Bahamasair inFlight Magazine - 'The Arts and Entertainment' Issue Oct-Dec 2022

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2022 BAHAMASAIR INFLIGHT MAGAZINE FREECOPY ISSUE ISSUE The The Arts TheJUNKANOOTheJUNKANOOEntertainmentArtsEntertainmentAndAndArtForm...ThePassionArtForm...ThePassionDesigners,Visual,PerformingandCulinaryArtistsRake-n-ScrapeFestival2022YogaandTheArtofWellnessTheArtistSceneinTurksandCaicosDesigners,Visual,PerformingandCulinaryArtistsRake-n-ScrapeFestival2022YogaandTheArtofWellnessTheArtistSceneinTurksandCaicos

Photograph Courtesy Of The Artist Patrice Murrell

AUGUST1,2022EFFECTIVE VATWithholding HowDoesitWork? VATWithholdingisanewprocesswhereagentswillbe appointedtowithhold40%ofVATdueonpaymentsfor certaingoodsandservicestovendorsorsuppliers. NonRegistrant VATWithholdingagentpurchasescapitalgoodsorpaysrentforagovernment officespaceworth$12,000fromanon-registrantnamedJane. JaneprovidestheVATWithholdingAgentwithaninvoiceof$12,000butdoes notincludeaVATcharge(becausesheisunabletochargeVAT). TheVATWithholdingAgentthencalculatestheimputedVATusingthefollowing formula:VATFraction=R/(100+R)R=rateofVAT~(10%). TheimputedVAT,inthiscase,is=InvoiceAmountxVATfraction~$12,000x (10/110)=$1,090.91. TheVATWithholdingAgentdeducts40%oftheimputedVAT($1,090.91x40%= DepartmentonJane'sbehalf.TheagentissuesaVATWithholdingCertificate of$436.36andpaysJane($12,000-$436.36)whichequals$11,563.64. Registrant VATWithholdingagentpurchasescapitalgoodsorpaysrentforagovernment officespaceworth$100,000fromaVATRegistrantnamedJohn. JohngivestheWithholdingAgentaninvoiceof$100,000+$10,000VATfora totalof$110,000. WithholdingagentpaystheinvoiceandissuesaVATWithholdingCertificate intheamountof$4000(whichis40%ofthe$10,000VATdue)andremitsitto theVATDepartmentonJohn’sbehalf. Johnreceives$106,000fromtheVATWithholdingAgentandtheVATWithholding Certificateintheamountof$4,000.HefileshisVATreturnandattachestheVAT WithholdingCertificatetoshowthepaymentmadeonhisbehalftotheVAT Department. FORMOREINFORMATION Website: WWW.INLANDREVENUE.FINANCE.GOV.BS Email: VATWITHHOLDING@BAHAMAS.GOV.BS Telephone: 242.604.8083 SOCIALMEDIA Facebook: DIRBAHAMAS Instagram: IREVENUE242 Twitter: IREVENUE242

HERE'SWHYYOUSHOULDRECONSIDER NOT avatregistrant? AsofAugust1,2022,thegovernment implementedaVATWithholding process,forpayments$10,000orabove where40%oftheVATdue(onstandard ratedsupplies)willbewithheld. AsaVATregistrantyouwillbeableto chargeVATonallinvoicesthatyou issueandbeabletoclaimVATonyour businesspurchases. Asanonregistrant,youdonothave theabilitytoclaimtheVATpaidon yourbusinesspurchases. Asanonregistrant,ifyourpayments are$10,000orabove,VATwillbe imputedontheinvoiceamountand deductedfromthefinalpayment resultinginlessmoniesinyourpocket. FORMOREINFORMATION Website: WWW.INLANDREVENUE.FINANCE.GOV.BS Email: VATWITHHOLDING@BAHAMAS.GOV.BS Telephone: 242.604.8083 SOCIALMEDIA Facebook: DIRBAHAMAS Instagram: IREVENUE242 Twitter: IREVENUE242 THEDEPARTMENTOFINLANDREVENUE

MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF THE BAHAMAS AND MINISTER OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION THE HONOURABLE I. CHESTER COOPER, M.P.

This issue takes a deep dive into diverse facets of the rich and nuanced culture of The Bahamas. Welcome to paradise. Welcome to The Islands of The Bahamas. I am pleased to be amongst the first persons to welcome you to The Islands of The Bahamas, whether you’re visiting us for vacation or business. The options of air connections to our islands are numerous. I am delighted you chose Bahamasair, our country’s national flag carrier. Bahamasair takes special pride in leading the way in connecting our islands to the outside world and inter-connecting the many island destinations within our extensive archipelago. The Islands of The Bahamas are a chain of 700 islands located just 50 miles southeast of Florida. Comprised of 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas is home to a population of upwards of 390,000—a people whose legendary hospitality has earned The Bahamas renowned as one of the world’s friendliest vacationBahamasairdestinations.takespleasure in getting you to and from The Bahamas, and is pleased to offer you Up and Away, our inflight magazine, to introduce you to the wide range of experiences to be savoured on a visit to our destination. This issue of Up and Away is quite special. It takes a deep dive into diverse facets of the rich and nuanced culture of The Bahamas. You’ll be introduced to leading and emerging local creatives who are making their mark on the destination’s cultural landscape, from artists and musicians, artisans, culinary artists, fashion designers, to innovators of Junkanoo craft and theatre culture. This issue will also whisk you away to two of the 16 major island destinations that comprise The Bahamas. Both offer a distinctly different experience. Cat Island is imbued with serenity and celebrated as the capital of rake ‘n’ scrape, a signature music genre exclusive to The Bahamas. Then, there is Long Island, one of our southern islands where a fascinating art scene is emerging. In The Islands of The Bahamas, you are genuinely welcome. Enjoy your stay with us, and come back soon to see more of our beautiful country.

Photo Courtesy of Bahamas Information Services (BIS)

The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation —Honourable I. Chester Cooper, M.P.

The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation up and away5

A TASTE OF THE BAHAMAS

Visit Bahamas.com

Take a tour of 16 unique islands, each with a flavour of its own. From cracked conch and a hand-crafted Bahama Mama, to bold new dishes and cocktails featuring local ingredients, the warmth and authenticity of Bahamian tradition is yours to indulge in.

MESSAGE FROM BAHAMASAIR CHAIRMAN

7

—Chairman Anthony Kikivarakis Sr.

Sit back, relax and enjoy! It is our pleasure to have you flying with us. With great enthusiasm, I am honoured to welcome you to The Islands of The Bahamas. To both our tourists and our residents alike, I thank you for choosing our national flag carrier, Bahamasair, for your trip. This quarter’s Up and Away magazine focuses on arts and entertainment in The Bahamas. I look forward to sharing this issue with you which displays the talents, passions and cultures of our people. Through it, I know you will discover some of the activities that make us unique, and I hope you will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy pieces of our arts and entertainment scene for yourself during your stay or your return. Our national festival, Junkanoo, is undisputedly one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated and spirited carnivals. This exciting street parade, which is also our country’s hottest semi-annual competition, starts with colourful costumes exhibited by our people, while performing exuberant dance routines to the steady and wild beats of whistles, cowbells, horns, and goatskin drums. It starts in the wee hours of the morning and is hosted on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It is a great time for our country’s musical artists, performing dancers, fashion designers, young and old, to come together for months, to prepare, collaborate and showcase their talents in a unified way, although through competition. It’s truly a heart-pumping event not to be missed! The hands of our people are also very good at telling their stories in so many ways. Some of our more traditional art styles in The Bahamas are straw weaving, wood carving, and coral and stone art. Nassau’s Straw Market is a famous place filled with open-air stalls selling hats, purses, ornaments, and souvenirs. Our Family Islands also produce some of the best quality pieces that you’ll ever see! Stop at The National Art Gallery or any of the smaller art galleries in The Bahamas, to check out some moving and stunning art works, including jewellery pieces, designed and created by the incredible minds of our people. Don’t miss your opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind piece for yourself or a loved one. All of our galleries offer worldwide shipping just in case you’re travelling with carry-on only; so, yes, avoid regret and go ahead and grab that Bahamian souvenir that will remind you of your trip. Even our fashion is uniquely Bahamian. Andros offers our national fabric “Androsia Batik” which is 100% made in The Bahamas. All stamps are hand-carved, moulded from sponge and foam, then splashed, painted, stamped and dipped with hot wax before hand-dying in a fleet of specialized bathtubs. Everything dries under the Bahamian sun and the final product is sewn on Andros. The styles range anywhere from island chic to fun and quirky. You will surely find your style.

Photo Courtesy of Mario Nixon Photography Chairman Anthony Kikivarakis Sr. up and away

The hands of our people are also very good at telling their stories in so many ways.

The Bahamas is so rich in culture when it comes to our arts and entertainment, and I hope you enjoy this magazine and know that it’s only a beautiful glimpse into what we offer here. I wish to extend a warm welcome home to our residents and an equally warm welcome to our tourists! Keep in touch with us on our website and our social media pages for the latest news, updates and tips for this and upcoming trips!

All the very best, Anthony Kikivarakis Sr., Chairman of Bahamasair

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

—Capt. L. Roscoe Dames II, JP, Publisher

Photo by Torrell Glinton

Capt. L. Roscoe Dames “ up and away9

Keep your eyes open because art and entertainment in The Bahamas is everywhere!”

Art is an action. It is an expression of thoughts, emotions and personality. It’s the way one communicates what words cannot. In my mind, entertainment is the chosen means to share the way one sees art whether it’s through music, putting paintbrush to canvas, or through a cultural expression. The dynamic duo of art and entertainment run through my veins and define my very being. For more than 40 years, I’ve had my finger on the pulse of all things art and entertainment. I was engaged in the creative process of televised cooking extravaganzas, major festivals in The Bahamas and abroad, audio and video productions, radio shows, and print publications. My love for the pair follows me everywhere I go—and I mean everywhere I go. Over the years, I’ve travelled around the world and collected a unique piece of art that connected me with each destination, and decorated every wall space in my home. Once I identify a piece, I take it home with me. It could be something in a frame or a piece of jewellery—it doesn’t matter. I love the idea of carrying an authentic piece of art from where I’ve visited.

My words do not capture the magnitude of my passion. But when you add these words to the entirety of what is shared in this edition of Up and Away, you’ll get a better picture. You’ll read about Junkanoo – the ultimate Bahamian cultural expression; chat with some of the hottest recording artists to emerge from The Bahamas; listen to a university professor with a knack for music and a long history of blowing and playing conch shells; learn of our theatre culture which is alive and thriving; savour the culinary artists’ passion; see the genius of a few of our Bahamian visual artists and one who is on a mission to unite his community through art because “It Is What It Is”. You will discover the art of wellness and be exposed to yoga at the beginner’s level. May these pages make you see, smell, taste and feel some of the arts and entertainment that The Bahamas has to offer. Keep your eyes open because art and entertainment in The Bahamas is everywhere!Consider this magazine our gift to you. Be sure to share it with your loved ones, too!

up and away11 CONTENTS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2022 ON THE COVER 20 32 42 47 52 62 65 15 Junkanoo: The Art Form … The Passion 20 Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Recaptures Hearts 23 Off the Beaten Path - Bob’s Bar and Eats 25 Visual Artists 32 Yoga and the Art of Wellness 36 Louis & Steen’s Story 37 Designers 42 Long Island: Beauty In The Beholder’s Eyes 46 Pompey Medical Story 47 Bahamas Distilling Company (BDC) 49 Culinary Artists 52 Varadero, Matanzas:Cuba‘Back to nature’ 54 Performing Artists 62 Cat Island: The Height of Tranquility 63 Turks and Caicos – Bring Your Own Creativity 65 The Rich and Robust Culture of Theatre 67 Contributors 23 15 Junkanoo: The Art Form … The Passion Photograph Courtesy Of L. Roscoe Dames

magazine.

Social Media www.upandaway242.com@upandaway242

All rights are reserved and reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of IVORY GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LTD.

october 2022 12 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2022 PUBLISHED BY IVORY GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LTD. FOR ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL’S CONTACT PHONE: 242.427.9871 EMAIL: igmmagazinepublishing@gmail.com WEBSITE: ivoryglobalmanagement.com PUBLISHER Capt. L. Roscoe Dames BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Tara Gordon COPY EDITOR Nasia R. Colebrooke ART DIRECTOR Lourdes Guerra BAHAMAS | USA SALES Ivory Global Management Ltd TURKS AND CAICOS SALES David Newlands BAHAMASAIR Tracy Cooper inFlight Magazine is published quarterly by IVORY GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LTD., for BAHAMASAIR, the National Flag Carrier of The Bahamas.

