01052024 WEEKEND

COMMUNITY PUZZLES GARDENING ANIMALS ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY

Weekend Friday, January 5, 2024

Rockin’ in the new year

STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP RINGS IN 2024 AT ATLANTIS PGS 8+9, 16

A MAGAZINE TO UPLIFT PG 3

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 5, 2024

crafts

A special way to wrap your love and appreciation

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

H

er unique brand of Bahamian-themed gift-wrapping paper may have “AI” in its name, but Ayla Isaacs assures us there is no Artificial Intelligence involved in her creation process; only oldfashioned ingenuity.

The idea for her new business AI Paper - named after her initials - came from conversations she had with friends circle, discussing possibilities for low capital and niche market investment opportunities She suddenly had an epiphany, and after some research she was able to confirm there was no company dedicated to producing specifically Bahamian-themed giftwrap-

ping paper in the country.

Ayla said she soon realised this was a niche market with considerable room for growth.

She immediately started

drafting a few designs and asked her friends to rank the designs to determine the best of the batch.

“While I’m no graphic designer or artist, I knew the vision I had and didn’t quite trust subcontracting the vision to anyone else. Knowing that I didn’t want to have a surplus of inventory, I selected the top two designs and proceeded to find the most feasible, cost-effective method

to have the designs printed and shipped,” said Ayla.

Starting with the two paper designs just before Christmas in 2022, she came up with the name AI Paper on the spur of the moment when she needed to provide a vendor a name to associate with the product.

“I used my initials and stuck paper on the end, because at the time all we had was wrapping paper.

However, it is still fun to respond to persons who think that ‘AI’ is a reference to the Artificial Intelligence craze or that the designs are generated by AI, to which I cheekContinues on ily tell them that they are,” said Ayla.

page 7

Friday, January5, 2024

The Tribune | Weekend | 03

entertainment

New magazine seeks to offer hope through stories of everyday Bahamians

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

P

UTTING talented Bahamians whose stories are motivating and inspirational in the spotlight is the goal of a new magazine which is getting ready for launch.

The upcoming Inspire magazine seeks to build enthusiasm, faith and hope by telling the stories of people from all walks of life.

The magazine was created by Bahamian Marie Pratt, who is on a mission to see lives changed through the published content. She believes many people can benefit from reading about how others have overcome the hardships they have faced in their lives.

The magazine, she said, will focus on how each subject used their faith to beat the odds.

“The Inspire magazine sheds light on persons who have overcome such trials and have regained their hope in God and in life through the power of inspiration,” she told Tribune Weekend.

“It is my prayer that this magazine will stimulate the lives of God’s people and that God will breathe into them new life, hope and peace as they face each day. As God flips the script in your life, I pray that you will in turn be the inspiration.”

At the same time, Inspire will highlight Bahamians who are making a worthwhile impact in their spheres of influence.

From time to time there will also be special features on some international figures.

“Many of us are in a hard place spiritually, physically and psychologically because of the vicissitudes of life and the many challenges that we have faced or are still facing,” said Marie.

“And so I believe that this is the opportune time for us to speak hope into the lives of those that we know are in that place of hopelessness and it’s time for us to fill them with the confidence that they need to get

up, pick up the fragments of their lives and move forward with great expectations. Listen, one word of inspiration can change the course in someone’s life when spoken in love.”

The magazine is expected to be published every quarter.

Although there may be publications similar to Inspire out there, Marie believes that no two stories are the same.

“Apart from fact that I know what it is to be at that place of hopelessness, I come into contact daily with people who lack courage, confidence and the boldness to actually get up, move forward and do what they are created to,” she said.

“I believe that Inspire magazine is necessary because it serves a purpose, which is to inspire. It also gives opportunities for Bahamians from all walks of life to be highlighted for their gifts, talents or contributions made in our country, be it in sports, tourism, culinary, arts, etcetera.”

Marie believes that once people read the magazine, they will know that they are not alone in whatever they may be going through.

“The future for Inspire magazine is a tremendously bright one. I hope to see the magazine with the Ministry of Tourism, in our hotels, airlines, doctors’ offices and on your bedroom nightstand,” she said.

Marie is a wife and mother of three.

She is the founder of the Prayer and Inspiration Network which hosts the annual “Surviving Through Prayer” conference.

She also teaches prayer classes and engages in an outreach ministry, hosting giveaways of clothes, toys and food packages or vouchers to the less fortunate.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 5, 2024

community

Couture fashion show to raise funds for projects surrounding brain related disorders

By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

T

he Bahamas District of Pilot International will be hosting a couture fashion show to raise money to help them achieve their objectives for the upcoming year.

The fashion show will take place this Sunday at 5pm at the Balmoral Club and will include the creations of several well-known Bahamian designers and labels, including Sabrina Francis, Patrice Lockhart, Brynda Knowles, Remilda Rose and Charlene Elliott.

Pilot International was founded in October 1921 in Georgia.

It came by its name from the mighty riverboat pilots of the day who represented leadership and guidance.

The Pilot International Founders Fund was established in 1975 to further Pilot’s humanitarian efforts.

