01202023 WEEKEND

entertainment

A Real Sucker For Love

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

SINCE THE creation of The Real Laughs Network theatre group in 2016, there has been tremendous growth - especially given the two-year COVID-19 pandemic hiatus.

The network’s founder, Rakel Rolle, said she did have her reservations that it would be difficult to return to the stage due to the fact that the team was gone for so long. However, God is doing His thing and the organisation of creatives are back yet again to bring about yet another play to the stage this month.

On Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29, at the St John’s Auditorium, beginning at 8pm nightly, the RLN will host a dramatic romance comedy called “A Real Sucker For Love”.

Rakel tells Tribune Weekend: “A Real Sucker for Love is about the drama and comedy surrounding the relationships that people create for themselves.

“When I say create, I use that word loosely. Too often people are in these relationships and because they want it to work so bad, they totally ignore the real signs and warning, so there is a false happiness that exists.

“You only ever realise that it is false when you are seeking to go to the next level and you realise that you may have missed the signs, and that’s when the drama unfolds. The real comedy is in the signs that others can see from the outside looking in, and the obviousness you keep overlooking. Love can be both overwhelming and underwhelming.”

An actress and writer herself, Rakel said all of the plays she has written over the years are based on bringing some sort of awareness, in hopes that it could change people’s perception.

“I always want people to feel like they are walking away with a better mindset than they came in with. In my next life, I would have loved to become a psychologist because I thoroughly enjoy helping people find the answers they seek. Writing and performing these types of plays allows me to achieve some of that on stage,” said Rakel.

In the new play, Rakel said there are 14 cast members, inclusive of herself. The actors include names like: Frantz Ferguson, Myz Giggles, Osbourne Lockhart, Leah Forbes, Kendal Thompson, Trevann Thompson, Darielle Curry, Urvan Moxey, Kenja Rahming, Omar Moss, Armand Williams, DaCosta Pennerman, and Nexus Daxon.

“This particular show, we have been rehearsing for a while now. This has been the most preparation that I have put into a show and that has been due to the inception of COVID-19. For creatives, taking long breaks away from their craft is never good so I would say we had to get back into the habit of consistent rehearsals; re-sharpening those skills and moving forward. This will be our first

play at the St John’s Auditorium so we are looking forward to showcasing our talent in a new arena, and we have a lot of new additions to our cast as well,” said Rakel.

She said for her, it is always important to bring these kinds of shows to a stage because it is providing a new and different flair to local theatre.

“Plays are very popular within the Bahamas. And being able to balance being a writer, director and actress while still doing my other business, Fries with Benefits, is so beneficial because it helps me to always remain creative. People love a great comedy and I’m always happy when I get to write the joke,” said Rakel.

She reiterated, the overall goal of the event is for awareness. She would like people to walk away more educated than when they came.

“All of the advice that I have written and that will be performed is real wholesome advice. All situations that will be highlighted as based on real life situations. Nothing that will be in this play is far-fetched because we always want to be able to reach our audience. If you are awarded the opportunity to have a captive audience, always make sure that it is advantageous for everyone,” said Rakel.

For all those interested, tickets can be purchased by visiting any Cash N Go location in store, or online at https://www.cashngobahamas.com/ tickets.

SCENES from A Real Sucker For Love rehearsals

Swirl wine tasting series is back!

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

IF you are not a wine connoisseur, it is unlikely you know climate, soil and topography of a region can all affect the taste of wine; or that cooler climates produce fruitier, more medium bodied wines, while the hotter the climate, the richer, more robust and less acidic a wine will become.

No matter what end of the scale you are on, though, whether you are just dipping your toes in the world of wines slowly learning as you go, or you have taken the deep-sea plunge and have a wealth of knowledge, Atlantis Paradise Island’s, upcoming Swirl event will meet tasters wherever they are.

The wine-tasting event is back and taking attendees into the wonderful world of wines. It will take place at The Ocean Club Gold Course

Clubhouse on January 27, from 7pm-10pm.

The theme for the event is “Wines from around the world”.

“We are rushing back into 2023 with a showcase of incredible brands from Treasury Wine Estates and WEBB Banks, said Sean Cartwright, director of food and beverage at Atlantis.

“Swirl gives us a platform to showcase great value for every day wine consumption – at home, on vacation, for lunch, dinner or whenever wine o’clock is for you.”

The event features wines from California, Australia and New Zealand. Guests will be able to have 19 Crimes from both Australia and the new editions from California featuring collaborations with Snoop and Martha Stewart.

Fusion premiere for Goombay Kids

Goombay Kids, the 13-time awardwinning and 18-time nominated kids show, is set to release its new season, with the support of a new US partner - a production studio in association with New York Times bestselling author and producer Lauren Oliver.

It was the goal of Stephanie K Nihon, the show’s creator, to create a show that would become a global media brand franchise including multiple platforms and tourist experiences along with the live action TV series and with the intention to be written and produced mainly by Bahamians.

The adventure show focuses on STEAM-based education, and is produced by LFD Productions.

It follows three Bahamian children on their island adventures exploring Bahamian culture, mythology,

history and folklore. It is the first show of its kind to showcase young Bahamian talent.

Most of the talent on the show was developed by local talent agents CMM Agency along with coaching by The Bahamas Artist Movement (BAM).

Goombay Kids is the #1 children’s show in The Bahamas and Caribbean and holds the most awards for any children’s show in the Caribbean. Bahamas Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis publicly endorsed and congratulated the producers of the series and lead stars at the Office of The Prime Minister last year.

The series producers are passionate about creating change through the platform which includes teaching children about climate solutions, promoting youth and women’s

“We will show wines from Penfolds from Australia, Matua from New Zealand, Beringer Bros from California, and a newer project from Paso Robles, California – St Hubert’s The Stag,” said Mr Cartwright.

He said Swirl is fitting for those who want to expand their taste profile or simply learn more about wines from around that world and how to pair them appropriately with the right food. The event will also feature unlimited food.

“Swirl has traditionally been an event that allows local Bahamian wine lovers and Atlantis guests the opportunity to try a range of great value wines in a relaxed environment that could easily be replicated

at home. Too often, wine intimidates people. We want to break down those barriers. Showcase great wine in Paradise, and simply allow persons to have fun and enjoy high quality wine at an affordable price.

Additionally, Mr Cartwright said the event is an opportunity to partake in a fun and memorable activity.

“It will be a memorable night, where the palates of wine connoisseurs and consumers will delight in the high-quality wines from around the world. Also, equally important an atmosphere that brings together a community of people who share one major thing in common – their love for wine. I personally label our Swirl events as ‘a collection of wine

empowerment, helping to improve literacy rates and supporting disability inclusion.

The new episodes will premiere at Fusion Superplex at a star-studded event tomorrow.

This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at locations throughout Nassau or at the door.

Details about how to attend can be found on the Goombay Kids Facebook and Instagram. The new episodes will air locally starting from February 8, at 8pm on OurTV, Cable Bahamas (Ch 212). Past seasons will air ahead of the new episodes on OurTV starting January 16.

