08012025 WEEKEND

Step into a new world entertainment

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

STEP off the sidewalk and into another dimension, right in the heart of Downtown Nassau. With talking frogs, fire-breathing dinosaurs, space odysseys, and Junkanoo rhythms brought to life in

holographic form, Nassau Holoworld is officially changing the game for entertainment in the Bahamas.

Tucked just five minutes from the cruise port, this vibrant new experience invites guests to climb into a headset, or simply take a seat and explore something

completely out of this world. For founder and president Kevin Burrows, Nassau Holoworld is the product of passion, patience, and four years of dreaming big.

“Yeah, so we’ve probably been on this journey for about four years now. Initially we were approached by a company out of Paris, France who was interested in sort of an immersive, LED-type technology. That kind of got us interested in being able to use holographic technology, to be a tech-forward company, but use it to kind of tell a Bahamian story and actually become an attractive venue for both Bahamians and tourists,” said Mr Burrows.

That vision evolved into VERSE: Immersive Nassau, which opened earlier this summer and now offers multiple levels of experience, each one dubbed a “verse”, short for mini-universe. Visitors can select between 30-minute and 60-minute holographic adventures, or combine packages for an action-packed hour and 15 minutes.

“We have something called Everworld, which is a 60-minute verse. It’s almost like you are starring in your own holographic movie. The hero of a magical land where you kind of have to rescue this land,” said Mr Burrows.

Families and children, he said, especially enjoy the more whimsical offerings like The Unreal Garden, a bright and playful experience where guests interact with animated animals, including a talking frog and rabbit, in a dreamlike setting that feels part wonderland, part wellness.

For thrill-seekers and trivia lovers, Star Walk delivers a journey through outer space, where you explore black holes and Saturn’s rings while answering quiz-style questions. Then there’s Primal Ranch, where dinosaur taming and battles delight the younger crowd, especially the boys.

And that’s just the beginning.

“That’s really the first phase of what we’re doing,” Mr Burrows explained. He said the next major launch will be the Junkanoo themed Hololounge, a no-headset-required experience where holograms can be viewed with the naked eye.

“You’ll see Junkanoo pieces come in and out. Like a true lounge, you’ll have tables and chairs. Parents could sit down, have a beer or wine, while the kids are off shooting asteroids,” said Mr Burrows.

The Junkanoo Hololounge will feature holographic storytelling, complete with performances, cultural commentary, and a stage powered by Australian tech company Axiom Holographics. Meanwhile, VERSE Immersive is powered by Enklu, a Chicago-based team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of augmented reality.

The team at Nassau Holoworld is also focused on keeping the experience fresh.

“The company that we work with on the VERSE Immersive side, they’re developing new content all the time. On the other side, because it’s a programmable stage, we’re able to change the content on the Junkanoo Lounge side at any time,” said Mr Burrows.

Think scanned Bahamian islands, holographic forts, and rotating visual themes, all ensuring that every visit feels different from the last.

As a first-of-itskind offering in the country, Nassau Holoworld hopes to fill a noticeable gap in the local entertainment scene, especially for cruise guests and families looking for

entertainment

something novel, fun, and weatherproof.

“We all see the surveys of our cruise tourists saying there’s not much to do besides going to the beach or having a drink. This is different. It’s tech-forward. It’s weatherproofed because it’s inside,” said Mr Burrows.

The pricing is accessible too: single experiences start at $34.99, while kinetic game-only options start under $15.

“Anyone who does those 15-minute fighter games, once you experience the technology, we’re confident you’ll come back and do the rest of the verses,” Mr Burrows added.

But beyond the technology, He sees Nassau Holoworld as a meaningful part of the bigger picture: the revitalisation of Downtown Nassau.

“We’re excited to be part of the revitalisation of downtown. Our location is on Bay Street proper, just east of East Street, and that’s a part of the government’s desire to revitalise that part of Bay Street especially. We’re pretty excited to be one of the first movers,” said Mr Burrows.

For locals and tourists alike, Nassau Holoworld is a peek into the future of Bahamian entertainment, served with a touch of imagination and plenty of local soul.