Since the Pilot International Founders Fund grant and scholarship

this

weekend in history January 5 s )N CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE 'OLDEN 'ATE "RIDGE 4HE IDEA FOR THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE WHICH CONNECTS 3AN &RANCISCO TO -ARIN #OUNTY STEMS FROM BUT CONCRETE PLANS WEREN T PUT INTO PLACE UNTIL 4HE BRIDGE ONCE BOASTED THE LONGEST MAIN SPAN IN THE WORLD AND HAS SINCE BECOME AN ICONIC LANDMARK s )N THE 3UGARHILL 'ANG S h2APPER S $ELIGHTv BECOMES HIP HOP S lRST "ILLBOARD 4OP HIT

programme began in 1977, more than $3.2 million has been awarded to Pilot Clubs and students seeking higher education.

At present there are six chapters in the Bahamas -Pilot Club of Abaco, Freeport Club Grand Bahama, Pilot Club of Lucaya, Pilot Club of Nassau, Sunset Pilot Club of Grand Bahama and the Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau.

Additionally, they have several schools and branches called Anchor Clubs.

Terez Curry is the governor for the all the chapters in the Bahamas and represents the country internationally.

The organisation’s primary focus is brain safety and health.

Sheila McPhee, the district coordinator for the Pilot organisation, explained that this includes brain related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and dementia.

She noted that in addition to bringing awareness to those illnesses, Pilot International also seeks to be a resource for the caregivers of individuals afflicted with these ailments as well.

“We know that the caregivers are often overlooked, but they play such a vital role and it can be difficult to care for a loved one and so it is important that they have resources as well,” she said.

The funds raised at Sunday’s fashion show will help club members with all their awareness efforts during the upcoming year.

Tickets are $50 and are available at the Seventeen Shop on Collins Avenue and by contacting Sheila McPhee at 445-2214 or sheilamcphee1957@gmail.com Phylis Albury will be the commentator for the event and there will also be a selection of Bahamian-made jewellery and handbags on sale as

PILOT International Couture Fashion Show well. Gary Super Johnson will be the DJ. “It will be a fun-filled weekend,” Sheila promised.

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The Tribune | Weekend | 05

Friday, January 5, 2024

interview

Sailor from the Bahamas serves at Aviation Rescue Swimmer School

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach and our Navy are stronger PENSACOLA, Florida because of their service, The skills and values needed according to Navy officials. are Navy to succeed in the “Having a cadre of students similar to those found in are eager to learn and who Freeport. extremely hard-working, “Growing up, I learned the ensures we offer the best and only thing that can stop you brightest to naval aviation and is yourself,” said Musgrove. the Aviation Rescue Swimand “Keep pushing onward mer community,” said Captain upward until you reach your Brad Arthur, commanddream.” ing officer, Naval Aviation Musgrove joined the Navy Schools Command. four months ago.

Serving in the Navy means “My family serves in ve is part of a team Musgro the of multiple branches that is taking on new impormilitary,” said Musgrove. “I tance in America’s focus on chose the Navy because it was rebuilding military readiness, my favourite, even though a strengthening alliances and how lot of people don’t know reforming business practices important the Navy is.” in support of the National er Swimm Aviation Rescue Defence Strategy.

School provides initial avia“The Navy stands at the tion water survival training ready 24/7, ever vigilant in and CPR qualification to protecting our sea, land and all preflight student naval skies,” said Musgrove. aviators and student naval With 90 percent of global flight flight officers, student commerce travelling by sea surgeons, naval aircrew and access to the internet candidates, student aviators from other branches of the US relying on the security of undersea fibre optic cables, Armed Forces and internaNavy officials continue to tional student aviators. emphasize that the prosperity ers Aviation rescue swimm of the United States is directly serve in treacherous condilinked to trained sailors and a ing tions to complete life-sav strong Navy. missions like evacuating famiMusgrove has many lies during a storm, rescuing a crew off of a ship in the Pacific opportunities to achieve accomplishments during miliCoast or saving mountain tary service. climbers.

“My proudest accomplishThis year commemorates 50 ment so far in the Navy was years of women flying in the completing the battle stations US Navy. drill during boot camp,” said In 1973, the first eight Musgrove. in women began flight school As Musgrove and other Pensacola; one year later six continue to train and sailors First of them, known as “The perform missions, they take Six,” earned their “Wings of pride in serving their country Gold.” in the US Navy.

Over the past 50 years, the “Serving in the Navy Navy has expanded its roles means protecting my for women to lead and serve globally and today our women country alongside people I can trust wholeheartedly, aviators project power from and pushing on despite the sea in every type of Navy, the fear and pain we may Marine Corps and Coast feel,” said Musgrove.

Guard aircraft. Our nation

ond Musgrove

Navy Office Patricia Elkins, Outreach) s as Cl t 1s t lis ication Specia of Community Mass Commun

AIRMAN Raym (Photo by

Agonise, Salvo, Them, Abeyance.

06 TV Tribune | Weekend | The CROSSWORD

SMALL CROSSWORD

Miller’s Crossing No Country For Old Men The Ladykillers

Across: 1 Nostalgia, 7 Epee, 8 Pills, 10 Ass, 11 Sinner, 13 Potassium, Across: 5 Burt, 7 Sylvia, 8 Burke, 14 Superb, 16 Pie, 18 Eyrie, 19 Date, Best described a number crossword, the 15 task in Kakuro 11 as Heigl, 12 Dreaming, 13 Isla, Kris, CLOCK-WISE 20 Repossess.

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid is to fill all of 16 theEnfield, empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so 17 Cage, 18 Grylls, Down: 1 Newspaper, 2 Option, 3 Tern, with Mean, severalAnne, givenNero, numbers. The object is to place the Otto, Tome, the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its 21 Edna, 22 Keen.