Solo To Da Googal interview

When the latest news hits social media, the clock starts ticking for when people expect Solo To Da Googal to break out a new song. CARA HUNT spoke to a music maker known as much for being part of the latest trends as the latest sounds.

Solo To Da Googal, aka Jowelle Dill, is known for creating songs reflecting the hottest social media trends.

In fact, when social media starts buzzing, the refrain heard from most people is often “Wait, Solo soon make a song about this.”

And the singer is now set to release a new compilation album of many of the songs he created since 2020 pandemic.

His quick wit was greatly appreciated during the pandemic, but he has been singing since 2004 when he launched his gospel career.

He started his career in the era of popular Bahamian gospel artists such as Landlord, Manifest and Selecta.

The singer says that the genre was a natural choice given his deep faith and his desire to send positive messages to people around the world.

And he says the best way to do that is by making music that reflects real life, the things that people are experiencing and taking about on a daily basis and then incorporating something inspirational to take from those moments.

His social commentary songs generated a huge following because of his ability to release them in such a timely nature.

He explained that once the inspiration hits, he can usually write, record and release a song in under three hours.

He says that once he has the initial idea, the songs are not that hard to create. “Once I hear the issue, it usually comes to me very quickly what I want to say and then I just go to the computer and write it all down and record it.”

The first such song was one he created from a dare from fellow gospel artist Vanessa Clarke.

It was right after the bride toll went changed from $1 to $2 and everyone was talking about it. Solo wrote the song at 3am and by the time people woke up the next morning, it was released and immediately went viral, spiraling his career.

He says that it is a gift and he doesn’t really know how he can accomplish the feat.

And it’s a gift the singer plans to keep on giving.

Since Tribune Weekend last spoke to Solo during the pandemic, he says he has remained busy making things happen.

“I am always working to upgrade my music and to keep bringing out things for people to hear. And trust me there is a lot of material out there to keep me busy, Inspiration is everywhere.”

One of the ways he is hoping to achieve this is by upgrading his sound engineering skills.

“I really wanted to further my knowledge about audio production,” he explained, because I want to offer a wider array of audio recordings. I have also had several artists who have approached me and asked me to partner with them and so I want to be able to record and help them out. That’s also the reason that I have been working on my studio as well recently.”

He added that it’s timely given that so many artists are rebounding after the pandemic stagnated the music industry.

“The industry is starting to pick up again and you are seeing a lot of new artists emerging and they are looking for new platforms and venues to maximise marketing themselves. And so, 2023 is going to see a lot of musicians doing things.”

As for his own career, Solo says he is busy writing new music and compiling many of his songs onto a flash drive and CD.

I have about 60 songs that I have written since the pandemic and a lot of people have been asking if they are available to purchase and so I am working on that.”

Some of his recent favorites include his song “All The Money Gone” which is a reference to the Singing Bishop Lawrence Rolle, who made that comment about the money he received as a donation from embattled FTX, and he also recently did a song about the cold weather and how people don’t like to bathe “when the weather drops”.

And another of his goals is to increase his actual visibility to his fans.

“A lot of people know my music and they can recognise my voice, but they have never seen me. So I really want to do music videos for as many of my songs as I can so people can listen to my music, but also see my face.”

this weekend in history

January 20

• In 1981, the Iran Hostage Crisis ended. Moments after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States, the 52 US captives held in Teheran at the US embassy were released after a 444-day crisis.

• In 2021, Kamala Harris made history as she was sworn in as the first woman to be US Vice President. On the same day in

2009, Barack Obama became the first African American to be sworn in as US President.

• In 1841, China ceded the island of Hong Kong to the British during the First Opium War, signing the Chuenpi Convention in a bid to end conflict between the nations.

January 21

• In 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was found in the US after a rapid spread from its origin in Wuhan, China. A man in Washington State was the first confirmed case in the US, as the pandemic began to roar its way around the world.

• In 1976, the first Concordes

with commercial passengers simultaneously took off from London’s Heathrow Airport and Orly Airport outside Paris, the most advanced jet airlines in the world.

• In 1968, one of the most controversial battles of the Vietnam War began – the Battle of Khe Sanh. It became a 66-day siege, with US planes dropping 5,000 bombs a day.

January 22

• In 1998, Ted Kazynski pleaded guilty to all charges over a 17-year campaign of package bombings that earned him the nickname, the Unabomber. In total, three people were killed and more than 20

injured in the bombings.

• In 1901, Queen Victoria died, ending an era of 63 years on the throne. For many of her subjects, they had never known any other monarch. Her reign was marked by the growth of the British Empire.

• In 1840, the first British colonists arrived in New Zealand, led by Edward G Wakefield. The island group that became known as New Zealand was discovered in 1642 by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman – however, it was already occupied by the native Maori population. In attempting to land, several of Tasman’s crew were killed who took the trumpet signals sounded by the Europeans as a lead-up to battle.

down: Mutual, Opened (clue), Stud, Reliant, Quacks, Slight, Choose, Banana, Unknown, Sobs, Starve, Stooge.

tV croSSword

across: 1 Smith, 6 Lola, 8 Arquette, 10 Voice, 11 Power, 12 Planer, 15 Seth, 16 Sandra, 17 Vine, 19 Younger, 21 Gaby, 22 Danny.

down: 2 Milo, 3 Harris, 4 Kemp, 5 Wednesday, 6 Leonard, 7 Are, 9 Quentin, 13 Ross, 14 Hannigan, 17 Ving, 18 Emmy, 20 Una.

SCONE

2x9=18, 6+7=13, 8x2=16

SMall croSSword

Manchester City

MuddlESoME clock-wiSE

Team, Amfo, Fore, Reed, Edda, Date

QuiZ of thE wEEk

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

across: 1 Deafening, 7 Anti, 8 Cameo, 10 Pad, 11 Heated, 13 Barcelona, 14 Cravat, 16 Ado, 18 Retro, 19 Male, 20 Destroyer. down: 1 Dashboard, 2 Endear, 3 Fist, 4 Nag, 5 Improve, 6 Godfather, 8 Cheerio, 9 Carrots, 12 Enable, 15 Ammo, 17 Art.

targEt Quick croSSword

1 By, 2 1970s, 3 Coventry, 4 Parker, 5 Watford, 6 On credit, 7 Fletcher, 8 I Want To Hold Your Hand, 9 Melbourne, 10 Dentist.

croSS douBt across: SCENE down: USHER

across: 1 Quit, 3 Drawback, 9 Ageless, 10 Taste, 11 Dispossessed, 13 Revise, 15 Patent, 17 Improvidence, 20 Atilt, 21 Ignored, 22 Fiendish, 23 Head. down: 1 Quandary, 2 Ideas, 4 Resist, 5 Withstanding, 6 Austere, 7 Keep, 8 Demonstrated, 12 Attended, 14 Vampire, 16 Avoids, 18 Nurse, 19 Half.