All opinions expressed in UP and AWAY are solely those of the contributors. Every reasonable care has been taken neither UP and AWAY or its agents accept liability for loss or damage to photographs and material submitted to this Copyright 2022 by IVORY GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LTD. Follow Us On

Photographs Courtesy of Antoine Thompson

By Shavaughn Moss

JUNKANOO: The Art Form … The Passion

The true origin of Junkanoo is unknown, but there are lots of theories. What is known is that the art form’s roots trace back to West Africa.

Junkanoos say the art form that is Junkanoo takes courage. Through Junkanoo, they display their pride and passion, and, in turn, emotion.

Witnessing a parade from the side-lines is again an experience that will resonate with you for the rest of your life.

Passion is the one word that encapsulates perfectly what Junkanoo is and means to a Bahamian. Junkanoo is a feeling that is almost indescribable while at the same time, is unmatched by anything else.

“Junkanoo brings out everything in you,” said Woodside. You have to love it. The spirit and pride of Junkanoo is innate for most Bahamians, and that innateness is then nurtured.

When a Junkanoo hears “let’s go!” the spirit and passion it elicits in Junkanoo participants speaks to spirit and passion.

T

It’s a Bahamian cultural dance and music celebration that is unique to The Bahamas and one Bahamians are passionate about.

Miller said Junkanoo is whatever a person imagines it to be.

“Anyone can be taught to play the rhythm, and how to cut the paper, build, design and trick-out the costumes but that innate love for the art form and the passion … that can’t be purchased or taught.

Then, there are the colourful, beautifully constructed costumes that the Junkanoos took months to complete, that leave you in awe.

For Quentin “Barabbas” Woodside, proprietor of Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre, when he knows that it’s “go time”, as he references it, he said the spirit hits for this friendly “war” and that he’s ready to conquer. That passion is likened to a “spirit” evident in the fact that Junkanoo music gives participants an energy that is indescribable. It gives them the energy that enables them to lift a 55-gallon drum and slowly “rush” along the parade route through the city centre, traversing Bay Street, Rawson Square and Shirley Street, and not feel the drum’s weight.

Junkanoo is also unique—in that not many people can pick up that 55-gallon drum and do what Junkanoos do, for as long as they do, and in costume, to boot. Junkanoos transcend the physical; when rushing, they are literally in a different head space and mood.

Junkanoos elicit the goosebumps of excitement that says it all and speaks to the art form that is a kaleidoscope of colours and sound.

The major Junkanoo parades take place on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) as well as New Year’s Day, although Junkanoo parades are riddled throughout the year, where some are celebrated on Bahamian Independence Day (July 10), during the summer, and for other small holidays, so you’re bound to find one kicking off somewhere, no matter the time you visit.

Avid Junkanoo, Dion Miller, likens the feeling he gets for a parade as one of Before“excitement”.aparade, he said, there’s a great sense of nervousness amongst all Junkanoos because they want to perform well. But when they get on the parade route and the music starts, the nerves calm and the feeling morphs into one of euphoria, pride, excitement, and joy.

A true Junkanoo lives and breathes Junkanoo. For Junkanoos, the celebration is a way of life. Do not make the mistake of calling Junkanoo a hobby, because this art form really and truly transcends into the realm of passion for Junkanoos.

“The passion of the music when it hits you … it puts you in a different mood,” said Woodside. “That’s passion!”

Combine the costumes and choreographed dancing with the toe-tapping, body swaying, sweet Junkanoo beat and you have Junkanoo—a feast for the eyes and ears.

The street parade celebration known as Junkanoo transcends all walks of Bahamian life no matter colour, creed, religion, or financial status. Bahamian prime ministers have been known to take to the streets for this expression that is a celebration of culture and history on Bay Street and throughout the Family Islands. Arguably, no other festival gives a Bahamian that feeling of passion and pride the way Junkanoo does.

october 2022 16 he pulsating, heart-pumping beat of the drum resonates within the soul. Baritone and sweet brass sounds so rich, they’re intoxicating. Rhythmic sounds of cowbells and whistles. When combined, the sound of the drums, cowbells, brass horns and whistles blended harmoniously to produce the soul-stirring sound that is Junkanoo that ignites an almost indescribable passion. This is Junkanoo!

More recently, Sankofa Flamingo, based in The Bahamas, which is dedicated to historical education, is debunking the legend as it is known after having visited Ghana and the origins of Junkanoo which he said is a word that has evolved from Jan Kwaw I, Junkanoo’s first patron and the festival’s namesake, whom they say was not a slave.

“All of this has to happen for it to come together.”

The process to getting prepared for a parade starts with Junkanoos gathering around the table with their ideas, and deciding on a theme for their group before the different artists go to work to bring the theme to life.

october 2022 18

“When we see the flat cardboard, we want to see that in 3D and we have to wait patiently for the builder to build, so everyone has to have patience.”

For decades, Bahamians ascribed to the popular legend which said the name originated from John Canoe, an African tribal chief, and the West African John Canoe Festival, originated in The Bahamas around the 17th century as a masquerade. Slaves with their faces hidden under a flour paste celebrated on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas). Later, flour paste was replaced by wire masks held on a stick. The Junkanoos blew bugles and horns, and beat on goatskin drums. In the late 1920s, when sponging was big business in The Bahamas, many Junkanoos covered themselves in sea sponges. By the mid-1930s, the entire costume was fringed. The costumes were fringed, not in cloth, but by newspaper, then multi-coloured crepe paper.

JUNKANOO: THE ART FORM … THE PASSION

Despite the late nights in the “shack” (the space used to decorate Junkanoo costumes) preparing for a parade, ensuring that every costume is tricked-out, and the frenetic energy in the final days and hours to a parade leaving the gate, Junkanoos said the orderly chaos soothes the mind and calms the Junkanoo’s heart.

Junkanoos have to put the big drum they have to carry to tune in order to coax sounds out of it, and have to put it to a fire to do so; putting it to fire means they have to wait—it takes 45 minutes to a little over an hour for a drum to fire up.

“You’re getting set for either practice or ‘war’ and you have to practice it first.

It all adds up to discipline, patience and passion.

Every time we line up in our position, that’s the line-up you’re going to go to Bay Street with your costume on, so when you have to go to ‘war’, you have to take that same spot you practice all year.

The art form, Woodside said, also builds discipline. When the artist puts the colour in, the colour can’t change and the Junkanoo has to be disciplined for what is there.

It also takes discipline to go through the months of practice Junkanoos need to prepare. And it takes patience and passion to condition the body for the two major parades at Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

As for the art form, many different perspectives come into play to bring these amazing master pieces to life—from carving, to building, pasting and theatre.

The words “let’s go!” will be even more meaningful for Junkanoos for the major parades to end 2022 and ring in 2023, which will allow them to showcase their innate pride, spirit and passion, after the cultural art form was side-lined for a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Junkanoo knows the minute they hear the beat of the drum, the licking of the cowbell and those sweet horns that their Junkanoo spirit will automatically kick in. UA

Costumes are set up on paper first before they are brought into reality.

Whatever its origin, Woodside describes Junkanoo as more than just passion and spirit, but an art form that also evokes patience and love.

At practice, they have to line up in their position; nothing is ad hoc or left to chance.

While Junkanoos are passionate about the art form, there are Bahamians who do not participate, but who are still as passionate and wait to see what their favourite group brings to Bay Street (in the Bahamian vernacular, Bay.) So, the passion is also evident in diehard Junkanoo fans.

Junkanoos begin practicing for parades in April of any given year—two months before the Bahamian Labour Day holiday, the first Friday in June, annually, which Junkanoos said is key heading to Bay Street, as costumes are already in the shack and practices have begun.

“I enjoyed being around the doctors at Cancer Treatment Centers of America because, not only do they educate you, but they give you a sense of hope. They focus on mind, body and spirit.”

Pamela R. Breast Cancer Patient

If you or someone you love has cancer, please call toll-free 242-601-0006 to speak with an International Oncology Information Specialist, available 24 hours per day, or visit cancercenter.com/international for more information.

EXPERT CANCER CARE FOR BAHAMAS PATIENTS

When you choose one of our five U.S.-based hospitals, we guide you and your family every step of the way, starting with a 3-5 day initial evaluation to develop your personalized cancer treatment plan. A team of clinicians will work together to provide treatments combined with evidence-informed supportive cancer care therapies designed to help manage side effects, boost your energy and keep you strong during treatment. Your plan may include treatments like chemotherapy, surgery and radiation with supportive therapies like pain management, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, naturopathic and spiritual support.

© 2019 IPB

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Comprehensive Cancer Care Network we understand that cancer is a complex disease, requiring you to navigate insurance coverage, travel arrangements, medical records and other unanticipated needs. Our international team is committed to helping you handle these logistics so you can focus on what’s important to you—your health.

The festival is an all-Bahamian concert and features the battle of the rake ‘n’ scrape bands, quadrille dancing, down home Bahamian food and eye-catching arts and craft.

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting, who is responsible for festivals and homecomings, said it was an honour to have Cat Island lead the reopening of festivals in the country. “It’s an honour to be here to experience the culture of the Rake ‘N’ Scrape Festival and to be here with Bahamians, and with persons from abroad who have travelled so far to engage in what we are as a people,” he said. “Festivals amplify our culture and enhance the economies throughout the Family Islands and we are honoured to show our support.”

Cat Island Rake Scrape‘n’

“These persons kept the music alive. But one of the Bahamian artists who synthesized the music would be the late Ronnie Butler and, so, we owe a great debt to him,” Isaacs said in an interview.

According to past President of the Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Association Sidney Issacs, the music dates to slavery times.

october 2022 20

By Kendea PhotographsSmithCourtesy Of Kemuel L Stubbs

fter a two-year hiatus, many Bahamians were overjoyed when Prime Minister Philip Davis announced that the Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival would return, and the festival was well worth the wait.

“I want to welcome each and every one of you to the restart of festivals and I want you to enjoy yourself, and that we are coming together as we are does something for all of us,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis, who is a proud son of Cat Island, was elated to open the festival officially.

“Festivals are key to showcasing our culture. The Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival is a staple for Cat Island and I am so happy that we are back face to face to be able to share what we have with the world.”

Angelique McKay, responsible for the portfolio for homecomings and festivals within the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, also shared her excitement for the festival.

He noted the Stubbs family in Cat Island has kept the tradition alive, along withIsaacsothers.said the melodious music of rake ‘n’ scrape became popular as it travelled throughout many local clubs in Nassau.

Some of the noted artists featured at this year’s festival held June 2-6 included Ira Storr, Fanshawn, Ebony, Elon Moxey, Blaudy, Bo Hog and the Rooters, Geno D, Jammin Rahming, Lassido Boys, Ophie and the Websites, Papa Smurf, Veronica Bishop and Yogi.

Blaudy at the Festival

Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival is held every year during the Labour Day weekend in Arthur’s Town. It is one of the most authentic Bahamian festivals because it spotlights rake ‘n’ scrape—the heart and soul of Bahamian music.

Fanshawn at the Festival

Recaptures Hearts

Rake ‘n’ scrape was coined by the late Sir Charles Carter during the 1960s. It is unlike any other music in the world because the saw is used as a musical instrument along with the accordion and drums.

A

Christopher Fountain, who travelled from Eleuthera, also spoke about his enjoyment at the festival. “It’s amazing and I just love the vibe I get whenever I come to this festival,” he said. “I have been coming for many years and I know that I always enjoy myself. I plan on coming every year.”

“The Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival is one of those signature festivals for the country and this festival draws so many persons – Bahamians from Cat Island, lovers of Bahamian culture and rake ‘n’ scrape music flock to the island. Domestic tourism is through the roof, and it is something that we realize is needed in the Family Islands. We are in the process of trying to empower Family Island persons to add additional festivals to their island,” she said.

UA Geno D at the Festival Performers at the Festival Performers at the Festival CAT ISLAND RAKE ‘N’ SCRAPE RECAPTURES HEARTS

Charmaine Ferguson, who flew from New Providence, told Up and Away what the festival means to her. “I love to hear authentic Bahamian music and the food is always good. I am just happy to be here with friends,” she said.

october 2022 22

There are over 80 festivals and homecomings on an annual basis. “We do have the capacity to add more,” McKay added. “We’re going to be doing workshops to assist them in best practices for festival development and I have whispered in the minister and prime minister’s ears to make The Bahamas the boutique festival capital of the world based on the number of festivals that we do Therehave.”were numerous ways for people to get to Cat Island and many of the hotels were at capacity.