“To my fellow local citizens. I’d say come and try it out. We’re open, particularly on the weekends, until 8pm. Parking is always an issue downtown but at those later slots, it’s easy to find,” said Mr Burrows.

Anishka Lockhart

From beauty contestant to pageant organiser, Anishka Lockhart has now gone on to be recognised as one of the leaders in her field. She told CARA HUNT about her journey, and how pageants can help transform the lives of the queens who take part.

As the president of the Miss Bahamas Teen Organisation, Anishka Lockhart is usually behind the scenes motivating her beauty queens to shine like diamonds.

But recently, she was the one centre stage with all eyes on her when she won the director of the year award at the Miss Teen Mundial pageant, which took place in El Salvador.

The mission of the Miss Bahamas Teen organisation, is to bring out the personal best in Bahamian young ladies as they seek to achieve greatness by cultivating their self-image, passions, and education in an environment that encourages the pursuit of purpose, and discipline and supports the strengthening of their character was indeed accomplished during the pageant programme while allowing them to obtain international educational scholarships to various university across the United States.

The Miss Bahamas Teen organisation has prepared these young women to take on the world as teenagers who are aware of the power that is derived from fulfilling their purpose and who will use that power to impact the welfare of humanity.

Pageantry is in Anishka’s DNA, she says. She loved her own pageant career in the past and now she is happy to assist other beauties fulfill their dreams.

“I began my pageant journey at the tender age of 15, after my sister Yvette Lockhart told me, ‘I think you should enter a pageant’ and once I competed

for the first time it was a thrilling and positive extracurricular activity that taught me so much.”

Anishka says that she eventually went on to compete in seven additional pageants locally and internationally. She won two of those titles.

“So pageantry has become part of my DNA and Godgiven purpose. The experience and growth, along with grooming, pageantry has given me, and the impact it has on my life drove me to want to truly really, impart the growth and knowledge to every young woman that I encounter.”

She says that she has often been told that she “breathes and sleeps” pageantry.

“I can honestly say that this is my passion, and I truly love training young woman on how to enhance themselves for life not just the stage,” she said. That passion has truly been seen and now rewarded when she was named the International director, an honour she describes as heartwarming and surprising.

“Even though this is my first international directors recognition, I was excited to know that yet again another organisation recognised me for my dedication and commitment to grooming and preparing young women for mega competitions. I know that my suggestions were valued as I gave many during the International directors meeting.”

She noted that for the first time, the pageant excluded a final question for teen pageants which was one her suggestions. “Final questions shouldn’t determine a queen.”

Instead, Anishka said that they should be judged on everything they did doing the competition, and in the judges interview.

“Not just for the crown, but for the character it builds. Beyond the glitz and glamour, pageantry serves as a powerful platform for mentorship,

personal development and purposedriven growth.”

“The young ladies are already under a lot of pressure, final night grace should be extended.”

While some have questioned the relevancy and validity of pageantry, Anishka is adamant it holds significant value.

“Not just for the crown, but for the character it builds.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, pageantry serves as a powerful platform for mentorship, personal development and purpose-driven growth.”

She explained that participants are often required to make real sacrifices stepping away from the comforts of everyday social life to dedicate themselves fully to becoming the best version of themselves.

“Through training, community service, and public speaking, they develop poise, confidence, discipline and a deeper understanding of their role in society.

Pageants she says are more than competition.

“Pageantry is a journey of transformation. It equips young women with the tools to lead, to serve and to represent their culture and values with pridemaking it as relevant today as ever before.”

interview

this weekend in history

GARVEY, shown here in 1922, organized the first important Black nationalist movement in the United States.

August

1

1944 – The final entry was recorded in the diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who spent two years in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

1944 – The Warsaw Uprising began as the Polish underground tried to oust the German army and seize control of the city before it was occupied by the advancing Soviet army; after running out of supplies, the Poles were forced to surrender in October.

August 2

1830 – Charles X of France abdicated the throne, unable to resist the July Revolution. 1920 – Marcus Garvey, Black leader and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, reached the height of his power as he presided at an international convention in New York City.

August 3

1778 – The opera house La Scala opened in Milan with a performance of Antonio Salieri's Europa riconosciuta.