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

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

Across

1 Hired hands? (6)

4 A liqueur mixed in the basin (8) 9 Having a decayed property to rent out (6) 10 Its report is deliberately delayed (4,4)

12 Hollow welcome given to start of the century (4) 13 Restrict it after 51,000 (5) 14 Simulate sound cheerfully (4) 17 Fixing this bangle is complicated (12) 20 He may be objecting to modern arts perhaps (12) 23 A spirit of the garden (4) 24 She appears in an ensemble that’s rather colourless (5) 25 Improve on the ebb tide (4) 28 Scoffing inside or out (8) 29 Phrase possibly carved over the tomb (6) 30 Am as keen to gain a similar title (8)

31 Main US source of hostility (6)

Down

1 Craft of many wise men (8)

2 It turns up before five in a city business (8)

3 So this is pickled and not allowed to go to waste (4) 5 Their bliss is shattered in the United Kingdom (7,5)

6 Time to change the piece in the paper (4) 7 Beyond redemption? What rotten luck! (3,3)

8 Falling off Big Ben (6) 11 It’s bound to include all who stay at an hotel (8,4)

15 Institution founded by sailor and Turk (5) 16 Way in for all competitors (5)

18 Its aim is to produce winners of course (4,4) 19 ‘Les Miserables’ or ‘The Turn of the Screw’ (8) 21 Conflict over a study for the one in charge (6) 22 Enough to prevent parting without meeting (6)

26 Presumably one doesn’t know when one does this (4)

27 Near the middle (4)

Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday. Across

Across: 1 Aloof, 4 Compass, 8 Too, 9 Aristotle, 10 Unearth, 11 Aptly, 13 Dainty, 15 Tedium, 18 Radio, 19 Blacken, 21 Brainwash, 23 Any, 24 Dudgeon, 25 Naked.

Down: 1 Astound, 2 Of one mind, 3 Flair, 4 Chichi, 5 Methane, 6 Act, 7 Seedy, 12 Think-tank, 14 Trounce, 16 Moneyed, 17 Obtain, 18 Rabid, 20 Ashen, 22 Add.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Score, 4 Overact, 8 Bet, 9 Headfirst, 10 Referee, 11 Cache, 13 Probed, 15 Aspire, 18 Comma, 19 Anemone, 21 Card table, 23 Ida, 24 Stencil, 25 Theft.

Down: 1 Sober up, 2 Out of form, 3 Ether, 4 Orated, 5 Effects, 6 Air, 7 Title, 12 Crinoline, 14 Elastic, 16 Elegant, 17 Barbel, 18 Cocks, 20 Event, 22 Rue.

EASY PUZZLE

Superficial (4-4)

Widespread (4)

Contributor (5)

With the addition of (4)

A boost (4,2,3,3)

Fail badly (4,1,7)

To lament (4)

Have benefit of (5)

Stinging insect (4)

Material (8)

Quarrel in petty way (6)

Position of flag for mourning (4-4) 31 Point-blank (6)

Down 1 Subdue (8) 2 Overtake alternately (8) 3 Heavy defeat (4)

Remain calm (4,4,4)

Distinction (4)

Overwhelm (6) 8 Impose penalty on (6) 11 New Zealand mountain range (8,4) 15 Comparatively unimportant (5) 16 Tolerate (5) 18 Appealing to affluent buyers (8) 19 An attribute (8) 21 Short sudden jerk (6) 22 Noteworthy (6) 26 Resolute (4) 27 Occupy completely (4)

MEllowiNg glen gnome gone gown ingle legion lemon lien line ling lingo lino lion loin lone long lowing MELLOWING melon meowing mewing mewling mien mine mingle mowing mown omen owing welling wigeon wine wing wino

cAn you crack the Alphabeater? each grid number represents a letter – or black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! use the given letters and black squares below the grid to start. the grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down. Solution tomorrow

extra letter 0907 181 (Deduct three minutes each extra clue letter full solution 0907 181

*Calls cost 80p per your telephone company’s network access

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

Leicester City West Ham United

tV show: Van Der Valk

The Weekend Fashion Report The Critics Choice Awards

With Cara Hunt and Alesha Cadet

HIT Angela Bassett (Wakanda Forever)

Cara says: “She has hit another home run this award season. She looks stunning. I love the subtle nods to the movie with the gold choker and the leopard print clutch. I just love her fashion choices.”

Alesha says: “Oh man, black is always a good idea. I love everything except the tail. I feel like the dress could have done better without all of that added flair.”

SPLIT

Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King)

Cara says: “I’m a bit torn with this, I like that it is slightly different but honestly it does look like a lot of crumpled up aluminum foil was sacrificed to make this dress.”

Alesha says: “I kinda like it, then again, I don’t really like it. It’s so much going on with the sequins, the colors, and the whole style of the dress. She’s a beautiful lady but the outfit isn’t doing anything more for her.”

HIT

Viola Davis (The Woman King)

Cara says: “We have seen a lot of sequined dresses on the red carpet lately and Viola is following that trend. I really like this one shoulder shawl situation she has going on. I just wish sometimes she would wear a more colourful lip. And I always love seeing her rock her hair.”

Alesha says: “No one really hit the mark when it came to best dressed on this particular red carpet. The hairstyle and the earrings are cute. The dress is okay.”

FAIL

Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary)

Cara says: “I do like the shape of the dress and it looks great on her, I am just not a fan of the crumpled foil dresses. It reminds me a little of the dresses that you make with foil or toilet paper at bridal showers.”

Alesha says: “Oh no I don’t like it. I think I am stating the obvious when I say it looks like gold foil paper. I love me some Sheryl but this whole outfit is a complete fail.”

HIT Niecy Nash Betts (Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story)

Cara says: “Congrats to Niecy, because she was phenomenal in Monster. I liked this dress, the colour stood out in the sea of blacks and metallics and even though its a sequined dress, it is still understated and glam.”

Alesha says: “I am not a fan of yellow, but the dress suits her body flawlessly. Niecy normally puts it together quite well so I’ll give it to her. If the dress was in a colour like red, even black - it would have been even better. The hairstyle also gets extra brownie points from me.”

community Bahamian businessman to host free professional enrichment event

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

EING able to serve his community well by helping people to become the best versions of themselves is the driving force behind an enrichment event organised by Bahamian businessman Amad

Mr Thompson, the CEO of Astute Talent Management, has produced the upcoming SHYFT into FOKUS event scheduled for January 21 at the Fox

The free community initiative is a conference geared towards professional development to prepare attendees for and equip themselves with the tools required to be successful in the workplace. It takes

Mr Thompson describes himself as a person who believes in adding value to those who comes into contact with. As a matter of fact, he believes it is his God given destiny to help people walk in their unique purpose.

“I truly believe that my purpose in life is to help people become the best versions of themselves, to help them realise their God given potential and walk in their purpose.”

Mr Thompson has served in many industries including banking, gaming, luxury hospitality, food service, government and now as a business owner, serving as CEO of Astute Talent Management.

