan Poe was an American writer best known for his poetry and short stories – both mystery and macabre. He is generally considered to be the inventor of detective fiction and the emerging genre of science fiction. Attempting to carve out a living by writing alone meant he had a difficult financial career. He was born in Boston in 1809– the second child of actors David and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe. His father abandoned the family in 1810,
and his mother died the following year. Although never formally adopting him, John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia, brought up the orphaned child until well into early adulthood. Poe attended the University of Virginia but he fell out with his foster parents over education costs and gambling debts. He left the university due to a lack of funds and joined the army under an assumed name. That same year, when his anonymous collection “Tamerlane and Other Poems” (1827) was published, he failed as an officer at West Point, declared his intent to be a poet and writer, and parted ways with his surrogate guardian John Allan. Poe switched his literary focus to prose and spent the next years working for literary journals and periodicals, becoming well-known for his individual style of literary criticism. He married Virginia Clemm, his 13-yearold cousin, in 1836 – but she died of tuberculosis in 1847. He published his poem “The Raven” in 1845 to instant success. He died in Baltimore on October 7, 1949 when he was 40 years old. The cause of his death is still unknown but is attributed to rabies, suicide, tuberculosis, alcohol and drugs. Despite his short career, his writings have influenced literature around the world. He was a master of gothic mystery, writing about murder, torture, the plague and insanity. “The Cask of Amontillado” is one of his short stories, first published in the November 1846, The story, set in an unnamed Italian city at carnival time in an unspecified year, is about a man taking fatal revenge on a friend who, he believes, has insulted him. Like several of Poe’s stories, the narrative revolves around a person being buried alive.
The Cask of Amontillado
Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849)
An illustration for “The Cask of Amontillado”
The Tribune | Weekend | 23
Friday, May 10, 2019
T
he thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that I gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitely settled – but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved, precluded the idea of risk. I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong. It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Fortunato cause to doubt my good will. I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation. He had a weak point – this Fortunato – although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared. He prided himself on his connoisseurship in wine. Few Italians have the true virtuoso spirit. For the most part their enthusiasm is adopted to suit the time and opportunity – to practise imposture upon the British and Austrian millionaires. In painting and gemmary, Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack – but in the matter of old wines he was sincere. In this respect I did not differ from him materially: I was skillful in the Italian vintages myself, and bought largely whenever I could. It was about dusk, one evening during the supreme madness of the carnival season, that I encountered my friend. He accosted me with excessive warmth, for he had been drinking much. The man wore motley. He had on a tight-fitting parti-striped dress, and his head was surmounted by the conical cap and bells. I was so pleased to see him, that I thought I should never have done wringing his hand. I said to him, “My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking today! But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts.” “How?” said he. “Amontillado? A pipe? Impossible! And in the middle of the carnival!” “Have my doubts.” “Amontillado!” “And I must satisfy them.” “Amontillado!”
“The Cask of Amontillado” first appeared in Godey’s Lady’s Book in 1846.
“As you are engaged, I am on my way to Luchesi. If any one has a critical turn, it is he. He will tell me.” “Luchesi cannot tell Amontillado from Sherry.” “And yet some fools will have it that his taste is a match for your own.” “Come, let us go.” “Whither?” “To your vaults.” “My friend, no; I will not impose upon your good nature. I perceive you have an engagement. Luchesi.” “I have no engagement; come.” “My friend, no. It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted. The vaults are insufferably damp. They are encrusted with nitre.” “Let us go, nevertheless. The cold is merely nothing. Amontillado! “You have been imposed upon. And as for Luchesi, he cannot distinguish Sherry from Amontillado.” Thus speaking, Fortunato possessed himself of my arm. Putting on a mask of black silk, and drawing a roquelaire closely about my person, I suffered him to hurry me to my palazzo. There were no attendants at home; they had absconded to make merry in honour of the time. I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the house. These orders were sufficient, I well knew, to
Montresor walling up Fortunato. (1935 Illustration by Arthur Rackham) insure their immediate disappearance, one and all, as soon as my back was turned. I took from their sconces two flambeaux, and giving one to Fortunato, bowed him through several suites of rooms to the archway that led into the vaults. I passed down a long and winding staircase, requesting him to be cautious as he followed. We came at length to the foot of the descent, and stood together on the damp ground of the catacombs of the Montresors. The gait of my friend was unsteady, and the bells upon his cap jingled as he strode. “The pipe,” said he. “It is farther on,” said I; “but observe the white web-work which gleams from these cavern walls.” He turned towards me, and looked into my eyes with two filmy orbs that distilled the rheum of intoxication. “Nitre?” he asked, at length. “Nitre,” I replied. “How long have you had that cough?” “Ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh! ugh!” My poor friend found it impossible to reply for many minutes. “It is nothing,” he said, at last. “Come,” I said, with decision, “we will go back; your health is precious. You are rich, respected, admired, beloved; you are happy, as once I was.