Of David Newlands

Bar And Eats Original Bar Area

Area

Meatball Sliders and Sweet Potato Fries OFF THE BEATEN PATH ‘BOB’S BAR AND EATS’ OF TURKS AND CAICOS

Bob’s Bob’s Bar Interior Bar Filo Wrapped Brie and Arugula Salad

B By David PhotographsNewlandsCourtesy

And Eats

up and away23 oasting the stunning scenery of Cooperjack Bay, with an excellent view of the setting sun, Bob’s Bar and Eats is often called the best kept secret in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The restaurant is located at the tail end of Venetian Road, at the South Side Marina, miles away from Gracebay. This now-iconic destination comes from humble roots as it started as a friendly gathering place for local legend Bob Pratt’s Pot Lucks. Over time, the potluck and barbecue grew in popularity, which eventually inspired Bob to turn it into a permanent establishment.

Bob, who originally came to Providenciales to manage Third Turtle Inn (one of the original hotels on the island) in 1978, decided to purchase land on the island’s South Shore, which would eventually become South Side Marina, as a place where he could dock his boat. This land became the place where Bob would host his potlucks and barbecues and eventually build the bar. In 2014, what we now know as Bob’s Bar was built and opened as a part of the development of South Side Marina. While the establishment came from humble beginnings, things entered full swing when Bob leased the bar space out to a restaurateur that owned one of Providenciales’ luxury dining destinations, The Opus, allowing it to grow into the now-legendary Bob’s Bar and Eats.

Built atop a hill in the Juba Sound settlement, the restaurant is in proximity to Cooperjack Bay and shares its views. The venue is entirely outdoors, except for the kitchen and restrooms, and allows guests to experience the cool sea breeze and beautiful vistas which remain unparalleled by any dining institution on the island. Given its high vantage point, diners are treated with a full scope of the island’s southside views, ranging from the edge of Long Bay to Five Cays and South Dock, as well as the romantic opportunity of dining under the stars at night.

The unique menu offers a selection of pub favourites with the chef’s special touch, which helps it stand out in the highly competitive dining scene of the islands. While the menu is not particularly extensive, all the meals it offers can easily be praised for their quality, originality and presentation. Among the most popular items on the menu, guests can indulge in the traditional Québec staple of Poutine, though at Bob’s, it is far from the conventional version consisting of French fries, gravy and cheese curds—thanks to the chef’s touch. Here is where diners get to experience first-hand what ‘made with love’ truly means.

Tonkatsu Poutine

The dining experience is accompanied by entertainment on certain nights from these friends. Wednesday, their busiest day, has become a must-go event, as the ‘Bar Band’ plays songs throughout the night—and makes it worth a visit even if you are not hungry. Given the restaurant’s impressive story, intrinsic roots within the island’s local communities, and its excellent dining and entertainment options, Bob’s Bar and Eats should definitely go on your bucket list of things to do while visiting Providenciales, whether you want to enjoy the unique cuisine, experience the entertainment scene, or simply want to have a great view of the sunset while enjoying a drink. If you want to know more about the bar, or see the full menu, be sure to visit their website at www.bobsbarandeats.com.

Offering a unique blend of traditional dishes elevated with ingredients inspired by famous global dishes, guests get to experience eclectic riffs on dishes such as the ‘Chicken Tonkatsu Poutine’ which blends the traditional Japanese crispy chicken, along with its signature sauce, into the dish. Other ‘must-have’ dishes are the various flat breads, offering unique blends such as the ‘El Ranchero’ (my personal favourite), covering the dough with Pomodoro sauce, smoked meatballs, chipotle carnitas and cotija cheese, offering a unique Mexican flare to the traditionally Mediterranean and Arabic dish. While the menu offers these, and many more amazing dishes, Bob’s Bar offers more than food – it also offers a special community. Though Bob leased out the space, he can often be found at the restaurant in the evening, along with many of his friends who are welcoming to newcomers and regulars alike.

october 2022 24

UA

By Yolanda Hanna

up and away25

Photographs Courtesy Of The Artist

S

Jacobs holds a BFA in Fine Arts Education from University of The Bahamas, and she has received international attention selling and exhibiting her works on a global scale. She uses her platform to share her unique message and to uplift and inspire her fellow Bahamian people. UA Bloom, 2019 Melanin Absorbs Light, 2018

When the woman contacted Jacobs, she told Jacobs about her recent cancer diagnosis and the fear she felt about undergoing chemotherapy. She was fearful about losing her hair but when she saw Jacobs’ art, she felt inspired by the words on the canvas and she offered to buy the piece.

VISUAL ARTISTS

‘Domonique Jacobs is a caterpillar who transformed into a butterfly’

The woman saw one of Jacob’s creations hanging in a restaurant in downtown Nassau, and she was so moved by the artwork that she requested to meet the artist who created it.

This was a huge turning point for Domonique Jacobs—she started to regain her confidence and continued to develop her skill. Nowadays, the contemporary artist continues to incorporate mixed-media elements with traditional techniques in her unique style of art.

The piece she fell in love with was called “Affirmations”. It was inspired by bible verses in Proverbs 31 and Jacobs used braided hair on a canvas to spell out different affirmations based on a virtuous, God-fearing woman. She created the piece to motivate herself to overcome the feelings of doubt she was experiencing at that time. Jacobs decided to be bold, step outside her comfort zone and share her work with the world, so she decided to hang her art inside the restaurant.

It took an encounter with a woman diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 to convince Jacobs that her art mattered.

Domonique Jacobs Bfly by Design

he represents metamorphous. She struggled to embrace her identity as a visual artist and a hairstylist because varying opinions insisted that her two passions should not be merged or coexist. This caused Jacobs to question her God-given talent. As a result, her confidence and self-esteem diminished from the scrutiny she received from being different.

october 2022 26 Goddess Of The Sea, 2017 The Mermaid Collection Stickers Sisters, 2021 (Comissioned Work) Untitled, 2022

By Yolanda PhotographsHannaCourtesy Of The Artist

Ubani was confined to a bed for one year following that accident. She couldn’t walk and her doctors were uncertain if she would regain the ability to fully walk again. So, what did Ubani do? She painted and immersed herself in her art. When she was able to walk again, Ubani took a job that distracted her from the very thing that motivated her to walk again—her art. She was unhappy, and her unhappiness led to the decision to leave her 9-5 job and become a fulltime artist. And although the COVID-19 pandemic began shortly after she left her job, she had no regrets and has never looked back.

up and away27

he is a Bahamian multi-disciplinary artist of Nigerian and Barbadian descent living and working in Nassau, Bahamas. Ubani embraced art as a child, studied art in college, and acknowledges that she was fortunate to have the support of her family every step of the way on her journey as an artist. When a serious car accident restricted her mobility, it was her love for art that kept her motivated and inspired her to make the decision that changed her life.

Deime’ Ubani ‘Art found Deime’ Ubani’

S ‘Speechless’ Mixed Media on Wood ‘What’s The Difference ...’ Mixed Media on Wood VISUAL ARTISTS

Ubani’s work can often be seen at Sixty 2 Sixty Art Gallery in Nassau. UA Deime’ Ubani is happy and fulfilled. She refers to herself as an “everything artist”; her mixed heritage influences her love of colour and use of varying mediums—acrylics, oil pastels, oil stains, magazine clippings, wood, canvas, found objects and epoxy resin.

october 2022 28

Nostalgic

What’s The Difference...

She loves working with bright colours; she thinks out of the box; her work meshes the gap between time, effects and memory, and she uses these components to highlight her Bahamian-Nigerian heritage. And although she works in varying styles, she prefers abstract art because it allows her to be expressive and free flow without limitations. Her advice to emerging artists is to stay motivated, keep pushing and to educate themselves about different cultures and techniques.

Bloom Together Whole Chicken

And now that he is an art instructor to our nation’s youth, he has come across a lot of amazing talent in the classroom, and he feels obligated to do all that he can to encourage the students to hone their skills and appreciate their gifts.

A Matthew Wildgoose In Studio

Matthew Wildgoose has clearly been busy. The paintings he created for the exhibition were all inspired by biblical scriptures and prophecies related to what has been happening in the world. He has yet to decide on a name for the exhibit, but he felt that there was so much going on that he needed to step to his canvas to “talk” about it.

‘The magic from that warm smile and joyful spirit’ ARTISTS

up and away29

He has been frequently contracted for murals and private pieces, his IIWII Sip & Paint sessions are extremely popular, and he was even invited to host a Sip & Paint this past summer at the Coconut Grove Bahamian Goombay Summer Festival.

Wildgoose assures his students that when they elevate their skills to be the best, the money will come.

Matthew Wildgoose

UA

lot of things have happened since we interviewed visual artist Matthew Wildgoose two years ago for the Up and Away January-March 2021 issue. It was post-Hurricane Dorian and pre-COVID19; Grand Bahama Island was in full recovery mode, COVID-19 had not yet entered our vocabulary, and Wildgoose discussed his childhood, influences, new art gallery and career as a full-time artist.

Fast forward to 2022, Wildgoose is now an art teacher at Bishop Michael Eldon High School in Freeport; his It Is What It Is (IIWII) art gallery in Port Lucaya Marketplace, Freeport is still going strong, and he has created new paintings for an exhibition he is launching at his gallery late this year.

VISUAL

Wildgoose has six new paintings ready to display, and he has seen that an appreciation for art has grown steadily within the community over the past two years.

He acknowledges that Dorian and the pandemic have made an impact on him. One big change he has noticed – he now paints more.

By Yolanda PhotographsHannaCourtesy of AYU Photography

He often gives advice to students interested in pursuing art as a career. He explains to them how important it is to focus on the talent that comes naturally to them, and he motivates them to stay focused on what they do best.

october 2022 30 ‘Slave Girl’ Entrance to ‘It Is What It Is’ Art Studio in Port Lucaya ‘Untitled’ ‘You Will See It No More’

By Alexandra ‘Bahayogi’ Kaufmann

Now, Yoga is being practiced as an additional healthcare practice. As a result, the number of Yoga practitioners continues to rise tremendously. Yoga practice is considered a panacea for a meaningful life and living. Moreover, its orientation to comprehensive health, both individual and social, makes it a worthy practice for people of all religions, races and nationalities. From ancient times to the present, millions and millions of people have benefited from yoga practice, which was preserved and promoted by teachers and practitioners of the art of Yoga.

If you’re looking to dive into wellness with a Yoga practice, give this beginner’s yoga sequence a try!

october 2022 32 YOGA AND THE ART OF WELLNESS

Wellness is multidimensional. More than just the physical, we also need to focus on the spiritual, emotional, social and environmental nuances on our path to optimal well-being. The spiritual pillar of wellness is not necessarily rooted in religion or faith (unless you choose) but more in the search for meaning and purpose of human existence. The active process of spirituality includes developing Metta. Metta, commonly used in the philosophy of Yoga, is the Buddhist concept of loving, kindness, compassion, understanding and love for yourself, others, and your surroundings. You can achieve this through meditation, prayer, volunteer work, and scheduling time for rest and reflection.

Photographs Courtesy Of Elijah Sands n a 2015 National Health Interview Survey, 94% of people who practice Yoga said they invited Yoga into their life for wellness reasons and felt a better quality of life after doing so. With their newfound wellness lifestyle, thanks to Yoga, over 85% reported reduced stress, over 60% were motivated to exercise regularly, and over 40% were encouraged to eat healthier. With that said, what is wellness? And why is it important? Let’s dive into it. Wellness is a form of self-expression—an art. Visualize your life as a blank canvas—with the right tools, you can create a masterpiece that brings you lifelong joy and fulfilment. World Health Organization (WHO) defines wellness as “the optimal state of health” and expresses it as “a positive approach to living”. Although commonly used interchangeably with “health”, the difference between health and wellness is that health is the goal, and the latter is the journey to achieving it. Long-term health is dependent on your connection and understanding of wellness. Our wellness directly influences our overall well-being, which is essential for living an authentic, happy and fulfilled life.

I

The emotional pillar encompasses the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance. When we are emotionally sound, we are equipped to deal with stressful situations and are more likely to live through a lens of empathy. Some ways to support your emotional health are keeping a journal, practicing gratitude and breathwork, and seeking a therapist.

Are you looking for a medium of wellness to help you master peace? Yoga is a holistic and integral science of life that helps with your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. A holistic and comprehensive approach to health and wellness makes Yoga an ideal module for creating an optimal life. Through Yoga, we can strengthen and develop positive health, thus reaping many benefits such as increasing energy levels, awareness and intuition. Studies show Yoga has a more significant impact on enhancing mood and reducing anxiety than other forms of exercise. The reason? Yoga boosts the brain’s chemical GABA levels, which help calm nerves. Yoga “health insurance” is achieved by normalizing the perception of stress, optimizing the response to it and releasing pent-up tension effectively through various Yogic practices. In other dimensions of wellness, Yoga helps with balance, strength, flexibility, deepening personal spiritual connections and creating community.

