02012019 WEEKEND

Friday, February 1, 2019

art books film fashion music entertainment history puzzles film

Weekend

BELLES OF THE BALL Page 14 & 15

Taste of success Landmark 10th season for ‘Happy Foods’ page 17

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

music

Party band takes on new identity From Tingum Dem to Groove Quest

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

T

hey may have a new name, but their signature sound is still the same. And keeping the music style audiences have come to love over the years is paramount to the members of the Tingum Dem band as they transition into a new identity as the Groove Quest Band.

The band made their reintroduction as the Groove Quest Band in vibrant way during last weekend’s Sunday Cool Down event at the Balmoral Club where guests welcomed their upbeat and soulful rhythms.

While they have now taken on a new name, the band maintains their unique five-piece horn section and memorable old-school grooves, while also introducing a wider cross section of music genres with the addition of younger talent on the frontline. One stand-out is C J Priest, a solo recording artist with original and cover tunes featured on YouTube.

“Fred Ferguson was the band leader for many years and Tingum Dem was his name legally. He has moved on now and we are moving in another direction,” said Byron Thompson, a keyboardist who has been with the band for more than two decades.

As they continue to reintroduce themselves to local audiences, Mr Thompson said Groove Quest is still the most versatile party band in the Bahamas, crossing genres and generations.

The band will offer rake n’ scrape, Junkanoo, soca, Latin, reggae, funk, disco, R&B and jazz tunes to satisfy their old fan base and to attract new enthusiasts.

“The style and groove of the band remains the same. We have some millennials in the band and it is a cross section, that is what really pretty much what is new,” said Mr Thompson.

Led by Dion Turnquest (saxophonist), Groove Quest members include Darrell Hurston (keyboardist/ musical director), Denteria Jackson, Patrea Gardiner, Donrica Burrows, Akeem “C J Priest” Gardiner (vocalist), Colin “Moe” Grant (drummer), Earl Forbes (bassist), Byron Thompson (keyboardist), Jawara Adams, D’Angelo “Boss” Moss (trumpeter), Richard Sands (trombonist), and Tino “Sheep” Richardson (saxophonist).

Over the years, its members have shared the stage with big names in the industry like Beres Hammond, The Temptations and Tarrus Riley.

“I think the seriousness and the calibre of musicians is what has

The former Tingum Dem officially relaunched as the Groove Quest Band last Saturday at the Balmoral Club.

contributed to the longevity of the band. We have some Grammy Awardwinning musicians that are members of the band who take their craft serious.

Some of them are considered the top performers of the instrument they play,” said Mr Thompson.

As they get audiences acquainted with Groove Quest, the band will also be creating original music to add to its catalogue.

To keep up the band follow them on Facebook and Instagram at ‘GQ Band 242’.

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Friday, February 1, 2019

Inside Weekend

My perfect Bahamian weekend Norman Lightbourne Social media manager Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?

Interview 4-5 Nassau native Lionel Lashad finds success with makeup in Miami

Super Bowl 7 It’s party time, so check out our viewing options around town

Culture 8 - 9 First-ever art festival to celebrate Junkanoo

Fashion 10 Make a statement with snazzy slogans on T-shirts

Books 11 Dr Giavana Jones explores the meaning of true strength

Art 12 Learn to pain on glass

Belles of the Ball 14 - 15 Spend ‘An Evening in Paris’ at the Red Cross Ball

Entertainment 17 - 18 Happy Foods 242 celebrates 10th season, plus production company Zamar delivers world-class concerts

Competition 19 Young Chef winners wow with unusual dishes

Film 20 - 21 The Islands House keeps it intimate for third annual festival

Literary Lives 22 - 23 The story of a mysterious virtuoso

Forgotten Facts 25 Distinguished Bahamian pilots

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 Life’s simple pleasures, plus Pet of the Week

Gardening 28 An optimum month for new seeds

Cover photo | Scharad Lightbourne

“I’m more of a Sunday brunch kind of guy. I enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and fellowship with friends that lasts for hours.”

Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik?

“Definitely Kalik. When you are out on the boat enjoying the weekend nothing is better than a cold Kalik.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“The beach. I’ve had my chance to travel and nowhere in the world has beautiful beaches like the Bahamas. I can sit on a sofa anywhere, but I can only experience our beaches here.”

Q: What is the one thing that you can’t live without?

“My cellphone. We hold so much of our lives in our phones. My ALIV cellphone keeps me connected.”

Q: Weekend away, where would you go?

“I’d hop on my private jet to an exotic location. Now in real life, I would probably spend the weekend in South Beach enjoying the nightlife.”

Things 2 Do this weekend Friday • The Island House Film Festival 2019 Time: 10am Venue: The Island House, Mahogany Hill SEE PAGES 20 & 21

• Stepping Stone Quilters Exhibit Time: 10am - 4pm (continues Saturday and Sunday) For over 32 years, the Stepping Stone Quilters have kept the unique art of quilting alive in the Bahamas. Each year, the group has an exhibit where they showcase their work: traditional quilts for beds, baby quilts and mats, wall hangings, cushion covers, table runners and many more practical and useful items. At the request of the Cancer Society, there will be 30 quilts on display and offered for sale. All of the money raised will be used to continue the work of the Cancer Society.

Saturday • Tru Tru Bahamian Festival Time: 10am - 8pm (Sunday, 10am - 6pm) Venue: John Watling’s Distillery

The event will showcase Bahamian culture, history, art, cuisine and national parks. Musicians like the Rhythm Band and the Royal Bahamas Police Force band will perform. Every imaginable expression of creative talent will be featured, including singing, dancing, storytelling, plaiting of the maypole, a Junkanoo rush-out, a pop-up Junkanoo shack, a kids’ interactive corner with an “Ocean Creatures Touch Tank” and a plethora of indigenous creatures, plus Bahamian flora and fauna for kids to learn about. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

• Nassau Night Market Time: 6pm - midnight Venue: Market Slope, next to the Straw Market Come on out for signature drinks, unique food trucks, artisan crafts and presentations by the local art scene. Get your cut-hip at dominoes while you’re wooed by the wild street performers.

• Party for the Animals Time: 7pm Venue: BNT Retreat, Village Road.

There will be a cash bar, Le Petit Gourmet food truck, adult hoop-la and a raffle. The B-Humane Award winners will be announced. Tickets are $40 and are available at the BHS, at Fox Hill Nursery and at the door.

• Fatman Scoop Live Time: 11pm - 2am Venue: Aura Nightclub, Atlantis Fatman Scoop is an American hype man, hip hop promoter and radio personality famed for his on-stage rough, raw loud voice.

Atlantis expects this event to sell out and is asking patrons to book early.

Sunday • Jazz at Jacaranda Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Venue: Jacaranda House, Parliament Street Enjoy the best jazz in town while sitting around a pool, sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a new tapas menu. The cover charge is $15; there is a cash wine bar. In case of inclement weather, the audience will be moved into the drawing room.

• For all your Super Bowl viewing and party needs, see PAGE 7.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

interview From working retail in Nassau to ‘beating the faces’ of celebrities in Miami, this self-taught makeup artist says he’s only at the beginning of his sure to be illustrious career.

Lionel Lashad

L

ionel Lashad has always considered himself to be an artist, he just didn’t realise that his canvas would be women’s faces.

The Nassau native used to work in retail in stores like Versace, and later at BTC. But when he was presented with the opportunity a few years ago to follow his passion for a career in makeup, he took his chances and moved to Miami, Florida.

“I ended up in Florida because there were no avenues for make-up artists to grow and have a serious career in the Bahamas,” he said.

Now, he is a make-up artist for reality TV stars, has worked for television and movie productions, and is beginning to make a name for himself in fashion circles all around the world.

“I think I first started getting interested in doing make-up back in 2015,” the now 25-year-old told Tribune Weekend.

“I have always considered myself an artistic person, into drawing and painting, but never really saw myself as a make-up artist until I started watching some YouTube videos and it hit me that make-up is really just painting on someone’s face.”

Initially, he started doing his friends’ make-up for special events like weddings and birthday photo shoots.

“I was scared first, but then one day I did a friend’s make up and we posted it on social media and it really took off,” he said.

As he posted more and more photos of his work, Lionel started getting a

“I ended up in Florida because there were no avenues for make-up artists to grow and have a serious career in the Bahamas.” reputation as a capable and creative make-up artist.

“Honestly, that is how you grow in this business, through a lot of word of mouth, from people seeing your work on Instagram and referring you to other people,” he said.

It’s a strategy that has paid off for him. Now, just three years into his new career, he is building up quite the impressive client portfolio.

“I have been lucky enough to have landed quite a few big job – some movie shows, reality TV shows and some big budget photo shoots,” he said.

While he prefers to be bit tightlipped on who some of those higher-end clients are (“There are some names I am contracted against disclosing”) checking his Instagram page reveals hints of projects he has

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Friday, February 1, 2019

worked on. He now has a following of more than 12,000 subscribers.

“I can say that some of the people I have worked on have been R&B singer Teenear and Karlie Redd (of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”),” he said.