You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We will go back; you will be ill, and I cannot be responsible. Besides, there is Luchesi...” “Enough,” he said; “the cough is a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough.” “True, true,” I replied; “and, indeed, I had no intention of alarming you unnecessarily – but you should use all proper caution. A draught of this Medoc will defend us from the damps.” Here I knocked off the neck of a bottle which I drew from a long row of its fellows that lay upon the mould. “Drink,” I said, presenting him the wine. He raised it to his lips with a leer. He paused and nodded to me familiarly, while his bells jingled. “I drink,” he said, “to the buried that repose around us.” “And I to your long life.” He again took my arm, and we proceeded. “These vaults,” he said, “are extensive.” “The Montresors,” I replied, “were a great and numerous family.” “I forget your arms.” “A huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.” “And the motto?” “Nemo me impune lacessit.”
24 | The Tribune | Weekend
“Good!” he said. The wine sparkled in his eyes and the bells jingled. My own fancy grew warm with the Medoc. We had passed through walls of piled bones, with casks and puncheons intermingling, into the inmost recesses of catacombs. I paused again, and this time I made bold to seize Fortunato by an arm above the elbow. “The nitre!” I said; “see, it increases. It hangs like moss upon the vaults. We are below the river’s bed. The drops of moisture trickle among the bones. Come, we will go back ere it is too late. Your cough...” “It is nothing,” he said; “let us go on. But first, another draught of the Medoc.” I broke and reached him a flagon of De Grave. He emptied it at a breath. His eyes flashed with a fierce light. He laughed and threw the bottle upwards with a gesticulation I did not understand. I looked at him in surprise. He repeated the movement – a grotesque one. “You do not comprehend?” he said. “Not I,” I replied. “Then you are not of the brotherhood.” “How?” “You are not of the masons.” “Yes, yes,” I said; “yes, yes.” “You? Impossible! A mason?” “A mason,” I replied. “A sign,” he said, “a sign.” “It is this,” I answered, producing a trowel from beneath the folds of my roquelaire. “You jest,” he exclaimed, recoiling a few paces. “But let us proceed to the Amontillado.” “Be it so,” I said, replacing the tool beneath the cloak and again offering him my arm. He leaned upon it heavily. We continued our route in search of the Amontillado. We passed through a range of low arches, descended, passed on, and descending again, arrived at a deep crypt, in which the foulness of the air caused our flambeaux rather to glow than flame. At the most remote end of the crypt there appeared another less spacious. Its walls had been lined with human remains, piled to the vault overhead, in the fashion of the great catacombs of Paris. Three sides of this interior crypt were still ornamented in this manner. From the fourth side the bones had been thrown down, and lay promiscuously upon the earth, forming at one point a mound of some size. Within the wall thus exposed by the displacing of
Friday, May 10, 2019
Poe’s body lies beneath this monument in Baltimore, Maryland. The death of the author remains shrouded in mystery. the bones, we perceived a still interior recess, in depth about four feet in width three, in height six or seven. It seemed to have been constructed for no especial use within itself, but formed merely the interval between two of the colossal supports of the roof of the catacombs, and was backed by one of their circumscribing walls of solid granite. It was in vain that Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch, endeavoured to pry into the depth of the recess. Its termination the feeble light did not enable us to see. “Proceed,” I said; “herein is the Amontillado. As for Luchesi...” He is an ignoramus,” interrupted my friend, as he stepped unsteadily forward, while I followed immediately at his heels. In an instant he had reached the extremity of the niche, and finding his progress arrested by the rock, stood stupidly bewildered. A moment more and I had fettered him to the granite. In its surface were two iron staples, distant from each other about two feet, horizontally. From one of these depended a short chain, from the other a padlock. Throwing the links about his waist, it was but the work of a few seconds to secure it. He was too much astounded to resist. Withdrawing the key I stepped back from the recess. “Pass your hand,” I said, “over the wall; you cannot help feeling the nitre. Indeed, it is very damp. Once more let me implore you to return. No? Then I must positively leave you. But I
Poe married is 13-year-old cousin Virginia Clemm in 1836. must first render you all the little attentions in my power.” “The Amontillado!” ejaculated my friend, not yet recovered from his astonishment. “True,” I replied; “the Amontillado.” As I said these words I busied myself among the pile of bones of which I have before spoken. Throwing them aside, I soon uncovered a quantity of building stone and mortar. With these materials and with the aid of my trowel, I began vigorously to wall up the entrance of the niche. I had scarcely laid the first tier of the masonry when I discovered that the intoxication of Fortunato had in a great measure worn off. The earliest indication I had of this was a low moaning cry from the depth of the recess. It was not the cry of a drunken man. There was then a long and obstinate silence. I laid the second tier, and the third, and the fourth; and then I heard the furious vibrations of the chain. The noise lasted for several minutes, during which, that I might hearken to it with the more satisfaction, I ceased my labours and sat down upon the bones. When at last the clanking subsided, I resumed the trowel, and finished without interruption the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh tier. The wall was now nearly upon a level with my breast. I again paused, and holding the flambeaux over the mason-work, threw a few feeble rays upon the figure within. A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back. For a