1921 – A day after being acquitted on insufficient evidence—largely because key evidence had disappeared from the grand jury files, eight Chicago White Sox players were banned from baseball for life, accused of receiving bribes to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series.

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

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

Answers

G E N M N E C I T

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here?

In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in S permitted.

TODAY’S TARGET Good 15; very good 22; excellent 29 (or more). Solution on Monday

Yesterday’s

TArGeT heAdLINed dahl dhal hade haded hail hailed hale halide hand handed handle handled head headed headline HEADLINED heal healed heddle heed heel held hidden hide hied hind inhale inhaled

Yesterday’s

It’s a Rush with Kalik

JUNKANOO groups got a helping hand from Kalik over the Independence season.

The maker of Kalik donated pallets of the drink to Division A Junkanoo groups in the lead-up to the 52nd Independence Junkanoo Rush.

“Kalik is the beer of The Bahamas and, as the beer of Junkanoo, we were proud to donate a pallet of beer to the A-groups to support their continued passion, creativity and commitment to Junkanoo, even outside of parade season,” said Stephan Rolle, brand representative for Commonwealth Brewery Ltd (CBL).

Lamont Ellis, asset manager for the Roots Junkanoo Group, said: “Kalik backing Junkanoo means investing in national pride, sustaining cultural heritage and celebrating what it truly means to be Bahamian. These donations lift the spirits not only of Roots but of the entire Junkanoo community. Junkanoo groups heavily rely on sponsorships to fund materials, instruments and more, so every little bit helps to ensure the longevity and growth of Junkanoo.”

Trevor Davis, chairman of the Valley Boys, said: “Kalik’s donation is more than just a few cases of beer. It’s a show of solidarity with the Junkanoo community. These moments of camaraderie and support go a long way in keeping our performers motivated and energised, and they also create an additional source of revenue.”

Reflecting on the Independence Rush, Toby Austin, Chairman of the Saxons Superstars, said, “We thank Kalik for this generous donation as we prepared for Independence Day.”

CAPTION: Stephan Rolle, brand representative at Commonwealth Brewery Ltd (left), with representatives of the Valley Boys Junkanoo group and the Music Makers Junkanoo Group.

Blizzard of love

JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

challenge, while adults smiled knowing their indulgence was helping to save young lives.

WHO would have thought ice cream could be good for the heart?

That was the sentiment behind Dairy Queen’s annual Miracle Treat Day, where Bahamians turned out in droves on July 24 to purchase Blizzard treats, knowing every purchase was making a difference. The sweet initiative raised vital funds in support of The Victor Sassoon Bahamas Heart Foundation, an organisation dedicated to helping children with heart disease. From opening hours, Dairy Queen stores across New Providence were buzzing with energy as families, office co-workers, and groups of friends lined up to grab their favorite Blizzard flavours.

Children squealed as they flipped their cups upside down for the signature Dairy Queen

This year, $2 from every Blizzard sold went directly to the Victor Sassoon Bahamas Heart Foundation. The partnership came at a crucial time for the foundation, which has seen a growing number of children in need of assistance.

Established in 1966, the organisation has helped hundreds of Bahamian children receive essential heart surgeries, most of which must be performed abroad. These procedures can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and the foundation relies heavily on public support and fundraising events like Miracle Treat Day to meet the need. The demand for assistance is constant, with patients being presented to the foundation every month, many critically ill and in need of immediate surgery. The funds raised through Miracle Treat Day help ensure that the organisation can respond swiftly and effectively.

For customers, the day was also about coming together as a community. Offices organized group orders, parents treated kids and friends stopped by simply to give back. Some even bought multiple Blizzards at once, knowing that their “sweet tooth” was helping support an important cause.

The Victor Sassoon Bahamas Heart Foundation expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, noting how impactful the funds will be for the children and families they serve. The foundation’s work is rooted in ensuring every child

has the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, and community-driven events like Miracle Treat Day make that mission possible.

As Bahamians enjoyed their Blizzards on July 24, they were reminded that a simple act of buying a sweet treat can change lives.

