Friday, September 1, 2017
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Weekend
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02 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 1, 2017
life through a lens
Andros youth receive back-to-school treats
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ommunity leaders and volunteers from Central Andros came together with the All Andros Crab Festival committee, the Member of Parliament for Central Andros Picewell Forbes and the newly appoint District Education Officer Glen Lightbourn to give children some a happy and helpful back-to-school treats. More than 300 students from pre-school to grade 12 were given supplies. They were also treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cold drinks and candies. The pre-schoolers were given smaller backpacks filled with toys, while the older students, from grade one to 12, were given school backpacks with books and pencils.
Have you taken a selection of photographs that might make a Life through a lens feature page? If so please submit it to weekend@ tribunemedia.net for consideration
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Friday, September 1, 2017
Inside Weekend Interview 4 - 5 Phillipa Farrington-Deanto provides inner-city women with care packages containing much needed undergarments. Food 7 Katsuya, the iconic chain of Japanese restaurants, opens a new restaurant at Baha Mar Art 8 - 9 University of the Bahamas students find value in reclaimed wood for a new exhibition Entertainment 10 - 11 Young dancers shine at international competition, plus the One Blood old school reggae party returns with more good vibes and tunes Culture 12 New research to reveal story of trading in the Bahamas from seventh to 16th century Tourism 13 Swimming pigs video tops 1.4 million views Weddings 14 - 15 A birthday girl meets her match Books 17 Author Ashley Darling finds God’s grace Podcasts 18 Shows to help with parenting Gardening 19 A time for renewal Film 20 - 21 The Island House Cinema offers a luxurious movie-going experience, plus Mark Hamill talks “The Last Jedi” Literary Lives 22 - 24 Honoré de Balzac, a historian of human nature Forgotten Facts 25 Changes to Bay Street Animals 27 Animals and the eclipse, plus Pet of the Week
My perfect Bahamian weekend Lequient “Pastor Q” Bethel Co-founder of Epic Church Bahamas Q: Beach or sofa? “Beach. I love the cool breeze and the moving scenery. However, I only get into the water when it’s early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t scorching. At the beach I relax, journal, talk with God and reflect.” Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch? “Sunday lunch. Persons may miss
a Saturday breakfast, but what Bahamian misses a meal after a long day at church, which is then followed by a good nap?” Q: Rum, wine, cocktail or Kalik? “I don’t drink. Not because there is something wrong with drinking. I don’t drink because before my salvation experience I almost had a drinking problem.” Q: What is the one thing that you can’t live without? “Definitely my phone and WiFi. I love to be able to read, search the net and have access to WhatsApp.” Q: Weekend away, where would you go and why? “New York. I love the atmosphere and feel of New York. The creativity and talent brings me alive.”
Things 2 Do this weekend Friday
• Happy Hour Fridays Time: 7pm Venue: La Caverna, Caves Village Join artist Triz for 90s hits, hip hop and R&B. The event features unlimited drinks for $25 and a Happy Hour platter for $15. • One Blood XVI - Old School Reggae Party Time: 9pm Venue: Smugglers at Pirates Museum SEE PAGE 11
Saturday
• Run, Walk or Ride Time: 6am Start: Arawak Cay This is the third annual run, walk or ride event presented by The Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise. • HashtagLunchbag Bahamas Time: 10am Venue: Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace Join the HashtagLunchbag Bahamas movement alongside Miss World Bahamas 2017 Geena Thompson as they distribute over 1,000 lunches. Each lunch bag will be given to those in need of a bite to eat and a positive message. To register visit the website Hlbbs.splashthat.com; $10 donations are welcome and assist with the cost of food and supplies. • African Pop Up Shop
Time: 11am - 7pm Venue: Cancer Society of the Bahamas Caring Centre The monthly pop up shop features African books, clothing, accessories, beauty products and food items. There will be complimentary appetisers, African music and a relaxing atmosphere. • The Vine Time: 7.30pm Venue: St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk The worship gathering returns after a summer of missions and outreach. Interested persons are asked to bring a donation for the food and clothing drive. • ‘Summer is Almost Over’ Pop-Up Market Time: 8pm - 3pm Venue: Chiccharney Farms Seasonal fruit varieties and produce, as well as baked goods, jams, sauces and more will be on sale. • Visuals on the Veranda Time: 5pm Venue: National Art Gallery There will be outdoor multimedia exhibitions by local mixed-level artists, a body paint art showcase and other entertainment Part proceeds will go toward Bernard Petit’s graduate certificate education expenses at Fanshawe College in Ontario, Canada for this coming academic year.
Sunday
• Supernova Vol II Release Time: 1pm - 3pm Venue: Bistro Underground Take part in the launch of the second volume of the Bahamian comic book trilogy “Supernova”, which tells the story of a young woman’s perilous journey to find her little sister. The story’s main themes are focused on discrimination and sexism. • Labour Day Picnic Celebration Time: 5pm - 10pm Venue: One&Only Ocean Club Enjoy an all-American Labour Day picnic with BBQ and food stations, unlimited craft beers and sodas, spiked punches and other beverages, as well as lawn games, face painting, and live entertainment featuring a rock n’ roll band. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for kids under 12. • Pig Roast Time: 5pm Venue: Coral Harbour Beach Villas and Sand Bar Enjoy a traditional pig roast accompanied by jazz music. • Jazz at Jacaranda Time: 7pm - 9pm Venue: Jacaranda House Enjoy a relaxing evening of great live music, overlooking a beautiful pool, at the historic setting. There is a $15 cover charge, a cash wine bar and light snacks will be served. For reservations e-mail jacarandanassau@gmail.com.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
interview Having nice, new undergarments may seem like an inconsequential thing, but as Phillipa Farrington-Dean discovered, what one wears underneath one’s clothes can be just as important as what one wears for the rest of the world to see. She tells Cara Hunt about handing out care packages to girls and women in need, and why this initiative is so important.
Phillipa Farrington-Dean
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ecognising that the basic need for undergarments was not being met for many women throughout New Providence, Phillipa Farrington-Deanto decided to launch a new charity foundation, The Dignified Girl, to address the issue. Through her foundation, the educator seeks to provide less fortunate young women with the basic garments every women needs – new bras and panties. “Before I started this project I had no idea that there was such a need for this, but there really is,” Phillipa told Tribune Weekend as she explained what prompted her to launch The Dignified Girl “I have a background in education and psychology. I volunteer at a counselling centre and I was talking with one of the persons that I was counselling who was going through a hard time with employment, and she said something that really stayed with me. She said, ‘Can you understand how it feels when you can’t even afford to buy your daughter a new bra or the basic things that she needs’, and that just really touched me.” “I had just never thought about it, but I started talking to a few of my friends, some of whom are educators, and they said, yes, it is a very real issue and people have really basic needs. If you are a parent and you are struggling to pay the rent and pay the bills and put food on the table and all the other things you need, then a new bra or panties may just not be something that you can prioritise. I
“I wanted these young ladies to know that they have value and worth. (Undergarments) may seem like something small and basic, but (they) just can go such a long way into making young ladies feel good about themselves.” realised that no young girl should not have proper undergarments and I realised that this was a project that I really wanted to do something about,” she said. It was then that Phillipa decided that she would start The Dignified Girl Project, which would provide some comfort to young ladies in inner-city communities. The concept is extremely simple, but its effects and benefits are far-reaching. Enlisting the help of friends and a few corporate sponsors, Phillipa was able to launch her efforts with an initial distribution of 75 intimate care
Friday, September 1, 2017
packages for girls and young ladies in a few communities in Nassau. “I got the name The Dignified Girl, because when you think about the situation, undergarments are the most intimate things that a woman can put on her body, and dignity is so important to self-worth and how you feel about yourself. You do not earn dignity, it is something that everyone should be entitled to automatically. I wanted these young ladies to know that they have value and worth. It may seem like something small and basic, but it just can go such a long way into making young ladies feel good about themselves,” said Phillipa. “We had our first round of distribution on August 26. We distributed 75 completed packages which included a pack of five new panties and two bras, and 18 partial packages which contained bras only. In the packages designated for smaller girls, butterfly headbands were also included. The signature butterfly headband reflect the project’s logo. And these are made locally by a 14-year-old-girl who has been operating a business for the past three years. Her name is Elliyah Miller of Deshea’s Treasure Box. “We went into East Street and the bags started going very quickly. I think we went to about six houses and there were about 25 young ladies in the homes, and then we were able to go into Cowpen Road and into two Haitian communities. Louby George translated for us as we distributed in the Haitian communities; his group is called The Connection. We also stopped at a back-to-school event and were able to give out the remaining bags, but they were in no way sufficient.” In addition to the neighbourhoods they walked through, packages were also given to two community groups – the Home to School programme and the Ladies Chamber in Gambier. Even though this initial distribution took place at a time when most families are preparing their kids for the new school year, Phillipa said she does not consider her programme to be “a-back-to-school” initiative. “I really want this to be something that we do every quarter, because I feel that underwear is something that you need to buy on a regular basis,” she explained. Phillipa said she is extremely pleased with how the distribution went last week and she already has plans on how to move the initiative forward. “I want to up the content of the
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Phillipa Farrington-Dean and volunteers hand out care packages containing bras and panties in inner-city communities. packages,” she said. “I’d like to include personal hygiene kits which would include sanitary products such as pads, body wash and body splash as well as the undergarments.” “This showed me that there is a definite need out there and we have already had requests for more people who know young ladies who would benefit. In the second round of distribution, which we have scheduled for around December, I really want to be able to give out between 200 and 500 packages, but it really will depend on the amount of assistance and sponsorship we can get,” Phillipa said. “When we initially asked for help to help with packing and distributing we got such a great response. But if we are going to reach more girls we are going to have have some more sponsors and finances.” Phillipa said that in addition to hoping to find some corporate sponsors to aid in purchasing the products, she would like to partner with existing community centres and programmes in areas where there are young women who would benefit the most from the packages. “They are already in the community and they already know the need,” she said. “And so if we can work with them it would be wonderful, particularly if they have a space already that we could then use as a distribution centre.”