brief moment I hesitated - I trembled. Unsheathing my rapier, I began to grope with it about the recess; but the thought of an instant reassured me. I placed my hand upon the solid fabric of the catacombs, and felt satisfied. I re-approached the wall; I replied to the yells of him who clamoured. I reechoed – I aided – I surpassed them in volume and in strength. I did this, and the clamourer grew still. It was now midnight, and my task was drawing to a close. I had completed the eighth, the ninth, and the tenth tier. I had finished a portion of the last and the eleventh; there remained but a single stone to be fitted and plastered in. I struggled with its weight; I placed it partially in its destined position. But now there came from out the niche a low laugh that erected the hairs upon my head. It was succeeded by a sad voice, which I had difficulty in recognising as that of the noble Fortunato. The voice said: “Ha! ha! ha! - he! he! he! – a very good joke indeed – an excellent jest. We shall have many a rich laugh about it at the palazzo – he! he! he! – over our wine – he! he! he!” “The Amontillado!” I said. “He! he! he! he! he! he! – yes, the Amontillado. But is it not getting late? Will not they be awaiting us at the palazzo, the Lady Fortunato and the rest? Let us be gone.” “Yes,” I said, “let us be gone.” “For the love of God, Montresor!” “Yes,” I said, “for the love of God!” But to these words I hearkened in vain for a reply. I grew impatient. I called aloud, “Fortunato!” No answer. I called again, “Fortunato!” No answer still. I thrust a torch through the remaining aperture and let it fall within. There came forth in reply only a jingling of the bells. My heart grew sick on account of the dampness of the catacombs. I hastened to make an end of my labour. I forced the last stone into its position; I plastered it up. Against the new masonry I re-erected the old rampart of bones. For the half of a century no mortal has disturbed them. In pace requiescat! NEXT WEEK: A woman called George who became a leading writer of the Victorian era. • Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of “The Last Colonial”. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia and “The Complete Stories of Edgar Allan Poe” (Everyman Edition).
The Tribune | Weekend | 25
Friday, May 10, 2019
history
AbacoFirst settled by Loyalists
In total, between 1,500 and 2,000 Loyalists came to Abaco. But by 1790 most of them, landlubbers as they were, had left. Sailing, fishing and boat-building were the keys to survival in the Bahamas and these skills were introduced by migrants from Harbour Island who, according to Paul Albury, moved to Abaco because the girls there were so pretty. Great Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay (New Plymouth), Hope Town (founded in 1785) on Elbow Cay and Man O’War Cay were ideally located for access to the fishing grounds. By 1850, Green Turtle Cay had a population of over 1,000 settlers and a fishing fleet of 40 smacks. I was surprised to learn that the original name of Hope Town was Great Harbour. This was also the original name of Clarence Town, Long Island, and there is a Great Harbour Cay in
the Berry Islands. Names like Green Cay and Water Cay are frequently repeated. The famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart once said that one cannot see the beauty of a tree until one has seen its shadow from the air. The aerial photos of Abaco accompanying this article emphasise the advantages of flying. Abaco now has four airstrips – Marsh Harbour, Mores Island, Sandy Point and Treasure Cay. The Loyalists of Marsh Harbour could have never imagined the modern international airport, named after a genuine Abaco boy, Captain Leonard Thompson, the first Bahamian pilot of Bahamas Airways. • For questions and comments, e-mail islandairman@gmail.com
Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha
I
would like to thank Patrick Bethel, an Abaconian with a well-known name, for sending me a very thoughtful gift – a booklet called “The First Loyalist Settlements in the Abaco: Carleton And Marsh’s Harbour” by Dodge. It is Mr Dodge’s narrative that inspired this article. In 1783, a ship arrived from New York carrying over 600 passengers who founded Abaco’s first Loyalist settlement, called Carleton, after Sir Guy Carleton (1724-1808), who had been
Britain’s commander-in-chief in North America.” Carleton was not a success and its exact location still has not been established, but there is convincing evidence that it was on a point of land, northwest of the beach at today’s Treasure Cay. We know, however, that there had been a serious falling-out between the settlers and a disgruntled majority of them had moved along the shore to create what we now call Marsh Harbour, where subsequent arrivals from New York started their new lives.