One celebrity he can also openly admit to working for is Latin pop sensation Amara La Negra, who got her start on “Love & Hip Hop: Miami”.

He has also worked on the show “The Wrong Man”, a series by award-winning filmmaker Joe Berlinger (”Paradise Lost”).

In the TV documentary a team of esteemed experts re-investigate the cases of three inmates who have been locked up for decades and claim they are innocent. The series airs on the cable channel Starz.

Lionel admits that working on celebrities can be a bit intimidating.

“At first it was a bit scary. These are the people who you see and watch on TV. But actually the experience has been calming and I have never had a bad experience with a celebrity client. It is satisfying to know that I have grown my clientele,” he said.

Lionel adds that he gives his best to all of his clients celebrity status or not and says his main mission is to help all his clients find the beauty that is in them.

“I don’t only do celebrities. Basically, once you can afford my fee I’d be happy to work with you. I still do a lot of weddings and special events like birthdays or just a special night out on the town,” he said.

Lionel noted that having a “beat face” can be a tremendous confidence boost for women, and some men, and he said he feels honoured to help his clients feel their most beautiful.

“It feels awesome to know that you help them achieve that look for their wedding, which is one of the best days of their lives or to just feel pretty on a special day. Makeup can help lift a person’s self-esteem in so many ways. There are some people who feel that it goes too far or that you shouldn’t wear so much, but if it makes you happy why not.

Lionel says he realises that not everyone may have the time to do a full face if makeup on a regular basis or that some women like to feel attractive but only want to wear the minimum of products.

“The most important thing when it comes to your appearance is healthy skin,” he said.

“It is important to keep up a healthy skin regime and to stay hydrated.

“If you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup, my suggestion is to get your brows done with some clear gloss and that makes a really big difference.”

Lionel says his dream would be to work with Kim Kardashian and Naomi Campbell.

And his advice for other aspiring make-up artists to just work to perfect their craft.

Lionel has done make-up looks for numerous celebrities.

Latin pop sensation Amara La Negra

Reality TV star Karlie Redd

Model Millie Hannah

“If you don’t want to wear a lot of make-up, my suggestion is to get your brows done with some clear gloss and that makes a really big difference.”

“I never took any formal classes to become a make-up artist,” he said. “I just learned through tips and tricks and through practice. You just have to gain a lot of experience to become good at what you do over time,” he said.

His advice for gaining clients is to ensure that you promote your work so that you can get word of mouth referrals which is how he said he has gotten most of his business.

You can follow Lionel on his social media pages @LionelLashad.

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

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Friday, February 1, 2019

entertainment

It’s Super Bowl party time!

Check out viewing options around town

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

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his weekend is Super Bowl Sunday, the day that unites the most ardent of football fans with those only there for the food, half-time show and the extravagant ads.

Super Bowl LIII (53) will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, and will be held in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

And whether you are a die-hard Rams fan, part of the Pats nation, or just jumping on the “anyone but Brady bandwagon,” this is the game not to miss.

And of course the best way to experience the big game is by attending or hosting a Super Bowl party.

For those interested in heading out to a local sports bar or pub there are no shortages of local spots at which to view the game, from high-end luxury venues to places offering $1 wings and beer buckets.

Here’s a round-up of a few places to watch the game in Nassau: Atlantis will host a viewing party beginning at 5pm.

Fans can watch the game in a ballroom setting on four large projection TVs, with stadiumstyle seating and food, and an open bar; all at the cost of $200 per person.

The Xscape Lounge will also host a big game party from 12noon. In addition to beer and mixed drink specials, there will be free shots for every touchdown, conch fritters and $1 wings.

The new kid on the block, Fusion Superplex, will also be offering an exclusive big game event in their premium large

The Patriots and the Rams will battle it out for the Vince Lombardi Trophy this Sunday.

(AP Photo/David J Phillip)

theatre. Guests will be able to watch the game on a 50ft screen. Tickets are $99 and include food and beverages from a special themed menu for the entire event. Doors open at 5pm for the tailgate and the party ends when the game does.

Another venue hosting a watch party is the Outback

Steakhouse, which will offer beer buckets and party platters as well as prizes and surprises all night.

The Cricket Club’s party begins at 5pm. For $10, guests will receive two Bud Light beers and an authentic Super Bowl souvenir cup.

Fans of Jameson Irish Whiskey may consider going to

the Shenanigans Irish pub as they will have specials on their Jameson shots.

Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace will also hold a viewing party with drink specials and the game on a big screen.

Party at home If partying at a pub or sports bar isn’t your thing and you’d prefer to enjoy game at home, here are a few tips to be the perfect Super Bowl hosts.

Just make sure you have a screen big enough for everyone to see, or several smaller screens, and have tons of easy finger foods and snacks people can grab between plays, along with ice cold beers, liquor and soft drinks.

And if you want to up the betting ante, consider adding these wages to the traditional “who will win” pool: Will Gladys Knight forget the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner”? Who will score first,

and how many minutes into the game will it take and what type score will it be – a touchdown or a field goal?

For those of us who really aren’t into football, the big draw of Super Bowl Sunday (besides the million-dollar commercials) will be the singing of the national anthem and the half-time show, which will feature Maroon 5.

The group recently came under criticism for failing to take questions after the traditional pre-halftime show press conference was cancelled this week.

As it is about music, Maroon 5 said they will let their show do the talking as they prepare to take the stage this Sunday, the NFL said in a statement on Tuesday.

Super Bowl LIII kicks off at 6.30pm and will be aired on CBS.

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

culture

First-of-its-kind art festival to highlight the past, present and future of Junkanoo

By FELICITY DARVILLE

A

new opportunity to celebrate Junkanoo, appreciate it as an art form, and enjoy another festive cultural event will occur this February when the Bahamas Junkanoo Art & Music Festival is launched.

Expect elaborate displays of visual art, both created and inspired by Junkanoo artists, when doors open for the two-day event on Saturday, February 23 under the theme: “We Live in Colour”.

The festival will span the length of the middle and eastern gardens of the Botanical Gardens. The predominant feature will be that of Junkanoo sculptures that would have either been used in the most recent Junkanoo parades on Bay Street, or sculptures and still art created specifically for the festival.

Angelique McKay, festival artistic director and founder, invites the public to come and be part of “history in the making”, as she says this annual event will be the first art festival of its kind.

“We don’t really have art festivals in the country,” Ms McKay told Tribune Weekend. “We have Transforming Spaces Art Tour and various art shows, but not an art festival, so this will be a new thing for the country.”

The Junkanoo sculptures that will be prominently featured will be the work of artists from throughout the Junkanoo community, and artists will be compensated for their displays. The event promises to highlight “all things Junkanoo”, including: the past – walking through the origins, development and rich history and heritage of Junkanoo; the present – displaying the living art of Junkanoo with live demonstrations and exhibitions of this art form, and the future – interactive, innovative ways for the Junkanoo participants and

The mayor of Newport, Virginia, enjoys a Junkanoo presentation last May.

One Family

lovers of this tradition to give input on where they see Junkanoo in the future.

“This festival is going to be different, unlike any other in the country,” Ms McKay promises.

“The Bahamas Junkanoo Art & Music Festival will allow Bahamians and visitors alike to get up close and personal with the costumes. Even those of us who are participants will appreciate it because we are usually with our own groups dealing with our own costumes. For spectators, they see the costumes from the stands but they don’t get to see them up close, observing the intricate details of the costumes. It will expose people to the internal workings, the internal fraternity of Junkanoo.”

There will be live entertainment inclusive of local and international artists, live demonstrations throughout the day, with several areas of artistry.

There will be performances of Junkanoo and Junkanoo-inspired forms

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Friday, February 1, 2019

The Saxons Superstars

“This festival is going to be different, unlike any other in the country.”

DJ TMak will be featured during the festival.

Festival organiser Angelique McKay

of entertainment. The major A category Junkanoo groups will be offered opportunities to partner with the festival and generate revenue for their respective groups. Festivalgoers will be able to experience Junkanoo from the time that they enter the venue until they leave, be it by video presentations, handsexperiences, music performances or witnessing various demos.

“It is designed to be like...if you were to go to a sculpture garden and you were allowed to view the creations and the artists are there to speak to the creative process involving the costumes,” Ms McKay said.

She explained that the festival was created out of the need to highlight and showcase the unique cultural expressions of Junkanoo. Organisers were keen to do so because there is no other place on earth one can go to experience Junkanoo – its excitement, colour, and energy. It is with this mindset that the festival’s

The Commandos delight audiences in Virginia. mission was developed. It will be produced by A Solutions Agency, Cultural Experience Productions, and the Junkanoo Commandos.

Up to 20 acclaimed artists and their art will featured throughout the festival, including works of photography, wood, glasswork, natural fibres and ceramics. In addition, there will be an art competition for schoolaged children whose work will be displayed at the festival and winners will be announced during the event.

Live entertainment will include Junkanoo music, rake n’ scrape, African music and music from the Diaspora; DJ TMak will also perform. Additionally, there will

also be a host of roving entertainers throughout the festival grounds.