4 Lit, 5the Glacier, Assembles, numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so each6row, each left, and the sum of 1each vertical block equals the number Root Down: Kyle, 2 Bialik, 3 June, column and each 3x3 box contains the same 8 Presume, 9 number Antwerp,only 12 Bursts, on its top. No number may be used in the same block more Begins, 5 Bussell, 6 Rita, once. The difficulty level of the from 15 Sudoku Pods, 17increases Rio. than once. 4 The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro QUIZ OF THE WEEK Monday to Sunday 9 Monday Adlington, Ogden, 14 Phill, increases from to 10 Sunday.

17 Cake, 19 Rik, 20 Len. 1 Someone Like You, 2 Detroit, CROSS DOUBT 3 Julie Andrews, 4 Sherry, TV show: Bluey 5 Liberal Democrats, 6 Hampshire, Across: LUNGE 7 Colin Murray, 8 Atlantic, Down: GAVEL 9 1960s, 10 Horse.

24 Man 3 has 8 planted 3 4 first 2 1tree (5)

G H I J

TARGET

1

2

3

4

9

5

6

7

8

18

19

10 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

20 21

22 24

23

25

26 28

27 29

Across: 1 Celia, 4 Pointer, 8 Mad, 9 Escalator, 10 Recital, 11 Cedar, 13 Stolid, 15 Stocks, 18 Oasis, 19 Regimen, 21 Murderess, 23 Tab, 24 Honesty, 25 Order.

Down: 1 Cameras, 2 Ludicrous, 3 Agent, 4 Pickle, 5 Illicit, 6 Tot, 7 Rarer, 12 Decimated, 14 Insteps, 16 Sandbar, 17 Greedy, 18 Oomph, 20 Gusto, 22 Run.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Outlying city district (6) 4 Blind alley (3-2-3) 9 Wine bottle twice normal size (6) 10 Uncomplimentary remark (8) 12 Touch along a border (4) 13 Aggressively selfassertive (5) 14 An abandoned child (4) 17 Very nervous (6,6) 20 Work perfectly (2,4,1,5) 23 Strongly audible (4) 24 Nimble (5) 25 Surfeit (4) 28 Mention in dispatches (8) 29 Tedious moral discourse (6)

Down 1 Fellow-feeling (8) 2 Be reluctant to give (8) 3 Disorderly retreat (4) 5 Absolutely (12) 6 Prisoner’s place in court (4) 7 Pedestrian tunnel under road (6) 8 Isolated (3,3) 11 Sharp reprimand (8-4) 15 Mixture of metals (5) 16 Slyly derogatory (5) 18 Almost (4-4) 19 Bluish violet quartz (8) 21 Calm (6) 22 Patronage (6) 26 Knock senseless (4)

9

4 2 3 1 THE ALPHABEATE

CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid TARGET number represents a letter – or black square.

Across: 1 Elapse, 4 Pamper, uses INCUMBENT Asbent in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet in 9 Superstitions, 10 Ghostly, 11 words Crime, bite bitumen bunt cent cite the main is used. youemit have to complete the grid 12 Jiffy, 14 Jewel, 18 Amass, 19 Welfare, cubitBut cute INCUMBENT itemtoo! body of the given letters and black squares 21 Prepossessing, 22 Trying, 23 Corner. Use mint minuet minute mite mutebelow Chambers grid to start.

The grid 21st 3 Strut, the time tine tube tuneis ‘rotationally tunic unbent Down: 1 Ensign, 2 Approximately, Century symmetrical’ other words, 5 Article, 6 Proliferation, 7 Rushed, unit unite– in unmet untieit looks the Dictionary 8 Stays, 13 Festoon, 15 Carpet,(1999 16 Twist, same if you turn the page upside down.

Solution tomorrow 17 Ledger, 20 Lasso. edition)

BATTLESHIPS

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

6

1

2

The QUICK CROSSWORD ● Target

for today’s Target solution

Across: 1 Fetch, 4 What for, 8 Rat, 9 Artillery, 10 Overdue, 11 Vigil, 13 Shoddy, 15 Urbane, 18 Guess, 19 In print, 21 Flat broke, 23 Ton, 24 Entreat, 25 Spree.

Down: 1 Ferrous, 2 To the fore, 3 Hoard, 4 Wither, 5 All over, 6 Foe, 7 Royal, 12 Gladiator, 14 Disable, 16 Entente, 17 Die out, 18 Gaffe, 20 Press, 22 Act.

2

7

Sudoku Answer *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

Down 1 Elevating device that may go over well (8) 2 Stuck for some means of identification? (8) 3 Rings about the Italian art exhibits perhaps (4) 5 Unlikely to be patient much longer? (12) 6 It’s used to catch small river fish (4) 7 Note the world shortage (6) 8 It is twice raised by an outstanding painter (6) 11 Postponing a mistake on the green? (7,2,3) 15 Moving arm up and down (5) 16 Grand aunt looks haggard (5) 18 Given and ideally shouldn’t be paid back (8) 19 Crooked men about to plot in an underground vault (8) 21 Tolerates Burns? (6) 22 See under one kind of fruit for another (6) 26 A shade sorrowful (4) 27 Loss from a strike (4)