“My extensive experience and background in human resources and talent management has afforded me the opportunity to acquire, harness, develop and attract talent from all over the Bahamas, throughout the Caribbean and in the United States. I am internationally certified in human resources, talent management, strategic human resources development, employment law and believe that an organisation’s most important resource is its workforce. I am also a certified

John Maxwell coach, teacher, speaker, trainer, and behavioral analyst.

Drawing from his extensive background and wealth of experience, Mr Thompson said he desires to enrich the lives of

And with this wealth of knowledge and experience he is choosing to help anyone he could.

During the conference attendees will hear from industry leading experts, engage in poignant and relevant conversations about what hiring managers really want, engage and connect with hundreds of professionals, job hopefuls, business owners and more and most of all prepare yourself for your SHYFT.

The industry leading experts in their field will speak on topics like: “Help! I need a job!”, “Help! I hate my job!”, Help! I lost my job!”, “Help! I’m stuck on my job!” and “The Power of the SHYFT”!

A panel of HR executives and business leaders will discuss “What hiring managers really want”.

“Our attendees or “SHYFTERS” as we call them, will have incredible networking opportunities, engage is meaningful and salient discussions, learn, share, and grow. These will be some of the most impactful 8 hours you will spend all year.

“I decided to launch this event because people in our country need to be reminded of who they are, and whose they are. This is an assignment for me. It’s kingdom and purpose work. At the same time, in my professional capacity, I realise that people in our country are in need of help that extends beyond a give-a-way or a contract job. I want to see people empowered to create wealth, to own businesses, to excel in the workplace and serve as examples of excellence in their families. This conference is less about me and my company and more about the responsibility I have to serve my nation and create opportunities for other nation builders, to be a blessing to those I have the honor to come into contact with every day,” he said.

Mr Thompson said the event is open to anyone who has a desire to develop themselves.

“(It is open to) anyone with a pulse. That may seem unorthodox or maybe even a little inappropriate, but honestly, anyone alive should be ‘fokused’ on and interested in their development. This conference is designed to appeal to people at any stage of their employment journey. Whether you are fresh out of college or just about ready to fill out your application to receive your pension, there is room for you to become a better version of yourself, to gain valuable insight and foresight, to achieve more, influence more, learn more and grow more.”

More than anything, Mr Thompson said he wants anyone who attends to leave changed.

“I want people to leave this event SHYFTED. SHYFTED in their minds, in their hearts and determined to search themselves, evaluate their current state, determine their future state and do the work required to get there,” he said.

For more information, visit www.mytalentmatters.com.

AMAD Rashad Thompson

literary lives

Northern Dancer part I

SIR CHRISTOPHER ONDAATJE

writes about the legendary horse that is the cornerstone of his breed. It is estimated that seventy percent of the thoroughbreds alive today are his descendants, which includes the majority of the horses running in the biggest races around the world.

Northern Dancer (May 27, 1961–November 16, 1990) was a thoroughbred who in 1964 became the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. He then became one of the most successful sires of the 20th century, and was inducted into both the Canadian and the United States Racing Halls of Fame. The Blood Horse ranked him as one of the top 100 US thoroughbred racehorses of the 20th century. As a sire of sires, his impact on the breed is still felt worldwide.

Northern Dancer was a bay stallion with a crooked white blaze and three white socks. He was bred in Oshawa by Canadian businessman Edward Plunkett Taylor of Windfields Farms. His sire was Nearctic and was the first foal out of Natalma, whose sire was Native Dancer. He was foaled on May 27, 1961, and was only 14 hands (56 inches) high. When Windfields Farm offered him for sale at its annual auction, he did not find a buyer at his $25,000 reserve price. Consequently, he stayed in the Windfields Farm racing stable. At maturity, Northern Dancer was 15 hands or 60 inches high. He was a small horse but had powerful hindquarters and appeared to have a good balance. He had an unruly temperament – like his sire Nearctic.

“He’s so little, a cat could chase him. But he’s so plucky there’s hardly any room in him for his heart. His legs are barely long enough to keep his tail off the ground. He probably takes a hundred more strides than anyone else, but he’s harder to pass than a third martini.”

As a two-year-old in 1963, he won his maiden race at Fort Erie at a distance of 5½furlongs. He beat seven horses for a purse of $2,100.

“We won that race by eight lengths. He was a bold horse. Brave. He could handle anything. The grass. The mud. Anything.”

Turcotte Jockey

In his next race, he lost by a head in the Vandal Stakes to Ramblin Man, but a week later in the Summer Stakes at Fort Erie on a “bog-like” track over one mile, Northern Dancer struggled, almost fell, but hung on for a win.

Jim Murray Los Angeles Times

Ron

NORTHERN Dancer winning the Kentucky Derby in 1964

Northern Dancer was now beginning to get the full attention of Horatio Luro, an enigmatic Argentinian who had emigrated to North America in 1936 and was almost wholly responsible for introducing Argentinian horses to race in the United States. They performed well, and EP Taylor hired Luro in California to train Nearctic, Northern Dancer’s father, in1956. The relationship was successful and enabled Nearctic to win the 1958 Michigan Mile – a $40,277 purse which was at the time the richest ever won by a Canadian-bred racehorse. It was natural that Luro be given control of the horse’s first offspring. Luro made decisions that would ensure Northern Dancer’s success, although his recommendation to geld the feisty two-year-old was vetoed by EP Taylor. A wise decision.

Ron Turcotte rode the Dancer to second place in the Saucer Stakes in September at Woodbine, Canada, where he discovered that the horse was favouring his left foreleg. Nevertheless, he rode him again in the Bloordale Purse the following month where he won despite carrying a top weight of 117 pounds. Five days later, he faced a field of 14 rivals in the Coronation Futurity Stakes, the richest race for Canadian two-year-olds. He won by 6¼ lengths. It was Turcotte’s last ride on Northern Dancer.

“God knows how good Northern Dancer really was – for he was never a completely sound horse most of the time I rode him, and I still could not slow him down more than that.”

Ron Turcotte Jockey

Northern Dancer followed his win in the Coronation Futurity Stakes by winning the seven furlong Carleton Stales at Greenwood on a muddy track

but he returned to the barn bleeding from a quarter crack. Nevertheless, Horatio Luro shipped him to Aqueduct Racetrack in New York where he was ridden by Manuel Jcaza and won by eight lengths in the Sir Gaylord Purse. But his left front foot quarter crack was visibly more pronounced and he was fitted with a bar shoe to stabilise it. He won the Remsen Stakes, also ridden by Ycaza, with a time of 1:35⅗ over one mile.

“He is the ideal horse for any kind of situation. He would do anything you asked.”

Ycaza

However, Windfields Farm was worried and Luro had a vulcanised rubber patch added to his bar shoe in his left front foot, and decided to rest Northern Dancer for the important 1964 season. He seemed to recover quickly and resumed training in January. He ran a short six furlong race with a new jockey, Bobby Ussery, on February 10 and finished third behind Chieftain. He ran again against Chieftain on February 24 over seven furlongs and won easily in a time of 1:23 . On March 3, he was ridden by champion jockey Bill Shoemaker in the Flamingo Stakes and won by two lengths.