The social and environmental pillars of wellness focus on our impact on society and nature. We tend to be much happier when we form deep connections with our family and friends, and involve ourselves within our community. Awareness of our role in improving our natural environment and finding ways to maintain it can also significantly increase our well-being. Tune into these dimensions of wellness by spending time with family and friends, joining your community initiatives and setting healthy boundaries.

Lastly, the physical pillar of wellness emphasizes the importance of movement, nutrition and overall physical awareness. This pillar also expands on the importance of appreciating your body from the inside out. Heavy on self-care and self-love! With so many modes of movement, take time to explore the world of exercise to find what speaks to you. Exercise stimulates a healthy mind and body. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle by increasing physical activity in your everyday life, such as walking, cycling and practicing Yoga. Eating a balanced diet, drinking sufficient water and getting adequate sleep are great ways to promote physical wellness.

2. Settle in. Soften your face and lower your shoulders. Sit up tall and root your sit bones into your mat.

1. Start from a tabletop position. Reach your hips to your heels and extend your arms in front of you.

2. Rest. Rest your forehead on your yoga mat and relax your neck. For added comfort, consider placing a blanket, bolster, pillow or your hands beneath your forehead. Close your eyes and relax your jaw.

Child’s Pose, Balasana

up and away33 Easy Pose, Sukhasana

3. Lift the upper body. Press firmly into the palms of your hands and forearms and lift your upper body. Create space between your neck and shoulders and reach forward through the heart. Keep your gaze neutral and press yourself up to your comfort level.

2. Walk forward with your fingertips and bring your chest onto the mat.

2. Widen your stance. Keeping your knees together, slide your feet slightly more than hip-width apart. Press the tops of your feet flat onto the floor.

Cat/Cow Pose Marjaryasana/ Bitilasana

1. Lie on your stomach. Place your elbows directly underneath your shoulder blades.

5. Straighten your back. Balance your body weight across the sit bones and press the buttocks into the floor, mat or blanket.

2. Inhale. Lower your stomach to your mat as you lift your chin and chest, and gaze up toward the ceiling. Broaden across your shoulder blades and draw your shoulders away from your ears.

1. Start on your knees. Kneel with your shins on the floor, thighs perpendicular to the ground and knees together.

12 345 76 YOGA AND THE ART OF WELLNESS

4. Roll your shoulders. Roll your shoulder blades away from your ears, lengthen from the tailbone and lift your sternum proudly. Rest your palms face down or up on your thighs.

2. Press firmly into the legs. Root the tops of your feet into the mat and engage your kneecaps and quadriceps.

2. Cross your legs. Slowly cross the legs at the shins, with one leg on top of the other.

3. Lower to the floor in the space between your feet. If your calves are in the way, use your thumbs to pull your calf muscles toward your heels gently. If your bum isn’t reaching the floor, place a yoga block between your calves for additional height and support.

3. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath into your nose and count to four. Hold for a four count. Exhale through the nose for a count of four. Continue for four rounds.

Breathwork, Pranayama

Hero’s Pose, Virasana

Sphynx SalambaPose,Bhujangasana

6. Soften the neck and gaze ahead.

3. Lift your hips high toward the ceiling, open the chest and bend the back. Aim to stack hips over your knees.

1. Start in a seated posture. Bring one hand to your stomach and the other to your chest.

Puppy Pose, Uttana Shishosana

SEQUENCEYOGABEGINNER

3. Exhale. Draw your belly to your spine and round your back toward the ceiling. Spread your shoulder blades across your upper back. Release the crown of your head to your mat.

3. Widen your knees. Then position each foot beneath the opposite knee (cross-legged).

1. Start from a tabletop position. Come to your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Point your fingertips to the top of your mat. Place your shins and knees hip-width apart.

4. Relax your arms. Place your hands on the knees with your palms down or bring your hands together at your heart centre.

1. Start in child’s pose or tabletop and bring your knees together.

1. Start from a seated position. Sit on a yoga mat, blanket or bare floor with your legs extended outward.

2. Stand tall. Draw your shoulders down and back. Shine through the crown of your head.

1. Lie on your stomach. Extend your legs and firmly root through the tops of your feet. Bring your legs to a hip-width distance.

3. Begin to lift your upper body. Press through the hands to lift the upper body and first come into a low cobra. Ensure that you are not pressing too much weight in your hands because you want to focus on strengthening the lower back muscles to lift gently.

3. Keep a slight bend to the knees. When you’re ready, you can begin to straighten out your legs but do not lock out your knees.

2. Bring your hands underneath the shoulder blades. Hug your elbows into your sides. Prepare to lift your upper body and head.

3. Bring your hands to heart centre. Close your eyes and settle in. UA

1. Start in tabletop. Walk the palms just out in front of the shoulders. Spread your fingers and root the backs of your knuckles and the circumference of your palms into your mat. 2. Raise up and back. Ground down into the palms, raise your knees off the mat while shifting the stomach toward the thighs. Lift the hips high as the legs straighten. Keep toes pointing forward. Create an inverted V posture with your body.

Downward Facing Dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana

4. Look slightly forward and up. Keep your gaze neutral but slightly facing up. Ensure the back of your neck is long to ensure proper spinal alignment.

october 2022 34

Low Cobra, Bhujangasana

4. Look towards your navel or gaze to your kneecaps.

1. Start standing. Place your feet parallel to each other; big toes come to touch with a sliver of space between your heels. Root through the four corners of your feet.

Mountain Pose, Tadasana

8 9 10 TheincludingwithTakeconnectedstayyourtalk,textanddatayouinover100countriestheUS,Canada&Caribbean.onBayandBeyond #JunkanooIsAlivScan here for more bealiv.cominformation

up and away35 S e r v i c i o e n E s p a ñ o l

Savour our unique brands & locations: Louis & Steen’s | Market Orléans, a French New Orleans Micro Food Hall & Specialty Market and Louis & Steen’s | Xpresso Bar at RUBiS Gladstone, an Express ‘Grab & Go’ Specialty Coffee Experience, featuring the best in Swiss Automation—a first of its kind in the region.

As observers, you might have become acquainted with Louis and Earnestine “Steen” via our specialty coffee; Cajun-Creole dishes; exceptional customer service; and friendly, family-focused environment. However, for the Louis & Steen’s team, Louis and Steen were much more than our address, products and services—they were our family; our parents and grandparents who we knew lovingly as “Daddy and Ma”. Our mother, Joyce Marie-Carter Russell, daughter of Louis & Steen’s, passionately introduced us to the world of Cajun-Creole food and specialty coffee café culture. We established a brand that is an extension of our New Orleans heritage, and the culmination of many fond memories, occurrences and values that were a part of our early lives and instilled in us by the very namesake of our brand.

ouis & Steen’s New Orleans Specialty Coffee Company is the first specialty coffee brand in The Bahamas, serving the world’s highest quality coffee in accordance with Specialty Coffee Association Regulations and Guidelines. We are the number one TripAdvisor-rated coffeehouse and number three restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas. We pair our brews with delicious third-generation Cajun-Creole recipes.

Louis & Steen’s has been featured as one of Nassau’s ‘Top Spots’ by Condé Nast Traveller UK, The Culture Trip, Cooking Channel, CNN, AFAR Magazine, HGTV: House Hunter‘s International, Men’s Journal, and more.

Louis & Steen’s, authentically New Orleans, and better in The Bahamas. See y’all soon! UA

Louis & Steen’s Market Orleans

Louis Sr and Earnestine Carter (seated center) with their family. Joyce Carter Russell is standing behind Louis Cajun Asian Jambalaya Fried Rice and Boudin Sausage Spring Rolls Cajun Shrimp and Slaw Po Boy Macadamia Nut Banana PuddingLouisCrepeandSteen’s Xpresso Bar at RUBiS Gladstone Road LOUIS & STEEN’S STORY

october 2022 36

Photographs Courtesy Of Louis & Steen’s

L

Tenisha Carey

up and away37

‘Creating Stunning and Uniquely Bahamian Wearable Works of Art’ DESIGNERS

Photographs Courtesy Of Nikia Wells enisha Carey’s outgoing personality is infectious. She is charismatic, friendly and genuinely excited to showcase the handmade jewellery at her boutique storefront. Her philosophy is that everyone is meant to stand out and her stunningly intricate statement pieces reflect that. Located at Rayvin Mall in Grand Bahama, Baha Gala specializes in one-of-a-kind jewellery that is handcrafted with shells, coral, turquoise, semi-precious stones, and unexpected elements like conch claws and Bahamian coins. Prior to moving to Grand Bahama, Carey was a communications specialist and model who enjoyed everything about fashion. She initially started making jewellery for herself in 2001 and noted that she was inspired to pursue Baha Gala because it made her happy. She notes that life should be filled with the things that truly bring us joy. After officially launching in 2008, Baha Gala has steadily grown throughout the years with their customizable Bahamian coin bracelets being one of the brand’s signature pieces. In recent months, Carey has expanded her business to include a men’s line and she is excited to continue creating unforgettable pieces. UA

By Nikia Wells

T

“You have to go into the bushes, pick the silver top [palm leaves], let it dry, strip it and then go about making whatever size basket that you want.” From there, Mackey notes that you can also use Storck palm leaves (Neoveitchia storckii) or additional silver top to sew and harden the basket. You can then use either raffia or Androsian print fabric to customize the design with whatever colours you wish. She makes the basket making process, which was handed down from the descendants of the Black Seminoles who landed in Andros in the 1800s, sound easy. This is a testament to Mackey’s expertise. In reality, the tightly woven baskets take years to master.

“My grandmother [Agnes Dell Mackey] taught me. I started when I was about seven and I love doing it. It relaxes your mind.”

Mackey says the process hasn’t changed since she was a little girl.

Coya Mackey

‘Unraveling the Art of Red Bays Basket Weaving’

Of L. Roscoe Dames or Coya Mackey, the art of basket weaving has been a part of her identity since she was a girl growing up in Red Bays, Andros.

While the basket making process is now therapeutic for Mackey, it was once how her family made a living. She spent her summer breaks creating the basket bases for her grandmother, who would give her a daily list of tasks that included going into the forest of Andros and getting supplies, sewing and learning the ins and outs of basket weaving. Back then, Mackey notes that she used to sew baskets under streetlights because at the time they didn’t have electricity.

“I can make any shape, any size, any design. Sometimes, it can take me a few days; sometimes, it can take me a week to finish. But I can make anything.” UA F

Over the years, Mackey has been a proponent for the preservation of this art form. She has taught students at a local primary school, as well as her children, and she believes in passing on her knowledge to anyone with an interest.

october 2022 38

By Nikia PhotographsWellsCourtesy

“My last collection, which celebrated 10 years in fashion, was so organically me and trying to top that is going to be a task. I’m always looking at each collection and wanting to see how I can evolve from there. With my current collection, I just want to compete with myself and top what I did with the previous one.” UA

Courtesy Of Scharad Lightbourne Photography ahamian designer and stylist David Rolle has a humble demeanour that doesn’t betray his impressive globetrotting résumé. In addition to being the owner and designer of the House of Raphelita and the operations manager for Harl Taylor Bags, Rolle’s stunning designs have been featured at New York Fashion week, on international beauty pageant stages, and earned him the title of Mission Catwalk winner in 2015.

Photographs

up and away39 David Rolle

“celebrating

Rolle said he is inspired by the women who he meets every day and that he loves authentic, unapologetic and confident women who don’t look to anyone else for their own self-assurance”. While he likes to keep his designs subtle, he enjoys incorporating unexpected elements and a bit of couture flair into each piece. Much of Rolle’s design success can be attributed to his unorthodox view of fashion. He notes that he doesn’t believe in doing things how others think they should be done. Instead, his design philosophy focuses on an intuitive process.

Rolle said that even though his designs appeal to an international audience, he is dedicated to keeping a uniquely Bahamian DNA in all of his pieces.

By Nikia Wells

‘Celebrating Authentic, Unapologetic and Confident Women’ DESIGNERS

“I have been fortunate enough to show collections and travel around the world but, at the end of the day, I’m an ‘island boy’. I grew up in the Berry Islands, I live in Nassau now and I always want to create pieces that feel authentic to who I am.”

B

#JunkanooIsAliv the connectedthatnetworkkeepsyou With FREE data roaming in more than 100 countries including The US, Canada and The Caribbean. ALIV Postpaid keeps you connected on Bay & Beyond.Scan here for more bealiv.cominformation

Long Island, that skinny “long” island, way “up south” in the chain of the southern Bahamas, is home to artists and artisans of multiple genres.

Rake n Scrape is a music genre developed over the years influenced by African, European and American folk music, with specific concentration of the instruments “the saw”, “concertina”, “goat skin drums” and the storytelling singer. The Originals has graced us with their musical genius for more than two decades and has no plans on stopping any time soon.