1

3

8

Yesterday’s Call 0907 181 2585

Across 1 The pattern of old China (6) 4 Vouch for the account many tried falsely (8) 9 Unable to see scattered group of stars (6) 10 Play without stress (8) 12 Swing till dizzy (4) 13 Country has right to mountain range (5) 14 Mount hotly tipped when it runs (4) 17 Get a move on and stamp out garrulity? (4,2,3,3) 20 A butchery firm owned by a combine? (5,7) 23 Game bird? (4) 24 Enormous soldier ant (5) 25 This man gets a seat (4) 28 Fail to notice what supervisors do (8) 29 She plays a Shakespearean part for the network (6) 30 Push the boat out and depart (5,3) 31 Avoided potential duel with editor (6)

4 3 Friday, January 5, 2024

4

TODAY’S TARGET Good 25; very good 37; excellent 50 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

4

9

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

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

Verb forms ending in S permitted.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

1

3

8

5

OT L GV I ENR

4

9

FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

Solution tomorrow 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

A

1

B

2

C

3

D

1

E

1

F

4

G

2

H

1

I

2

J

3 1

4

1

0

1 x Battleship 2 x Cruiser

1

4

1

1

4

3 x Destroyer 4 x Submarine

3

A 22 B C 37 D E 5 F G 21 H I 13 J K 29 L M 2 N O 25 P Q 22 R S 32 T U 13 V W 30 X Y 36 Z

E

0

(De each

0

*Call yo n

30

11

31

31

15

39

28

4

1

40

31

7

10

17

20

25

31

3

28

9

9

36

3

14

5

19

4

38

1

19

29

39

37

13

40

1

33

28

33

24

1

28

32

30

1

21

22

37

6

4

9

21

8

3

8

11

32

36

1

7

8

3

11

35 27 36 3 Yesterday’s 37 28 40 12 36 Kakuro Answer 28 33 34 15 36

22

19

2

17

34

17

14

28

24

40

23

2

38

31

7

8

29

6

34

36

3

40

10

31

5

18

28

4

32

1

18

36

12

14

35

38

3

36

2

15

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30 31

32

33

34 35

■

■

H

■

B

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to yo text DXBEAT to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your us

WORD BUILDER Answer the clues so that each word contains the same letters as the previous word, plus or minus one.

Solu

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

7

The Tribune | Weekend | 07

Friday, January 5, 2024

crafts

A special way to wrap your love and appreciation

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

Continues from page2

A

I Paper supplies Bahamian-themed gift bags, gift wrapping and craft paper.

The paper is available in two prints: Hibiscus and Baha-Isles. The bags are available in seven prints: Baha-Isles, Black Pineapple, Pink Shells, Black Anchor, Baha-Biscus, Black Flamingo and Pink Hibiscus. The business is home-based, located in Western Nassau, but items can be delivered for a price.

A project manager by profession, Ayla has worked in various industries.

“Until this venture with AI Paper, I have leant more heavily on my technical strengths, only dabbling in the arts with sketches and doodles,” she said.

When it comes to her designs, Ayla said she lets her creative juices flow as best and as unrestricted as possible. At times she is inspired by something she has seen or heard, but most of the time the inspiration lies in the things she don’t see, but would like to see.

“I have a portfolio full of designs, however, the criteria for what gets selected for print are: One, is the design truly representative of the Bahamas or Bahamian-inspired?

Two, ensure reflective Bahamianthemed colours are dominant. I have realised that the most requested pieces vary based on the season,” she said.

While AI Paper is not intended to be seasonal, Ayla said there is a clear seasonality to the requests.

During the Christmas season, both gift wrapping paper designs were in high demand. Last year, the BahaIsles design was most requested.

The family island customers love seeing the different islands represented especially.

opened their doors to us in featuring AI Paper in their stores: Lignum Vitae Market (Grand Bahama), Rollezz Villas (Cat Island), Bahama Art and Handicraft, Logos Bookstore, Oasis Bookstore and Down Home Bahamas. At this point, we welcome feedback from our clients on what they would like to see and what they want. Another possible opportunity is in design and supply of bags for specific organisations or events,” said Ayla.

“AI Paper is the best way to wrap and bag your love and appreciation.”

Ayla said she is grateful for all the support she has received, and particularly from the Bain Family.

“Not only are they a returning, multiple-order client, they have also recruited folks in their circle to support and also be return clients. They have assisted in making connections with potential buyers and lend support at most pop-up opportunities.

The Bains are truly a gem of a family and by far one of our greatest supporters and clients to date,” she said.

For 2024, Ayla hopes to expand AI Paper; more designs for both the

wrapping paper and bags.

It also means expansion into other paper territories outside of bags and paper and more availability in brick-and-mortar stores.

“It would be remiss of us not to give nod to the businesses that have

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 5, 2024

gardening

Salty gardening and bizarre timing

G

ood day, gardeners. As we move on into the new year, it seems that many fruit trees are all mixed up.

There are mango trees flowering in early January, which is bizarre, and juju’s that typically would have been being picked on Christmas Day that are still weeks away from being ripe.

It’s all a bit topsy turvy. I’m not one to make sense of it all, it is what it is, but I do thinks it’s all a bit odd and very much out of traditional, historic patterns.

Guava trees are continually putting on flowers and fruits. I see some star fruit around and a dilly tree putting out fruit. What is going on?!

Well, whatever time the trees fruit at is a good time to me. I’ve been getting some incredibly tender and fresh salad greens from the garden, and I’m hoping that your tomatoes and cucumbers are doing well!