Culinary arts will also be an important feature of the live entertainment component as food is an important element in the overall cultural expression of Junkanoo and the Bahamas, and demonstrations from some of the country’s top chefs will be highlighted.

Admission will be $5 for adults and $2 for children and senior citizens. Follow the Bahamas Junkanoo Art and Music Festival on Facebook and Instagram, or call 807-1908 and e-mail bahamasjunkanooartsfestival@gmail.com for more information.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

fashion

Make your confession a

bold one New T-shirt line offers snazzy slogans

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

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ITH T-shirts sporting slogans like “Saved n’ Bougie”, “Thou Shall Not Try Me” and “She Ready”, designer Keithra Morley wants to help Bahamian women make a statement.

Through her fashion label Kloset Konfessions, the 32-year-old mother of three not only hopes to help women express what is really on their minds, she also wants to share her story of overcoming some very difficult situations and still succeeding in spite of them.

Because of her company, the author and entrepreneur said she has been able to connect with so many likeminded individuals from across the world, making connections she will never forget.

She told Tribune Weekend she got the idea to start Kloset Konfessions after completing her book, “Confessions of A Woman Saved by Grace.”

“I thought to myself, what if I can put confessions on a T-shirt, confessions most Christian women are afraid to say, but they’re thinking it. What if I do it and inspire, encourage and uplift others while doing so. Also, T-shirts are my go-to staple in my wardrobe.

Being a mother of three kids, I’m really not that big in dressing up all the

Keithra Morley, owner at Kloset Konfessions

time. I love a nice T-shirt and jeans,” she said.

Her new T-shirt venture, she said is a great way for her to be creative as possible and to also think outside of the box when it comes to business ownership.

“My most memorable client experience has been seeing women wear my shirts with so much confidence and believing they are the words they see on my shirts,” she said.

Inspired by God and her kids, Keithra said they have kept her going on days when she wanted to give up, and it’s because of them she has hope.

“The business has been up and running now for about 11 months. I experienced a major setback last year February when I had launched and shut the idea down for a bit, but relaunched in December 2018. My goal now is to make Kloset Konfessions a staple T-shirt apparel line. I want my shirts to be in major shops locally and abroad. I want to make Jesus famous with my brand,” said Keithra.

She is also looking forward to adding journals, mugs and a box subscription service to the Kloset Konfessions product line.

“I just want to keep making designs that my clients will love. I want to start a movement that will inspire Christian millennials or those of faith to be bold and share how they feel in a respectful way – trendy, confident and relevant,” she said.

For more information, visit www. confessionsuncensored.com or ‘confessionsuncensored’ on Facebook and @klosetkonfessions_boutique on Instagram.

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Friday, February 1, 2019

books

The true meaning of strength Dr Gia publishes book to help women in their struggles

and empty in their quest to always be strong for others.

She wanted to create a space to engage, support and help these women find greater balance for their own emotional wellness. When she was finished doing her research and assembling the content, she had way more material than was needed for the course and she realised she was a mere few steps from having enough for a book.

To now officially be able to present a book she has written to the general public gives Dr Gia a feeling of excitement.

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

woman who wears many hats, Dr Giavana Jones, recently added the designation of author to her long list of roles and achievements.

Professionally, she is the director of programmes for the Lyford Cay Foundations, a psychology professor at the University of the Bahamas, and co-founder of the nonprofit organisation Stories of Hope. Privately, she is a wife of 10 years, a mother to two super active children who wear her out, and she considers herself a child of God. In all her roles, Dr Jones is passionate about fostering hope, resilience, and support of healthy communities.

Her new book, entitled “The Strong One”, had its official launch at the auditorium of Harry C Moore Library at University of the Bahamas last week. Dr Gia, as she is known, was on hand to sign copies of her book and engage in a panel discussion.

Dr Gia admitted to Tribune Weekend that at first she thought the content seemed so common sense that she wondered if it would even make an impact as a book. However, the more people she spoke to about the idea behind the book, the more the relevance question faded from her mind. “ ‘The Strong One’ is written by a strong one for others like me. To that end it was written primarily for women, but I know that it is applicable for both women and men. The book is written as a resource tool, as I am a therapist. It will be used in therapy and in small groups to assist people

: Dr Giavana Jones is now a first-time author with the publication of “The Strong One”.

“Strength is not equal to perfection.

Strength is truly grounded in healthy boundaries, healthy relationships and healthy identity.” when they find themselves in frustrating cycles, emotional instability and unfulfillment with life and relationships,” she said.

“The book is divided into three sections. First, I introduce profiles of the ‘Strong One’, which helps the reader to understand possible geneses of their role. Then, the second section looks at the challenges that we strong ones may struggle with and how this blocks

our own emotional and mental health.

I close the book with practical tips for living in true strength.”

When asked about her inspiration for writing the book, Dr Gia said it all started as she was putting content together for an online course that she was preparing to host. The course was being held due to the high number of women Dr Gia was interacting with last year who felt burned out

“All of the book is realistic. It is based on my experiences, that includes myself, clients and general relationships that I have supported. Beyond the experiences, the book is also a blend of application from theory in the field of psychology and biblical truths. Strength is not equal to perfection. Strength is truly grounded in healthy boundaries, healthy relationships and healthy identity. I feel good about the end product. I learned a lot from the process, but the book itself, I am comfortable with,” said Dr Gia. For all those interested, “The Strong One” is available for purchase via Amazon, Facebook at ‘The Dr Gia Jones’, and Instagram at ‘Dr Gia Jones’.

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

art

Getting artsy with

glass New ‘Paint Night’ teaches challenging technique

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A

rt skills are not required, but participants are encouraged to bring along their creativity to the Art(sea) “Design Your Own Glassware” event next week.

Art(sea) Creative, which strives to offer customised artwork, will be hosting its Paint Night where participants will get a chance to create intricate glassware art as a special keepsake. Its the “sip n’ paint” concept, but with a twist.

This event will feature unique centrepieces from Junkanoo Box, which will add local flair and visual stimulation. It will be held on February 10 from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Paint Night will be a preview of a series of events by Art(sea) Creative, which will feature the techniques and designs of artists Genaye Sherman and Toby October, the founder and artist of Junkanoo Box. “It is focused on giving its participants a one-of-a-kind experience. We invite couples, small groups and individuals to come and create memorable glassware that they can enjoy all year long.

The event will feature a relaxed, casual environment, wine, light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres,” said Genaye, who has been creating art on glass for several years now.

Art skills are not necessary, however, Genaye said even those with some prior

experience in painting will find the medium of glass a challenge.

“Creating art on glass requires a special technique. It is not easy, as it requires a very delicate and precise application. This event will challenge its participants who may be more accustomed to painting on canvas. Ultimately, there will be a heightened level of satisfaction that (continues) after Paint Night, because whenever using their glassware, participants will have a special memory of creating it with their loved ones,” she said.

At the event, art facilitators will demonstrate the techniques that must be used when painting on glass.

“The design for this event will be a pair of beautiful flamingos, with one flamingo on each glass,” said Genaye.

“And when the glasses are together, they will create a heart, symbolising two love birds.”

Participants will also be encouraged to use their imagination in personalising the piece.

Art(sea) has grown tremendously over the past few years, both locally and internationally. Its work is now available at the Nassau boutique The Craft Cottage.

“Art(sea) was also privileged to establish a tremendously advantageous relationship with Deltec Bank.

Our Bahamian inspired glassware was featured at the 2017 Deltec Conference Gala dinner. We were also honoured to participate in the Deltec Initiative for Young Entrepreneurs in the Bahamas,’ said Genaye.

Additionally, Genaye last year completed her first solo ceramics exhibit, “Fragile: Handle with Care”, which highlighted the delicate beauty of the environment in the Bahamas. The exhibit was held under the umbrella of the Deltec Initiatives for the Arts in the Bahamas.

For more information about the coming glass painting event, contact 242-813-4966. RSVP by February 8 via WhatsApp.

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Friday, February 1, 2019

celebrity

PART

I

The Weekend Fashion Report 25th Annual SAG Awards

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

HIT

HIT

SPLIT

SPLIT

Emily Blunt ”Mary Poppins Returns”

Yara Shahidi ”Grown-ish”

Alison Brie ”Glow”

Angela Bassett ”Black Panther”

Sandra Oh ”Killing Eve”

Karin says: “I love this. It’s the perfect salmon-coloured confection. The sparkly pantsuit really works for her, especially with the overlaid sheer netting. And the big hair is perfect to balance out the sleek look.”

Cara says: “Pants can be hit or miss on the red carpet, but I have to say that Yara pulls this off. I think it really suits her personality and the detail on those sleeves is just to die for.

I thought she looked really cute.”

Karin says: “It’s the evil version of Emily Blunt’s shoulder ruffles...or perhaps they are supposed to be wings of some sort. And even though this should look ridiculous, for reason I’m really into this black butterfly look. She makes it work.”

Cara says: “I know people out there will absolutely hate this and be like ‘what in the world is she wearing?’ However, I am secretly in love with it. It’s a cross between a very bad angel and just a bow lover’s ultimate fantasy.”