Green Turtle Cay. The arrow points to New Plymouth.
Hope Town, formerly called Great Harbour.
Excellent: 8 mins Yesterday’s solution: KriLL (across) TidaL (down)
26 | The Tribune | Weekend
Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
o H i E P D
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letters and black s *Calls cost 75p plus your telephone company’s century network access charge. below the grid to s Dictionary
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of the alphabet is use 0901 322 5607 0901 322 Friday, 5601body chambers May 10, 2019 you have comp Both today’s words in atomomen Halve your target time!
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HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a yesterday’s so each letter may be used Black squares: theword, target cAn you crack the A16,1919, 8, 12, 13, once only. Each must contain the Alphabeater? uses centre letter and there must Each be at grid 30, 36,B37, 39. a Gripping, Tale, S number represents a letter leastinone nine-letter word. no words plurals or verb –forms ending in “s”. or black square. As in Nymph,CZodiac, 25
the main Wo Alphapuzzle, every letterAdo, of Sexual, D Corks, Virago, C Today’s TarGeT body of the alphabet is used. ButJeweller. Good 14; very good 21; excellent chambers down: E Swivel, 13 you havetomorrow. to complete the 28 (or more). solution Raj, G 21st grid too! use the given Beanpole, F Iguana, Inimical yesTerday’sletters soLUTion and black squaresPosh, Powerful, century addle adult anted auld dale G 18 G belowdaunt the grid to start. the Mosque, Scar, Dictionary dandle date dated daunted Equipage, View grid is ‘rotationally H dead deal dealt dean delta dent (1999 symmetrical’ in other ExtraI letter dental dual dude duel duet –dune 23 2 edition) eland lade laded laden land the same if0907 181 words, it looks
you turn the page upside (DeductJthree mi HOW many words of four letters nude tend tuned undated undead each extra clue let solution tomorrow. K 7 or more can you make fromundue the undulatedown. UndULaTed full solut letters shown here? in making a yesterday’s solution L 181 2 call 0907 181 2585 for 0907 Yesterday’s word, Yesterday’s each letter may be used today’s target Black squares: 1, 2, 4,*Calls M solution cost 80p 33 pe *Calls cost minute 8,80p12,per13, 16, 19, 24, 28, onceSudoku only. Each must contain theplus Answer Kakuro Answer plus your telephone your telephone company’s N access 36, 37, 39. across:network centre letter and there must be at network30, access charge. Gripping, Tale, Sombre, O 30 least one nine-letter word. no Nymph, Zodiac, Piqued, plurals or verb forms ending *SP: in “s”. Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390 P Mor Ado, Sexual, Woeful, PLay landed laud lauded lead lend
CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 IST (10) 6 Some letters put together show promise (4) 10 Take off from the landing field (5) 11 Proposes someone from Minnesota (9) 12 The strength of the current? (8) 13 The thanks one gets in a letter from Greece (5) 15 May be consumed for the middle of the meal on board (7) 17 Poet with no saving graces? (7) 19 Mean to cut a vegetable (7) 21 Dad, after commercial, seen in study expressionless (7) 22 With spirit, a sailor comes back to dance (5) 24 Press one improperly for an answer (8) 27 Tell people you’ve had enough, then keep quiet (3,2,4) 28 All the players express mild disapproval before taking it back (5) 29 Point to a seagull and duck (4) 30 They lack substance, so to speak (5,5)