Pumpkins are being harvested, I’m being given sweet potatoes and cassava roots. How wonderful is our winter for the garden?!

Tremendously.

If you’re not a lover of the heat, like most vegetable plants, I do hope that you’re taking time in the garden. If you don’t have a garden, a visit to a plant nursery, a unique garden center (cough cough), a farm, or a greenhouse, or at the least, a farmers’ market, can get you closer to the source of natural, healthy and delicious food.

Fresh juices from the fruits of gardens are full of vitamins, minerals, and goodness. When’s the last time you’ve had a natural juice with sugar cane if sweetness is needed, instead of high fructose corn syrup?

Did I mention farmers markets?

If you’re a landscaper, do you use edible plants in your work? If not, why not? New Providence is lucky to have had many of the past generations that we have had, for the many fruit trees in some areas of the island.

When I drive around the Fox Hill, St Anne’s, and Freetown constituencies, I’m often astounded at the amount of ancient, mature fruit trees that dot the landscape.

Right now, I’m eyeing some guavas to hurry up and get into my belly.

They’re not ripe yet though. There’s

not much that’s fresher than eating fruits or vegetables from one’s own garden or pot.

What are you planting this week?

I’m in the process of designing a garden that is on the sea, and I’ll be using fruiting material wherever possible. Not many fruit trees will be successful on the seaside, outside of seagrapes and coconuts typically.

Fortunately, I’ve got a courtyard area that is in the lee, to use as a place for some citrus plants. The area is not large enough for my favorite, mango. Barbados cherry can also be used in full or part sun in smaller areas as they’re easy to keep under control in regard to their size. They also do quite well near the sea.

My grandad had grape vines quite close to the sea, and the grapes that grow here are mostly hybridized with muscadine that are native to the southeast coastal regions of North America, on the Gulf and on the Atlantic, so they tend to do quite alright. Dilly trees are very resilient and tend to grow just about anywhere.

Sugar cane is a nice addition to medium or larger areas for their use in the kitchen. No need to buy sugar in plastic that comes from…. where?! Salty or not, there’s always something fruiting or edible that can be grown for food. As always, I wish you happy gardening!

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The Tribune | Weekend | 11

Friday, January 5, 2024

community

Scholarships up for grabs during upcoming Brass Band Symposium

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

T

ALENTED young musicians are asked to bring their A-game next week for a shot at a scholarship when the Bahamas Brass Band hosts its sixth symposium.

Over the years, the annual Brass Band Symposium has offered more than $12 million in scholarships.

And members of the world-famous Bahama Brass Band are excited to once again be staging the audition event.

The event is an outreach effort with a mission to provide musical opportunities to students leaving school this year. The Brass Band Symposium was created to attract college and university band directors to the Bahamas to audition high school students for their band programmes in the US. This weekend’s activities will kick off with a pre-symposium concert and awards celebration at the Church of God of Prophecy, East Street Tabernacle, this evening at 7pm.

Performances will be given by various brass bands, including the church’s brass band along with school bands from C I Gibson Senior High and C V Bethel Senior High.

During this free concert, appreciation awards will be given to sponsors of this year’s symposium. Attendees will be treated to selections from several of the guest professors.

The concert will be streamed live on the band’s Facebook page at 7pm.

The Brass Band will host its audition symposium at the Church of God of Prophecy, East Street and Sunlight Village. Auditions will commence on Monday at 10.30am.

“This symposium is designed to be information-sharing, important presentations will be given by representatives from the Lyford Cay Foundation, Ministry of Education Scholarship & Educational Loan Division and the US Embassy Student Visa Department,” said committee member Sean Gibson.

THE BAHAMAS Brass Band on the march “Attendees and parents will be invited to engage these presenters during Q&A. Additionally, processes on international college admissions and financial aid can be addressed from the visiting professors.”

The participating music professors for this year’s symposium include: Dr Nikole Roebuck (Grambling State University), Dr J William Nicholas (Tuskegee University), Professor Dr Mark Gordon (Langston University), and Professor H Wade Johnson

(Benedict College), along with their assistants.

These band directors will audition students on their proficiency regarding music rudiments using their brass, woodwind, and percussions instruments. Singers will also be auditioned for scholarships “For a number of years, Bahamian students have benefited from a music scholarship to pursue undergraduate degrees in numerous academic studies. From Engineering, Science, Mass Communication, Accounts to

Medicine, and Law, student- musicians have earned their four degrees as a result of this type of scholarship,” said Sean.

Students wishing to register can visit the Bahama Brass Band official Facebook page for the promotional flyer with the QR scan code to signup electronically.

The $10 registration fee will include meals for Saturday and Monday, along with symposium materials.

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 5, 2024

literary lives - Dinah Washington

The Queen of Blues Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the American singer and pianist who was one of the most popular Black female recording artists of the 1950s. Primarily a jazz vocalist, she performed and recorded in a wide variety of styles including blues, R&B, and traditional pop music.

“You would mostly call me an all round singer. I sing jazz, I sing blues, I sing black, I sing spirituals, church songs.”

- Dinah Washington Dinah Washington was born Ruth Lee Jones on August 29, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Alice and Ollie Jones. She moved to Chicago as a child and became deeply involved in gospel music and played piano for the choir in St. Luke’s Baptist Church while still in elementary school.

She sang gospel music in church and played piano, directing her church choir in her teens, and was a member of the Sallie Martin Gospel Singers.