“My horse got a little weary in the last sixteenth of a mile – but that was natural. He wasn’t quite as seasoned as the other horses.”

Bill Shoemaker Jockey

Northern Dancer then won a seven furlong race at Gulfstream Park on March 28 with Manuel Ycaza riding and won by four lengths. In the Florida Derby on August 4, with Shoemaker riding, he won again by a length, holding off a challenge by The Scoundrel – but with a disappointing time of 1:50 . Luro asked Shoemaker to commit to ride Northern Dancer in the Kentucky Derby, but Shoemaker instead chose Hill Rise, who had won the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby in California. Instead Luro, chose Bill Hartack.

“I guess Shoemaker must not have been impressed with my horse’s race on Saturday, but I believe it was far from his best effort.”

Horatio Luro Trainer, Northern Dancer

With Hartack on board, Northern Dancer won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on 23 April, completing nine furlongs in 1:49

“He is a small horse – but he has lots of brawn and lots of guts.”

Bill Hartack Jockey

In the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 1964, a distance of 1¼ miles, Northern Dancer drew post position seven in a field of twelve. He was the second betting choice at odds of 7-2 behind Hill Rise at 7-5. He was on edge before the race and gave a huge buck when the band played “My Old Kentucky Home”. But he relaxed and loaded quietly into the gate.

“Thoroughbreds are by design headcases. They are bred to be ornery and supercilious speed machines, not docile pets. As a species, horses are pack animals that graze in fields or pastures. But thoroughbreds spend their racing lives in stalls alongside their fellow asylum mates, grazing on hay snatched from bales by the wall and feeding

Manuel

Jockey

EP Taylor, Northern Dancer and Horatio Luro

BILL HARTACK, Northern Dancer and EP Taylor

Northern Dancer was now beginning to get the full attention of Horatio Luro, an enigmatic Argentinian who had emigrated to North America in 1936 and was almost wholly responsible for introducing Argentinian horses to race in the United States. They performed well, and EP Taylor hired Luro in California to train Nearctic, Northern Dancer’s father, in1956. The relationship was successful and enabled Nearctic to win the 1958 Michigan Mile – a $40,277 purse which was at the time the richest ever won by a Canadian-bred racehorse. It was natural that Luro be given control of the horse’s first offspring. Luro made decisions that would ensure Northern Dancer’s success, although his recommendation to geld the feisty two-year-old was vetoed by EP Taylor. A wise decision.

Ron Turcotte rode the Dancer to second place in the Saucer Stakes in September at Woodbine, Canada, where he discovered that the horse was favouring his left foreleg. Nevertheless, he rode him again in the Bloordale Purse the following month where he won despite carrying a top weight of 117 pounds. Five days later, he faced a field of 14 rivals in the Coronation Futurity Stakes, the richest race for Canadian two-year-olds. He won by 6¼ lengths. It was Turcotte’s last ride on Northern Dancer.

“God knows how good Northern Dancer really was – for he was never a completely sound horse most of the time I rode him, and I still could not slow him down more than that.”

Ron Turcotte Jockey

Northern Dancer followed his win in the Coronation Futurity Stakes by winning the seven furlong Carleton Stales at Greenwood on a muddy track

but he returned to the barn bleeding from a quarter crack. Nevertheless, Horatio Luro shipped him to Aqueduct Racetrack in New York where he was ridden by Manuel Jcaza and won by eight lengths in the Sir Gaylord Purse. But his left front foot quarter crack was visibly more pronounced and he was fitted with a bar shoe to stabilise it. He won the Remsen Stakes, also ridden by Ycaza, with a time of 1:35⅗ over one mile.

“He is the ideal horse for any kind of situation. He would do anything you asked.”

Ycaza

However, Windfields Farm was worried and Luro had a vulcanised rubber patch added to his bar shoe in his left front foot, and decided to rest Northern Dancer for the important 1964 season. He seemed to recover quickly and resumed training in January. He ran a short six furlong race with a new jockey, Bobby Ussery, on February 10 and finished third behind Chieftain. He ran again against Chieftain on February 24 over seven furlongs and won easily in a time of 1:23 . On March 3, he was ridden by champion jockey Bill Shoemaker in the Flamingo Stakes and won by two lengths.

“My horse got a little weary in the last sixteenth of a mile – but that was natural. He wasn’t quite as seasoned as the other horses.”

Bill Shoemaker Jockey

Northern Dancer then won a seven furlong race at Gulfstream Park on March 28 with Manuel Ycaza riding and won by four lengths. In the Florida Derby on August 4, with Shoemaker riding, he won again by a length, holding off a challenge by The Scoundrel – but with a disappointing time of 1:50 . Luro asked Shoemaker to commit to ride Northern Dancer in the Kentucky Derby, but Shoemaker instead chose Hill Rise, who had won the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby in California. Instead Luro, chose Bill Hartack.

“I guess Shoemaker must not have been impressed with my horse’s race on Saturday, but I believe it was far from his best effort.”

Horatio Luro Trainer, Northern Dancer

With Hartack on board, Northern Dancer won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on 23 April, completing nine furlongs in 1:49

“He is a small horse – but he has lots of brawn and lots of guts.”

Bill Hartack Jockey

In the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 1964, a distance of 1¼ miles, Northern Dancer drew post position seven in a field of twelve. He was the second betting choice at odds of 7-2 behind Hill Rise at 7-5. He was on edge before the race and gave a huge buck when the band played “My Old Kentucky Home”. But he relaxed and loaded quietly into the gate.

“Thoroughbreds are by design headcases. They are bred to be ornery and supercilious speed machines, not docile pets. As a species, horses are pack animals that graze in fields or pastures. But thoroughbreds spend their racing lives in stalls alongside their fellow asylum mates, grazing on hay snatched from bales by the wall and feeding

Manuel

Jockey

E.P.Taylor, Northern Dancer and Horatio Lutro

BILL HARTACK, Northern Dancer and EP Taylor

on oats for protein – the equine equivalent of an energy drink. For all these reasons, these animals are strung as tightly as mandolins. This hubbub might push a horse over the edge.

“It was the ninetieth running of the Kentucky Derby: $2,144,079 would be bet on this race alone. By comparison, the leading movie that week in 1964, ‘The Carpetbaggers’ starring George Peppard and Carol Baker, earned $1,946,432 at the box office. The race culminated a weeklong celebration that included dinner parties; the Kentucky Oaks (the fillies only version of the Derby) on Friday; the Debutante Stakes on Saturday, a twelve-mile steamboat race on the Ohio River; and the Pegasus Parade, which featured twentyfive floats, a marching band, and a crowd of 250,000.