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Friday, September 1, 2017
section
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Friday, September 1, 2017
food
(L-R) Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, Baha Mar President Graeme Davis, Chef Katsuya Uechi and Sebastien Silvestri of the lifestyle company sbe.
Iconic Katsuya brand comes to the Bahamas BAHA Mar debuted its latest culinary addition, a new Katsuya venue, with a grand opening party and samurai sword ribbon-cutting ceremony for friends, family, and notable guests on Tuesday. Close to 300 people attended the event, including Katsuya’s master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi; Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar; Bahamas Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, and author and ‘Real Housewives of New York’ star Carole Radziwill The restaurant, featuring modern Japanese cuisine, is joining the resort’s diverse collection of global culinary offerings. It is centrally located on the casino floor. With more than nine locations worldwide, including in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, South Beach and Kuwait, Katsuya’s trademark award-winning cuisine and bold design has created an international empire. Showcasing the dynamic pairing of Chef Katsuya Uechi and noted French designer Philippe Starck, Katsuya is the first of several properties to be opened by the lifestyle hospitality company sbe at the luxury resort. “We welcome master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi’s and sbe’s award-winning modern Japanese restaurant to
our extensive roster of global flavours at Baha Mar,” said Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar. “The addition of Katsuya, along with 10 sbe restaurants and lounges, reinforces Baha Mar as a rich culinary destination in the heart of the Caribbean. Chef Katsuya’s fresh take on Japanese cuisine, coupled with the world-class design of Philippe Starck, will bring a heightened, un-
paralleled luxury experience to our guests.” Marrying Chef Uechi’s fresh and innovative takes on Japanese classics with a bold and sophisticated design from creator Philippe Starck, the new restaurant strives to deliver an original dining experience. Katsuya accommodates 250 diners, with indoor and outdoor patio seating,
both featuring two bars in each area. Providing the signature elements of Katsuya, the Baha Mar location features Mr Starck’s bold, sleek and contemporary design. Using natural wood elements throughout the multiple dining areas, Mr Starck incorporates luxurious white and tan leather seating, while backlit Japanese iconography line the walls. Katsuya’s main dining rooms feature high ceilings with warm tan and grey wall accents, while the iconic Dragon Room, best used for private dining and events, uses custom wallpaper resembling dragon scales for a dramatic yet glamourous touch. Guests can enjoy specialty and traditional sushi rolls, sashimi platters, and robata grills. Chef Uechi’s signature dishes include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, seared tuna with Japanese salsa, baked crab hand rolls, crispy rice with spicy tuna, wahoo sashimi with crispy onion, Katsuya ceviche, salmon sashimi with caviar, and Japanese octopus carpaccio. Designed to be paired with food, Katsuya offers handcrafted, award-winning cocktails and an extensive sake menu choices, including the Burning Mandarin with Absolut mandarin vodka, hand-crushed serrano chili, fresh lemon and orange juice with a splash of cranberry, and the Katsuya Fresh with Grey Goose vodka, rock sake, hand-crushed English cucumbers and freshly squeezed lime juice. Over the next six months, 10 curated sbe restaurants and lounges will be opening at Baha Mar, in addition to the highly-anticipated 299-room SLS hotel. Katsuya is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5.30pm to 1am. For more information, please visit www. katsuyarestaurant.com.
08 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 1, 2017
art
An exploration of value and sustainability PHOTOS/TERREL W CAREY
UB students repurpose wood for new exhibit By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
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s a vital component of the academic and cultural life at the University of the Bahamas, The Pro Gallery has kicked off its programming for the Fall semester with a group exhibition entitled ‘Wood You’. The collection is comprised of 20 pieces made from wood, with subtle, white painted accents. It spans a variety of functional and abstract objects, including outdoor furniture, sculptures and assemblages. The exhibition celebrates the culmination of UB’s Visual Arts Department’s 2017 Summer Wood Workshop: Woodwork, which was lead by artist and UB carpenter Fritz Cox and facilitated by UB faculty member Keisha Oliver. Ms Oliver, a Bahamian artist and designer, serves as the programme coordinator for UB’s Visual Arts Department and advisor for The Pro Gallery. To coincide with the institution’s transition from college to university in 2016 she developed a schedule of exhibition programming to foster a new appreciation for the gallery. By engaging alumni and practicing artists she hoped the gallery would re-emerge as a progressive space that supports creative thinking and innovation for a wide range of artists and art forms. UB students Jarrette Stubbs, Cordeia Munnings and Matthew Rahming worked alongside Mr Cox and Ms Oliver to create a collection of furniture from shipping pallets and sculptural pieces from reclaimed wood. Inspired by a shared appreciation for the ma-
“Wood You” artists: (l-r) Matthew Rahming, Cordeia Munnings, lecturer Keisha Olivia, Jarett Stubbs and carpenter Fritz Cox. terial and the process, the artists and students challenged ideas of value and perception. By repurposing discarded material found on building sites at UB’s Oakes Field campus, Ms Oliver said they were not simply salvaging and recycling objects, but re-imagining the value of these objects through creativity. The title ‘Wood You’ was conceived by UB Art Education major Cordeia Munnings and developed by the group. It presents idea of the relationship between man and material, whilst on the other hand asks the open-ended question, ‘Would you?’ In the context of the project, the exhibition, the work and the artists, this question opens broader discussions on sustainability, collaboration and exploration. “In three-hour sessions held across six days, with basic resources and scrap wood, the students covered fundamental woodwork techniques, including carpentry and woodturning,” said Ms Oliver. “We could’ve purchased finished lumber for this project, but I felt the experience would be more enriching and challenging to use something that was discarded. My personal creative practice is often concerned with recov-
“We wanted to engender an appreciation for repurposing geared toward environmental sustainability. We hoped visitors to the gallery would consider the value of the materials they discarded on a daily basis.”