Washington dropped out of Wendell Phillips High School. She sang lead in the Gospel Singers.

She started singing with the Gospel Singers after she won an amateur contest at Chicago’s Regal Theatre where she sang “I Can’t Face the Music.”

After winning a talent contest when she was fifteen, Washington began singing in Chicago clubs such as Dave’s Café, and the Downbeat Room at the Sherman Hotel – with Fats Waller. She was playing at the Three Deuces, a jazz club when a friend took her to hear Billie Holiday at the Garrick Stage Bar.

Joe Sherman, the club owner, was so impressed with her singing of “I Understand”, backed by the Cats and the Fiddle, who were appearing in the Garrick’s upstairs room, that he hired her.

During her year at the Garrick – she sang upstairs while Holiday sang in the downstairs room. It was at the Garrick that she became well known.

She credited Joe Sherman for suggesting she change her name from Ruth Jones to Dinah Washington – before Lionel Hampton came to hear her at the Garrick. Washington worked as the female band vocalist in Hampton’s band right after she had sung with the band when they opened the Chicago Royal Theatre.

Washington made her recording debut for Keynote Records in December 1944, with “Evil Gal Blues”, written by Leonard Feather and backed by Hampton and his band.

Both that record, and its follow-up “Salty Paper Blues”, made the Billboard Harlem Hit Parade that year.

In December 1945, she made a series of twelve recordings for Apollo Records – ten of which were issued.

Washington stayed with Lionel Hampton’s band until 1946 – when the Keynote record label folded. She then signed with Mercury Records as a solo singer.

Her first recording was a version of Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehaving’” – a huge hit beginning with a long string of successes. Between 1948 and 1955 she became one of the most popular singers in the US. She was different. “Am I Asking Too Much” (1948) and “Baby Get Lost” (1949) both reached Number One on the R&B chart, and her version of “I Wanna Be Loved” (1950) reached Number 22 on the U.S. pop chart. She even sang Hank William’s “Cold, Cold Heart” (1951). She also

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Friday, January 5, 2024

recorded sessions with many leading jazz musicians on the album Dinah Jams.

In 1950, Dinah Washington performed at the Cavalcade of Jazz Concert at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles.

There were 16,000 people there to hear her and other stars, including Lionel Hampton, Wee Wee Crayton and Tiny Davis and Her Hell Divers.

She repeated her performance again at Wrigley Field on September 2, 1956.

In 1959, she had her first top ten hit “What a Difference a Day Made”, which reached Number 4 on the US pop chart and is still a perennial favourite, recorded by many artists. She followed it up with Irving Gordon’s “Unforgettable”, and then two highly successful duets with Brook Benton, “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)”: No 5 Pop and No 1 R&B, and “A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)”: No 7 Pop, No 1 R&B. Her last big hit was “September in the Rain” in 1961: No 23 Pop, No 5 R&B. She sang songs with some semierotic risqué titles: “Long John Blues” about her dentist (“He took out his trusty drill. Told me to open wide …”), and also recorded “Long Slidin’ Thing” about her trombonist.

“I wouldn’t trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into heaven.”

- Dinah Washington Washington produced forty-five R&B charted hits between 1948 and 1961, including sixteen Top 15 placements between 1948 and 1950.

Shortly before her death, in the 1950s and early 1960s, she performed occasionally on the Las Vegas strip.

“She was a good friend of mine.

She was great. She used to just come in with two suitcases … without being booked … And she’d stay as long as she wanted … All the kids in all the shows on the strip would come that night. They’d hear that she’s in town and it would be packed just for her performance.”

WASHINGTON with her sixth husband, pro footballer Dick “Night Train” Lane, who was with her when she died All Music Magazine - Tony Bennett Washington was well known for singing torch songs.

In 1962, she hired a male backing trio called The Allegros, consisting of Jimmy Thomas (on drums), Earl Edwards (on saxophone), and Jimmy Sigler (on organ). Eventually Edwards was replaced on sax by John Payne. A Variety writer praised their vocals as “effective choruses”.

“Washington was at once one of the most beloved and controversial singers of the mid 20th century … Her principal sin … was to cultivate a distinctive vocal style that was at home with all kinds of music, be it R&B, blues, jazz, Middle of the Road pop” … she probably would have made a fine gospel or country singer if she had had the time. Hers was a gritty, salty, high-pitched voice, marked by absolute clarity of diction and clipped bluesy phrasing.”

- Richard S Ginell

Washington had a unique voice and a unique delivery. Only Amy Winehouse had a similar voice and delivery. Her imitation of Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” is exact as to phrasing, breath control, enunciation, and intonation, is hair-raising. No-one else has ever attempted to copy her.

She has no imitators.

Her achievements included appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival (1955-1959), the Randalls Island Jazz Festival in New York City (1959) and the International Jazz Festival in Washington, DC (1962), and performances in 1963 with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. *** Dinah Washington was married seven times (although some sources say she may have had eight or nine husbands.)

Early on the morning of December 14, 1963, Washington’s earlier sixth husband, football great Dick “Night Train” Lane went to sleep with Washington and awoke later to find her slumped over and not responsive.

Dr BC Ross pronounced her dead at the scene at age thirty-nine.

An autopsy later showed a lethal combination of secobarbital and amobarbital prescriptions for her insomnia and diet, which contributed to her death. She is buried in the Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois – one of the truly great jazz singers of all time.