PhotographsMajorCourtesy Of Aaliyah Knowles, Alexia Harding, Stephan Knowles, The Long Island Runner News, Bianca Major

Judith Farquharson-Rigby

“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” are the words of Greek philosopher, Plato, which makes the arts so fascinating. Each person has their own unique taste, and it transfers into creations so wondrous, you are left awe struck. Take a drive down Apple Pond Road, nestled in the heart of Deadman’s Cay, Long Island. There, you will find two of the most creative souls; mother and daughter duo Iris Farquharson and Judith Farquharson-Rigby. The song “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” is the soundtrack that plays in my mind for these two darlings. They truly make beautiful art out of simple things that most of us may just toss out.

Pablo-Paul Cartwright, Orlando Turnquest, Paul Darville, Andrew Cartwright, TC Cartwright and Collins Fox continue to keep this traditional musical art form alive.

‘Feel the fire burning in my soul’ lose your eyes and picture this—soothing waves gently caress the shores of tiny little islands scattered over miles of ocean, dancing between the aquamarine and indigo hues, as dolphins leap with glee over diamond crystal peaks. A natural canvas of pure delight. The natural beauty of The Bahamas transfers easily to an artist’s impression, making way for countless versions of creativity, birthing varying art forms.

C

october 2022 42 LONG ISLAND

Beauty In The Beholder’s Eyes

The Originals Band

Aaliyah Knowles Ceramic Plate

“The Art” and “The Artisan” journey together producing emotionally and visually stunning creations guided by the talented hands of the artist.

By Bianca

“Feel the fire burning in my soul” is what you feel when that “down home” folk music hits you. Long Island is home to the “rake n scrape” band, “The Originals”, so get ready to kick your heels up to the sounds of saw scraping and goat skin drums being beaten. The soulful crooning of the concertina, alongside the melody of some sweet Bahamian lyrics sung by lead singer Pablo-Paul Cartwright. Like a true lover to their love, Cartwright belts out the lyrics, “Tell Laura I love her…”, the audience waltzes to the tune of “Irene Goodnight…” and “Where have all the flowers gone…”, followed by another lesson we all can sing to because “If ya touch dat ting, ya mama gern know…”. Put your feet to the dancefloor and show off your “conch styling” to the tune of, “Mama don’t want no rakin’ and scrapin’ in here”.

Being in an environment with such natural beauty can reflect on an artist, and the desire to create becomes uncontainable.

While Knowles aims to return home one day to teach pottery to kids, she continues to create. “I’m taking my first steps into the art world as a potter with burning passion for ensuring that wherever life takes you, you will have a little piece of The Bahamas on your dining room table.” Bright-eyed and ready to create is Alexia Harding of Salt Pond, Long Island.

The Bahamas, home to endless inspiration, an artist’s delight, has called out to Knowles’ soul.

“I take my time adding ideas piece by piece, as it all becomes one completed art piece, ready to display,” she said.

Aaliyah Knowles Ceramic Plate Alexia Harding Alexia Harding

Sassie Sue Frame Sassie Sue Finish

LONG ISLAND: BEAUTY IN THE BEHOLDER’S EYES

“From a young age, I drew on anything I could have gotten my hands on,” Alexia went on to say. With an ocean view at her doorstep, a sense of tranquillity transcends over the atmosphere, lending for easement of creation.

up and away43 Being escorted through their hand-crafted gardens will surely inspire you to become a creative genius. Mrs. Iris showed off her many hand-created trinkets and keepsakes that decorate her home and garden, including a never-before-seen “Bottle Tree”, which demonstrates how we can break out of our mundane daily routines.

The Buoy Tree—what a wonderment this was to behold. There is no describing how magnificent it is, a true work of art, nature’s beauty magnified with a sea-inspired human element. Every tree, plant, flower, has its own unique, hand-crafted signage arranged against the blue canvas of the sky. Mrs. Judy has inherited an eye for the ABC’s—Art, Beauty, Creativity—which can only be appreciated in person. It truly is an experience! “He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”—Francis of Assisi Long Island is brimming with fresh new artists like Miss Aaliyah Knowles. Knowles graduated from North Long Island High and went on to pursue ceramics/pottery, attaining her bachelor’s degree at University of the Ozarks. Knowles also received the Dennis Knight Award during her earlier years of study at University of The Bahamas. Describing her passion for pottery, she said, “Pottery went from simply an academic subject to now I cannot go a day without getting my hands muddy. It is really fulfilling watching my pottery transform from pieces of clay to now vessels I can eat and drink out of.”

“I gather inspiration from The Bahamas,” she said. “At home, the place I feel most relaxed and most myself, is on the seashore. I am consistently mesmerized by the way the blues and greens dance together on the surface of the sea, and how the sun peaks through the leaves of the coconut trees. If I am honest, it is quite difficult being so far away from home, and so I strive to create vessels that bring a tiny sense of it to my pottery studio in Arkansas.”

A young, multi-talented artist she is, wood carving, carpentry, painting, clay, papier-mâché, and more, are all her areas of expertise.

Alexia draws her unique, creative inspiration from her “interest in peace and nature, associating with the natural world”.

Long Island boasts of many talented artists, not to mention the world-famous boat builders and straw artisans. Boat builders crafting Bahamian sloops, a skill that you can learn, but a talent and an eye for it that you must inherit or possess.

october 2022 44

Leading Long Islander and boat builder, Stephan Knowles, and his newest work of art, the “Sassie Sue”, built in honour of his mother.

Straw crafts are made from native, organic-grown silver top, which is cut, peeled, stripped, rolled, bundled, sometime dyed and plaited into the many different named patterns, then transformed into the many different straw products known to us today. Straw artists craft bags, hats, baskets and so much more from this source of natural fibre textile. Some of Long Island’s straw artisans include Prudence Cartwright, Charles Wallace, Keisha Pratt, Suzan Cartwright, Lisa Cartwright, Pearl Cartwright, Terecita Major, Georgiana Darville, Jennifer Cartwright, just to name a few. As we gaze and take in the beauty around us, we must conclude we are all living works of art, creating works of wonder every day. UA Judith Farquharson-Rigby with organic-grown silver top

STORYMEDICALPOMPEYP

By Pompey PhotographsMedicalCourtesy Of Pro-headshots and Pompey Medical

october 2022 46

ompey Medical is a medical facility with the aim of building a patient-focused integrated primary healthcare system while improving access to healthcare. Our focus is on health promotion and prevention, screening and early intervention, and providing affordable, quality healthcare in a safe, confidential environment. The facility was established by Dr. Burnell Cardron, our primary care physician, who has had 14 years’ experience in the medical field in both the private and public sector. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and went on to complete her medical training at The University of the West Indies, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery. We are located at #85 Robinson Road, Nassau, Bahamas, open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We cater to well and sick visits, COVID-19 Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR testing, IV treatments, minor surgical procedures and consultations to name a few. We also accept major insurances and National Health Insurance (NHI) to all qualified persons. UA

up and away47 BAHAMAS DISTILLING COMPANY (BDC) For the Love of Rum ... and Grand Bahama

“My true passion has always been rum. If you look at a scotch or whiskey, they have strict rules that govern their production. But then, you’ve got rum, where it’s just a renegade kind of spirit with a history of piracy and exploration. There is just so much room for artistry. From fermentation to distillation to aging—you can put your own unique flare on it.” Bassett, Owner of Bahamas Distilling Company Copper Stills For Distilling Rum

By Nikia PhotographsWellsCourtesy Of Shan Elliott and Bahamas Distilling Company Bahamas Distilling Company Aims to Infuse the Essence of Bahamian Culture into Each Bottle of their Premium Rums

Alan

FROM LEFT: Edison Sumner of Sumner Strategic Partners, company consultants; Derek Newbold, CIO at GBPA, Alan Bassett, Founder and Chairman of BDC and Gareth Bassett, Technical Specialist at BDC.

The line will be expanding very soon, and Bassett also teased a gin infused with Bahamian botanicals, coming in the very near future.

At the moment, Bahamas Distilling Company offers several rum varieties. The Floating Pig Spiced Rum, Fuzzy Flamingo Raspberry Rum, Hammered Coconut Rum, Fathom Premium Overproof Rum, and Marlin White Rum are currently available at several wines and spirits locations and on bar menus around the island. They can also be purchased at Bahamas Distilling Company’s distillery, which is located on Oak Street in Freeport.

“Every rum is influenced by the place it is made—the local terrain, the environmental yeast, and the local climate all impact it. The uniqueness of our rum comes from the yeast that we use for fermentation. We have a pair of copper stills that were built in France in the early 1950s. They are solid copper and just beautiful. I mean, these are works of art. And the way we set up our stills determines the profile of our spirit. We also do some distillation on a homemade, moonshine-type submarine still that was inspired by the moonshiners during prohibition.”

Freeport for

rum. Ask about our products across the islands!

october 2022 48 Now Open! 7 Oak Street Freeport, Grand www.bahamasdistilling.comBahamaBAHDistillingCompanythebahamasdistillingcompany

“While we are available at several liquor stores and bars, if your favourite restaurant or store doesn’t carry it as yet, you can ask them to. We’re always happy to work with other local companies.”

UA Various Rum Products Various Rum Products

lan Bassett is passionate about rum and dreamt of one day opening his own distillery. He loved the rebellious nature of the spirit and travelled to several locations looking for the perfect home to start his very own brand. And he would soon find just that in the northern Bahamas.

and tastings of local

In addition to expanding their rum line, the goal of Bahamas Distilling is to invest in training, nurturing and developing their team members on Grand Bahama about the ins and outs of rum making.

A

“I had this dream—this idea. And obviously, if you’re going to make rum, you want to be somewhere in the Caribbean,” noted Bassett. “That’s the home of rum. I went to a couple different islands, but when I visited Grand Bahama, it just felt like home. The people and the feel of the island just felt right. Everyone that I have met has just been so welcoming and genuinely good people.”

“The more time I spent in Grand Bahama, the more I fell in love with the Gully Wash. So, we had to look at creating our very own gin to pair with the cocktail.”

After putting in the framework for the distillery and perfecting their recipes, Bahamas Distilling Company began unveiling a line of rums that are uniquely Bahamian.

Stop by our distillery in tours Bahamian

The company offers tastings and tours, and plans to expand around the country as well as internationally, in the future.

Chocolatier Daphne uses her artistic background to add unique designs to each chocolate and caramel that they create

Mother and daughter chocolate duo Daphne and Amanda Ormerod Daphne and Amanda are dedicated to making all of their chocolates by hand with quality local ingredients

aphne and Amanda Ormerod are the mother-daughter duo behind Bootleg Chocolates. Amanda noted that the company was named in honour of her Granny, who was originally from Inagua but lived in West End, Grand Bahama during the prohibition era. Granny would often share her childhood adventures from that time where bootleggers and rum runners would traverse The Bahamas. The pair drew inspiration from her stories to create the branding behind their unique chocolate company and has infused a bit of that adventurous spirit into their confections.

By Nikia PhotographsWellsCourtesy

Amanda, who handles the company’s marketing and branding efforts, has a background in advertising. She has worked with several companies around the world and was introduced to the science of chocolate at UC, Davis. In recent years, she has worked with her mother to expand the Bootleg brand into hotels and retail stores around the country.

Bootleg Chocolates features many Bahamian inspired flavors, like Gully Wash, Guava Duff, Honey Rock Salt, and Goat Pepper

Mother and Daughter Duo Bringing an Adventurous Flair to Chocolate Making CULINARY ARTISTS

up and away49

Of Nikia Wells and Bootleg Chocolates

The ice cream sandwiches at Bootleg Chocolates are infused with decadent chocolate ganache

Daphne, who has been a chocolatier for over 15 years, studied at Callebaut’s Chocolate Academy in Canada after enjoying a high-flying stint as a Bahamasair flight attendant. She also enjoys drawing inspiration from Bahamian culture, flavours and ingredients for the company’s decadent chocolates, caramels and ice cream sandwiches.

D

Bootleg Chocolates are now available on several islands around The Bahamas

“I always loved chocolate. I’ve done a lot of traveling and it’s always something that people would gravitate to,” she said.