ering everyday objects from the environment. I wanted the students to learn to appreciate the process of working under the limitations of time and material, but with the expectations to create a meaningful piece of work that reflected their style.” The piece “Cozy Cernie” by Cordeia Munnings is a two-person bench fitted with a built-in table. It was her first attempt at repurposing shipping pallets to create outdoor furniture. “This experience made me feel like a child again. Growing up, my cousins, friends and I would use construction sites around the neighbourhood as our playground and collect discarded materials left behind by the workers. I can recall standing on the sidelines, after collecting the materials, and watching in admiration as the older kids built things for us to play in, like a cart, a clubhouse and other toys,” said Cordeia. Although to the naked eye Matthew Rahming’s sculpture merely appears as to be two large branches from a dilly tree tied together with a synthetic white rope, Ms Oliver explained that work exists within a deeper conversation, a narrative of Matthew’s self-exploration.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
“I’ve been thinking about our connection to parts of ourselves and family members that we carry through life, both the good and the bad burden us,” said Matthew. “Where there is love there is loss. The work is reflective of the exhaustive nature of being alive and the inevitability of decay. I also address how we carry those burdens as one weight.” In contrast to some of the other
works, Ms Oliver’s pieces are quiet and delicate. Her “Shattered Series” of abstract wall hangings are elegantly crafted from two pieces of thin birch plywood and a single piece of broken reflective glass. “The exhibition was planned to be less about the final pieces and more about appreciating the creative process and story behind the effort. We wanted to engender an appreciation for repur-
posing geared toward environmental sustainability. We hoped visitors to the gallery would consider the value of the materials they discarded on a daily basis,” said Ms Oliver. Since the opening of the exhibition, Ms Oliver said she has been delighted to have several persons express an appreciation for the quality and creativity of the work. She said the group has now been commissioned to create outdoor
furniture for another local gallery, and efforts have been made by UB’s Visual Arts Department to develop a community project and workshops for those interested in repurposing wooden pallets and turning them into functional objects. For more information on The Pro Gallery, contact progallery@ub.edu.bs or call 302-4422.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
entertainment
Dancing their way to the top Bahamian girls shine at international competition By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
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NSTRUCTOR Cara Brooks of the Future School of Dance has always been been eager to prepare the youngsters under her care for international competi-
tion. So when the opportunity arose this Summer to participate in the EnerGy
National Dance Competitions in Sandusky, Ohio, her dancers not only competed, but delivered an “outstanding performance”. EnerGy National Dance Competitions provides dancers with the chance to display their talent, but also pursue their dreams in a non-stressful competitive setting. The competition consists of three different divisions, so that dancers compete against others that are at their same level. Those divisions include Star, Power Energy and Pro-Am Divisions. Judges consist of industry professionals with backgrounds ranging from Broadway, film and TV to classical ballet companies. They are also chosen for their ability to provide helpful critiques for the dancers and teachers alike. Eleven young ladies who have been training under Ms Brooks here in the Bahamas performed at high levels in the Star Division.
“They were entered in the competition with a whole new attitude and outlook on how to compete with all the talented Americans. They went in with a new strategy on how to win and receive even more outstanding awards; this was the moment they have been waiting for,” said Ms Brooks. “They were beginners, being that it was their first competition in the States, but as they performed the judges saw fit to promote them as they danced and awarded them accordingly. The Future School of Dance is proud of the outstanding performances by the young ladies who gave each performance their all.” Ms Brooks said her dancers are all worthy of special commendation.
Competition results:
• Petite Solo: Set to “Missing You”, Hillary Raymonvil won the platinum award, the highest award in Star Division. She was also promoted from Star to Power Division with a special award called “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop”.
• Petite Small Group: Dancing to “Fight Song”, Hillary Raymonvil, Hailey Williams, Justine Dames, Cyntish Knowles and Britania Britton won gold in the Star Division and were promoted to the Power Division, with a special award for emotional execution. • Petite Duet: Performing to “Believe”, Hillary Raymonvil and Hailey Williams won gold. • Juniors Solo: Dancing to “I’m Beautiful Too”, Trinity Burnside scored gold winner in the Star Division and was promoted to Power Division, with a special award for excellent expression. • Junior Small Group Dance: Dancing to “From the Other Side”, Kevonya Taylor, Pedronique Culmer, Trinity Burnside, Ant’Quel Watson and Liah Tucker won gold in the Star Division and were also promoted to Power Division. • Junior Duet: Dancing to “Not Broken”, Trinity Burnside and Kevonya Taylor were awarded gold in the Star Division and promoted to Power Division. • Senior Solo: Dancing to “Lay Me Down”, Venisha LaRose won gold in the Star Division. • Senior Solo: Dancing to “Last Medication”, Venisha LaRose was awarded gold in the Star Division, with special award for being “completely committed”.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
entertainment
An ‘irie’ time at old school reggae party By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
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FTER being postponed due to inclement weather, the One Blood XVI old school reggae party makes its comeback tonight with more good vibes and tunes than ever. The event is geared towards giving party-goers an opportunity to kick back and enjoy the rhythms of old school reggae. It takes place at Smugglers, in the courtyard of The Pirates Museum on George Street. Doors open at 9pm. Presented by Concepts, a local event production and management group, One Blood is usually held twice a year, in August and December. It is a party event that Bahamians have come to anticipate. Leah Davis, organiser for the event and a reggae lover herself, believes this enthusiasm for the party is due to the fact that it fills a void in Nassau’s entertainment scene and caters to a feeling of nostalgia. When she first introduced the concept more than 20 years ago, Leah’s intention was to host an event that she herself would like to attend. There demand for more instalments grew, as the market of over 25-year-olds looking for a safe night out with good people and good vibes embraced the event. “The first (parties) were called “A Reggae Flashback” and were hosted at Pirates of Nassau. The events have had several homes, but regardless of the venue, they have consistently delivered a musical experience specifically for lovers of old school reggae and dub,” said Ms Davis. Given the genre and era of the music, the event targets a wide cross section of reggae lovers, those young and young at heart. Music for the throwback reggae party will be provided by two of Nassau’s most skilled and versed deejays when it comes to old school reggae – Selector
Party-goers have enjoyed One Blood reggae events for more than 20 years.
Ty and Selector 3D. The party aims to take party-goers on a trip down memory lane, as deejays bring back old school reggae tunes from the likes of Bob Marley, Freddie McGregor, Half Pint, Dennis Brown and Barrington Levy, just to name a few. “This event is always a safe and ‘irie’ experience that my patrons have grown accustomed to and look forward to twice annually. It will be a fun musical experience where guests will hear songs they have not heard since way back when, laugh and dance the night away.” In keeping with the theme, an “irie” – red, gold and green – dress code is suggested. Admission is $15.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
culture (l-r) Professor Gareth Davies, Chloē Buytendijk, Fons Vermeulen (from the Vrije University, Amsterdam), Dr Michael Pateman, AMMC’s assistant director and Reece Chipman, AMMC’s chairman.
New research to reveal story of trading in the Bahamas from seventh to 16th century
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ittle is known about the economics and trade routes of the Bahamas of earlier centuries, but a rare type of jade found in the islands might shed some light on the mysteries of the pre-Columbian era. A research team from University of Oxford, United Kingdom and the Vrije University, Amsterdam, is undertaking an analytical archaeological programme to determine the nature of trading that occurred in the Bahamas during the late seventh century to the 1500s. The work involves collaboration with members of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC). Dr Joanna Ostapkowicz from Oxford and Professor Gareth Davies from Amsterdam, along with Dr Davies’ graduate students Fons Vermeulen and Chloé Buytendijk, visited Nassau to study the collections at the
AMMC, with the aim of understanding how stone materials were used and where they originated. Work involved chemical analysis on rock artifacts to determine their place of origin. The ablation system developed by the Amsterdam team together with researchers in Switzerland uses a laser to make a hole in rock artefacts about 100 microns across (about the thickness of human hair). The portable system is almost unique, as there are currently only two in the world. High energy green light is focused onto the sample’s surface causing the rock to vaporise, generating a high temperature plasma (> 3000K). This process is termed laser ablation. The generated plasma is transported to a filter using a small pump and the filter is returned to Amsterdam for chemical analysis. The study focuses on ‘exotic’, or non-local, rocks, primarily those containing jade. These types of rocks are
only found in 25 locations worldwide, of which three are in the greater Caribbean region, Guatemala, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The study therefore aims to understand from where our predecessors obtained their natural resources, how they worked and communicated along their trading networks before Columbus’ arrival. The study hopes to learn if trade was with one or many regions; if rock was used in different ways before ultimately arriving in the Bahamas, and if the different islands traded in the same way or independently. Further information on the SIBA project (Stone Interchanges in the Bahamian Archipelago), funded by the UK’s Arts and Humanities Council (ARHC), will be available via the Department of Archaeology, University of Oxford web pages shortly.