“As barbaric as we are, it’s a miracle we haven’t blown ourselves off the face of the earth so far. However …

I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth, because I know, no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”

- Dinah Washington UÊSir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted

14 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 5, 2024

entertainment

What to stream this week: ‘Society of the Snow,’ ‘Night Court,’ ‘Good Grief’

By The Associated Press Floor” while Anthony Anderson and his mother Doris Bowman co-host the musical “We Are Family”. The latter was originally intended to star Jamie Foxx and his daughter Corinne but the Oscar winner, who experienced an undisclosed medical condition in 2023, will now executive produce.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM — Director JA Bayona knows his way around an agonizing survival story. In 2012, he gave audiences a harrowing look at a family’s experience during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and now he’s back with “Society of the Snow,” about the Uruguayan Air Force Flight that crashed in the Andes mountains in 1972. The disaster has been recounted and studied in many books and movies over the years, including Frank Marshall’s 1993 film “Alive.” But Bayona was inspired to take another look after reading Pablo Vierci’s “Society of the Snow.” Bayona has said that he wanted to tell the stories not only of the survivors but of those who didn’t, in a “documentary style.” The Spanish-language film was selected to represent Spain in the Oscars and has been shortlisted for best international film. “Society of the Snow” is now streaming on Netflix.

Netflix also has Dan Levy’s directorial debut, “Good Grief”, coming on January 5. Levy, who also wrote, co-stars alongside Luke Evans, Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel as a widower who has recently lost his husband and takes his friends to Paris for some soul-searching.

‘The Society of Snow’ on Netflix

— And over on Prime Video are two movies that didn’t get the best reviews, but if you’re intrigued and have an Amazon Prime account they’re there for the sampling.

First there is the globetrotting action pic “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” which centers on the charismatic stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback who travel from Brooklyn to Peru. Directed by Steven Caple Jr, it is technically a

sequel to “Bumblebee.” There’s also Garth Davis’ “Foe,” a sci-fi psychological thriller with Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr NEW SHOWS TO STREAM Fox is adding some new game shows to its roster in the new year.

Rob Lowe executive produces and hosts a new trivia show called “The

— The acclaimed Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” comes to broadcast television in early 2024. The comedy whodunit stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as neighbors in a posh New York apartment building who start their own true crime podcast after another resident is murdered.

The first three episodes of season one begin airing on ABC on Tuesday, January 2.

— Season one of NBC’s rebooted “Night Court” ended on a cliffhanger, with the return of original series regular Marsha Warfield in an unexpected spot. Season two picks up where last season left off. The rebooted show stars series original John Larroquette and Melissa Rauch as the new night court judge.

— Alicia Rancilio

Winning big with Stoli Commonwealth Brewery Ltd (CBL) and Stoli gifted three lucky winners with brand new 65” TVs. Pictured are Eryn Marshall (left), CBL brand representative and Darnell Albury (right).

Other winners included Philando Taylor of Cat Island and Cortez Bartlett of Grand Bahama.

The Tribune | Weekend | 15

Friday, January 5, 2024

animals

A message of love

By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters

H

i Mum! Merry Christmas, muddy paws, rollie pollies, and all that.

We were all so happy to see Garmin arrive. He was supposed to come up last Christmas, but Nimba spoke to St Francis and gave you an extra year together because you had lost so many of us in such a short time. I am sure you understand that this time he had to come up and fulfil his duties as an extremely important angel “patrol” instructor.

Several other angels have been filling in for him over the past year in order to give you more time. Nimba is very kind like that; she sees what humans need and then she tries her best. Of course, our humans want us to stay forever but we all know that is not possible.

Garmin had to jump right into service when he got here, and he is so good at his job. Angel patrol is much the same as he did on earth checking everything in the garden for consistency. He has to keep tabs on everything and where it is located every day. Just before he came up here, he handed his earthly patrol duties to Bella, but he is not convinced she is being as diligent or as exacting as he was, she is spending a lot of time being a bit of a diva actually, Nimba tells me that we need to understand her because she is loving all the attention that she is getting as an only dog.

Hey, did I tell you the cool stuff with Santa Claus? He actually comes here and hangs out in Rainbow Bridge for a few days before he does his route. He brings the reindeer with him and they play with all the dogs and have a terrific time.

Then, they come back later, and he tells us all the stories of his crazy visits and getting stuck in the chimney. He is a really nice guy and I never thought that reindeer had such a quick sense of humour!

Nimba, me, Buddy, Boss and a few other went for ride in the sleigh…

A 2009 oil painting of the “Rainbow Bridge,” by artist Stella Violano

Garmin being the last arrival got to hold the reigns. We flew up through the air…such fun.

By the way, I was at the house to help Garmin to fly up in case he lost his way. He was a little uncertain as to how to get there. Mum, you were crying so hard, I felt so sad and sorry for you, but I promise you that he is fine. He was so happy to be young again. He did his crazy zoomies all over the place and couldn’t stop picking the chew sticks off the bushes (he is eating a bit less now).

Scruffy has moved up to live permanently with the corgis. He is a

very happy pup up there, and after all, he was known as Sir Scruffs.

The world is in a big mess all over.

We look down and see all the fighting and hate, and we wish we could teach humans to be more like their pets. People need to learn about unconditional love and need to learn what is really important in life.