Yesterday’s Easy Solution
Down 1 Argument in Across: 1 Caracas, 5 Unfit, cabinet (4) 8 Appealing, 9 Lie, 10 Trip, 2 Peter Frost enters 12 Titicaca, 14 Orphan, within the 15 Sleazy, 17 Intrepid, 18 Step, 21 Owe, 22 On the spot, boundary (9) 24 Often, 25 Rapidly. 3 Shelter for Down: 1 Craft, 2 Rap, 3 Crag, the brave (5) 4 Spirit, 5 Ungainly, 6 Fall apart, 4 Badly leaking 7 Therapy, 11 Impatient, 13 Cape connection (7) Horn, 14 Orinoco, 16 Bitter, 5 Smirks that could be made 19 Petty, 20 Heap, 23 Pad. to impress (7) 7 Extravagant when out and about (5) 8 Hopeless couple taken in by bad design (10) Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution 9 A song about a subject one can’t stand (8) Across: 1 Buckram, 5 Pagan, 14 Opening 8 Flood tide, 9 Tug, 10 To-do, words? (3,7) 12 Meantime, 14 Wisdom, 15 Knight, 17 Executor, 18 Snap, 16 Stop in front of a humble 21 Zip, 22 Incurious, 24 Siren, building (8) 25 Rumpled. 18 He may take an interest in Down: 1 Befit, 2 Coo, 3 Rode, banking (9) 4 Maiden, 5 Preening, 6 Getting 20 Act according to on, 7 Neglect, 11 Distemper, type (7) 13 Solution, 14 Wheezes, 21 Drop of French 16 Concur, 19 Posed, 20 Drum, perfume (7) 23 Owl. 23 A month to live, perhaps (5) 25 A sign that your car’s not working? (2,3) 26 Offers to take the lot? (4) Across Down 1 Film 1 Reservoir for script (10) liquid (4) 6 Border 2 Arouse on (4) a memory (4,1,4) 10 Comparatively 3 Mistake (5) unimportant (5) 4 Corridor (7) 11 Of 5 Stuffy (7) tailoring (9) 7 Sell for (5) 12 Posture (8) 8 Discuss 13 Appropriate (5) frankly (4,6) 15 Exalt (7) 9 Grouchy 17 Speech person (8) defect (7) 14 Origin (10) 19 Unlawful (7) 16 Chance (8) 21 Reticence (7) 18 Sky-blue 22 Audibly (5) gemstone (9) 24 Disgraceful (8) 20 Instruction (7) 27 Stimulus (9) 21 Revive (7) 28 To pervert (5) 23 Take place (5) 29 Authoritative 25 Recurrent musical standard (4) theme (5) 30 Personally 26 Restless present (2,3,5) desire (4)
EASY PUZZLE
Today’s TarGeT Good 14; very good 21; excellent 28 (or more). solution tomorrow. yesTerday’s soLUTion addle adult anted auld dale dandle date dated daunt daunted dead deal dealt dean delta dent dental dual dude duel duet dune eland lade laded laden land landed laud lauded lead lend nude tend tuned undated undead undue undulate UndULaTed
call 0907 181 2585 for today’s target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
*SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390
Corks, Virago, Chat, Jeweller. down: Swivel, Beanpole, Raj, Glen, Iguana, Inimical, Coke, Posh, Powerful, Mosque, Scar, Gob, Equipage, Viewed.
Extra letter clues
0907 181 2560 (Deduct three minutes for each extra clue letter heard)
full solution
0907 181 2558
Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1
*Calls cost 80p per minute 21 plus your telephone company’s network access charge.