Tyrone Ferguson, master of transformation

By LETITIA PRATT

Associate Curator, National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

On the side of the tall colonial home that holds our exhibition and office spaces, there is a small hill with a small native wood that you can get lost in.

Once the site of the historical African Hospital, The NAGB Art Park is filled with native trees and winding pathways curved around sculptures. There are a few sculptures in the garden that were made by Tyrone Ferguson, a Bahamian master metalworker whose work can be seen in many private collections, and on display throughout Nassau. One of my favourite pieces of Tyrone’s that can be seen publicly is his “Rake and Scrape” sculpture that stands in the middle of the Fredrick Street steps. Commissioned in 2010 by the Ministry of Tourism, the bright, geometric steel sculpture completely transforms the space. This is what Tyrone Ferguson’s work does, and many of his pieces at the Museum transform the collection and the space into a place of play.

Tyrone Ferguson (born 1955) has made an art career of manipulating metals. He is considered one of the most prolific blacksmiths of The Bahamas, with over five decades

of experience. Throughout his career, he mentored other Bahamian masters, like John Beadle, on metalworking –Beadle specifically went on to create a plethora of works using his newfound skills, including Make yourself known…At the gate (2013), which is now owned by the NAGB. Currently on display in our permanent collection show, Let yourself be known…at the Gate sits right across from three Tyrone Ferguson sculptures, “Bumper”(1996), “Untitled (Rake bird)” (nd), and “Cycolution” (nd). Despite the apparent simplicity of the pieces, the three sculptures are masterful in form: “Bumper” specifically communicates a female figure that is both delicate and voluptuous, something that is hard to communicate with metal alone. The process of metal welding is an interesting one: the artisan must be decisive and quick with their movements, bending the metal with a sure hand. Tyrone’s delicate structures communicate a strength and precision that very few artists can replicate.

Untitled (Rake-Bird) is a good example of his sure-handed experimentation; it’s delicate outstretched wings a purposeful communication of the bird-form, despite the source material being a rake. Tyrone’s ability to transform anything he sources is a characteristic shared by many of the Bahamian masters, as art material is hard to come by on the islands. He

makes quick decisions in creating the pieces - a reflection of mental acuity that has allowed Tyrone to be playful with the forms that he chooses to create. Due to the nature of his work, Tyrone thrives when he is creating large scale architectural and public installations. You can find his sculptures all around New Providence; but some of his most experimental could be found in our art park. Much like “Rake and Scrape,” the works within the art park transform the trees it sits between into a place of play and experimentation. Take Untitled (wood and metal Figure). This small figure seems like a nymph or an ancestor with a mouth open to give messages as you pass it by. The figure is almost child-like,

it’s wooden and metal mediums grounding the human-like features in the environment. Throughout his career, Tyrone has spoken about connecting his practice to African Traditional metalworking practices – and the face of Untitled (Wood and Metal Figure) seems to be reminiscent of those traditional forms – I think of the flat-headed and short-armed Akua’ba of the Akan people whenever I walk by this sculpture. Like any good work, Tyrone stimulates the mind and encourages imagination and story.

You can see more of Tyrone’s work throughout the grounds of the NAGB: in the Galleries, in the park, at the Gate – his experimental spirit runs throughout the institution.

• The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) is a contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and celebrating Bahamian art through exhibitions, public programmes, and community collaborations. The NAGB is home to a diverse collection of Bahamian art that encourages self-exploration and discovery. Admission is free for residents of The Bahamas every Sunday. Get all the information for your next visit at nagb.org. bs/admission.

Coffee grounds in the garden:

Good day, gardeners. I’ve not been very diligent in my writing this month, again, as other things have been in the way. I must apologise for the occasional lapses this year.

Of note today, I am touching on a subject brought to me by a reader who has asked about using coffee grounds on banana plants. Is it good for the plants? Is there a way to improve its effectiveness? Let’s take a look. I am a coffee lover, and often more difficult than normal if I have not had a coffee or two in the morning to get all the cylinders firing in my mental engine. Coffee tends to be a particular thing when it comes to most folks and it is part of a routine that when it differs, things can get a bit tricky. Sort of like finicky houseplants. Banana plants, however, are quite undemanding, generally. Although they do thrive with lots of water and ample amounts of phosphorous and potassium in the soil.