Karin says: “I like the concept, but in execution it may just be one too many ruffled tiers. It’s also weird how the dress sort of separates instead of giving us the usual split. Also, I think she needed a bit more support up top. But in essence, Angela always looks fantastic.

Cara says: “In one word: stunning. How old is Ms Bassett again? She looks absolutely amazing. It’s a fun dress and she really pulls it off. I think her hair just adds to the overall drama of the outfit.”

Karin says: “The bright red is gorgeous on her, and at first look the dress is nice, elegant. But looking at it a few more times, it seems kinda confused. Like the designer didn’t know where to pin what on the one shoulder.”

Cara says: “Overall, the concept of the dress is OK and the red is a great shade.

However, I am distracted by the way the it drapes at the bodice. I want to either pull it up or pull it down. Also, I am not feeling the messy bun.”

Karin says: “Remember the pink hats representing a certain part of the female anatomy which were used in the march against Trump?

Well, this looks like the matching dress. But this is just awful. If only those shoulder flourishes had been placed differently...”

Cara says: “I really love the bubble gum pink and the texture of the dress. The shoulder ruffle took a few looks from different angles, but I don’t hate it; it’s a lot, but at least she kept everything simple with the hair and accessories.”

• See PAGE 16 for Weekend Fashion Report Part II

14 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

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Friday, February 1, 2019

belles of the ball

An evening in

P ris “G

o big or go home” might have been the motto of this year’s Red Cross Ball considering some of the bombastic, extravagant gowns our belles stepped

out in.

Nassau’s ladies came out to Baha Mar last Saturday to show support for the 47th annual gala fundraiser.

The red carpet was outfitted with an Eiffel Tower décor and the ball room was decked out to make guests really experience this year’s theme: “Touche de Rogue (red button) – An Evening in Paris.”

Many of the ladies, of course, chose red dressed in accordance with both the theme and the event.

And these red gowns came in every style imaginable.

There were ones with capes, showed off to perfection by Sasha Skinner, and modern cut skirts with high slits, as worn by none other than Miss Bahamas Universe Danielle Grant. Meanwhile, Frederica Burrows-Cartwright went with a floor-length gown with an intricate pattern, and Insea Forbes chose an off-the-shoulder red satin creation with lots of glamourous bling.

Those choosing different colour palettes included Jessica Murray who went with a very unique white dress boasting a matching faux fur stole and a very unusual, gorgeous purse. Bold in classic black were Jerchovia Moxey and Patricia Cleare, who both displayed confidence in their perfectly coordinated styling. Going for softer blue/grey colour combos were Stephanie Unwala, Anastasia Johnson and Kendra Culmer – all showing off very different, very chic silhouettes. And speaking of different, it was all about the well-placed rhinestones and sparkling accessories for Anastasia Williams and Sabrina Eizenga.

In addition to our belles, the ball was attended by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Patricia Minnis, and Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Frankie Campbell, as well as other dignitaries.

Nancy Kelly, president of Kelly’s House & Home, was the 2019 Red Cross individual honoree.

The ball is the major fundraiser for the Bahamas Red Cross Society, which offers a wide range of assistance to members of the community who suffer loss as a result of fire, hurricane or any other type of disaster and works as an auxiliary to the government.

The annual budget is financed through extensive fundraising, membership drive, donations and an annual government grant.

Anastasia Johnson

Anastasia Williams

Frederica Burrows-Cartwright

Insea Forbes

Miss Bahamas Universe Danielle Grant

Jerchovia Moxey

Jessica Murray

Sabrina Eizenga

Kendra Culmer

Sasha Skinner

Patricia Cleare

Stephanie Unwala

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

celebrity

PART

II

The Weekend Fashion Report 25th Annual SAG Awards

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

SPLIT

SPLIT

SPLIT

HIT

Lupita Nyong’o ”Black Panther”

Margot Robbie ”Mary Queen of Scots”

Luenell ”The American King – As told by an African Priestess”

Lucy Boynton ”Bohemian Rhapsody”

Lady Gaga ”A Star is Born”

Karin says: “I’m not sure I love this. Something, to me, is off about the tailoring of the pseudo tuxedo jacket. It looks more department store than high-end designer. The braids and skirt, however, are great.”

Cara says: “First, I love the braids. Lupita is one of those people who just knows how to rock her hair. That being said I love the top and I love the bottom but not 100 per cent sure I like them together. I think Id have preferred if the skirt were pants maybe.

Karin says: “It’s sooo simple, but I love it! It’s a very ancient Egyptian royalty look. It’s just so chic and elegant. And a good gold/white combo is always a winner in my book.”

Cara says: “So first of all, her top is way too small, and second, the bands around her dress just look like glitter scotch tape tacked around her.

I don’t like anything about this dress.”

Karin says: “I mean, she’s a comedienne, so she was having fun. Although I have to say the dress does look like it was made from cheap material. But since most designers won’t dress bigger women, what’s a girl to do?

Cara says: “I love the colours.

It’s very costumey, yes, but I’m hoping that was her point and that she was not taking herself seriously, because she can’t possibly think that leopard print on her head makes sense.”

Karin says: “She seems to have been on this Victorian/ goth doll trend all awards season, so it does seem a bit affected. It’s definitely very different from all the other dresses on the night, and I feel without the puffed up sleeves, I would have actually quite liked it.”

Cara says: “The Little House on the Prairie and Victorian doll house vibe has been trending on the red carpet and it works sometimes and can be a hot mess at others. This dress is OK and she looks fine, but it’s not my favourite.”

Karin says: “ ‘Greetings, ghost of Marilyn Munroe!’ That’s the first thing that came to my mind. I’m loving the all-white gowns on her, and the dark red lip really works here.

Who knew she could be this consistently toned down and classy?”

Cara says: “Lady Gaga is rocking the red carpet with white gowns this season, and this is another stunning one.

She also looks so vintage Hollywood and has come such a long way from the infamous meat dress. This dress is fab, but dare I say it’s becoming a bit repetitive? Hope she brings some colour to the Oscars.

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Friday, February 1, 2019

entertainment

‘Happy Foods’ celebrates 10 seasons of culinary adventures

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

T

he team of Happy Foods 242 will celebrate a milestone achievement tomorrow at 7pm when the 10th season of their culinary television series premieres on Channel 212.

The show’s creator and host Sasha Lightbourne said she never expected to make history like this.

“I have searched high and low for a local programme produced, directed and hosted by Bahamians that has lasted this long and have yet to come across one. So this is phenomenal for me and my team. It is indeed momentous. The show has grown by leaps and bounds.

If you look at our first show on YouTube that features Da Glass Kitchen, look at season nine, there are vast differences. The picture quality is better, audio is better, content is better, and we will continue to get better,” she told Tribune Weekend.

From restaurants and food entrepreneurs to mixologists and pastry chefs, over the years Happy Foods 242 has offered its audience a look at unique culinary experiences, first on YouTube and now on a local television station.

Having seen first-hand what goes on in many of the Bahamas’ kitchens, Sasha said she has learned that is important to be consistent with the quality of food you serve if you want to succeed in this business.

“Bahamians love food. It is entrenched in our culture.

When you get baptised, there’s food. At a wedding there’s food. At a funeral there’s food. We love to celebrate, and a key part to any celebration is food.

So people are definitely taking advantage of the dining options and even having a private chef experience, and there are many options. They all seem to be doing well,” she said.

In season 10 of Happy Foods 242, Sasha takes viewers on a trip to Grand Bahama, as well as on a walk down memory lane as the team returns to the spot of their very first show – the first establishment that gave them a chance – Da Glass Kitchen on Hawkins Hill in Nassau.

“Shout-out to Erika and her team because they believed in us from day one and they still believe. It’s another awesome episode.

It was only fitting that we went back,” said Sasha.

She also thanked the team behind her. Without them, she said, the show wouldn’t have gotten this far.

They motivate her to keep producing more episodes and more seasons.

“Sometimes I think they love it more than me, so it is about them, and they keep me going. I often tell them I’m ready to quit. I say that at the end of every season.

And then when the end of every season comes I jump into administrator mode and begin soliciting people and places for the next season,” said Sasha.

She encourages readers to tune in every Saturday, as the new season is not one to miss.

Sasha Lightbourne and her team celebrate the 10th anniversary of Happy Foods 242. (Photos/Scharad Lightbourne Photography)

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

entertainment

Local production company delivers world-class concert experiences

By FELICITY DARVILLE

T

he old year ended with a bang for the local production company Zamar as they successfully pulled off world-class lighting, sound and staging for four major concerts scheduled around New Year’s Eve celebrations at two of the major hotels in the country.

They included: The Jacksons, often referred to as “the first family of soul”, and eight-time Grammy award-winning artist Fergie performing at the Atlantis Resort; and the Bahamas’ very own Grammy Award-winning band Baha Men and two-time Grammy Award nominee Dua Lipa performing at Baha Mar. All of these productions went off without a hitch and at a first-class standard due to meticulous production skill – all delivered by Zamar.

Production manager for both Baha Mar events Roscoe Dames confirmed that the artists were pleased with the sets and production that was provided for their concerts.