Bootleg Chocolates

Bootleg Chocolates features many Bahamian-inspired flavours like Gully Wash, Guava Duff, Honey Rock Salt and Goat Pepper (to name a few). But despite their growth, Daphne and Amanda are still dedicated to making everything by hand with local, quality ingredients. The ice cream is infused with house made chocolate ganache. The caramel is handmade, and the chocolates are all tempered, flavoured, shaped and designed at their Port Lucaya location. UA

IvanaChef Moncur

By Nikia PhotographsWellsCourtesy Of Jamika Danielle

“I’m inspired by my home. Being from The Bahamas, I love using tropical flavours and I often get new ideas from pastry trends from around the world. I love learning about new ingredients. I also love being authentic to the things that make me happy. There is no better feeling than being in the kitchen, creating something and feeling so proud about the end result.”

vana Moncur is an accomplished pastry chef who initially developed her culinary skills at The College of The Bahamas (now University of The Bahamas) and Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, before joining the Atlantis resort. But it took several years for this talented cake artist to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.

october 2022 50

Pastry Artists Ivana Moncur Savoring the delicious selection Bake House has been steadily expanding their brand since their initial launch as a pasty popup. Bake House was originally known for their decadent cookies and donuts, but their menu now includes a wide range of freshly baked pastries Bake House pastries are baked fresh daily at their Old Fort Town Center location.

In addition to Bake House, Chef Ivana is also the owner of Tier Cake Loft which specializes in custom cakes. UA

I

Since Bake House officially opened its doors at its permanent location in the Old Fort Town Center, Chef Ivana said that she has received an outpouring of “Wesupport.share a space with Mudda Freeze, which is my husband’s [Chef Wayne Moncur] company, and we often see familiar faces. We truly have some wonderful and loyal customers.”

Building a Community One Donut at a Time

“My grandparents baked,” said Chef Ivana. “They had me in the kitchen with them from a very young age. It was a Sunday tradition and it just grew on me. I didn’t even really know that I wanted to be a chef at first; I just knew that I loved to bake. And when I started my career, I knew that I wanted to open my own pastryAftershop.”aseries of pop-up events, Chef Ivana officially opened Bake House—her very own bakery that specializes in donuts, cookies and other pastries—which married her passion for baking with international food trends.

up and away51

Of JB Photography and Model

“I am inspired by people who are game changers, leaders and innovators. And I always had a very strong desire to preserve Bahamian culture and heritage,” said Chef Wayne.

Chef Wayne Moncur DecadenceOut-of-the-BoxCreating

CULINARY ARTISTS

“I wanted to create a Bahamian-made, Bahamian-inspired and Bahamian-driven product for Bahamians.”Henotesthat he also wanted his Mudda Freeze confections to still be able to be enjoyed and appreciated by people around the world.

C

By Nikia PhotographsWellsCourtesy

Photograph Courtesy Of Scharad Lightbourne hef Wayne Moncur has a passion for Bahamian art, culture, cuisine and history and, over the years, he has diligently worked to incorporate elements of his upbringing and background into his culinary creations. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, Chef Wayne honed his skills as an executive chef and restaurant consultant. But his love for food began in the kitchens of his grandmother, mother and aunt who introduced him to the basics of Bahamian cooking.

The chef noted that he enjoys evoking emotion through food and that when he launched Mudda Freeze (an ice cream parlour located in the Old Fort Town Center), he wanted to weave familiar and cherished flavours together in unique ways.

Mudda Freeze’s menu includes options like Berry & Hibiscus Jam, Sky Juice, Soursop Caramel, Oatmeal Cookie Miso Eggplant and Chocolate Black Velvet Brownie, as well as several other ever-rotating flavours that feature seasonal fruits and local ingredients.

While Chef Wayne’s love for the simple yet robust flavours of his childhood never wavered, he enjoys utilizing classic techniques and simple ingredients to create unexpected flavour combinations.

Model Samia Rutherford

The Mudda Freeze brand is meant to be innovative, vibrant, engaging and a bit unorthodox Mudda Freeze’s diverse ranges of flavours are all made by hand and include locally sourced ingredients

Chef Wayne plans to bring his unique approach to food and ice cream making to the world stage very soon. UA

If you were to get the opportunity to travel to a simple and happy destination, where will you go? Where can you feel at home away from home, make new friends, buy nice art pieces, buy fresh Habanos, purchase a nice spicy rum to take home, enjoy wonderful and tasty dishes, dance salsa and appreciate the beauty that this world has to offer, while having fun in a way that affordability is at the top of your list? Of course, you will book a ticket on a Bahamasair flight, and you will find your self in the beautiful Cuban archipelago. Now, let’s help you get to your destination.

october 2022 52

We all know what to expect when visiting a destination as a tourist, but have you tried blending in with the locals? What are the first things you will do if you wanted to blend in? The reality is that nowadays, a lot has changed. Many have learned that living a simpler, yet joyful life is what really matters; others have embraced the clean, green and pristine concept. What about you? Would you go back to nature? Let me show you how to do it in Matanzas, Cuba.

CubaVaradero

By Myru PhotographsHernandezCourtesy Of Myru Hernandez Varadero Varadero Car

Matanzas: ‘Back to nature’

Next stop: Río Canimar Bridge. This iconic structure serves to connect Matanzas City with Varadero, and it’s also travelled by on the way to Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport. You can rent all sorts of water sports equipment. Varadero. The most popular beach destination in Cuba, is the City of Varadero. Covering Cuba’s narrow Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is a popular beach resort town. It has approximately 20km of Atlantic Ocean coastline, which strings an all-inclusive hotel and spa complexes, resorts and an awesome professional golf course or should I say the only 18-hole 72 par golf course in Cuba. It has all the facilities, services and equipment necessary for the practice of golf.

Professional players who attend the Melia las Americas Tournament (Oct. 19-22, 2022) and the Cuba Golf Tournament (Oct. 26-29, 2022) often stay at Xanadú Mansion, the Club House of the Varadero Golf Club. This boutique hotel is a real architectural wonder with breath-taking ocean view.

VARADERO, CUBA - MATANZAS: ‘BACK TO NATURE’

As you can see, you can land in Havana, Cuba and travel to Matanzas to enjoy various natural sites and definitely you can go back to nature … and please remember to stop at Puente de Bacunayagua. Let Bahamasair take you there to enjoy the wonder of Cuba. UA

up and away53 Passing Varadero, you can find Saturno Cave. When swimming through the waters of this subterranean cave, you’ll see incredible rock formations beneath the surface. Or you can simply grab a snorkel or enjoy a gentle swim in this magical setting.

Harbour Varadero Bridge Saturno River Golf Player Golf Cart Arboleda

First stop: Matanzas. You can book a local tour guide and tour of the city in an antique car from the 1950’s to go sight-seeing; enjoy a fusion of European, French, American architecture, a contrast with nature; or you can even go sight-seeing alongside Canimar River, a natural park, the main river of Matanzas. During your Matanzas tour, you can enjoy a typical Cuban lunch while sitting at Bella Vista restaurant with a second-to-none view of Matanzas Harbour. This beautiful restaurant and bar is conveniently located across from Matanzas Industrial Zone. Presently, four out of eight oil tanks remain. The view brings a new perspective to a city that raised from the ashes. This is a must-see. You may also travel alongside La Carretera Central (Central Highway), where nature awaits you at a site called La Arboleda, a beautiful natural park with a local restaurant, from where San Juan River connects further with Canimar River.

CanimarCave

Javan Hunt

‘Javan has always known that he was talented’.

He soon identified that his R&B style was developed by singing cover songs. He wanted his own signature sound and he was determined to create his own identity.

october 2022 54 PERFORMING ARTISTS

Hunt grew up emulating popular artists in the genre, as he loved their music, but as time progressed, he began feeling disconnected from the songs he was performing.

The residents of the community acknowledged Hunt’s talent and recognized that he was a gifted voice. Residents proudly secured their own performance bookings by proclaiming that one day he would sing at their weddings or funerals, while encouraging him to never forget “where he came from”. After graduating from college, Hunt made the decision to fully pursue a career in music. In doing so, he was hit by a startling revelation—he knew he had talent but he didn’t quite know how to use it yet.

Hunt began to utilize his marketing degree to find innovative ways to craft his narrative. He was determined to incorporate elements of his life within his music, so that he could authentically tell his story. And what are the elements of Javan Hunt’s Story?

Travelling the world and discovering that people were fascinated by the sound of his Bahamian accent, even though some people vehemently discouraged him from using Bahamian dialect in his lyrics.

A

By Yolanda Hanna Photographs Courtesy Of The Artist s a child growing up in a family of singers and musicians in the Lewis Yard and Hunter’s communities on Grand Bahama, Hunt’s very existence was grounded in music. He started singing in the church choir at an early age, and his music roots are firmly planted in gospel music. Hunt quickly became a regular vocalist at weddings and funerals, and he and his sister Nikia became a duo that frequently performed at events.

Growing up in a wonderful tightly knit community in Grand Bahama surrounded by family who supported and encouraged his dream.

And the attention he received whenever he wore his T-shirt with the word “Bahamas” on it, and how the name “Bahamas” aroused such a level of curiosity in strangers who engaged him in friendly conversation about his country. As a result, Hunt developed a deeper appreciation for his upbringing and his Bahamian culture. Most importantly, he realized the identity he needed to create his signature sound existed deep inside of his Nowadays,DNA.Javan Hunt uses every opportunity to capture distinct elements of Bahamian culture in his music. His sultry vocals frequently appear alongside collaborations with fellow Bahamian artists. And last year, he shot the music video for his song “Born & Bred” in the community where he was raised and his gifts nurtured, prominently featuring the smiling faces of family and friends, beautiful images of the turquoise shoreline, and lots of delicious Bahamian food. UA

up and away55 PERFORMING ARTISTS

Her face illuminates whenever she reminisces about her beloved Bimini Island. Tara Lynne has never forgotten her roots. She credits her Bahamian heritage for her determination to succeed, acknowledging that her “broughtupsy” is the inspiration behind her work ethic, and the evolution of her music career.

Tara Lynne has an impressive résumé that includes performing as an opening act for a plethora of popular reggae, soca and R&B music artists, and she proudly represents The Bahamas on every stage she graces by affectionately displaying her Bahamian flag.

Her love for music and The Bahamas grew deeper after she relocated to Florida. Tara continued to develop her vocal skills and she even began nurturing her talent as a songwriter. Surprisingly, the diehard calypsonian was a versatile lyricist with an innate ability to write and perform different genres of music. Her skills ultimately captured the attention of top music producers and artists from the United States and the Caribbean, which landed Tara Lynne on collaborations with American Rapper Lil Wayne on the song “Mo Fire” from his platinum selling album “Tha Carter II” and the soca 2019 “Queens Riddim” featuring top female soca artists Fay-Ann Lyons, Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Jadel.

By Yolanda PhotographsHannaCourtesy

‘A “Bimini Gyal” with the heart of a calypsonian and the voice of an angel’.

Tara gravitated toward the sounds of calypso and rake ‘n’ scrape at an early age. She embraced every opportunity to climb on stage with her father, leaving audiences stunned by her big, bold voice and the vocal ability of the cute little girl from Bimini.

Tara Lynne

Of The Artist inger Tara Lynne is what Bahamians refer to as a “True-True Bahamian”.Hermusical journey started on the beautiful island of Bimini singing at the legendary Complete Angler Hotel in Alice Town with her father’s band, “Ossie Brown and the Calypsonians”.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted her performance schedule and delayed the completion of several music projects. Fortunately, Tara Lynne has resumed performing and has scheduled the release of her new music project in late 2022. UA S

He assembled 300 people on Clifford Park to blow the beautiful shells in unison, breaking the record that existed at that time.

Justilien and his brother Yonell Justilien believe they have found a new way to incorporate the conch shell into Bahamian culture.

october 2022 56

The educators, who are staunch advocates of Bahamian music, have pioneered music programmes that have laid the foundation for the careers of numerous Bahamian singers and musicians.

At the time, The Bahamas was about to celebrate its 41st year of independence, and as a part of the celebratory events, he was asked to break the Guinness World Record for the most people blowing conch shells simultaneously.

Da

Inspired by the event, Justilien had an idea to create a band using conch shells as the horn section, and “Da Conchy Band” was conceptualized.

Da Conchy Band made their debut this year at the luxurious Baha Mar resort in Nassau, and captivated the audience with their music, leaving audiences both shocked and pleasantly surprised at the versatility of the conch shell.

By Yolanda Hanna

Conchy Band

UA IYonell Justilien

Now, the conch holds a special place in the hearts of Bahamians. The meat is a beloved staple in native Bahamian food and finding innovative ways to use the shell has been an ongoing conversation for years.

Photographs Courtesy Of Douglas Barkley

The Justiliens believe the conch shell can become the instrument of The Bahamas, and attract an interest in Bahamian music and culture similar to how the steelpan drum attracted interest in Trinidad andJustilienTobago.has collected conch shells and has been playing the shell with his Colours Junkanoo Group for years.

‘An ChristianchallengeinterestingthatJustilienknewhehad to accept’.