Bananas can grow perfectly fine with a lack of these, save for one thing, and the thing that most of us bother to grow banana plants for in the first place, the fruit. To get decent fruit on banana plants, there needs to be enough phosphorous and potassium. Yes, technically banana fruit are berries, but we won’t go down that rabbit hole today.

So, coffee lovers rejoice — your morning brew can do more than wake you up. Used coffee grounds are increasingly popular in the garden, but how do they stack up when it comes to feeding heavy-feeders like banana plants? Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:

Perks of Coffee Grounds

• Slow-release nitrogen: Coffee grounds contain about two percent nitrogen, which supports lush leafy growth — perfect for banana plants, especially during their vegetative stage.

• Improves soil structure: They add organic matter, helping sandy soils retain moisture and boosting microbial life.

• Compost-friendly: Grounds heat up compost piles and accelerate breakdown, especially when mixed with "browns" like dried leaves.

• Mild pest deterrent: Some

Are

they good for your bananas?

gardeners report fewer slugs and ants where grounds are applied.

Grounds for Caution

• Can stunt young plants: Residual caffeine may inhibit seedling or sucker growth if overused. It can also act to inhibit see germination, so do not use them in any seed starting mixes. This in turn can be a benefit in that it may inhibit weed seed germination.

• May over-acidify: While used grounds aren’t extremely acidic, adding too much to already

acidic soil could create issues. For us here with our alkaline soils in The Bahamas this is typically not a problem. Do not concentrate too many grounds in one place to avoid this issue.

• Can form a crust: Thick layers may repel water and air, harming the roots.

• Not a complete fertiliser: Coffee grounds are low in potassium and phosphorus — both vital for banana flowering and fruiting.

Best Practices

• Compost first for safer use.

• Apply sparingly — no more than ½ inch thick, mixed with mulch or soil.

• Balance with potassium-rich sources like wood ash or kelp meal.

• Monitor your soil pH if used regularly.

Bottom Line

Coffee grounds can be a valuable soil booster — especially for nitrogen-loving banana plants — when used wisely. Compost them, mix them in moderation, and never rely on them alone for fruit production. When coffee grounds are applied to thickly, it can become hydrophobic and cake up, not letting any water through. It can also grow mould on or in it.

Be sure to mix them in if using straight from the kitchen. Typically, our soils are on the alkaline side of the scale, so some acidification is beneficial. So yes, keep using coffee grounds!

Be aware though that additional fertilisers will always be needed to get fruit that is worth sharing or boasting about, without getting roasted about them. My dad is very proud of his coffee ground and banana peel liquid “tea” that he creates in a bucket of water. He takes these things and lets them sit for several days to “brew” before use. It does wonders for his orchids. As always, I wish you happy gardening.

Restaurant Fest returns

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest (GBIRF) is back this weekend bringing fresh experiences that promise to make the festival more exciting than ever.

Two big additions are at the heart of this year’s buzz. First up is a brandnew day tour designed for Balearia cruise passengers, and according to organisers will give them a chance to really see the island instead of just staying near the harbour. The day trip will include transportation, a relaxing beach stop at Junkanoo Village Beach Club, lunch, and a visit to the Taste of Grand Bahama launch event at Port Lucaya Marketplace before heading back to the ship.The second is the return of the festival’s mixology contest – and this year it’s shaping up to be even more competitive. Grand Bahama’s best bartenders will go head-to-head for a $500 cash prize, and the globe-trotting Bahamian mixology star Marv “Mr

Mix” Cunningham will be right in the middle of the action on August 2. He will be doing a live mixology demo at the launch event and serving as one of the judges.Festival organisers said these additions give the Restaurant Fest even more dimension.“The Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest has always been about food, but it’s also about creating experiences,” said Meshell Britton, GBIPB Administrator and Restaurant Fest committee member.“This year, we are really leaning into the cultural side and making sure there is something for everyone, whether you are a visitor stepping off a cruise ship or a local looking for something different to do.”For Bahamians from Nassau and other islands, this year’s festival could easily double as a quick getaway. Grand Bahama is just a short hop away, and with the mix of new dishes, cultural events and experiences, it is a chance to do a staycation in a way that may have not been considered but with food as the main focus.