“As production manager working with Zamar...(we) continue to not only set the standard, but raise the standard of production in the country to an international level,” said Mr Dames.

This past December, the Zamar Group of Companies launched the Zamar Academy, and 24 staff members graduated from their first Avixa-led CTS (certified technology specialist) course. Avixa is the trade association representing the professional audio visual and information communication industries worldwide. The launch of the academy and its subsequent first training course was unique in that Zamar flew in the trainer and provided all the materials, as opposed to the staff members having to do an online course. This allowed staff members

The Zamar production company ensured stars like Fergie, The Jacksons and Dua Lipa had successful concerts in the Bahamas with world-class lighting and sound. to interact with the lecturer, ask questions that immediately came to mind, and experience live demonstrations.

“They have been able to maintain and sustain their position in the marketplace because of the Zamar Academy the ongoing training that goes on with the staff to improve,” said Mr Dames.

He added that the company also conducts ongoing maintenance and provision of new products that come into the market for sound, stage and lighting production.

Tribune Weekend attended The Jacksons and the Fergie concerts, and the level of production was to be lauded. The performances included intricate lighting and audio visual effects, and the sound

was excellent from beginning to end, creating a concert experience that Atlantis guests raved about.

“Zamar continues to maintain a high standard in the production of events,” said Mr Dames.

“I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to be production manager on those two inaugural concerts over at Baha Mar and I think everyone at Baha Mar was pleased at the outcome. They indicated that the Zamar team was very professional and got the job done as requested and required by the production riders sent by the artists. Hats off to Zamar as they continue to improve the quality and standard of production in the country.”

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Friday, February 1, 2019

competition

Cooking for success

T

wo young, budding chefs were rewarded for their creativity and culinary ingenuity this week, as the winners of the New Providence District Junior and Senior High School Young Chef competitions were announced.

Anyah Coke, a student of A F Adderley Junior High School, is the winner of the junior contest. Her coconut lemon meringue muffin and tropical seafood fried rice tantalised the judges’ taste buds, positioning her as winner of both the Best Rice and Best Flour categories.

Meanwhile, Labrano McPhee Jr, a student of Anatol Rodgers Senior High School, won the senior division with his rice seafood salad and coconut croquembouche.

In the junior competition, the judges unanimously agreed that Ms Coke’s skillfully crafted rice and muffin were both flavourful and outstanding.

Chef Devin Johnson said although “old school”, her presentation was well executed and well presented with excellent colour.

“The rice has very good flavour.

Cupcake is exactly what it says it is – zest of lemon, coconut. Here we saw a technique used. A meringue is made and torched. This technique is used in professional competitions,” he said.

“Torching the cupcake actually brought out the natural flavour of the lemon. Everybody did cupcakes so the technique in the cupcake made it light.

Technically and flavour wise it was a great dish,” added judge Chef Owen Bain.

In the senior division of the contest, the judges, who are all professional chefs, gave Mr McPhee high scores for the flavour, good texture and creativity of his dishes. They said his was a

Young Chef winners announced

Labrano McPhee, Jr, winner of the senior competition, prepares his rice seafood salad and coconut croquembouche.

Anyah Coke, the winner of the junior competition, with her coconut lemon meringue muffin and tropical seafood fried rice. job well done as he showed poise, and presented clean, organised work.

Chef Johnson said advised the students and their coaches to stay true and native when they participate in competitions.

“I want to see more native cooking presented in a modern way,” he said. “We don’t live in France, Italy or these parts of the world. Let’s use our indigenous products and indigenous names. You lose points when you use these terminologies and they are not perfected properly. I see things like Swiss roll, au jus and croquembouche.

You have to do them the right way or else you will get hit harder. Let’s use local terminology and make up your own words.”

BIS PHOTOS/PATRICK HANNA AND KRISTAAN INGRAHAM

By KATHRYN CAMPBELL

Now in its 27th year, the Young Chef Competition is organised by the Ministry of Education and sponsored by Mahatma Rice and Robin Hood Flour. This year’s theme was “Creatively Embracing Indigenous Foods through Innovation for Sustainable Development”.

The students were required to prepare dishes using Mahatma Rice and Robin Hood Flour.

Ms Coke will represent New Providence in the National Junior High School Young Chef Competition to be held in March.

Chef Owen Bain oversees D W Davis student Kendra Estil as she prepares her dishes.

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

film

A scene from “Leave No Trace”, which critics called one of the best films of 2018.

Island House bets on

quality and intimacy for third annual film festival

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

A

lthough it has grown in the three years since its inception, The Island House Film Festival remains committed to providing its guests with an intimate movie experience.

“Being a smaller venue has meant that we have been able to create a more manageable festival,” said Anja Allen, the marketing manager for film festival.

“We have grown in that we have been able to increase the number of movies that we show and we have especially been able to increase the number of Bahamian films; they are mostly shorts that will be shown before some of the full-length features.

“However, the festival will always be The Island House Film Festival (TIHFF) in that we do want to keep it at an intimate number. Our theatre seats 50 persons and that allows for a more up and close experience where persons can have direct access to the filmmakers.”

The three-day festival, which kicks off today, will celebrate the work of emerging filmmakers from the Caribbean and Latin America, showcase award-winning world cinema films and

create a space where avid local moviegoers and aspiring artists can interact and be inspired by established masters of the medium.

This year, there are films from Sweden, France Ireland, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States and Syria, as well as a record number of eight new Bahamian films that will debut at the festival.

“One of the key areas where the festival has grown,” she added, “is the session geared toward inspiring young Bahamian filmmakers.”

The film festival has partnered with the University of the Bahamas and will be hosting two lectures with international filmmakers for university students, as well as screening the Trinidadian film “Unfinished Sentences”

on campus. In addition, the film festival will be hosting free workshops and panels for the public by screenwriter Tim Papciak as well as acting workshops by TIHFF veteran Evelyn Vacarro Osario and the Bahamas Arts Movement (BAM).

There will be panel discussions on topics like creating documentaries and the state of filmmaking in the Bahamas, which will include panellists Maria Govan, Travolta Cooper, Travon Patton, Lavado Stubbs and TIHFF board member Kareem Mortimer.

“As a board we took our time to select films and invite filmmakers that will interact well with our community in a way that complements a wide array of people in our community. We will screen films that are appropriate for the family, artists, local community and international community, but what we are most proud of is the fact that we have a strong lineup of Bahamian work, the most we have had since we started three years ago,” he said.

Notable guests this year include director Marcus Lindeen, who will be bringing “The Raft”, which won Best International Documentary Film at The Copenhagen International Documentary Festival, and Bryan Fogel, the director of the Oscar-winning film “Icarus”.

“Icarus” chronicles his exploration of the option of doping to win an amateur cycling race, and his happening upon a major international doping scandal when he asks for the help of Grigory Rodchenkov, the head of the Russian anti-doping laboratory.

There will also be a reggae-themed party immediately following the outdoor screening of “Reggae Boyz”, one of the Caribbean feature films which is based on Jamaica’s national soccer team making it to the 2014 World Cup. There will be a curated menu of Jamaican dishes by Events by Alexandra, an open bar and the best reggae vibes.

For film descriptions and showtimes, visit The Island House Film Festival Festival website.

TIHFF HIGHLIGHTS

Moving Parts (Trinidad and Tobago) Showtime: Sunday at 12noon After being smuggled into Trinidad and Tobago to be with her brother,

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Friday, February 1, 2019

Zhenzhen, an illegal Chinese immigrant, discovers the true cost of her arrival. Director Emilie Upczak will be in attendance for a Q&A post-screening. The short film “Pompey Museum” will precede the film; the filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce the film.

Showtime: Sunday at 1pm The film, directed by Ron Davis, the award-winning filmmaker of the NY Times Critic’s Pick “Harry and Snowman”, tells the inspiring story of Danny and Ron’s Dog Rescue and the selfless work they do. It showcases their unique approach to dog rescue and adoption, which has enabled them to rescue and adopt over 10,000 dogs. Both Ron and Danny will be in attendance for a Q&A following the screening. Proceeds of this film will be donated to The Bahamas Humane Society.

LEAVE NO TRACE (USA)

Showtime: Friday at 5.30pm A father and daughter live a perfect but mysterious existence in Forest Park, a nature reserve near Portland, Oregon, rarely making contact with the world. But when a small mistake tips them off to authorities, they are sent on an increasingly erratic journey in search of a place to call their own.

BACK ROADS (USA)

Showtime: Friday at 3pm “Back Roads” centers on a young man stuck in the Pennsylvania backwoods caring for his three younger sisters after the shooting death of his abusive father and the arrest of his mother. When shocking family secrets emerge, his life begins to spiral downward, leading to a devastating conclusion.

The short film “Parallels” will precede the film. Writer Tim Papciak will be in attendance to introduce the film.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRE (USA) “Tyrel” has been described as 2018’s answer to “Get Out”

TYREL (USA)

Showtime: Friday at 9pm “Tyrel” follows Tyler, who joins his friend on a trip to the Catskills for a weekend birthday party with several people he doesn’t know. As soon as they get there, it’s clear that he’s the only black guy, and it’s going to be a weekend of heavy drinking.