Chloē Buytendijk and Fons Vermeulen, geology and geochemistry students of the Vrije University, Amsterdam, ensure that the jade piece is accurately placed in order to absorb its minerals.
AMMC Chairman Reece Chipman examines a piece of jade as Professor Gareth Davies looks on.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
tourism
Swimming pigs video tops 1.4 million views
Filmmaker Charlie Smith, of Earthbeat Films, captures the swimming pigs of Exuma for the video ‘When Pigs Swim’ (Photo/Howie Sonnenschein)
Today show, The Bachelor, Pop Sugar feature Exuma phenomenon BY DIANE PHILLIPS
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hree years ago when Canadian author and communications specialist Jeff Todd and Bahamian filmmaker Charlie Smith talked about getting together to make a film about the amazing swimming pigs of Exuma, the two friends figured it would be fun to film and might draw a little more attention to Exuma where they both had
connections. “We never dreamed one little video would do what it’s done,” said Mr Todd this week after seeing the numbers of viewers. “The video called ‘When Pigs Swim’ has been viewed more than 1.43 million times by unique viewers, and if you include viewers who have seen pieces of it on shows like Today and The Bachelor, the numbers swell to tens if not hundreds of millions.” Mr Smith, who once hosted a popular show on local Bahamian TV called ‘Electric Air’, was there when NBC’s Kerry Sanders arrived in Staniel Cay, Exuma, with full film crew to do the piece for the Today show that ran in June 2016. “The pigs are so used to people they pay no attention which makes it all that much more natural,” said Mr Smith, now based mostly in Miami. “There are various versions of the story of how the pigs got here but one thing we do know for sure -- once they were here on an otherwise empty piece of waterfront land, they did what any smart animal would do. They went in the water.” They also procreated. While there have been concerns, especially after
several pigs were found dead earlier this year, the population seems to be stable. And so does the interest. Visitors keep coming. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is in the process of establishing regulations and animal rights activists worry that the number of people who swarm the animals for swimming with the pigs’ selfies is putting too much pressure on them. “People, especially in Europe, can’t get enough of the swimming pigs. In the UK, if you mention Bahamas today, it’s not like the old days of someone saying, ‘Oh, the beautiful beaches.’ Now it’s, ‘I have to see the swimming pigs’. It’s been great for tour operators coming out of Nassau as well as those in Exuma and it’s helped fill hotel rooms, for sure,” said Mr Todd, who serves as director of communications for a company and foundation that owns a share of the ultra-luxury Grand Isle Resort in Emerald Bay. It was the owner of that company, Canadian Peter Nicholson, who produced and funded the film. Over the past year, the condo-hotel has reported the highest occupancy levels in its history and Todd thinks the pigs are a big reason why.
NBC’s Kerry Sanders takes a closer look at the amazing swimming pigs of Exuma. His report on the Today show included snippets from ‘When Pigs Swim’. PHOTO BY CHARLIE SMITH/EARTHBEAT FILMS
“We aren’t alone. If you ask any hotelier in Exuma right now, they will say business is booming. And the one thing you can’t miss in Exuma is the swimming pigs,” said Mr Todd. “What makes the film so much fun,” he added, “is the element of surprise. It starts out with this calm, clear, tranquil water and soothing music and then suddenly you are at Big Major Cay and there are pigs in the water swimming staring at you like ‘What are you doing in my space?’ and you are so startled that you can’t help but laugh. And then you can picture yourself swimming alongside them. Life needs a little humour and something that makes us not take ourselves too seriously and I think that’s what the swimming pigs do for us. They put us in our place in the universe.”
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Friday, September 1, 2017
fashion With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt
SPLIT
HIT
SPLIT
FAIL
SPLIT
Katy Perry
Amber Rose
Nicki Minaj
Demi Lovato
Tiffany Haddish
Karin says: “I hate it. In theory it’s a very cool dress, but Katy is just not working it. It looks all lopsided. And it’s a bit too elegant for the VMAs. And I still hate her soccer mom hairdo. She can’t pull it off. And the heavy makeup ages her as well.” Cara says: “Wow, this is a lot of gown. Katy made quite a few statements at the awards, but this gown was her show-stopper. Can we just give a shoutout to Stephanie Rolland who designed this gown, because it is a piece of architecture for sure. I don’t know if I love it, but I really appreciate how well designed it is and how it fits Katy perfectly.”
Karin says: “What a difference a hair colour makes! She’s almost unrecognisable. And while the dress isn’t the most original, she looks very sleek and sophisticated. However, she also kinda fails to stand out in a crowd. Her usual short blonde hair is what makes her unique.” Cara says: “OMG, she looks so elegant. I love everything about this look. The dark lips, the flawless hair and the beautiful detail on the gown. She knocked it outta the park with this one!”
Karin says: “This bubblegum pink latex jumpsuit looks painful to wear (not to mention, sweaty). It’s typical Nicki and VMA appropriate though. For the occasion, I actually think I like, especially when paired with the two-tone shoes and hair. Also, she’s looking tiny these days.” Cara says: “This is just so classic for Nicki that it doesn’t even phase me. This is her style and it’s definitely what we have come to expect from her on the red, or rather blue, carpet.”
Karin says: “I see Demi is bringing back 90s’ genie pants to promote the upcoming live action Aladdin movie (must still be on that Disney payroll). Yeah, those MC Hammer pants are absolutely hideous. Which is a shame, because her hair and lacy (if naughty) top are stunning.” Cara says: “My initial thought out the gate was ‘MC Hammer meets a prostitute wearing pirate shoes’. This is just a huge jumble of mismatched messiness. It is not cute at all.”
Karin says: “OK, this would have worked if it were just one size bigger. The bodysuit underneath is much too visible. She’s looks squashed. However, I love her natural makeup and the messy hair. Not sure it goes with a sparkly dress, but she looks cute.” Cara says: “Well, look at sexy mama. Tiffany is becoming one of the new ‘it girls’ of Hollywood and she is surely making a statement in this figure-hugging sequined lil’ number. Yes, it looks risque, but I think her girly bits remained protected thanks to the lining of the the dress. I love it; the messy up-do and all.”
PHOTOS/JORDAN STRAUSS/INVISION/AP
The Weekend Fashion Report 2017 MTV Video Music Awards
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Friday, September 1, 2017
books
Author Ashley Darling is ‘Beautifully Graced’
Ashley Darling with a fan during the official launch of “Beautifully Graced” at Eleuthera’s Haynes Library.