“When it was first held in 1875, the Kentucky Derby was a far more modest (and sober) affair. A crowd of under ten thousand saw Aristides take the first rose bouquet. At the time, Churchill Downs had been newly established by Colonel Merriwether Lewis Clark Jr, whose grandfather was the explorer William Clark, and whose business partners and uncles were John and Henry Churchill. The privileged twenty-seven-year-old had been inspired by a European tour that included the Epsom Derby; watching England’s classic race for three-year-old horses, he wanted to re-create that lush palace of sport in the New World.”

Kevin Chong Author, Northern Dancer

At 4.20pm on May 2, 1964, a bell rang and the iron gates opened for the start of the Kentucky Derby. The horses crashed out – startled by the dirt track. Mr Brick, the local Kentucky contender, and Royal Shuck were the leaders around the first turn. Down the backstretch Hartack guided Northern Dancer through a narrow gap by

Phrough Wil Rad, Quadrangle and The Scoundrel. Hill Rise flanked on the outside but seemed to get tangled in the traffic Hartack then urged Northern Dancer on, and he ran the next furlong in a very fast eleven seconds, taking him to a lead of two lengths. But Hill Rise, the favourite, got clear and started to make up ground. He was known to have a late speed. The Scoundrel then extended

his stride to take the lead from the Dancer and Mr Brick, and Shoemaker on Hill Rise swung towards the rail and seemed to box Northern Dancer in. Hartack knew he had to act quickly. He tapped the Dancer on his shoulder and the horse flicked his tail and moved laterally away from his rivals with his short powerful legs looking like a humming bird’s wings. Three widths from the rail Northern Dancer began to open his lead against the lead pack. Hill Rise was among them running from the outside. With an eighth of a mile to go the other horses seemed to recede, but Hill Rise with his tall lanky legs seemed clear and was making ground on Northern Dancer. It was now a two horse race. However Hartack, against the orders of Horatio Luro, stung his horse’s rear with his stick and somehow the Dancer accelerated to win by a neck in a new race record of two minutes flat – a record that stood until Secretariat broke it in 1973. Northern Dancer had become the first Canadianbred winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. The author acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; and from Northern Dancer; The Legendary Horse that Inspired a Nation (2014) by Kevin Chong.

NORTHERN Dancer was a horse beloved by racing followers

A STATUE of Northern Dancer at Woodbine racetrack

on oats for protein – the equine equivalent of an energy drink. For all these reasons, these animals are strung as tightly as mandolins. This hubbub might push a horse over the edge.

“It was the ninetieth running of the Kentucky Derby: $2,144,079 would be bet on this race alone. By comparison, the leading movie that week in 1964, ‘The Carpetbaggers’ starring George Peppard and Carol Baker, earned $1,946,432 at the box office. The race culminated a weeklong celebration that included dinner parties; the Kentucky Oaks (the fillies only version of the Derby) on Friday; the Debutante Stakes on Saturday, a twelve-mile steamboat race on the Ohio River; and the Pegasus Parade, which featured twentyfive floats, a marching band, and a crowd of 250,000.

“When it was first held in 1875, the Kentucky Derby was a far more modest (and sober) affair. A crowd of under ten thousand saw Aristides take the first rose bouquet. At the time, Churchill Downs had been newly established by Colonel Merriwether Lewis Clark Jr, whose grandfather was the explorer William Clark, and whose business partners and uncles were John and Henry Churchill. The privileged twenty-seven-year-old had been inspired by a European tour that included the Epsom Derby; watching England’s classic race for three-year-old horses, he wanted to re-create that lush palace of sport in the New World.”

Kevin Chong Author, Northern Dancer

At 4.20pm on May 2, 1964, a bell rang and the iron gates opened for the start of the Kentucky Derby. The horses crashed out – startled by the dirt track. Mr Brick, the local Kentucky contender, and Royal Shuck were the leaders around the first turn. Down the backstretch Hartack guided Northern Dancer through a narrow gap by

Phrough Wil Rad, Quadrangle and The Scoundrel. Hill Rise flanked on the outside but seemed to get tangled in the traffic Hartack then urged Northern Dancer on, and he ran the next furlong in a very fast eleven seconds, taking him to a lead of two lengths. But Hill Rise, the favourite, got clear and started to make up ground. He was known to have a late speed. The Scoundrel then extended

his stride to take the lead from the Dancer and Mr Brick, and Shoemaker on Hill Rise swung towards the rail and seemed to box Northern Dancer in. Hartack knew he had to act quickly. He tapped the Dancer on his shoulder and the horse flicked his tail and moved laterally away from his rivals with his short powerful legs looking like a humming bird’s wings. Three widths from the rail Northern Dancer began to open his lead against the lead pack. Hill Rise was among them running from the outside. With an eighth of a mile to go the other horses seemed to recede, but Hill Rise with his tall lanky legs seemed clear and was making ground on Northern Dancer. It was now a two horse race. However Hartack, against the orders of Horatio Luro, stung his horse’s rear with his stick and somehow the Dancer accelerated to win by a neck in a new race record of two minutes flat – a record that stood until Secretariat broke it in 1973. Northern Dancer had become the first Canadianbred winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. The author acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; and from Northern Dancer; The Legendary Horse that Inspired a Nation (2014) by Kevin Chong.

NORTHERN Dancer was a horse beloved by racing followers

A STATUE of Northern Dancer at Woodbine racetrack

history

Living in the Sun

A brief history of Africans who came to the Bahamas

Before Christmas, I wrote about The Coloured League of Youth and, to my delight, I got messages telling me some details of its provenance and confirming my suspicions about the origins of that league.

Coloured’ is spelled with a ‘u’, which suggests it was written by an Englishman, which is almost correct. The person behind the book was an English woman – none other than my wife’s aunt – Marion Barbara Carstairs (1900-1983), daughter of Frances Evelyn Bostwick Carstairs (1872-1921) and grand-daughter of Jabez Abel Bostwick (1830-1892), a founder of the Standard Oil Company and Treasurer of the Oil Trust, a colleague of John D Rockefeller’s and Henry Flagler’s.

In the Bahamas, she was known as Betty. To family and friends, including her niece, my wife, Kim, she was Joe, or Aunt Joe. Her Bostwick inheritance assured a lavish lifestyle, which Joe lived to her own set of rules.

During the 1920s, she was the UK’s most successful female motorboat racer, earning her the title of “fastest woman on water”. She built her boats in East Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where the museum devotes an entire section to Joe’s achievements.

Carstairs moved to the Bahamas in the 1930s, bought numerous cays in the Berry Islands, including (Big) Whale Cay and, by the 1950s, most of the population of the Berry Islands and North Andros had worked on Whale Cay.

Extensive farming, beyond the walls of her Great House, was just one part of her improvements to raise the economic and intellectual standard of her Bahamian workers and, for this purpose, the ‘Coloured League of Youth’ was established, “not to create animosity between the races but to help the coloured race so to advance, both economically and socially, that they shall depend on themselves and neither blame, nor depend completely on, the White man. They should not be ashamed of being Coloured, but should develop a sense of Race, and a Pride in that

Race. Sadly, the Colony was not yet ready for such a revolutionary idea and the League was short-lived”.