19
24 21 10 20 2 22
● Alternativ
PLay More Crossw
The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, May 10, 2019
animals
The need for nature Animal matters | KIM ARANHA
A
m I the only one who feels physically sick when you see the destruction of nature? Last week when I saw what they had done to the trees on the road from Old Fort to Lyford Cay I was devastated. This was one of the most spectacular drives in New Providence, especially since they plundered all the casuarina trees on West Bay. There is something very romantic and mystical about an alley of trees that grow across the road to hold hands and create a canopy, a tunnel of beauty to drive through. Just a few days ago I was thinking how wonderful to finally see the crimson flowers blooming and I was anticipating how beautiful it will be to drive through when the tunnel is ruby red and the road is covered with a scarlet carpet of poinciana petals. But it’s not to be anymore; the trees have been hacked to pieces by careless, untrained workmen, with no regard as to how a tree should be pruned. I was devastated when I saw the stacks of limbs literally torn off the trees discarded along the side of the road, some of them full of rich red flowers. I literally felt physically sick. This arbour-like road has been in existence all my children’s lives. The daughter of a friend of mine messaged me to say that her young daughter always says, “We are going in the pretty tunnel.” Why would you butcher and hack the limbs? if they need trimming then send somebody who knows what they are doing. Now they have sent in a team who has tried to repair the damage. The trees will grow back, hopefully not overly traumatised. New generators are being brought in along this road and they have to cut back the trees to enable it. First point: these trees were not cut back, they were hacked with a machete. Point two: Why bring the generator along a route that has a magnificent canopy
of trees when they could have routed the generators past Odyssey and down the Coral Harbour road. I suspect the canopy is perceived as a nuisance, not a thing of beauty. A thing of beauty for one is frequently an inconvenience for another. If we are to be a popular tourist destination, we need to preserve our beauty. We seem to be on a massive mission to destroy, ravage, plunder and level just about everywhere. I implore everybody to look at what is happening all around the islands in the name of advancement. Our natural beauty is our greatest asset. The beaches are beautiful, but covered in trash, and frequently trash that we have left behind ourselves. The sea is spectacular, wonderful colours and clear, for now, but we continue to allow ships and others to pollute it. Our sea life is magnificent; is it still? We are plagued with dying reefs, people continue to fish species out of season, and when somebody kills a protected turtle, do they pay the price of the law? Nah, they get a slap on the wrist. What about our bird population? There are far fewer birds now than
there were 30 years ago. Maybe it’s due to all the insecticides we spray indiscriminately. My community got sprayed one evening at dusk and I nearly landed in hospital. I couldn’t breath and was coughing and choking…what cocktail were they serving up? If it does that to a human, what does it do to a little humming bird? We see so few of them anymore. Lizards are becoming scarce too, probably because of that joy juice that almost choked me. And don’t let us even mention butterflies. Animal matters and plant matters walk hand in hand, you can’t love and admire nature without loving both. Nature, plant and animal life, needs to be nurtured, and held as precious to the survival of our amazing islands. The attitude that “it will grow back”, “there are others, so who cares”, “it’s only a cat, dog, bird”, “who needs butterflies anyway”, “I need to sell grouper when I want”, “the conch population is fine”, is a mindset that is gradually turning the Bahamas into a environmental wasteland. We fill in wetlands, we allow spearfishing where it is forbidden, and we get bad press over swimming pigs. The emphasis must be pput back to caring for nature. How do we stop this cyclone of disregard that is permeating our society to the detriment of our future? Why do so few stand up against this? I mourn Lighthouse Point and the fragile environment that will be destroyed; I mourn that peaceful point where my young children once played when we visited Eleuthera for a family vacation many years ago. Somehow I find it hard to imagine that Mickey and Minnie will fit in very well there.
(PHOTO/PATRICIA VAZQUEZ)
MEET YOUR NEW EXERCISE PARTNER By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY
I
t’s still puppies, puppies, everywhere, but this crew are somewhat older, between four and seven months. While maybe not as cute and cuddly as their younger counterparts, older pups are still full of energy and willing to learn. If you need an exercise or beach companion, why not consider an older pup? They’re loving and smart, and sure to bring a smile to your face as you watch them continue to grow. Any dog can be a house dog with the right training and any one of these would make a great house dog. Come in to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet them today. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or you can call 323-5138 for more information. The puppies look forward to your visit. ‘Tea on the Terrace’ at Jacaranda House will be held on Sunday, May 26, from 4pm to 7pm. Signature iced teas, mimosas, a fashion show, live music, a live performance by Stazzie, and more, will promise to make this a memorable event. Tickets are $75, available from the BHS or any board member. We look forward to seeing you there!
•
Trees that used to form a magical green tunnel on the Western Road appear to be have been hacked with machetes.
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, May 10, 2019
carnival
Catchin'
road fever T
hey were loud and they were proud. The revellers taking part in this year’s Road Fever march during carnival weekend spared no effort when it came to getting the most out of Nassau’s wildest street parade. Outfitted in the most colourful and elaborate costumes, thousands danced their way from Thomas A Robinson Stadium, through Chippingham to Saunders Beach, and ending at Arawak Cay.
Photos/Shawn Hanna