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
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IVING a Christian life does not exempt one from trials and tribulations. Ashley Darling knows this all too well, and in her first book she writes about wrestling with depression and anxiety during her walk of faith. The 26-year-old wife and mother of two said she is overwhelmed to see her work come to fruition with the release of “Beautifully Graced”. She hopes to touch others with her story, and Ashley said there already have been several women reaching out to her to say they have seen themselves within the pages of the book. “I’m humbled by their responses. It was not my intention to write a book, that was not something that I just sat down and figured I’d do. I was going through a tough time and writing seemed to be the only outlet that I had. The more I wrote on those little pieces of paper, the more relief I felt. I trusted those tear-stained pages because I knew my vulnerability at that time would not be abused or taken for granted. At that time, I needed to write,” she told Tribune Weekend. In the past, Ashley said, she hid her struggles behind the façade of the ‘perfect Christian’. In her book, she speaks about how she felt trapped by expectations and could not confront her own truth. She writes about how she gave it all over to God, the desire to be perfect for mere men, and to allow God’s grace to take over her life in a way that she never had before. The book chronicles her journey to grace, the strengthening of her relationship with God and finding her destiny. A firm believer of God’s unconditional love, Ashley said no matter what broken pieces you may be holding, you are never too far from God. “He is always there to help restore you. Trust me, amazing things happen when grace takes over. Women, saved, unsaved, I want them to know that their life does not end with their current situation. They might be going through so much hurt and feel as if there is no one to talk to, no one they can trust with their truth. Truth be told, sometimes as Christians we lose our way because we put on this façade that we’re so perfect. We’ve never sinned. We’ve never been hurt, and our lives are perfect. But we’re so wrong when we do that. The girl around the corner needs to know
“The girl around the corner needs to know that before you were saved, you messed up and God’s grace pulled you into safety...I want my readers to know that grace is not just for a certain set of people, but for everyone.” that before you were saved, you messed up and God’s grace pulled you into safety. They need to know that they’re not alone. I want my readers to know that grace is not just for a certain set of people, but for everyone,” said Ashley. During this process of writing “Beautifully Graced,” Ashley said she found God had broken down her walls of pride and perfection to the point where was extremely vulnerable and needed Him wholeheartedly. Her brokenness, she said, was sign that she needed His grace. “It said that I needed Him in my life to fix all those shattered pieces. I know what it’s like to feel so lost. I know God to personally be a deliverer. I would not change my journey. I needed this journey, not only to help me, but other women. I started blogging on my website, ashleyjdarling.com, I just want women to know that there is hope in Jesus Christ,” said Ashley. The book launch was held on August 21 in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, at the Haynes Library. The book is now available on Amazon, CreateSpace, from the Logos Book Store in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre and The Bible, Book and Gift Centre in Palmdale.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
podcasts
Shows that help with parenting By STEPHEN HUNT shunt@tribunemedia.net
A
s the long summer wears on and parents start to long for the start of school again, it’s worth noting that there are some great podcasts out there to help them with advice, tips… and sometimes just a way to let off steam. This week, we look at podcasts for parents.
Naptime Radio
Starting out as a show that parents could listen to while their little one had a nap time, this has been around so long now that some of those little ones are now edging into their teenage years. Hosted by hosts Heather and Kate and with regular guests Alli and Andrew, the show chats about all manner of issues regarding parenting – from issues of modesty around the home, such as what amount of clothing parents should wear and when children start to move from running around with no nappy on to feeling a little more self-conscious and covering up, to the judgement of other family members about how your children are being raised. It’s a good chat, and it really does feel like the kind of thing that’s great for blowing off steam, particularly if you’re a parent who doesn’t get out much. There are little news quizzes to remind you of what’s going on in the world, and chat about different projects. It’s not entirely for when young ears are around, but it’s a great escape when they’re not. Issues about parenting featured in news articles are highlighted and by the end of the show, a little over an hour long, you do feel as if you’ve managed to hang out with some other parents and reminded yourself that you’re not alone in dealing with some of the hurdles of family life. Top marks. • Website: www.naptimeradio.com
The Good Dad Project
This is a motivational show, and one that fills a bite-size listening time. The latest show clocks in at just 15 minutes, so it’s ideal for listening to during a car
journey. Aimed at fathers, it hopes to break down the common challenges of fatherhood. As the host, Larry Hagner, says, it’s about creating the best, strongest and happiest version of yourself so that you can help guide your kids to the best version of themselves. The last episode focuses on showing your kids what it means to be a leader. Now that doesn’t involve anything dramatic, but as much as anything living as an example to them. The host talks about showing children how to treat their future wives by treating your own with respect, courtesy and love, and talks about examples such as Olympic ski jumper Eddie The Eagle – a British sportsman whose mother was supportive in his youth and whose father kept telling him he’d never amount to anything. Despite being ridiculed, he achieved his dream of competing in the Olympics – and the host talks about how you can encourage your children rather than stand in their way. I’ll admit some of this is a little light in detail – and some of those details are wrong, such as putting Eddie The Eagle’s Olympic bid in the 1970s rather than the 80s, but the general attitude is a positive one.
I particularly liked the suggestion of including children as you’re working on DIY projects, and looking up on YouTube together how to do them, which teaches the children both how to learn to do something and takes away the fear of the project. Overall it’s a little light, but then a 15-minute show will do that. Bitesized, regular listening will build up the project’s aim. • Website: gooddadproject.com
The Longest Shortest Time
Hosted by ‘This American Life’ contributor Hilary Frank, ‘The Longest Shortest Time’ is the best of the bunch in this week’s review. It looks at parenting in all its forms – and shares, as it says, “stories about the surprises and absurdities of raising other humans – and being raised by them”. The show I listened to focused on parent spies – parents who spy, deliberately or inadvertently, on their children and their activities. The first parent featured in the show does his spying completely deliberately, monitoring his daughter’s texts and joining in conversations using the lan-
guage used by she and her friends – the nicknames and slang that they use. It feels intrusive, because it is. But he and his family seem to find it a way of functioning, and in being open with one another. The second parent found herself finding out her daughter’s secrets by accident – her daughter had signed up to an Apple ID, and her text messages from her phone automatically copied over to the family email address. For months, the mother told her to do something about it to stop them coming through and for months, the daughter said yeah, yeah and did nothing about it. And then one day an e-mail caught the mother’s eye – as it showed her daughter trying to set up a deal to buy some marijuana. The story both mother and daughter go on to tell show a lot about family life, about the assumptions we make of one another in our families as to what we think others might have learned – and ultimately the story brings the two closer together. I think. But then again, the daughter stopped those emails coming through now. • Website: longestshortesttime.com
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Friday, September 1, 2017
gardening
A time for renewal As we come to the end of summer and the start of growing season, Jack Hardy has some tips for first-time gardeners.
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eptember is a greater time of renewal, I feel, than January. Students return to school, where for 10 months they will learn components of human knowledge and be driven to excel through teaching, testing, evaluation, and hopefully experience. September is the last hurrah of summer and the beginning of the satisfactions and frustrations of the growing season for those whose rounded lives include getting their hands dirty and their minds focused on nature and its processes. If you are a beginner in the garden you must start by selecting areas that receive full sun throughout the day and have a fair depth of soil, at least six inches. The ideal vegetable garden is about the size of a large dining table where by getting down on your knees you can reach all points without having to put your feet in the garden and compact your soil. Work your soil over with a spade and add peat moss if your soil is sandy, and commercial cow manure if the soil needs body. If you have access to compost and animal or bird manure to add to
Four garden plots are great because you can use each one for a separate class of vegetables.