The festival kicks off tomorrow with the Taste of Grand Bahama launch event at Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Attendees can expect a laid-back, family-friendly afternoon with live entertainment, complimentary samples from select eateries, food and drink specials, shopping in the straw market, and plenty of activities for kids. It is the perfect way to preview what is to come over the next two weeks.

The 2025 theme is “Authenticity Reimagined”, and more than a dozen restaurants will take part, offering threecourse prix fixe menus that showcase Bahamian flavors with a fresh twist. Participating restaurants include Pisces Seafood Haven & Pizzeria, Flying Fish Gastro Bar, The Galley, Upstairs on the Bay, The Stoned Crab, Taino by the Sea, Pelicans on the Beach (a new addition this year), and many more. Festival-exclusive dishes will give diners something to talk about. The Galley will feature conch croquettes with piri piri sauce and pigeon pea salsa, island-spiced grouper with coconut grits and burnt pineapple salsa, and guava fritters with toasted coconut sorbet. Pelicans on the Beach is offering cheesy conch fritters with spicy dipping sauce, conch-loaded fries topped with melted cheese and scallions, and soft coconut panny cakes drizzled in warm guava sauce. The timing of the festival also works out perfectly for seafood lovers. Bahamian lobster season opens August 1, and the Restaurant Fest overlaps with cultural

events like Smith’s Point Fish Fry and the High Rock Sea Festival on August 4.

“Grand Bahama is a food lover’s paradise,” said Nikia Wells, public relations and brand lead for the festival. “This event gives chefs a chance to be creative and really celebrate the ingredients and traditions that make our island special. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the day, it’s the perfect way to explore the island through food.”

The Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board hopes this year’s festival will inspire both locals and visitors to fall in love with the island all over again.

“There are countless reasons to love Grand Bahama,” said Ian Rolle, GBIPB chairman. “We want Bahamians to take pride in all the island has to offer, and we want visitors to come back again and again.”

For details on participating restaurants, menus, and event updates, visit www. grandbahamavacations.com.will inspire both locals and visitors to fall in love with the island all over again. “There are countless reasons to love Grand Bahama,” said Ian Rolle, GBIPB chairman. “We want Bahamians to take pride in all the island has to offer, and we want visitors to come back again and again.”

For details on participating restaurants, menus, and event updates, visit www.grandbahamavacations.com.

The drink’s thestar

ASHOWCASE of soft drinks was staged at Baha Mar this month, with Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC) hosting a trade show.

CBC, local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, showcased its entire non-alcoholic portfolio, of over 100 products and sizes, on July 3.

Most, if not all customers have heard of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, the beloved Bahamas Goombay Punch, Dasani, Minute Maid and Monster. However, many were not aware of the various flavours and sizes. This sparked the idea of hosting a showcase.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, chief commerical officer for CBC, said: “We wanted to give our customers the opportunity to see all our non-alcoholic products and to try them.

“While we think we do a really good job of getting those products out there for people to try, people leave or join companies, and those new employees may not have had the opportunity to try these products yet. This trade show is their opportunity where they could see, try and learn more about what we offer.”

The all-day affair shed spotlight on a few lesser known brands such as Honest Kids Juice, Vitamin Water, Dasani Cranberry and Lime-flavored waters, Monster Juices, Vita Coco Pressed Coconut water and a newly added product – San Bernardo Sparkling and Still Spring water.

Additionally, guests got an insider look at the various branded cooler styles and sizes CBC offers.

Customers such as Super Value, Solomons, Sun Luck, Lowe’s Pharmacy, Meat Max and Paradise Premium Foods visited.

Before the day came to an end, guests enjoyed bites and sips on the outdoor deck of the San Salvador conference room - while there was also a chance to win prizes such as Coca-Cola and Bahamas

feeling incredibly impressed at the knowledge shared and how many products CBC supplied. Flavours such as Vita-Coco's Peach Mango Coconut Water, Honest Kids Organic Juice Appley Every After, Monster Zero Sugar and Minute Maid Fruit Coolers 2LT were fan favourites,” said France Dolce, assistant sales manager for CBC.