He formed “Da Conchy Band”, an ensemble of young music students, who, under his and his brother’s leadership, use the sound of the conch shell to perform melodies, harmonies, and rhythmical compositions that represent the music of island people, in particular, the people of The Bahamas.

n 2014, music educator Christian Justilien was presented with an interesting challenge that he knew he had to accept.

up and away57

Patrice Murrell

She was riding high from the success of “Heavyweight” when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought performances and music projects to a halt. In the interim, Patrice added another accolade to her already impressive résumé when she and her husband welcomed a baby girl into their lives in 2021.

october 2022 58 PERFORMING ARTISTS

Patrice also won the award as “Female Artist of the Year” reigning for 2020/21, a Bahamas Top Music Award for her song “Come 2 Wave” and an Elevation “Contemporary Song of the Year” Award for “Feelin’ Good”. She enjoys creating a unique sound by fusing indigenous sounds of The Bahamas (Junkanoo and rake ‘n’ scrape) with other genres.

By Yolanda Hanna

Patrice was a standout performer and a top finalist in The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Music Masters competition in 2016. A first-time entry, her powerful vocals and energetic stage presence made her a standout performer, and the Bahamian public began to take notice. In 2018, her popular song “Feelin’ Good” catapulted her career at home, and regionally, and she kept her momentum going by following up with three amazing tracks the following year—“Rest of My Life”, “Cuz A Da Wine” and “T.O.M.”. Over the past few years, Patrice has been recognized for her success as a performer and singer-songwriter. She has received numerous nominations and awards including the Cacique “People’s Choice” Award, “Female Artist of the Year” and “Soca Song of the Year” for the Elevation Awards.

Refusing to slow down, Patrice continues to reinvent herself and plans to release more trailblazing music, and light up every stage she graces.

S

In 2020, Patrice kicked off the year with an instant chart-topping hit called “Heavyweight”, her first collaboration featuring prominent soca recording artist Marvin “Swappi” Davis, the 2019 Groovy Soca Monarch from Trinidad and Tobago. After receiving rave reviews and radio spins regionally and internationally, the song took her to 2020 Trinidad Carnival, where she performed during the Road March and on several concert stages.

The powerful, mainstream song took her in a different direction, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. In a time when it is needed the most, Patrice described the song “as an anthem of strength and empowerment intended to inspire and encourage people from all walks of life”.

‘Patrice believes in creating music that has a strong message’.

A captivating performer, she is known for her engaging presence, characteristics which are undeniable in her last release, “Be Ok”.

he is a talented singer-songwriter with a golden voice and infectious smile, and has years of world-class performances under her belt, which have afforded Patrice the opportunity to perform on stages across the globe with some of the industry’s top entertainers.

The song resonated with listeners around the world, and “Be Ok” became another hit single for the vocal powerhouse, allowing her to connect with her audience in a whole new way.

Photographs Courtesy Of The Artist

Listeners are loving the evolution of Patrice Murrell and can expect more new music which is scheduled for release later this year. UA

By Yolanda PhotographsHannaCourtesy

After graduating from high school in Nassau, he attended the then—College of The Bahamas (now University of The Bahamas), then went on to the University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with minor studies in music. And though jazz is his first love, Barrett is quite proficient in other genres. He has been heavily involved in many music ensembles that have exposed him to the ‘ins and outs’ of gospel, rock, country, folk, free-jazz, EDM, house, pop and soul music.

Of The Artist e is a pilot and a classically trained pianist and oboist, who was attracted to the saxophone at a young age because he fell in love with jazz music. Music was a part of Barrett’s daily life growing up. He was born into a family of musicians and began playing music at the age of seven. His father Timothy was a jazz enthusiast. As a result, Barrett developed an ear and a liking for the genre at an early age. When most of his contemporaries were listening to reggae, rap and hip-hop, Barrett was listening to jazz artists Gerald Albright, Mike Phillips and Kirk Whalum, just to name a few.

PERFORMING ARTISTS

up and away59

BarrettTorriano

On the weekends, he performs at public shows at some of Nassau’s top restaurants and lounges, and he plays in church every Sunday. UA H

The certified private pilot has also been a featured artist on numerous records and singles throughout The Bahamas and the United States. His dream is to become a commercial airline pilot and is currently pursuing his commercial certifications.

‘Torriano is a phenomenon’

These days, the 27-year-old balances his time between performances and gliding through the blue skies. When he’s not flying, Barrett and his saxophone can be found performing throughout The Bahamas or at private shows as a solo artist.

I

A church upbringing combined with the music instruction she received as a student at Government High School in Nassau, equipped Nishie with the tools she needed to build a solid reputation as supreme vocalist. Her vocal talent opened doors and Nishie was consistently given opportunities to perform with local gospel groups and choirs and, later, a fixture within popular secular Bahamian bands.

Make no mistake, Nishie L.S. is not a novice. She is a skilled, professional, experienced vocalist who is knowledgeable about music, proficient in vocal arrangements and deeply involved in every aspect of her music production from beginning to end. Her sound is inspired by a variety of genres like gospel, rake ‘n’ scrape, soca, jazz and R&B. Her favourite artists include Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita Baker, Adele, Yebba and female Bahamian artist the late T’rez Hepburn.

A dynamic entertainer who built an audience on her social media platforms during the lockdowns with live acoustic performances, Nishie L.S. can ignite a crowd and control the stage as a member of a band member or as a solo artist. And what has Nishie L.S. been up to since she penned the unofficial lockdown anthem of The Bahamas two years ago?

Nishie L.S. has a music background like most recording artists who dreamt of a career in music. She is a vocal powerhouse, and her music journey began in the halls of the Baptist church. Her earliest recollection of performing goes back to her father handing her a microphone to sing in church at the tender age of two.

october 2022 60 Nishie LS ‘Loose me, let me go, I don’t want be inside no more’

Photographs Courtesy Of The Artist

t was June 2020, three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and life continued to be transformed by lockdowns, curfews and restrictions amid an atmosphere of uncertainty about the future.

Interestingly enough, “Loose Me” officially launched Nishie L.S.’ solo music career and since then, she has worked on two collaborative projects which produced the songs “Gimme De Music” and “Reflections”, with more new music scheduled for release this year. Numerous performances throughout The Bahamas, in Turks and Caicos and a feature at The Bahamas Pavillion at The Dubai 2020 Expo earlier this year, has kept the mother of one extremely busy entertaining audiences.

By Yolanda Hanna

The days and nights felt longer, movements were limited, and familiar activities had been brought to a screeching halt.

Fuelled by restlessness and a roller coaster of pent-up emotions, recording artist Nishie L.S. wrote the song “Loose Me”, the unofficial anthem of lockdowns that perfectly articulated the feelings of Bahamians residing on every island, rock and cay: Loose me, let me go, I don’t want be inside no more, Loose me, let me go, this is killing me that’s for sure … let me out! Two years later, lockdowns have ceased, many restrictions have been lifted, familiar activities resumed, and “Loose Me” is still holding strong as one of the most popular songs in The Bahamas.

Nishie L.S. is focused on building her brand as a solo artist with the goal of becoming a household name in the region. UA

SOUTH DEVELOPMENTBAHAMASELEUTHERA,OPPORTUNITYSERIOUS ENQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT ON BEHALF OF OWNER PROPERTY FOR SALE BY OWNER Amenable to the development of marina facilities Approximately 260 acres 15 minute drive south of Rock Sound Airport Salina (Salt Pond) in the middle of the property 300 feet of waterfront with beach access 242.427.9871 ivoryglobalmanagement.comigmmagazinepublishing@gmail.com/ Photographs courtesy of Brent Turnquest

Salt water is known to have antiseptic properties for cleansing, and pain relieving properties for joint pain.

Many visitors marvel at the pink sands on Greenwood Beach and other beaches which feature powder white sands married with pristine, turquoise waters such as Rollezz Beach, Fountain Bay Beach and New Bight Beach.

Then, there’s Healing Pond. It is a salt lake believed to have healing properties.

Julius Hunter, a resident of Cat Island, said the island is special because it holds the most history.

By Kendea PhotographsSmithCourtesy

“Every guest that comes here says the same thing – they find the people of Cat Island to be pure and genuine. Mount Alvernia is our Mount Everest and when you go there, you can see and feel the beauty of Cat Island. We have lots of indigenous plants like mahogany,” she said.

The Height of Tranquility

Of Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism, Aviation and Investments and Kemuel L Stubbs

Julian Russell, a resident of Cat Island for over 30 years, also shared why he believes Cat Island is special.

However, the island is famed for raising world-class individuals such as noted Hollywood actor, the Late Sir Sidney Poitier, and current Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis.

“It’s known that Arthur’s Town had one of the first high schools outside of New Providence and that is why you would find that a lot of civil servants hail from Cat Island,” he explained. “We are also great farmers. A lot of farms here have crops like onions and tomatoes and other things. And the Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival has been successful for over 20-plus years, which makes us the leading island for culture. We’re really a vital part in the archipelago.”

Cat Island was initially known as “San Salvador”, which means “Christ the Saviour”, before it received its current name in 1926, said to be for the pirate Arthur Catt, who used to make frequent stops there. However, there’s even more to discover on Cat Island, such as the many untouched, lush landscapes and must-see sites.

According to history gurus, it is said that Christopher Columbus first landed on Cat Island in 1492.

LIFE ON CAT ISLAND

october 2022 62

“You find a lot of history about slavery in Cat Island,” he said. “Many plantations were built in Cat Island, and you can still see some of them today. Life on Cat Island is very peaceful. It is definitely an island that is laid back, and if you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, this is the island.”

Mrs. Rolle also spoke about having a business on Cat Island.

Residents of the island call it the highest in The Bahamas, but besides the fact that it is anchored by the highest point of The Bahamas—Mt. Alvernia—many would tell you that Cat Island is the height of tranquillity.

UA Cat Island Beach The Hermitage on Mt. Alvernia Cat Island

If you’re in Cat Island during the month of June, you can’t miss the Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival, which showcases some of the best in Bahamian music and culture.

CAT ISLAND

here are many reasons why one should fall in love with Cat Island.

Cat Island has been called an unassuming, majestic beauty. Its 48 miles long and Mt. Alvernia, which was built in 1939 on Como Hill, sits 206 feet or 63 meters high above sea level.

MUST-SEE SITES

“I must say it started out very slow and as a new business it took time to grow, and having a good relationship with people to move you forward,” said Mrs. Rolle. “It has been very, very rewarding to watch something come up from scratch. I can see the progress and I can say that we are very blessed.”

T

Another wonder worth the visit is Mermaid Pool. Legend has it that a mermaid lives within it, with reports of one being seen on several occasions. Mermaid Pool is about 65 feet across and 10 feet deep. There is a blue hole that goes deep underwater into caverns and tunnels, which make for excellent diving.

Yvonne Rolle, owner of Rollezz Villas Beach Resort, with her husband, said she loves living on Cat Island because of the people.

While Cat Island can easily be called one of The Bahamas’ largest islands, its population is small. According to the Bahamas Geotourism website, Cat Island’s population hovers around 1,522 people.

The field of arts and entertainment is one that is always changing and adapting—which is why rather than write about a more traditional example of local arts, I sought out a different way to experience the arts and talent of today. That was how I first encountered the event known as ‘Bring Your Own Creativity’, more casually referred to as B.Y.O.C. Initially started by local entertainer, Tess Charles, in 2017, the event was created to bring together local artistic talent in various fields to share their work and network with one another. This allowed the bonds between artists to strengthen while also giving them a free platform where they can exhibit their skills and work. The event showed the true range of young, local talent with performances from singers, dancers, poets, artists, music producers and disk jockeys, meaning each session provided a fresh and unique experience.

By David Newlands Photographs Courtesy Of David Newlands

Turks and Caicos is a country with a rich, multicultural history—allowing visitors and locals alike to experience a diverse array of culturally significant art and entertainment. From ancient traditions like Maskanoo, to the musical ingenuity of Ricksaw and Rake n’ Scrape, the Turks and Caicos art scene will always have something for you, no matter your walk of life.

Turks and Caicos Bring Your Own Creativity

‘An Ode to Young Art’s Inspiration on a Traditionalist’

Live Performance up and away63

While B.Y.O.C.’s current home is local restaurant and bar, Sandbox, it started with much more humble beginnings. It was originally hosted in Tess’ front yard, where she simply wanted a place where her fellow artists could express themselves freely and be listened to respectfully. It was important to establish the venue as a place where the artists could relax and - in the words of Tess—“build the vibe that they wanted”. After shifting venues a few times, the members of B.Y.O.C. were welcomed to the Sandbox, where they have the freedom to express themselves with the blessing of the restaurant’s owner, while also being able to enjoy the atmosphere and air conditioning inside the venue. And that is what brings us back full circle to my introduction. While I am an artist by way of being a writer, I did not know most of the faces there, however, I was greeted by friendly and passionate artists from all walks of life. The atmosphere was not one of tension or stifling social expectations that you may find in a formal setting like an art gallery but, instead, one of release where the artists got to express themselves freely. The ambient lighting and eclectic furniture and décor add to this, giving visitors a sense of unique individuality rather than neat formality. While there, I experienced first-hand the sheer amount of talent that can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I was moved by impactful poetry that did not shy away from relevant subjects of a darker nature, I felt goose bumps upon hearing the beautiful voices of many of the island’s best vocalists and musicians and I even caught myself nodding my head to an original beat created by a disk jockey and aspiring musical producer.

t was a warm summer night, one where I could barely feel the ocean breeze and immediately regretted not wearing something more appropriate for the summer heat. Fortunately, I was granted a reprieve when I walked into the air-conditioned premises of Sandbox. While I was early, I was not the only person there—this was a good sign; it showed that people were dedicated to this event. Before I describe my experience any further, you must first learn of the context of my adventure on the night of July 13th.