Kareem Mortimer will introduce and screen his latest short “This is Paradise” before the feature film begins.

Both filmmakers will be in attendance to introduce their films.

Showtime: Saturday at 11am Doc and Zoe are just hired for the night to deliver an unknown package.

Their job comes with three essential rules: never stop the car, never roll down the windows, never open the trunk. At a crossroad, they stumble upon a dog. Each crossroad requires a sacrifice. Their decision will change their path irreversibly. Director Bruno Moural and writer Gilbert Mirambeau will be in attendance for a Q&A post-screening.

The shorts “Those From Shallow Waters” by Neville Smith and the “Over The Hill Documentary” by Lavado Stubbs will precede the film.

Showtime: Saturday at 5.30pm After his Sundance award-winning documentary “The Return to Homs”, Talal Derki returned to his Syrian homeland where he gained the trust of a radical Islamist family, sharing their daily life for over two years.

His camera focuses primarily on the children, providing an extremely rare insight into what it means to grow up with a father whose only dream is to establish an Islamic caliphate.

The short “Trust” by Renee Caeser will precede the film, and the filmmaker will be in attendance to introduce the film.

KAFOU (HAITI)

Showtime: Sunday at 3.30pm André Leon Talley has been a fixture in the world of fashion for so long that it’s difficult to imagine a time when he wasn’t defining the boundaries of great style. Kate Novack’s intimate portrait takes viewers on an emotional journey from André’s roots growing up in the segregated Jim Crow South to become one of the most influential tastemakers and fashion curators of our time.

The short film “Freedivers’ Life for Me” will precede the film. Director Andre Musgrove will be in attendance the film.

SAUVER OU PERIR (FRANCE)

“Life in the Dog House” tells the inspiring story of Danny & Ron’s Rescue.

OF FATHERS AND SONS (GERMANY)

ROSIE (USA)

Showtime: Saturday at 8.30pm “Rosie” tells the story of a mother trying to protect her family after their landlord sells their rented home and they become homeless. Finding a room, even for a night, is a tough job, and finding somewhere permanent to live is even harder. Within the confines of their car, Rosie and John Paul strive to maintain a loving home while shielding their young family from the reality of the situation around them.

The short film “The Admirer” will precede the film. Director Travon Patton will be in attendance to introduce the film.

LIFE IN THE DOG HOUSE (USA)

Showtime: Sunday at 8.30pm The life of a valiant French pompier (firefighter) is upended by a powerful inferno that leaves him permanently disfigured and on the brink of death.

It’s a gripping and moving true-tolife story, showing a brave and loving family man trying to overcome nearimpossible odds. Director Frédéric Tellier will be in attendance for a Q&A post-screening.

THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST (USA)

Showtime: Sunday at 6pm In 1993, after teenage Cameron (Chloë Grace Moretz) is caught in the backseat of a car with the prom queen, she is sent away to a treatment centre in a remote area called God’s Promise. While she is being subjected to questionable gay conversion therapies, she bonds with some fellow residents as they pretend to go along with the process while waiting to be released.

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

literary lives – glenn gould (1932-1982)

A mysterious Sir Christopher virtuoso Ondaatje remembers one of the most celebrated classical pianists of the 20th century, and recalls one of his final public performances with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1962.

G

lenn Gould’s piano playing was distinguished by a remarkable technical proficiency and capacity to articulate the polyphonic texture of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music. He was also a writer, composer, conductor and prolific broadcaster.

Glenn Herbert Gould was born in Toronto, Canada, on September 25, 1932. The family surname was changed from Gold to Gould in 1939.

It is said that Gould’s mother exposed him to music during her pregnancy, hoping that her child would become a successful musician. He learned to read music before he could read words, and when first presented with a piano he listened to a single note’s long decay rather than striking different notes. It

was the beginning of an extraordinary understanding of sound.

He went to his first live musical performance when he was six – a concert by Josef Hofmann (1876-1957), the brilliant PolishAmerican virtuoso pianist.

“It was his last performance in Toronto ... a staggering impression ... They were all orchestral sounds, but I was playing them all, and suddenly I was Hofmann. I was enchanted.”

Initially Gould was taught piano by his mother, then the Royal Conservatory of Music.

He studied music theory with Leo Smith, the organ with Frederick C Silvester, and the piano with Alberto Guerrero – who taught him to pull down on the keys rather than striking them from above. He did this for the

rest of his life, placing his chair well below the level of the keys.

He passed his final Conservatory examination when he was twelve. Gould was a child prodigy, had a vivid imagination, and constructed brilliantly creative interpretations.

In 1945 Gould played the organ on his first public performance, and in 1946 made his first appearance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra playing the first movement of Beethoven’s 4th Piano Concerto. His first solo recital followed in 1947. Ten years later Gould toured the Soviet Union and became the first North American to play there after World War II. His concerts featured Bach, Beethoven, Schoenberg and Berg. He made his American TV debut in January 1960 performing Bach’s

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Friday, February 1, 2019

Keyboard Concerto No 1 in D Minor, with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic.

Two years later, on April 6, 1962, just before Gould was to perform Brahms’ Concerto No 1 in D Minor, Bernstein told the audience that he could take no responsibility for what they were about to hear. It was an extraordinary performance where Gould played the entire first movement at half the indicated tempo. Both Gould and Bernstein were severely criticised by Harold C Schonberg – music critic for The New York Times. A studio recording of the performance was cancelled. This criticism went a long way to influence Gould in his decision not to make any more public performances. He gave his last public performance in Los Angeles at the Wiltshire Ebell Theatre where he performed Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 30, selections from Bach’s The Art of Fugue, and Paul Hindemith’s Piano Sonata No 3. *** There is an interesting story behind Gould’s decision to perform the first movement of the Brahms’ Concerto No 1 in D Minor at half the indicated tempo. Gould was a student of music history. Brahms began composing his D Minor Symphony in 1854 – and much of it was recast as his first Piano Concerto – also in D Minor. This was the year that his mentor, Robert Schumann, was committed to an asylum two years before he died. It was a deeply emotional experience for Brahms. The concerto was first performed in 1859 when the composer was only 25 years old. It was received coldly. A second performance, five days later in Leipzig, received the same treatment – the audience hissing above the few who tried to clap. Revisions were made after a third Hamburg performance in 1859, and another in August the same year. After a fifth performance with the Hamburg Philharmonic in December 1861, Brahms shelved the concerto for some years. It was probably 1868 when the composer realised his final structure and he sent a note to his lifelong friend Clara Schumann (Robert Schumann’s widow) with the message, “Thus blew the shepherd’s horn today!” Despite this development the work would not be played for eight more years. When it was, in Vienna, the conductor, Hans von Bülow, was moved to call it “Beethoven’s Tenth” due to the obvious similarities between the main theme of the finale of Brahms’ work, and the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

A young Glenn Gould with his teacher Alberto Guerrero

Famed conductor Leonard Bernstein with Gould and legendary composer Igor Stravinsky during a rehearsal for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, circa 1960.

The accusations of plagiarism annoyed Brahms, and when comments continued about the similarities, exclaimed, “Any ass can see that.” Glenn Gould knew that Brahms had trouble with his composition, thus causing his interpretation and rendition of the slow first movement. *** Gould performed less than 200 concerts in his lifetime, and one of the other reasons for abandoning live performances was his aesthetic preference for the recording studio where he developed a love affair with the microphone. In this way he could control every aspect of the music by selecting parts of various takes to realise a fuller musical score. Gould declared that the act of musical composition did not end with the original musical score, and that the performer had to make creative choices. Thus, abandoning live performances, Gould concentrated instead on recording, writing and broadcasting. He was only thirty-two years old when he made his

final 1964 public performance in Los Angeles.

Glenn Gould’s private life has always been somewhat of a mystery.

He hated social functions, disliked being touched, and relied on the telephone and letters for communication. The psychiatrist Peter Ostwald in his book “Glenn Gould: The Ecstasy and Tragedy of Genius” has diagnosed that Gould was probably autistic. The debate continues. He lived a very private life. And yet, surprisingly, while in Los Angeles in 1956, he met Cornelia and Lukas Foss – who worked for both the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. After some years Gould and Cornelia Foss became lovers. Foss left her husband in 1967 for Gould, taking her two children to Toronto where she bought a house near Gould’s 110 St Clair Avenue West apartment. She admitted that she and Gould had an intimate relationship lasting several years and that their relationship was “quite sexual”. However, in 1972, after four

and a half years, Foss returned to her husband.

Gould’s first recording success, “Bach: The Goldberg Variations”, was at Columbia Records in New York in 1955. It received prodigious praise and was among the best-selling classical music albums of its time. Another version of the Goldberg Variations was made in 1981 and would be among his last recordings. This second recording is slower and more deliberate. Gould revered Bach and observed: “He was beyond a doubt the greatest architect of sound who ever lived.” He also recorded works by Brahms, Mozart and other piano composers – but was often critical of them. He was particularly censorious of Chopin, saying “It doesn’t convince me.” He also disliked Mozart’s later works, although admitting that he enjoyed recording and playing them. His last recording was of Richard Strauss’ Piano Sonata, Opus 5 in September 1982.