To learn more about Caribbean Bottling Company, visit www. cbcbahamas.com.

Goombay Punch Yetis along with premium spirits from Caribbean Wines & Spirits, alcoholic arm to CBC.

Guests played ring toss to win the prizes. Additionally, customers were treated to a customised 20oz Coca-Cola bottle with their names on the labels, which is part of Coca-Cola's global Share A Coke campaign.

“The trade show was a resounding success. Guests left

animals

Culling is not the answer

By KIM ARANHA

Why is there always so much trouble when it comes to animals in The Bahamas, why can nothing ever be cut and dry?

The Bahamas is the proud “owner” of a very effective Act presented to Parliament by Philip Davis while he was Deputy Prime Minister in 2011. Our now Prime Minister passed this Act because he believed in it and was proud of it. It was passed, and ever since has sat on some unattainable back burner.

When it was first passed, a board was appointed and since then a board has been appointed and appointed and appointed. Over the first ten years, the board met once. Shows you how excited everybody was about it. Now because of huge pushing from some of the private sector, the board meets and has finally become a recognised government board, which we have Minister

Jomo Campbell to thank for that.

At first, the act was only applicable in New Providence but now it has been amended and gazetted that it is applicable in many of the larger island of The Bahamas. For this, we also thank the present administration.

However, and here is where things always fall apart, many of the key stakeholders have become focused on certain sections of this wonderful act and not the whole picture.

Licences for dogs has become a fixation for some, I don’t disagree that animals should be licenced but in my humble

opinion, dogs who have been neutered should cost a couple of dollars but the males and females still able to reproduce should cost several hundred dollars. Don’t want to pay? Easy, get your dog fixed, oh you are planning to breed, then pay for the privilege. Not rocket science to understand, is it?

Another is an enormous emphasis put on “Animals at large”, makes me think of a pride of lions taking a stroll down Village Road on a balmy summer’s day, certainly not some poor dejected and unloved potcake at the corner of the street just wanting food, water and a home.

Though it is commendable to focus on some of the act, it really would be more appropriate to focus on the entire picture. The act covers many aspects of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect with details about what fines and jail time is appropriate.

The act covers breeding, and that breeders need to be licenced. At present, let me tell you, there is so much breeding in New Providence it is insane. It is not just Pit Bulls, but Malinois, Shitzu, Chiwawa, and any combination thereof... mixed breed mongrels passed off as designer dogs lining the pockets of their breeders who have little care and concern over the health of their animals. Breeders are making up $4,000 a puppy yet they pay the same fee as us with our precious neutered potcake. Their animals are used to make money., rarely do they receive a gentle stroke or a kind word. The act also demands that inspections of all breeding kennels be conducted, not just the few big ones but every

single dirty inadequate little backyard breeding facility.

This amazing act also has a section dealing with pet shop inspection and licences. How animals are housed and if they are being treated humanely, in addition to the pet shops, guard dog kennels are also subject to inspection and review.

It is a great piece of legislature, written by people who know animals, and who knew the then existing laws of The Bahamas, and what needed improving.

Sadly, out of good frequently stumbles bad. What is happening now is the animals who are being fed and cared for are being picked up, because they are tame, and trust humans. They are trundled down to the pound and once there they will most likely be put to sleep within four days of easy capture. Animals that might have had somebody put their arms up and say, “I’ll take them”. In short ,this is culling by any other name. No photos

are taken, there is no chance for an owner, with a lost pet to find it. It’s the ugly truth,

It has been proven that culling is not effective, the only way to get control of the dog population is to spay and neuter, stop breeding, get these unsanitary and inadequate back yard breeding facilities closed. Why is there such an uneasy silence when I broach the topic of breeding, who are the stakeholders?

The Bahamas must not start to be seen as a nation that culls the national dog, we need to develop a plan to reduce the number of puppies born every day, and that it an easy fix.

We have a magnificent law, and we push the tip of the iceburg and not the whole thing. Is there some underlying desire or belief that culling is the answer. This is becoming a very unsavory situation, and everyone must become transparent, answer questions, hide nothing and work together.