Although Carstairs was an heiress to the Standard Oil mega-fortune, instead of going the debutante route, she chopped off her hair, dressed in bespoke Savile Row suits (as did her favoured doll, Lord Woodley) and covered her arms in tattoos During World War I, she served as an ambulance driver and, after the peace, she settled on Whale Cay, where she trained her own “army”. Could it have been that concern about an “army” caused the powersthat-were to distrust the League, and ultimately forced it to disband?

Chapters 2 and 3 discuss Africa, “that huge continent, which is still

[193] so much a mystery, even to those who have studied it…five thousand miles long and four thousand six hundred wide…at the north and south ends, it has a temperate climate, neither hot nor cold, but the large middle regions are tropical…

“South of the Sahara Desert, there large prairies And, then, some jungles, watered by heavy rains… great rivers like the Congo and the Niger. In the east, there are large lakes (called Nyanzsas) and a range of snow-capped mountains, almost 4 miles high…

“Stone tools, found in West Africa, show that there was a race of men there, said to be the ancestors of the modern Hausas, who were well advanced for their time …they had

very little social life, but they lived together, in small family groups, and had a few simple laws…

“Miss Mary Moseley gives us the following list, taken from early reports, of 7 tribes that were brought to the Bahamas – CONGARS (or Nangobars), CONGOS, NANGOS, HOUSAS, IBOS and MANDINGOS, the last four well known in Africa (1930)…

“…The Ibos live in Nigeria; Mandingos in Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast; Hausas, around Kano… the first 3 tribes in the list were, probably from the area of the Congo River…although only these 7 tribes are known to have come to the Bahamas, it is more than probable that other tribes were introduced, too.”

The presence of Africans is first mentioned in the Spanish report of 1504, and most of the slaves were captured within 300 miles of Africa’s east coats and that, for every ten Africans to reach the New World, 14 died on the way.”

Living in the Sun ends saying: “It seems a shame that the descendants of Africans in the New World should not know the legends and stories of their own race. If The Coloured League of Youth had achieved the purpose for which it was founded, Bahamians of today would know much more about humanity, than we do.”

MARION Barbara “Joe” Carstairs inspects her “army”

THE GREAT House

history

Living in the Sun

A brief history of African tribes who came to the Bahamas.

Before Christmas, I wrote about The Coloured League of Youth and, to my delight, I got messages telling me some details of its provenance and confirming my suspicions about the origins of that league.

Coloured’ is spelled with a ‘u’, which suggests it was written by an Englishman, which is almost correct. The person behind the book was an English woman – none other than my wife’s aunt – Marion Barbara Carstairs (1900-1983), daughter of Frances Evelyn Bostwick Carstairs (1872-1921) and grand-daughter of Jabez Abel Bostwick (1830-1892), a founder of the Standard Oil Company and Treasurer of the Oil Trust, a colleague of John D Rockefeller’s and Henry Flagler’s.

In the Bahamas, she was known as Betty. To family and friends, including her niece, my wife, Kim, she was Joe, or Aunt Joe. Her Bostwick inheritance assured a lavish lifestyle, which Joe lived to her own set of rules.

During the 1920s, she was the UK’s most successful female motorboat racer, earning her the title of “fastest woman on water”. She built her boats in East Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where the museum devotes an entire section to Joe’s achievements.

Carstairs moved to the Bahamas in the 1930s, bought numerous cays in the Berry Islands, including (Big) Whale Cay and, by the 1950s, most of the population of the Berry Islands and North Andros had worked on Whale Cay.

Extensive farming, beyond the walls of her Great House, was just one part of her improvements to raise the economic and intellectual standard of her Bahamian workers and, for this purpose, the ‘Coloured League of Youth’ was established, “not to create animosity between the races but to help the coloured race so to advance, both economically and socially, that they shall depend on themselves and neither blame, nor depend completely on, the White man. They should not be ashamed of being Coloured, but should develop a sense of Race, and a Pride in that

Race. Sadly, the Colony was not yet ready for such a revolutionary idea and the League was short-lived”.

Although Carstairs was an heiress to the Standard Oil mega-fortune, instead of going the debutante route, she chopped off her hair, dressed in bespoke Savile Row suits (as did her favoured doll, Lord Woodley) and covered her arms in tattoos

During World War I, she served as an ambulance driver and, after the peace, she settled on Whale Cay, where she trained her own “army”. Could it have been that concern about an “army” caused the powersthat-were to distrust the League, and ultimately forced it to disband?

Chapters 2 and 3 discuss Africa, “that huge continent, which is still

[193] so much a mystery, even to those who have studied it…five thousand miles long and four thousand six hundred wide…at the north and south ends, it has a temperate climate, neither hot nor cold, but the large middle regions are tropical…

“South of the Sahara Desert, there large prairies And, then, some jungles, watered by heavy rains… great rivers like the Congo and the Niger. In the east, there are large lakes (called Nyanzsas) and a range of snow-capped mountains, almost 4 miles high…

“Stone tools, found in West Africa, show that there was a race of men there, said to be the ancestors of the modern Hausas, who were well advanced for their time …they had

very little social life, but they lived together, in small family groups, and had a few simple laws…

“Miss Mary Moseley gives us the following list, taken from early reports, of 7 tribes that were brought to the Bahamas – CONGARS (or Nangobars), CONGOS, NANGOS, HOUSAS, IBOS and MANDINGOS, the last four well known in Africa (1930)…

“…The Ibos live in Nigeria; Mandingos in Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast; Hausas, around Kano… the first 3 tribes in the list were, probably from the area of the Congo River…although only these 7 tribes are known to have come to the Bahamas, it is more than probable that other tribes were introduced, too.”

The presence of Africans is first mentioned in the Spanish report of 1504, and most of the slaves were captured within 300 miles of Africa’s east coats and that, for every ten Africans to reach the New World, 14 died on the way.”

Living in the Sun ends saying: “It seems a shame that the descendants of Africans in the New World should not know the legends and stories of their own race. If The Coloured League of Youth had achieved the purpose for which it was founded, Bahamians of today would know much more about humanity, than we do.”

MARION Barbara “Joe” Carstairs inspects her “army”

THE GREAT House

Animal matters

Kim Aranha

We owe them so much

The unsung hero. What exactly is that?

I went online and found a few definitions, and this is one that I though describes very well, the unsung heroes that I personally have in mind.

“Someone or something that provides a great benefit, has done very good work, has performed some heroic deed or function, etc, but has not received the credit or recognition they deserve’“

As you all know, and as I tell you more times than you probably want to hear, the Bahamas is overrun with animals, especially companion animals. There are dogs and cats at every corner. Ever since the Bahamas Humane Society became a NO KILL shelter, we have had a gigantic number of animals brought into the shelter. I believe this is because people finally feel confident that they are not dropping them off to their date with death.