your garden, so much the better. Treat your soil to about half a dozen cupsful of 6-6-6 fertilizer and work it in, then leave it to mature while you raise some seedlings to plant. If you have a family to feed you will need more than one table-size vegetable garden. Four gardens are great because you can use each one for a separate class of veggies: tomatoes (peppers, potatoes, eggplants); cabbages (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi); cucumbers (summer and winter squash, zucchini, melons, gourds);p and the rest (carrots, chard, spinach, lettuce, beets). Next season ensure you do not grow vegetables in the same location you grew them this year. The Medieval rotation system still works. Start your seeds in seed trays or small pots for those vegetables that need to be transplanted. Do not rush the process. Move your seedlings from the seed tray to gallon pots of potting mix to develop their root systems. Tomatoes should be 18 inches tall at the time of transplant and pep-
pers just short of the budding stage. Those vegetables that are sown directly into the soil should be planted in grids rather than rows. When sowing seeds for beets, carrots and lettuce I like to press a plastic milk crate into the ground so an imprint like graph paper is formed. This allows you to space your seeds evenly. Space your seeds according to the mature size of the plants. If your lettuces grow to six inches in width, plant them seven inches apart. This is called intensive cultivation, getting the very most from a small space. In order for intensive gardening to succeed you must keep your soil well fertilized and well watered. You must have a hose end sprinkler but fortunately there are small but very efficient metal sprinklers available for under $10 and they are close to indestructible. Water regularly. Daily is too much but three times a week should be fine. Keep the sprinkler in place for about 10-15 minutes in each location. Watering by hand, holding
a hose end sprayer, is almost totally useless to your plants. Reserve this activity for applying liquid fertilizer like Miracle-Gro. Buy hybrid seeds if you are not an experienced gardener. They are reliable and give heavy crops. This may sound silly, but plant only vegetables you like and will eat. Get into the habit of picking your fruits and pulling your roots in timely fashion. For vegetable, younger is usually better. A vegetable garden about two months old is beautiful to behold; thereafter it becomes ragged and gappy as it produces and is used. If you want beauty, grow flowers. The veggie garden is for consumption. Many plants produce better crops when they are picked early and regularly. For everything there is a season. Right now you can start tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, broccoli and other sturdy vegetables that can take heat. Wait until mid-October to plant your lettuce, spinach and salad greens. Wait another month before planting garden peas. Wait until December before planting onions, though non-bulbing scallions can be grown earlier. Early in the new year buy some strawberry plants and raise them in containers. Homegrown strawberries are tastier and sweeter than store bought. A handful of strawberries plucked fresh and eaten as you wander around your yard before heading to work will put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. When the coolest part of winter is over, plant eggplants and watermelons. Keep planting and keep enjoying. One of the great joys of gardening is to have a separate herb garden or to raise herbs in containers. A selection of chives, scallions, leaf celery, parsley, thyme, Mexican tarragon, sage, garlic, Genoese and Thai basil, cilantro, dill, mint, chervil, oregano, lovage, rosemary and so on will season and embellish just about every meal you prepare at home. I realise I have made gardening seem easy and enjoyable but in reality it is hard and enjoyable. There’s weeding as well as watering, and insects that love your veggies just as much as you. If you follow these articles in Weekend over the next few months I’ll try to guide you through the growing season stage by stage. • For questions and comments e-mail j.hardy@coralwave.com
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Friday, September 1, 2017
film
Mark Hamill on Luke Skywalker’s return, losing Carrie Fisher NEW YORK (AP) — When we last saw Mark Hamill in the “Star Wars” saga, he was a mysterious hooded figure on a jagged, remote island off the coast of Ireland. “For a cameo that brief, boy did they make me work,” Hamill jokes. But in “The Last Jedi,” which Disney will release December 15, Hamill plays a much larger role. “Star Wars” will buzz again — 34 years later — with its original hero. Luke Skywalker is back. In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Hamill spoke by phone from Malibu, California. “It’s just the calm before the storm,” he said. “With something like this, it’s almost too high-profile for comfort.” Hamill, though, is a veteran. He’s been living with the glare of “Star Wars” for a long time. “The movie had such an impact, you thought: Oh my gosh, I already know what the first line in my obituary is going to be,” he said. “Which is odd and eerie.” AP: Do you ever reflect on how much your life changed by a simple audition for a funny-sounding science-fiction adventure more than four decades ago? Hamill: The thing is, they got it down to two sets of three: a Han, a Luke and a Leia. There were three other actors, and then Carrie, Harrison and myself. And there was never a mix or a match. You go with one team or another. It’s just weird. I did a TV series called “The Texas Wheelers,” which I thought at the time was really groundbreaking. We got cancelled so quickly, but if that had been a success, I wouldn’t have been able to do “Star Wars.” Fate is a funny thing. Who knew? AP: After all these years, how did it feel to be Luke again? Hamill: A thing that felt maybe wrong about coming back was the fact that the original trilogy had a beginning, a middle and an end. But there’s two ways of looking at that. On the one hand, it had closure. But if you look
Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill return for “The Last Jedi”. at it another way, it’s the story of how Luke went from becoming a farm boy to a Jedi and then the story ends. It would be like telling the story of how James Bond got his licence to kill and became 007, and the story ends. AP: So you had some hesitation? Hamill: When they asked me to come back, it was scary. I thought, “Gee, it was hard to catch lightning in a bottle the first time. I don’t know if this is such a wise idea.” When we left, even if they were going to do a third trilogy, it wouldn’t have anything to do with us. George (Lucas) never said you’re going to do three more. He did mention maybe coming back and doing a cameo and handing Excalibur to the next young hope. This is back when we were doing the first one and I thought, “What is this supposed to be?” AP: Did this feel like a different Luke to you? It sounds as though this is a
darker version of the character that may be unfamiliar to fans and even to you. Hamill: Absolutely. Luke changed, I think, more than the other characters in the original trilogy, from callow farm boy to a Jedi in training to finally a Jedi master. What you’re talking about is what really fascinated me. Between “Return of the Jedi” and “Force Awakens,” there’s just decades of history that’s unknown. So I was wondering how they’re going to handle all this. Now, obviously, with “Force Awakens,” JJ (Abrams) had a full plate. It was inevitable that they would push me down the line. I was sorry I wasn’t able to work with any of the original actors again. But it’s not about us anymore. In this new one, I was saying to Rian Johnson: I need to know my backstory. It was kind of unclear. You read where he is now and what he’s doing now and sort of have to fill in the blanks for yourself. So I did do a backstory myself. It’s not about Luke anymore,
so it’s not really important. But I had to make sense of it for myself. What Rian came up with, I was stunned. AP: Does it feel different to be putting out a “Star Wars” movie without Carrie Fisher, who died in December, and Harrison Ford, who exited with “Force Awakens”? Hamill: It is different. She was irreplaceable. There can never be a proper reunion anymore. It’s tragic. I hate that it adds an air of melancholy to the film because it doesn’t deserve it. I know for a fact she would obviously want us to be having fun. She was all about laughter and enjoying the moment. We’re all sort of having this communal period of grief. In a way, it sort of reflects the movies themselves, which were about triumphs and tragedies. They are about a family — a dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless. By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer
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Friday, September 1, 2017
film
A luxurious movie-going experience
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
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ith a 24-foot screen, state-of-the art sound system and intimate seating, the The Island House (TIH) Cinema strives to offer its guests a special movie-going experience. The luxurious lounge and sofa seating, a relaxing atmosphere, along with offerings of wine and popcorn from the concession stand all serve to set the mood for the perfect date night, a special family outing or a fun girls’ night out. Like The Island House itself, located on Mahogany Hill, the 48-seat cinema has been designed to captivate visitors and local culture enthusiasts alike. Kareem Mortimer, Bahamian filmmaker and curator for TIH Cinema, said it complements the property perfectly. “The Island House Cinema is the brainchild of Mark and Lauren Holowesko. Lauren approached me in 2014 to assist in the vision of having an independent art house cinema that provides the local community with unique programming in a comfortable setting as well as become a place that celebrates filmmakers and filmmaking. I curate
the cinema programmes and I arrange to purchase films from a distributor on behalf of the Cinema,” said Mr Mortimer. While the cinema regularly features both independent Caribbean productions and Hollywood blockbuster movies, such as recent popular picks like “Spider Man: Homecoming”, “Despicable Me 3,”, and the most popular to-date, “Girls Trip,” it also hosts live music, seminar and speaking events. Mr Mortimer said every movie shown at TIH Cinema is carefully considered and hand-picked. Every film, he added, is important within its genre, whether it
be comedy, action or documentary. “The cinema is a constantly evolving place. At the cinema we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver a quality product. We have couches for two with foot rests, extremely comfortable lounge chairs and bean bags. We have a top-of-the-line DCP projector that delivers a crisp image and incredible Meyer technology sound. It is a perfect night with great wine, comfort and dinner later at Shima,” said Mr Mortimer. And the TIH Cinema seems to be a hit with Bahamians. “Now that’s what a cinema should be like – wow, what an amazing experi-
ence,” said one guest on the TIH Facebook page, “Love, love, love the service and atmosphere of Island House Cinema.” “Immensely enjoyed the experience here,” said another, “I’ve never been so relaxed at the movies. Spotless cinema, lovely service and I truly love the unique concession stand. Wine at the movies? Yes, please.” The TIH Cinema team is now gearing up for the second instalment of The Island House Film Festival. The first one was extremely successful and 90 per cent of the screenings were sold out. “We hosted the Bahamian premiere of Maria Govan’s ‘Play The Devil’ as well as hosted actors from around the world including Patrick Decile from ‘Moonlight’. Along with a few blockbusters, TIH Cinema will continue to show family matinees on weekends, Caribbean films and environmental documentaries. Please continue to monitor our website The Island House for updates,” said Mr Mortimer. Showing next at TIH Cinema is Christopher Nolan’s WWII drama “Dunkirk”; “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” starring Samuel L Jackson and Ryan Reynolds; “The Glass Castle” with Oscar winner Brie Larson, and Sofia Coppola’s “The Beguiled”, with Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
literary lives – honoré de balzac
A historian of human nature Sir Christopher Ondaatje takes a closer look one of the greatest novelists of all time, who wrote ‘La Comédie humaine’ (The Human Comedy), a vast collection of novels and novellas examining French society society from from the the French French Revolution Revolution to to the the eve eve of of the the Revolution Revolution of of 1848. 1848.