Pet of the week

Five-month-old Ivana (no relation to anyone political...) has already had a very social life at the Bahamas Humane Society. She's been to a church fair and to a puppy yoga session already. But, she'd love to have a home to call her own, away from all the other pups at the shelter (they steal her attention, kind of like her sibling in the photo). Ivana's very smart and willing to learn and would love to show you her smarts.

If you need a lovely multicolour girl in your life, Ivana might just be the choice for you! Come in to the BHS to meet her or call 323-5138 for more information. Ivana looks forward to meeting you.

The BHS Thrift Shop is open and ready to sell you all kinds of wonderful things. Books, clothing, housewares, art, and much more. Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 11am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Donations are always gratefully accepted. All funds raised go to the BHS. (Bring your shopping bag with you!)

Art and soul of fashion

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

IN a world of fast fashion and mass production, there’s something deeply refreshing about pieces made by hand; with care, creativity, and cultural pride stitched into every thread.

For Ashia Cooper, the founder of Island Crochet Bahamas, crochet is a calling.

Ashia’s journey began long before her brand ever had a name. She first picked up a crochet hook in primary school, unaware that a few loops and stitches would one day spark a full-fledged business rooted in passion and purpose.

“I’ve always been drawn to the tactile nature of fiber arts, and crochet - in particular. This captured my imagination with its endless possibilities,” Ashia shared.

What started as a meditative hobby, making pieces for herself and gifting them to loved ones, quickly blossomed into something more.

“I consistently received incredibly positive feedback. People started asking if I sold my work, and that’s when a lightbulb went off. I realised there was a genuine demand for unique, handmade crochet items, especially those that reflected the vibrant spirit of The Bahamas,” she recalled. Since launching Island Crochet Bahamas in 2014, Ashia has carved out a colorful space in the local creative industry. As a woman in business, she’s faced her fair share of hurdles, but her art, and the joy it

brings, has kept her grounded and growing.

“My journey has been a dynamic one, filled with learn ing, adaptation, and immense personal growth. Crochet has been an incredible source of empowerment throughout. Every stitch is a testament to patience, creativity, and determination,” she said.

Professionally, it’s allowed Ashia to shape a brand that reflects who she is at her core.

“It’s truly empowering to know that I’ve built something from the ground up, sharing my art and creativity with others, and inspiring them along the way,” she told Tribune Weekend.

And inspire she does, not just through the vibrant wearables she creates, but also through her signature style that brings Caribbean warmth to every piece.

“My signature style at Island Crochet Bahamas is all about infusing the warmth and vibrancy of the Caribbean into every piece. I love to play with colour, using bright, cheerful hues that evoke the turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and lively culture of The Bahamas,” she explained. From intricate lacework to breezy silhouettes, her designs feel rooted in tradition yet effortlessly modern. While crochet fashion continues to trend globally, Ashia keeps her work grounded in what matters most: authenticity and island flair.

“I’ve evolved with trends by exploring new yarn compositions, experimenting with modern silhouettes, and incorporating contemporary design elements, but always with that distinctly Bahamian flair,” she said.

Now, after years of creating, Ashia is also teaching, offering beginner crochet classes as a way to pass on the same spark that once lit her path.

“So many people express admiration for handmade items but believe they lack the skill to create them. I wanted to demystify the

process and show them that with a little guidance and patience, anyone can learn to crochet,” she shared. But the classes are about more than just technique.

“I want them to discover the meditative and therapeutic benefits of crafting, the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, and the confidence that comes with learning a new skill,” said Ashia. Looking ahead, the future of Island Crochet Bahamas is stitched with promise. Ashia is dreaming even bigger, with plans to expand her brand both online and through creative collaborations.

“I’m actively exploring the possibility of launching an online store with a full crochet fashion line, featuring ready-to-wear pieces that embody our signature island-inspired style. I’m also very keen on collaborating with other Bahamian creatives, to create unique collections and experiences,” she revealed.

Her ultimate vision? A brand that not only showcases the timeless beauty of handmade crochet, but also shines a spotlight on Bahamian talent and culture.