Gould was not only a composer but also a prolific arranger of orchestral repertoire for piano. These arrangements included a recording of Wagner and Ravel transcriptions, as well as the operas of Richard Strauss and the symphonies of Schubert and Bruckner.

Towards the end of his life he began conducting. His last recording as a conductor was Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll in its original chamber music scoring.

He always said that he intended to give up playing the piano when he was fifty years old so that he could spend more time conducting, writing about music, and composing.

On September 27, 1982, after experiencing a severe headache, Gould suffered a stroke that paralysed the left side of his body. His condition rapidly deteriorated and by October 4 there was evidence of brain damage. Gould’s father made the agonising decision that his son should be taken off life support.

He was only 50 years old.

Gould is buried next to his parents in Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

The first few bars of the Goldberg Variations are carved on his gravestone.

NEXT WEEK: “An extreme experience” with Melissa Maura and the exotic fantasies which have inspired this much loved Bahamian artist.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of “The Last Colonial”. He acknowledges liberally quoting from Wikipedia, “Conversations with Glenn Gould” by Jonathan Cott, and “Glenn Gould: A Musical Force by Vladimir Konieczny”.

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

history

Remains of explorer who first rounded Australia found in UK LONDON (AP) — The remains of a noted Royal Navy explorer who led the first known circumnavigation of Australia have been found by archaeologists excavating a burial ground where a railway station is planned.

The archaeologists identified the remains of Captain Matthew Flinders by the lead plate placed on top of his coffin. He was buried at St James’s burial ground in 1814 but the headstone was removed in the 1840s, leaving the precise location of his grave a mystery.

Flinders made a number of important journeys and was commander of HMS Investigator when he navigated the entire coast of Australia, confirming it was a continent.

A number of places in Australia have been named after him, including Flinders Station in Melbourne and the town of Flinders in Victoria. A statue honouring him was unveiled in London

by Prince William on the bicentenary of his death in 2014.

Officials believe other notables are in the burial ground, including Bill Richmond, a slave born in New York who as a free Londoner gained prominence as a boxer, and James Christie, a

The remains of Captain Flinders, a noted Royal Navy explorer, who led the first circumnavigation of Australia have been found by archaeologists excavating a burial ground where a railway station is planned at Euston, London.

naval officer who in 1766 founded the auction house that bears his name.

Experts plan to remove tens of thousands of skeletons from the burial ground, where a rail station for a new high-speed rail line will be built.

HS2, which is building the rail line from London to Birmingham, said the remains of Flinders and roughly 40,000 others will be re-buried at a location to be announced.

Helen Wass, heritage director at HS2, hailed the discovery.

“Given the number of human remains at St James’s, we weren’t confident that we were going to find him,” she said Friday. “We were very lucky that Captain Flinders had a breastplate made of lead, meaning it would not have corroded.”

She said his skeleton will now be studied, in part to gauge what impact a life at sea had on him.

GREGORY KATZ Associated Press

Egypt says archaeologists find ancient tombs in Nile Delta CAIRO (AP) — Egypt says archaeologists have uncovered ancient tombs dating back to the Second Intermediate Period, 1782-1570 BC, in the Nile Delta.

The Antiquities Ministry said Wednesday that archaeologists also found 20 burial sites dating back to the Predynastic Period in Kom al-Kholgan archaeological site, about 87 miles north of Cairo.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, says the tombs contain ancient animal remains, stone artifacts and pottery fragments with drawings.

The ministry says the remains were not well-preserved.

In recent years, Egypt has heavily promoted new archaeological finds to international media and diplomats in the hope of attracting more visitors to the country. The vital tourism sector has suffered from years of political turmoil since the 2011 uprising.

An ancient skeleton dating back to 17821570 BC. (Photo/Egyptian Antiquities Authority via AP)

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, February 1, 2019

history Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha

Distinguished Bahamian

I

have just finished reading Felicity L Johnson’s book “The Black Prince of Grant’s Town – Life of a Bahamian Hero”.

What an interesting read, for it includes so much of our Bahamian history during the lifetime of the author’s father, the World War II hero W/O Basil Lawrence Ivan Johnson, DFM. As the name suggests, one must distinguish himself by doing something heroic, to deserve the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM). After joining the Royal Air Force, Basil Johnson became a flight engineer on the famous Avro Lancaster bombers and became a part of one of the Pathfinder crews on RAF Squadron 156...but you should read Felicity’s book and get the whole story.

Another Bahamian pilot, Sqn/Ldr D Lester Brown, came home with a

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The DFC was usually awarded only to commissioned officers and the DFM ranked below the DFC in order of preference, but was discontinued after the war when rules were changed to allow the DFC to be awarded to personnel of all ranks, a much better situation.

I was three years old when WW II started and almost 10 when it ended and our troops could come home. My elder brother, Norman, was one of those who volunteered.

He became an air gunner on consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers and saw duty as far away as Ceylon and India. I believe that his Liberator was the first plane to land in Singapore after VJ Day (Victory over Japan).

When he was demobilised and able to come home, I was in awe of this big man wearing his warrant officer’s uniform,

pilots

whom we all rushed to greet.

It was many years before I did the math and realised that our veteran was only 20 years old.

Sadly, I never saw Norman’s log books. But he always spoke highly of his comrades in arms, particularly of Basil Johnson, the doyen of the group.

As a civilian, Norman got a private pilot’s licence, joined the Nassau Flying Club and flew single-engine planes around the islands of the Bahamas. Later, he and I bought a Stinson 108-3 Station Wagon, which we operated through the flying club. For a while it was the only fourseater at the club.

In those days Windsor Field was still an abandoned aerodrome, used for racing cars during Speed Weeks, and all flying was from Oakes Field.

Then BOAC introduced the world’s first commercial jet liner – the de Havilland

Comet 1 – which severely reduced the flying time between London and New York. BOAC wanted to extend the Comet’s route beyond New York, down to Nassau, but the Comet needed longer runways, which were

only available at Windsor Field.

Government agreed to reopen Windsor Field and set about erecting a new terminal building, which was almost completed when the Comet’s career came to an inglorious end and Nassau was left with a jet airport, but no jets.

Excellent: 12 mins Yesterday’s solution: BonUs, BUMPs (across or down)

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

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

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

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Pull leg about being in bed that’s untidy (10) 6 Utterly rude and cross (4) 10 Set sail on Eastern passage (5) 11 Pays liars to make a complaint (9) 12 Encouraging applause? (8) 13 German city shows unusual sense (5) 15 Their accounts may be all at sea (7) 17 A number agreed to be corrected, being humble (7) 19 Went into liquidation when working hard? (7) 21 Small things that cause a lot of ill-feeling (7) 22 Flier appears to steal in (5) 24 Useful people showing diplomacy in studies (8) 27 Questions are asked when such a group activity is broadcast (5,4) 28 Not here again after the start (5) 29 Formerly in older style (4) 30 Our respect will be misplaced for such an oppressor (10)

Down 1 Be a socially-acceptable lover (4) 2 Put out fire (9) 3 Put oil on some crane levers (5) 4 They have no settled occupation (7) 5 Angered - or could be angered (7) 7 Deserted place of refreshment? (5) 8 Don’t allow to succeed? (10) 9 Being so one may react rashly with unusual illgrace (8) 14 Sign for a missing letter (10) 16 Snare ten squirming fish (8) 18 A share in the plot (9) 20 Possibly cleared to authorise dividend payment (7) 21 They prohibit flags (7) 23 It’s good in France and America to get extra money (5) 25 Athenian garret (5) 26 Decapitated their son may be (4)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Contact, 5 Fight, 8 Dalmatian, 9 Emu, 10 Rock, 12 Polished, 14 Primer, 15 Jujube, 17 Souvenir, 18 Edge, 21 Ash, 22 Retriever, 24 Erase, 25 Mastery.

Down: 1 Cedar, 2 Nil, 3 Away, 4 Tripod, 5 Fanciful, 6 Greyhound, 7 Trundle, 11 Chihuahua, 13 Rehearse, 14 Passage, 16 Victim, 19 Early, 20 Bias, 23 Vie.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Weather, 5 Scrum, 8 Samarkand, 9 Men, 10 Etch, 12 Learning, 14 Ronald, 15 Wander, 17 Idolater, 18 Kris, 21 Era, 22 Underhand, 24 Title, 25 Pelican.