“I
declare on my soul and conscience, that the attainment of power, or of a great name in literature, seemed to me an easier victory than a success with some young, witty, and gracious lady of high degree.” – Honoré de Balzac, ‘La Peau de chagrin’ (’The Wild Ass’s Skin’) ___________________________________ _____ Photography was probably invented in the mid 1820s by Nicéphore Niépce who succeed-
Honoré de Balzac (1799 - 1850) ed in capturing images on paper. His associate Louise Daguerre went on to develop the daguerreotype process which required far less time – only minutes of exposure. However, 1839 is the date generally accepted as the birth of practical photography when it was introduced commercially. There was then widespread discussion of using it to produce an encyclopaedia of human types, capturing trades, professions and characters in a specific period of time – a far-reaching ambition.
Honoré de Balzac set about doing the very same thing in prose, writing a vast number of novels and short stories collectively called ‘The Human Comedy’. Although he died before completing the work, it nevertheless consists of over 90 pieces of fiction which can be read collectively or separately, and which includes over 2,000 different characters. It is considered to be his masterpiece, causing Balzac to be considered one of the greatest novelists of all time.
Honoré de Balzac was born Honoré Balssa in Tours, France, on May 20, 1799. His father was of southern peasant stock who worked in the French civil service for 43 years under Louis XVI and Napoleon. His mother, however, came from quite a prosperous family of Parisian cloth merchants. His sister seemed to be his only childhood friend. When he was eight years old he was sent to Collège des Oratoriens in Vendôme, studying until he was 14.
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Friday, September 1, 2017
‘The Comédie humaine’ (’The Human Comedy’) consists of 91 finished works (stories, novels or analytical essays) and 46 unfinished works (some of which exist only as titles).
After Napoleon’s downfall, Balzac’s family moved to Paris where he went to school for two years before spending three years as a lawyer’s clerk. His early literary efforts at writing tragic plays were not a success, so the young Balzac turned to humorous historical stories using various pseudonyms. Again not achieving any success, he started publishing and printing. It was a disastrous business experience and in 1828 he ran up debts of over 60,000 francs. Bankruptcy loomed, and despite his incessant toil, and a newly acquired gift of a writing technique, he never recovered from a life of ever increasing debts and financial hardship. Nevertheless, the following year, in 1829, Balzac’s first two novels published under his own name brought him some positive attention. ‘Les Chouans’ was about the 1799 Breton peasant insurrection, and ‘La Physiologie du Mariage’ (’The Physiology of Marriage’) was a satire on marital infidelity. In 1830, ‘Scènes de la vie privée’ (’Scenes from Private Life’) further increased his reputation. “It is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action.”
“(Balzac) had a sympathetic, intuitive capacity to understand and describe other people’s attitudes, feelings and motivations. He was determined to illustrate the relationship between cause and effect, and between social background and character.”
Balzac lived in Paris and tried hard to promote his acceptance as an exuberant literary figure in Paris society. He “borrowed” the armorial bearings of a once noble family and added the honorific particle “de” to his name. He was hungry for fame and fortune. He also had many affairs with fashionable and aristocratic women and spent the five years between 1828 and 1834 wildly spending money that he had yet to earn. He was well received in society but endured a punishing work ethic, usually writing for 16 hours, well into the night with a quill pen and drinking numerous cups of black coffee. In 1832, Balzac met and became intimately involved with Éweline Hańska, a Polish countess who had married an elderly and wealthy Ukrainian landowner. She had written to him, admiring his writings. They agreed to marry when her husband died, and from this point Balzac’s life pursued a courtship by correspondence – ‘Lettres à l’étrangère’ (’Letters to a Foreigner’), which were published after Balzac died. They provide the most important source of information on Balzac’s life and work. “Events are never absolute, their outcome depends entirely upon the individual.” From 1832 to 1835 Balzac worked tirelessly to rid himself of his debts and be in a position to marry Countess Hańska. He was at the peak of his creative powers and produced more than 20 works, including ‘Le Médecin de Campagne’ (’The Country Doctor’, 1833), ‘Eugénie Grandet’ (1833) and ‘Le Père Goriot’ (1835) – one of his masterpieces. He also wrote novellas, short stories and the first two parts of another masterpiece ‘Illusions Perdues’ (’Lost Illusions’, 1837-1843). In the 1830s his philosophical works dealt with mystical, pseudoscientific and other exotic themes, including ‘Peau de chagrin’ (’The Wild Ass’s Skin’, 1831), ‘Le Chef-d’oeuvre inconnu’ (1831) and ‘La Recherche de l’absolu’ (The Quest of the Absolute’, 1834). In all these and other varied works by Balzac he emerged as a superlative observer and chronicler of contemporary French society, his novels unrivalled for their narrative drive and a large cast of vital, diverse and interesting characters and their obsessive interest in and examination
Éweline Hańska, a Polish countess, became involved with Balzac in 1832 and married him in 1850.
of virtually all spheres of life. “There is no such thing as a great talent without great will power.” The year 1834 marked the climax of Balzac’s literary career. because by then he had launched his plan to group his individual novels so that they would comprehend the whole of contemporary society in a diverse but unified series of books. This enormous project resulted in a total of 12 volumes (1834-1837). He continued to write, and in 1840 he came up with the title ‘La Comédie humaine’ and negotiated with a consortium of publishers for an edition of 17 volumes which appeared between 1842 and 1848. He created new works and a definitive edition was eventually published in 24 volumes between 1869 and 1876. In the end a total of over 90 novels and novellas was comprised in ‘La Comédie humaine’. “An unfulfilled vocation drains the colour from a man’s entire existence.” Count Wenceslas Hańska died in January 1842. which renewed Balzac’s hopes of marrying his widContinued on page 24
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The house Balzac bought for Countess Hańska (with her money) in Paris. It was built before the French Revolution by banker Nicolas Beaujon. Continued from page 23
ow. But he was chronically in debt and Countess Hańska resisted his continued proposals. He intensified his literary activity hoping to release himself from his indebtedness – but made little progress. He also had to deal with debilitating bad health. In the 1840s he produced masterpieces like ‘Une Ténébreuse Affaire’ (’A Shady Business’, 1841); ‘Le Rabouilleuse’ (’The Black Sheep’, 18411842); ‘Ursule Mirouét’ (1842), and another masterpiece, ‘Splendeurs et misères des courtesanes’ (’A Harlot High and Low’, 1843-1847). Balzac’s final two works were ‘La Cousine Bette’ (1847) and ‘Le Cousin Pons’ (1847). Visiting Countess Hańska in Wierschownia in the Ukraine in 1847, he stayed until February the next year. He was a very sick man. In the Spring of 1850 the Countess relented and they were married. The couple then went to Paris where Balzac survived a few more months before dying. Balzac is now regarded as the creator of realism in the novel. His powers of observation were exceptional and he had a photographic memory. He also had a sympathetic, intuitive capacity to understand and describe other people’s attitudes, feelings and motivations. He was determined to illustrate the relationship between
Balzac’s grave in the Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris
cause and effect, and between social background and character. In this he succeeded. Honoré de Balzac died on August 18, 1850, and was buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. His long-time friend Victor Hugo delivered the eulogy at his funeral two days later: “The man who now goes down into this tomb is one of those to whom public grief pays homage. In one day all fictions have vanished. The eye is fixed not only on the heads that reign but on heads that think, and the whole country is moved when one of those heads disappears. Today we have a people in black because of the death of the man of talent; a nation mourning for a man of genius ... the name of Balzac will be mingled in the luminous trace our epoch will leave across the future.” NEXT WEEK: A visit to the souks of Marrakech • Sir Christopher Ondaatje is an adventurer and writer resident in the Bahamas. A Sri Lankan-born Canadian-Englishman, he is the author of several books, including “The Last Colonial”. He acknowledges references and quotations from ‘Balzac: A Biography’ by Graham Robb, ‘Balzac and The Human Comedy’ by Philippe Bertault and Wikipedia.