It is sad to see all the shooting everywhere. Our little Bahamas is rife with street violence, and as dogs are not given a chance, it is very hard for us to teach love when we are on the ground. So few people pay any attention to animals and the essential

message of love that we send out every day.

Love is so important. Without love you can never know happiness. If nobody has ever loved you it is difficult to love, unless you are a dog. we know how to forgive and we know how to love especially when we are saved from a bad situation. We will always be grateful.

Garmin is with me whilst I am writing to you. He says he will write his own message with first impressions of Rainbow Bridge soon, from his patrol duties he knows all the different chew stick bushes, watering holes, and beef burger pit stops. He has a very trendy green halo made from his old collar; he likes to be seen as an angel so he wears it all the time. It slips down over one eye sometimes and he shakes it off and we have to put it back on him…such a happy boy, the novelty of being an angel is intoxicating.

Mum, we love you up here and all your old friends gather around and laugh together, Santa is still here, the reindeer are enjoying the grass before he has to get back to work, this really is the most magical of places.

It is best to believe all we tell you because life is happiest when you can dream.

- XOXO, Chiefie

pet of the week

Charismatic Kai

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY No, not a LEGO Ninjago warrior of the same name, but rather a potcake available for adoption at the Bahamas Humane Society, Kai is about four years old.

He loves to go for the volunteer walks, especially with his buddy Ocean.

Kai is outgoing and friendly and would love a home that could keep

up his exercise regime. (Maybe he’s training to be a ninja?)

Do you need Kai in your life? If so, come in to the BHS to meet him, or call 323-5138 for more information. Kai looks forward to meeting you!

U"«iÀ>Ì Ê* ÌV> iÊÃÌ>ÀÌÃÊà tÊ > Õ>ÀÞÊ£nÊ ÊÓÇ]Ê>ÊÜ iÊVÀiÜÊ vÊ Û Õ ÌiiÀÃÊÜ ÊLiÊÃiÌÌ }Ê ÕÌÊÜ Ì Ê Ì iÊ} > Ê vÊë>Þ }Ê> `Ê iÕÌiÀ }Ê ÃiÛiÀ> ÊÌ ÕÃ> `Ê` }ÃÊ­> `ÊV>ÌÃt®°Ê / iÀiÊ>ÀiÊÃÌ Ê>ÊviÜÊÛ Õ ÌiiÀÊ « Ã Ì ÃÊ>Û> >L i]Ê vÊÞ Õ½`Ê iÊ Ì Ê i «Ê ÕÌ°Ê* i>ÃiÊV Ì>VÌÊ «iÀ>Ì « ÌV> iÓ{ÓJ} > °V Ê ÀÊV> Ê nän {£ääÊv ÀÊ ÀiÊ v À >Ì Ê > `Ê Ì iÀÊÜ>ÞÃÊÌ Ê>Ãà ÃÌ°

(Photo by Judy Young)

16| The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, January 5, 2024

entertainment

A star-studded weekend to ring in the new year Continues from pages 8&9

O

ne patron told Tribune Weekend that it was the best New Year’s Eve celebration she has ever experienced in Nassau.

On Saturday, Maroon 5 kicked off their set with their hit song “Animals”, with the crowd singing along word for word.

The Adam Levine-fronted band also performed their biggest hits like “Moves Like Jagger”, “Payphone” and “She Will Be Loved”.

Levine expressed his love and gratitude for the crowd in the Bahamas and said he always appreciates the sing-a-longs.

“We will never get used to that,” he told the audience. He even joked around with a crowd member asking to borrow a belt for his pants, as he had left his home while rushing to pack for the trip to Bahamas. The audience member did in fact throw a belt on stage, but the singer joked that it would not fit.

The entertainment continued at the Aura Nightclub with Jermaine Dupri and Friends.

Then, on New Year’s Eve on Sunday, the Party Like A Royal event took over Atlantis’ Royal Deck, located under the resort’s famed Royal Towers.

Guests cheered as the “How I Met Your Mother” star Neil Patrick Harris opened show by saying, “We could be sitting hand in our pants, in our living rooms doing nothing, but we have opted to come out here for this unbelievable show.”

Legendary producer Timbaland then took to the stage, telling the crowd: “I have to admit this is my very first time doing a show on New Year’s, so this is going to be fun. I’m your guest deejay so you know what that means; I got a lot of hits.”

Timbaland then played some of the biggest hits from his extensive catalogue, including Aaliyah’s “Are You that Somebody”, Missy Elliot’s “Get your Freak On”, Nelly Furtado’s “Promiscuous

Girl”, Jay Z’s “Dirt Off Ya Shoulder”, Ginuwine’s “Pony”, and many more.

Then as a complete surprise and to thundering applause, Nelly appeared stage and surprised the crowd with a high-octane performance.

All of the ‘80s and ‘90 babies were taken back in time with hits “Hot in herre”, “Ride With Me”, “Dilemma” and “Country Grammar”.

After his performance, Nelly was interviewed live from the Bahamas for CNN’s New Year’s Eve Show with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. During one of the segments, the rapper had his famous girlfriend, Ashanti, on Instagram Live.

She was performing at a New Year’s Eve show with Ja Rule in Springfield, Virginia.

The couple recently rekindled their romance, 20 years after they first got together in 2003. They are now expecting their first baby together.

Nelly’s performance officially closed out 2023, and he and Neil Patrick Harris helped the crowd count down to midnight and 2024, which was rung in with fireworks by Grucci.