Down: 1 Waste, 2 Aim, 3 Herb, 4 Reamer, 5 Side road, 6 Remainder, 7 Manager, 11 Consonant, 13 Pleasure, 14 Raiment, 16 Held up, 19 Sudan, 20 Oral, 23 Arc.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Close together (4,2,4) 6 Incentive (4) 10 Great enjoyment (5) 11 Shame (9) 12 First night of film (8) 13 A criminal (5) 15 Abominable (7) 17 Metal wind instrument (7) 19 Deep purplish red (7) 21 Apparent (7) 22 Violent weather (5) 24 Appeased (8) 27 Insulting (9) 28 Clumsy (5) 29 An accepted standard (4) 30 Bavarian leather shorts (10)

Down 1 Profoundly wise person (4) 2 Worthy (9) 3 Flower (5) 4 Sorrow (7) 5 Ancestry (7) 7 Wander stealthily (5) 8 Urgently enthusiastic (6,2,2) 9 Hair style (8) 14 Gesture of disapproval (6,4) 16 Decorative object (8) 18 Invaluable (9) 20 Inform (7) 21 To hide (7) 23 Express willingness (5) 25 Confidence (5) 26 Knock unconscious (4)

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, February 1, 2019

animals

Life’s simple

pleasures

Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

I

n a world where everything is more complicated daily, in a world of automation, gadgets and gizmos that should make our lives easier, it appears to me that our lives consist of more and more warranties, invoices, certifications, applications, reports, double checks and authentications.

Nothing appears to be straightforward or simple any more. You have to register things when you buy them, everything has a code or an ID number, and everything you do requires a secret PIN number and sleuth-like questions such as what was your first boyfriend’s name or where did you meet your spouse.

The real challenge is that as we get older all these requirements pile up upon us and their mere existence weigh us down as if we were prisoners walking around with heavy chains binding us to all the red tape of the enlightened, digital era.

The simple things of life are harder to access, and in order to get to them we have to jump through a million hoops devised by man and put into motion by machines that appear to have a mind of their own.

All of this, every day, makes coming home to the most basic, simple being on earth, your pet, an absolute lifesaver.

Today has been one of those frustrating, red tape “in you face” kind of days, and each time I jumped through one bureaucratic hoop and would heave a sigh of relief, another one would pop up in front of me requiring immediate

Kim Aranha’s daughter-in-law Bianca Aranha with rescue dogs heading to a better life.

attention. Oh my, it gets frustrating, exhausting and demoralising…that is until you put your hand of the door knob. I can hear the jostling for position behind the door, first one then the other. If I stop and wait I hear loud sniffing sounds from under the door and mild squeaks of impatience.

I then open the door to be greeted by a mass of fur, waggy tails and wet noses.

Suddenly all the stress and frustrations of the day disappear into thin air.

It set me to wonder how people who do not have these remarkable stressrelieving furry family members to help them cope with their stress and frustrations at the end of the day. We all know that it has been proven medically and scientifically that stroking

your dog or cat releases endorphins into your blood stream. So not being of medical mind or having scientific parlance, I went online for a definition of endorphins to share with you: “These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.” Another website goes on to say, “With high endorphin levels, we feel less pain and fewer negative effects of stress.”

Gosh, just think that you can sit watching your favourite TV show and your cat or dog beside you and by the end of the show your endorphin levels will be elevated for free, you will feel better, and your pet would have had a wonderful

hour of attention and affection, which is what he or she lives for.

When I was a girl, moons ago, things were more simple. Often a yes or no, a handshake, a smile and a gentleman’s word would solidify an agreement.

Those simplistic days are over. We are now told that things are easier because they are automated. We can Google, or ask Jeeves... until the internet fails us and then we are unable to do anything at all.

Movie seats that move and lights that dim at your command cannot take the place of that sweet boy who sits at my feet and half the time takes up all the space on my bed, whose love and devotion for his humans is written all over his smiling canine face.

I love the mod cons and the ease of the 21st century, but my favourite occupation is centuries old, it hasn’t changed and it never will: that inexplicable bond between man (and woman) and their animal friends.

Those moments of connection that can be felt, not spoken, when you know what your pet wants, and your pet knows what you need. At serious times of sadness or hopelessness, that friend of yours, be it furry or feathered, large as a horse or small as a kitten, they know because they are blessed with a sense of intuition that most of us have lost or never had because we are victims of our own civilisation.

The key to being happy and stress-free is to enjoy and rejoice in the small things. The most marvellous and fulfilling moments invariably contain nothing extraordinary, simply to love and be loved in return unconditionally. As I write this, Buddy’s head is on my foot under the desk and Chief is on the sofa watching through closed eyes. Yes, life is good.

A brighteyed duo

Blackie

B

Bright Eyes

lackie and Bright Eyes ended up at the Bahamas Humane Society when their family was relocated and were unable to take their dogs with them. Blackie is about four years old and is the mother of Bright Eyes. Bright Eyes is now about a year and a half, and both have been at the BHS since last October. They don’t need to be adopted together, though they wouldn’t mind it. Both are good with other dogs and people and would be best as yard dogs. Do you have a spot for one or both of these friendly potcakes? If so, please come in to the BHS to meet them or call 323-5138 for more information. Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. Blackie and Bright Eyes look forward to making your acquaintance!

• Party for the Animals on Saturday, February 2, at 7pm at the BNT Retreat on Village Road. Tickets are $40 and are available at the BHS, at Fox Hill Nursery and at the door. There will be a cash bar, Le Petit Gourmet food truck, adult hoop-la and a raffle. The B-Humane Award winners will be announced. We hope to see you there!

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, February 1, 2019

gardening

An optimum month for new seeds

O

ur February garden should be looking like what we imagined back in September, full of the vegetables we love, an extensive array of herbs, and a few sweet morsels here and there in the form of cherry tomatoes, strawberries and Cape gooseberries. Our task now is to keep the goodies coming without having an overload.

If everything went well, you should not have had to buy lettuce for salads over the past few months – and a few months to come. Lettuce and greens are easy to grow and are ‘cut and come again’ plants that need very little space and are very rewarding for the healthyminded. Halved cherry tomatoes and sliced scallions can be added to the salad, maybe a few razor-thin slices of cucumber, a dash of oil and vinegar; this can be thrown together in seconds, fresh and sustaining.

During January I pulled up the few plants of Tuscany kale I had and threw them away. They were just too coarse for my liking and a curly variety called Vates was far milder and tenderer.

Just because we grow something does not mean we have to eat it. We should grow what we love to eat.

If your cabbages are reaching the glut stage you can trim the roots with a long knife. We tend to grow too many cabbages initially and when they head we cannot use them all. If left they may crack and split open after a heavy shower of rain. This can be prevented by circling the soil around cabbages and severing most of the roots. The cabbages will survive quite happily for another few weeks but will not split.

Tomatoes are less of an overload problem because they can be cooked and sauced as well as eaten raw. A spaghetti sauce made entirely from your garden produce will, of course, be delicious. A meatless sauce can be frozen and served later without loss of flavour.

If you are thinking about adding to your sweet pepper patch you may consider growing elongated Italian types.

These do better in warmer weather than bell peppers. Cubanelle is a large variety that is usually sold in markets at the yellow stage. Grow your own

February is the perfect month to start your sweet potatoes

and you can pick them at the sweet red stage, a whole different taste experience. Even easier to grow is Banana pepper, a prolific producer. If you like a little ‘pepperiness’ in your pepper you can sow Anaheims.

February is the last month to put onion slips into the ground. If your onions are still in the nursery packet then you may have left matters too late.

As the weather warms your strawberry plants will produce. If you are like me you will eat most of them as you pick them. Crumple paper towels to stuff under the forming fruits to keep them off the soil. They should not need feeding while producing but a spray of Miracle-Gro Miracid every now and then will not hurt.

February is the optimum month for planting seed potatoes. Choose a good firm variety from the store that has ‘eyes’ and plant cut quarters containing one or two eyes in a hole about five inches deep. Replace the soil in the hole gradually as the eyes turn into stems and grow to above ground level.

Your new potatoes are ready to be

harvested when the plant begins to die back. Traditionally a long-tined garden fork is used to dig up the potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are grown from slips and enjoy being planted in sandy soil.

Buy a Boniato sweet potato from the store that has the beginnings of new growth at the thin end. Cut the end off generously and place the cut side down in a flat saucer-like container of water.

Allow the shoots to grow and develop signs of bark before cutting and planting them at a shallow angle in the soil about 3 feet apart. Water well for the first month or so and then ignore. The leaves will give good ground cover and when late spring and summer comes you will be able to run your fingers through the sandy soil and choose your potatoes by touch.

February is also the optimum month for starting eggplants. The Black Beauty type of eggplant is by far the most popular. If you are not Greek it is likely you only use eggplants now and then. The ones sold in supermarkets are glossy and inexpensive. For your own garden you may consider growing European or Asian eggplants that give white fruit mottled with mauve. These are smaller than Black Beauty and more likely to be cooked and added to meals without a lot of fuss. Forget about salting; that usually ruins an eggplant’s taste. Medallions of white eggplant can be quickly sautéed in butter or olive oil.

If you have an area of garden spare about the size of a dining table you may grow your first sweet corn of the year. Sweet corn demands very fertile soil so work the area over and apply plenty of fertilizer. Sow the seeds 12 inches apart in blocks. The plants will grow very fast and will need dustings of powdered insecticide to keep them predator free.

If you treated your fruiting shrubs and trees with dormant oil last month you should repeat the dosage this month as well. Carambola trees will have to be treated when the last fruit of the season is picked, which is around about now. Choose a cloudy windless day to do your spraying and use a longreach sprayer for tall trees.

• For queries and comments e-mail jacktribune242@gmail.com