So how do we cope? We have a shelter that can take a finite quantity of animals and they keep pouring in. True, sometimes we have to stop accepting animals unless they are extremely sick, but there is the Number One weapon to fight overcrowding, to fight the need to turn needy animals away... there is an army of wonderful people ready to step up and put themselves out without hesitation and these tremendous army is made up of (drum roll please) fosterers or foster parents. Yes, we call them parents because frequently they assume the role of an animal parent in so much as taking in a littler of puppies or kittens.

Do you have any idea what entails taking in nursing puppies and kittens? You take over the Momma’s role of feeding and cleaning them, and that occurs several times during the night. The remarkable fosterers set their alarm and get up during the night and fix baby bottles to help the littlest of dogs and cats grow up to where they are old enough and big enough to be

PHOTO BY FIONA FRASER

PET OF THE WEEK

adopted.

Foster parents are heroes: apart from the loving care they give the animals, they also give the dogs and cats love and attention. They teach them to live in a home, how to be house trained, walk on a leash, not to tear the sofa to shreds or climb up to the top of the Christmas tree. In short, the fosterers teach the animals so much more than they can pick up on their own, especially in a shelter environment.

Many of our dogs and cats have never lived indoors, have never stepped indoors. The have never been in a house let alone live in one! Don’t forget these babies have, most likely, been picked up off the street from a

By The Bahamas Humane Society

Caesar doesn’t quite live up to his tough guy name as he’s a total goofball at heart. This five and a half year mixed breed has been at the Bahamas Humane Society for almost three years now. Caesar gets on well with his BHS kennelmate but he’s really hoping for a human to snuggle up to in the evenings. He’s really a human at heart! Have you been in need of a cuddlebug to keep you

life of foraging for food and water to stay alive, the walls and ceilings might frighten them.

There needs to be somebody to lovingly educate them to the ways of man so that they can enjoy being a real domesticated pet. That transition doesn’t happen overnight.

If you have adopted recently it is quite possible that your new family member’s manners and self confidence may have been thanks to the devoted care and sacrifice of an unsung hero such as a fosterer.

How I wish that I could list the names of all the wonderful women and men and their families who have completely transformed the lives of

warm during these chilly nights? Then look no further than Caesar! Stop by the BHS or call 325-6742 for more information. Caesar looks forward to meeting you!

If you can’t adopt, foster.

If you can’t foster, volunteer.

If you can’t volunteer, donate.

If you can’t donate, educate!

Help make a difference!

hundreds of cats and dogs here in the Bahamas, some are in the out islands and we have to arrange passage to the appropriate island.

You cannot actually begin to imagine how some shy and frightened pets, especially dogs, gradually emerge from these poor, pathetic looking, skinny, hairless creatures, all due to the kindness shown them with regular food and care, and they become splendid pets!

I am hoping that the amazing foster team that the Bahamas Humane Society has will be reading this. I am aware that they do not get the recognition or the appreciation that they deserve. I wish that I could individually hug and thank each one with total sincerity because there are many pets in wonderful homes all over the world thanks to the amazing foster programme.

I would like to reach out to my readers to consider being in our foster programme. If you travel a lot or you are a seasonal resident, foster gives you the pleasure of sharing your Bahamas months with a pet, without the concern of how to handle their care when you move away for a few months. The process is reasonably easy, you just contact Fiona at the adoption department of the shelter (323 5138).

These wonderful and kind fosterers invariably cry buckets when their temporary house guests graduate into fully adoptable pets and leave them to go to their forever home. They smile bravely, fighting back the tears and pick up the next foster baby.

I say to them all: a resounding thank you! You know who you are.

gardening

Back to the beginning

Good day, gardeners. When establishing a garden, folks will come into the nursery and the one common thread that each one of them will say is the same two words that the last said and the next will say, “low maintenance”.

There are obvious benefits to initially installing low maintenance plant material in the garden. Most folks that set out to establish a new garden wish to simply beautify their investment at the lowest cost possible with the least amount of effort to get it done. Makes sense.

I say “initially”, because many people, once they begin the process of establishing a new garden will get bitten by the bug that many of us have been bitten by: they fall in love with their garden.

So how does one achieve a low maintenance garden? First, what is a low maintenance garden?

A low maintenance garden contains plant material that requires a minimal input of water, labour, time, and resources such as insecticides, herbicides, pruning, mowing and attention for it to perform to its potential or as expected to do so. Low maintenance gardens most often contain native plant material that require a minimum of input.

Xeriscaping is an example of a true low maintenance garden in regions that receive little rainfall, and it is uncommon to see, as it does not have the colours and flowers that most people expect or want.

For us in the northern Bahamas that get more rain than the southern Bahamas, native plants are a good starting point, just as it is in the south, and anywhere else for that matter.

There are, fortunately for us, many exotic plants that also suit the bill. It is expensive to build a house or to buy a house. It is also a multi-decade commitment for most of us.

So, granted, the less that there is to worry about on a daily or weekly basis in the garden makes for less stress and more enjoyment in said garden. At the same time, establishing a garden can also get expensive quickly. It takes a lot of time, material, labour, and resources to grow any plant to a stage that makes it a

viable product to purchase or trade for installation into a garden.

Regardless of its source, no plant product simply happens with zero input. Just as no beautiful garden happens with zero input. I have this to say: do not invest your money into plants without investing money into the ground that you intend to install them into.

One local company, Green Systems, produces a compost that is a very good product, and I am not sure what the fascination is with it, but Black Kow is an all-time favorite.

There are many other high and low-quality options available on the market to amend and improve the

native soil or fill, which many homes are based on. It always takes more low-quality material to achieve the same results as less high-quality material. No matter the type of plants that you may choose to install, native or exotic, results will improve exponentially, directly dependent upon the amount and quality of amendments used.

After all, the results that are seen above ground are a direct result of what happens below that goes unseen. It all comes back down to the roots. Healthy roots equal healthy plant. Healthy plant equals happy gardener.

Even healthy plants need some input of resources to maintain and to keep it growing to its potential in a cultivated garden. The shrubs and perennials may require an occasional spraying for bugs or an occasional fertilizing as our soils tend to be relatively low in nutrient holding capacity.

Most trees do not require much input, save for preventative pruning or thinning. Lawn grass never equals low maintenance if one installs St Augustine “crab grass”. Some zoysia grasses are a much lower maintenance option, but they are a more costly investment up front. In the long run, they cost a lot less to maintain than St Augustine.

Chinch bugs anyone? Not in any low maintenance garden. Start with native plants, then expand into some of the exotics that provide color and flower, before trying to go straight to that gorgeous exotic that a neighbour may be showing off. Established gardens take time to create.

Unless one has a very large budget, it is difficult to achieve right off the bat. For a low maintenance garden, start with native plants or exotics that require little input to maintain. Shop around.

Visit Fox Hill Nursery or any other nursery, and carefully weigh the advice received. Stay away from St Augustine grass and opt for Zoysia species of lawn grass. Invest in the native soil by adding amendments. As always, I wish you happy gardening.

• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at Fox Hill Nursery on Bernard Road. You can contact him with any questions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@ gmail.com.

A LOW maintenance garden is a popular starting point