The Tribune | Weekend | 25
Friday, September 1, 2017
history
Changes around Bay Street Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha
A postcard show
ing Bay Street
in 1910
A photo of a horse-drawn water cart from a 1907 postcard. Water carts were used to keep Bay Street clean.
T
he Government Savings Bank, the first bank in the Bahamas, was established in 1835 and the following year it became The Public Bank of The Bahamas. But 50 years later, Government had to raise a loan of £35,000 Sterling to settle the bank’s liabilities, and our first bank closed on March 31, 1886, leaving us without a bank for three years, until The Bank of The Bahamas opened, on Bank Lane, on June 3, 1889. It continued doing business until 1917. The Royal Bank of Canada came to Nassau in 1908, opening on Bay Street with a staff of three, and for nine years there were two banks in Nassau, until the Royal absorbed its only competitor. That was in 1917, the same year that construction was started on the Royal’s new headquarters building, that is now the main branch of RBC Royal Bank. This opened in 1919, and until the 1947
“Bay Street was a snow-white lime-stone road and life moved at a leisurely pace. There were no cruise ships and not many tourists.”
arrival of Barclays Bank DCO.(also on Bay Street), the Royal was the only bank in the entire Bahamas. Seighbert Russell wrote: “The Bank’s initial success was due, in large measure, to the fact that it chose, as its first manager, not only an outstanding business administrator, but one of the most gracious and kindly men the Bahamas has ever produced...Sir George Gamblin. The Gamblin Memorial, on Parliament Street, is evidence of the esteem in which Sir George was held by the community during his lifetime”. Gamblin was a Member of the House of Assembly (in the days before elected legislators styled themselves Members of Parliament) from 1901 to 1924, president of the Legislative Council from 1921 to 1930 and a member of the Executive Council from 1908 to 1930. About pre-war Nassau, Russell said: “In those days, Bay Street was a snowwhite lime-stone road and life moved at
a leisurely pace. There were no cruise ships and not many tourists”. To keep the dust down, the streets were watered from a horse-drawn cart. Bay Street was changing, in more ways than one. On September 6, 1948, we read that, “The Bay Street Garage, which has operated for a considerable number of years, in the rear of Malcom’s Tyre Service (on Bay Street), has moved into its new building, in Dowdeswell Street”. Two weeks later, on September 20, the one-way traffic system was first introduced. Bay Street became eastbound; Shirley Street became westbound. The system was re-versed and greatly expanded when Jimmy Knowles was Minister of Transport in the second FNM government. • E-mail comments and responses to islandairman@gmail.com
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26 | The Tribune | Weekend
section
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The Tribune | Weekend | 27
Friday, September 1, 2017
animals Animal matters Kim Aranha
Animals and the eclipse
A big, fluffy friend By The Bahamas Humane Society
PET OF THE WEEK
PATRICIA VAZQUEZ
L
ast week we experienced an unusual natural phenomenon when we had an 80 per cent eclipse of the sun. Further north, in the United States, they had the total eclipse; for the first time in many years, a total eclipse across the entire continental United States of America. We were in Eleuthera, and I have to admit that it was a bit of a non-event. I was feeling paranoid because I have some vision issues with my right eye and was terribly concerned that I may inadvertently look up to the sky and cause more problems, or worse still, injure the left one. However, in spite of my over-exaggerated caution, I did venture outdoors and actually we went for a long drive to Cape Eleuthera, where lots of things appear to be happening. One of my favourite things about going to Eleuthera (apart from the amazing beaches) is that you can drive and drive and drive…if you drove that far in Nassau you would be going up and around New Providence like crazy. One of the things that many of us were concerned about was the possibility that one of our pets would look skyward and injure their eyes because they would look at the eclipsing sun. After all, nobody told them and they were not provided with glasses, were they? I made sure our dogs were inside the house during the three-hour window that the moon needed to pass in front of the sun. I could not do much about the fresh water terrapins in our garden, but they hang out underwater a lot. Quite a few years ago, a whole lot of years ago in fact, we had what I remember to be a total eclipse here in Nassau, but it certainly was substantial (please, somebody if you remember when this was, let me know). I was out shopping and had just parked in the John S George parking lot in Palmdale (that in itself dates this sto-
O
ne-year-old Jason isn’t sure why he’s still at the Bahamas Humane Society. He’s a little bit fluffy, and fluffy dogs are popular. He’s very friendly, with adults, with kids, with other dogs. He’s even mostly house trained and knows how to sit on command. Jason loves to go for walks and would make a great family dog. Plus, his size makes him a good deterrent for anyone thinking of making mischief around your house. Do you need a super lovable, friendly new family member? If so, then come on in to meet Jason. He’s sure to fit the bill! Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm,
Animals do not need special glasses for a solar eclipse; they instinctually do not look into the sun.
Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or you can call 323-5138 for more information. Jason looks forward to making your acquaintance! • Are you a BHS member yet? The BHS is not a government organisation, and is Nassau’s oldest charity. Funding comes from donations, fundraisers, memberships, sponsorships, the Thrift Shop, and funds raised through the vet clinic. Membership can help make a difference! Come in to the shelter to pick up a form or find out more at www.bahamashumanesociety.com.
ry) when it got kind of dark and all the birds went very quiet indeed. The birds that I could see in the rafters outside the store had tucked their heads under their wings. I guess it was “bed-time”. During that same eclipse, because we knew we could not look at the sun, we rigged up our video camera to point at the sun and film the entire event. Pure ignorance on our part; we “fried” the camera totally – an expensive lesson learned. I have read quite a few articles posted since the eclipse and most of them say the same things. It appears that the zoo animals around the US were more disturbed by the large crowds gathered in the zoos and wildlife reserves than by the total eclipse itself. I read that: The flamingos gathered together as it got darker and assumed the behaviour they would as the sun goes down; it was a short night, though it did not appear to disturb them. Apparently in one zoo the giraffes ran around playing as the moon passed across the sun and more light appeared; their antics being typical of their behaviour in the mornings when dawn breaks. I suppose when you think of it, wild animals are steeped with a vast amount of instinct, most of which we humans have lost because we are “civilised”, but those creatures of nature probably know exactly what to do. Their natural instinct tells them not to look at the sun, and to remain calm and quiet. It is only the humans that flip out over things that animals take in their stride. I have not heard of any animal being affected by the eclipsing sun, and I am quite sure that there were scores of pet dogs and cats left outside during the event in the Bahamas, and they appear to have fared well. Perhaps the reason I was really very disappointed was because it was not a total eclipse and that it was so cloudy. In Eleuthera anyway, it never got darker than overcast. The roads were clear, there was no need for lights and visibility was much the same as it always is. I watched “live” on Facebook from various other spots in the Bahamas and most people were commenting the same thing, “Where is the darkness?” However, it was an experience; it was a positive reason for people to gather for a change. I could hear in the background of the live feeds happy voices and pleasant talk. We need more of that in the Bahamas. In which case, bring on the next eclipse…
28 | The Tribune | Weekend
Friday, September 1, 2017
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