I

UA Live Performance SandboxPatronsInteriorEnjoying The Entertainment Tess as MC at Sandbox

october 2022 64 and nothing but the Whopper WHOPPERTHE® Nassau 7 you.tolocationsGreatserve East St. ToniqueFrederickSaundersSouthBeachSt.,NorthWilliams-Darling Hwy. Carmichael Rd. Prince Charles Dr. Bernard burgerking.bsRd.

Arts

The authenticity of this experience is unrivalled in my experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. and Entertainment often stray beyond tradition and convention, and should always be supported and given room to grow, especially among the younger members of our community. We see the world through their eyes, expressed through their talent, and can often find us gifted with a new perspective on a situation that would be otherwise unspoken in the traditional outlets. If you are interested in experiencing this unique display of Arts and Entertainment first-hand, be sure to visit Sandbox, in Gracebay, on the second Tuesday of the month. If you are the creative type, don’t be shy to bring your work to share as well!

Photograph Courtesy of Kelsey Nottage A scene from E. Clement Bethel’s Music Of The Bahamas 2002

up and away65 heatre helps people express themselves. It helps them to tell the stories of their lives or the lives of others. Theatre also helps create meaning through personal narratives. Theatre influences the way people think and feel about their own lives, forcing them to examine themselves, their values and their behaviour. When it comes to theatre, The Bahamas has a rich and robust legacy that is unmatched in the region. For the last half-century, The Bahamas can boast of having a vibrant theatre scene. And that Bahamians have produced works that are not just world class—but dare I say excellent and world class. Many things can go out to the world, but don’t necessarily have to be that great and—truth be told—there is a lot of crap out there. But the excellent and world-class Bahamian productions are of award-winning quality.

TTHE RICH AND ROBUSTTHE RICH AND ROBUST Culture of Theatre

By Shavaughn Moss Photographs Courtesy Of Shakespeare In Paradise, Kelsey Nottage, Dominic Duncombe David Jonathan Burrows and Mark Humes SiP 2017 Othello

For example, productions such as the folk opera “The Legend of Sammie Swain” written by E. Clement Bethel as a ballet in 1968, and later as a folk opera in 1983, tells the story of a disabled Cat Island man who falls in love with the village beauty and sells his soul to the devil to be with her. And Winston Saunders’ “You Can Lead a Horse to Water”, which is one of the most critically acclaimed plays in the history of Bahamian theatre, is the Bahamian Greek tragedy based on a true case of a boy who killed his mother, and the lawyers who defended him. Both were in some ways ripped from the headlines. There is “Diary of Soul” by Dr. Ian Strachan which takes a look at migration and the underbelly of how immigrants are looked at, received and treated in The Bahamas. Again, a tragedy! The more recent “Der Real Ting!!” musical takes Eddie Minnis’ songs and turns them into a musical; and Dr. Nicolette Bethel’s “Powercut” shows what happens in the dark—it was also made into an independent film and released in 2001.

A quote Bethel likes is that theatre and democracy emerged in the same place at the same time, so the concept of democracy, the concept of the power of the people, is very closely linked to the concept of theatre because theatre requires empathy.

“From the 1960s to about 1990, The Bahamas was considered to be the leader in the Caribbean in terms of theatre. Other places were leaders in other art forms like visual arts, or dance or music but, in The Bahamas, theatre flourished because of this repertory season. It also meant that playwrights could get exposure, could get performances, and could get performed. And it meant that the kinds of things that were being written were wide-ranging. We had a whole lot of different kinds of things,” said Bethel, who is also a founder, with Philip Burrows, of the theatre festival Shakespeare in Paradise (SiP). SiP was established in 2009 by Ringplay Productions and inspired by Burrows and Bethel’s experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. SiP is designed to celebrate the best of the past while helping to share a strong future. The international theatre festival is held every autumn in Nassau and is on the calendar from September 19 - October 8, 2022.

Founded by The Freeport Players’ Guild in 2013, the Young Adults Regency Drama (YARD) Group comprises members between the ages of 18 and 35 who are trained in all aspects of theatre with the goal of continuing the tradition of live theatre on Grand Bahama.

Theatre in The Bahamas has been alive since the days of The Golden Age of Piracy which lasted for 30 years between 1690 and 1720. The first skit recorded in the annals of Bahamian history was done by pirates, according to anthropologist, essayist, poet, playwright and theatre producer/director Dr. Nicolette Bethel. Records also show theatre for white society up until the 20th century, although it is known that theatre was going on in Black segregated society and was church-based and school-based, but that no one was keeping record.

The 1980s saw two big watershed moments in Nassau when Winston Saunders becomes the chairman of The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts and in 1981 established The Dundas Repertory Season.

Productions that only scratch the surface of the many great Bahamian theatrical productions, and the many other plays that are good on a national level.

For a decade between 1960 and 1970, theatre activity started to coalesce around the Dundas. Like the country, it was becoming more integrated with white and Black Bahamians performing together on stage, with white and Black integrated audiences as well.

In 1961, The Freeport Player’s Guild was officially formed. It was the humble beginnings of theatre on Grand Bahama with the first productions held at the Sea Craft Building … ladies reportedly had to lift their gowns to avoid the mud as they entered the tin-roofed building. During performances, if it rained, the actors raised their voices to be heard above the pound of raindrops on the metal roof. If an airplane flew over, the actors stopped mid-sentence and waited for the craft to fly over, as the metal roof resonated, then resumed where they left off.

The 1980s saw the emergence of all kinds of new playwrights—people like Winston Saunders and Jeanne Thompson and the late James Catalyn, Dr. Ian Strachan and Bethel, herself, coming to the fore because they had the ability to dream. She said they did not have to write stuff that they thought people wanted to see. They did not have to write stuff that they thought people could appreciate. They could take risks. The result was all kinds of theatre and that Bahamian plays reflected that richness with the likes of “The Legend of Sammie Swain”, “You Can Lead a Horse to Water” and the full grand opera “Our Boys”. The one thing not being done during that period was classical work like Greek tragedy and Shakespeare. Since its establishment, SiP has presented work by William Shakespeare, Bahamian classics, one-person shows about the African-American/Caribbean experience, and musical extravaganzas.

october 2022 66

It’s a quote that does not necessarily recognize that theatre is a very human“Storytellingactivity.narratives … that’s part of who we are as humans. And stories are meant to be told, but they are also acted out. So, theatre is one of the basic things which human beings do in society that is a group thing. It is an in-person thing. It is a live thing. And it is in a real-time kind of thing. But what that means is that theatre and the fundamental art of being human are inextricably linked.” Theatre engages with the words part of the mind, the analytical part, the emotional part—all of these things together. As such, theatre is ingrained in human societies, and ingrained certainly in Bahamian society. And Bethel said if one thinks about the professions that people go into and get fulfilled by—politics, law, religion, preaching—that they are all parts, kind of theatre.

UA

“Bahamian society was segregated up until the 1960s really and then started to become integrated—and that is really when they begin to trace what can be called the tradition of a national theatre beginning, and the locust of that would have been The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts (in Nassau), a community theatre, dedicated to building community through culture, (providing) a home for vibrant performing arts companies, committed to the development of the performing, visual, audio/visual, digital and folk arts of The Bahamas,” said Bethel.

Scene from The Legend of Sammie Swain SiP 2013 Photograph Courtesy of Dominic Duncombe Scene Shakespeare’s The Tempest at SiP 2009 Inagural Festival

In 1971, the Regency Theatre was built opening with the Guild’s production of “The Importance of Being Ernest”. The Regency Theatre became the performing hub of the Northern Bahamas.

From 1981 to 1999, The Dundas Repertory Season set The Dundas apart from The Regency. In those 17 years, The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts put on a series of plays every single year on a monthly basis between January and May. People knew there was going to be theatre at The Dundas in The Bahamas in Nassau. And it was like a community theatre—each play ran for two weeks, 10 nights of performances, Tuesday through Saturday, then the next show would go up the next month. That decade and a half, plus two years of regularity and predictability, was revolutionary in the national theatre scene. Bethel said that period enabled actors to hone their skills in such a way that they became world class.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, there was the formation of a Bahamian theatre idea—both on New Providence and on Grand Bahama. The theatre scene was unfolding simultaneously in both places.

MS. KENDEA SMITH is a Communications Expert, who specializes in travel articles. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Writing and a Masters Degree in Strategic Communications, which includes Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media. She is married and the proud mother of two daughters.

CONTRIBUTORS

MS. KEESHA CLAUDIA BETHELL is a new-age writer, creative and award-winning Journalist who has her finger on the pulse in many areas of interest including mainstream news reporting and production, television/internet program production and travel, Spanish, leisure and culinary writing—not to mention social media.

MS. NIKIA WELLS is an avid traveler with a passion for seeing the world, learning about new cultures, trying unique dishes and raising awareness about the freedoms of solo travel. In 2014, this Grand Bahama native created the PinkSands242 website, which is devoted to spreading her passion for travel, food and new experiences from a Bahamian perspective, while demystifying various elements of world travel. Her writings have been featured on www.bahamas.com and several other local publications.

MRS. SHAVAUGHN MOSS is the lifestyles editor at The Nassau Guardian 1844 Ltd., The Bahamas’ oldest newspaper, and has three-plus decades of experience. She currently writes on a wide range of topics. She is known as the country’s premiere “foodie” and has traveled extensively in her culinary quest for the best bites (and some interesting ones as well). Shavaughn studied Mass Communication in the United States, and has done advanced courses in the United Kingdom as well. up and away67 MS. YOLANDA HANNA is a Radio Personality, Publicist, Writer and Social Media Content Creator living in the beautiful Bahamas. A ferocious advocate for the promotion of Bahamian Music, Art and Culture, she is a “Grand Bahama Baby” who is passionate about telling the stories of the Bahamian people. “I don’t just fly here, I live here.”

MS. BIANCA MAJOR is the editor of The Long Island Runner News and is an avid promoter of The “real” Bahamas, its culture and all things Bahamian. Her diversity spans across professional fields such as Publishing, Marketing & Graphics, Social Media Content Creation & Management, Photography, and Marketing. Bianca the “artist”, “foodie” and radio personality has more than two decades of experience and has a passion for writing. Raised between The United States and The Bahamas she has a unique concept of our culture.

october 2022 68

MS. ALEXANDRA ‘BAHAYOGI’ KAUFMANN is a lover of all things yoga, wellness, and life. Along her yoga journey, she has practiced and studied Power, Baptiste, Hot, Restorative, Rocket, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. She has completed over 500 hours of yoga teacher training with world-renowned instructors. Her passion for teaching has attracted celebrity clients like Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Lawrence.

CONTRIBUTORS

MR. DAVID NEWLANDS is a native of the Turks and Caicos Islands with an extensive background in media and publication. Currently working in the field of business administration he has never left his passion for writing. With a keen interest in travelling and culture, he reveals the hidden cultural gems of his country to those who share a similar passion.

MS. NASIA R. COLEBOOKE is a copy editor, playwright and writer, who loves to tell the stories of those who often go unheard. She has a blog where she writes film, TV, music and book reviews, and personal pieces. She is also well-versed in public relations and holds a B.A. in English (minor in History) from University of The Bahamas, and is currently pursuing a master’s in journalism.

Jovanna Hepburn and Mark Humes in SiP 2010 Midsummer Night’s Dream Photograph Courtesy Of Shakespeare In Paradise

The Family Islands are calling and it couldn’t be easier to get away. Catch the next flight or ferry out of Nassau to reconnect with familiar faces, get into the unique rhythm of an island festival, and come away inspired by the joyful energy of escape. Discover our latest specials at MyOutIslands.com

*Photo courtesy of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Investments & Aviation.

HOME, AWAY FROM HOME Out Here

ABACOS ACKLINS ANDROS BIMINI CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA EXUMAS HARBOUR ISLAND LONG ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

It’s