03152024 WEEKEND

Weekend Blossoming art

Award-winning Bahamian kids’ TV show goes international Goombay Kids builds

team as it prepares for further growth

The award-winning Caribbean Island Adventure show “Goombay Kids” is growing its reach and its team.

Having garnered an impressive 14 awards on the film festival circuit, with its latest win being the at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, the Bahamian TV series is seeing ever-growing distribution and is gaining momentum.

The live action series features what primary age kids love: watching other kids learn and have fun with exciting mythological characters they meet along their adventures. The show prides itself on empowering kids to understand what they are capable of while including impactful messaging about the importance of protecting their environment.

At its inception, “Goombay Kids” started production in New Providence, airing Our TV, with a fully Bahamian cast and crew with award-winning directors Maria Govan, Lanthro Munroe and Kareem Mortimer. Fast forward four seasons later and now the series is streaming on Amazon, AppleTV, Roku, YouTube Kids and Happy Kids. As its viewership has expanded, so has its team.

As the show elevated its production values over the years the expansion of the international team has played a major role in improving the quality and distribution of the TV series and now prepares for further growth.

“Goombay Kids” has welcomed onboard Jonathon Barbato (Starz, Best Ever Channels) as head of distribution; Janis Shen (Sony Music, Wax Management) as head of original music and influencer management; Jaka Benedicic (Talking Tom, Outfit7, Epic Story Media) as acting as YouTube director; Marva Allen (Wordee) and Patrice Samara (Sesame Street, Muppet Babies), both in the position of book publishing, and Gustavo Aparicio (Spanglish) as head of Latin American distribution.

“Kids today want to be empowered as much as entertained,” said Jonathon Barbato, Co-CEO of Best Ever Channels. “ ‘Goombay Kids’ wraps powerful and relevant messages in engaging stories kids want to watch again and again. It’s a notch above much of what’s out there.”

Creator Stephanie K Nihon said: “We are thrilled to have such an impressive and committed international team of industry experts around ‘Goombay Kids’ who truly understand the vision and love the series. I am excited to see what the future holds.’

Interested individuals can follow “Goombay Kids” on social media to check for the upcoming opening of the next audition round for kids everywhere.

Local talent shines at Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival

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

IN addition to hosting world famous culinary talent and celebrities like Martha Stewart, the ongoing Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival is featuring lauded Bahamian chefs, eateries and establishments.

The talented local lineup will be participating in “Taste of Paradise” tonight and in the much anticipated “Jerk Jam” tomorrow night.

Tribune Weekend spoke to a number of representatives from the local participating restaurants, who shared their excitement over showcasing their products on a platform as large as the NPIWFF.

Deja Burrows of Blue Flamingo was especially exited to share what her catering company has to offer at Thursday’s “Tacos and Tequila” with Andrew Zimmern.

“We created a roti style Indian taco that included Caribbean butter chicken as well as a fresh mango salsa,” she said.

Blue Flamingo does everything from food trucks to high-end catering, to yachts and private events.

“Our theme is really to bring global cuisine to the Bahamas with Caribbean fusion, so we offer things that you’re familiar with, but with a twist, so that you feel comfortable trying,” said Deja.

With this being the Blue Flamingo’s first time participating in the festival, Deja said it was very exciting.

“I was watching some clips from the South Beach Festival and I am so I’m glad that we are part of this one,” she said.

Darren Sinclair of Flipping Good Burgers said it’s an honour that a

small business owner like himself can get this opportunity to rub shoulders with vendors on a higher level.

“I feel like I’ll get great exposure from this. Flipping Good Burgers has been around since 2019. Our speciality is giving you the ability to build your own burger. So we’re also called the ‘Build the Burger Workshop’,” he said.

“Through this exposure, I’m looking for the feedback where people become more familiar with my business and the name. You know, on the international side, any pointers

or any direction I can get from the people who have been doing it much longer than myself, I’m open to that,” said Darren.

“I’ve noticed that there’s a void in the country where when you want to find a good burger, you either go to the fast food joint or you go to like a high-end restaurant, but there’s nothing in between that you can access quick on a daily basis. So my idea is to bring that restaurant-level burger on a more accessible front.”

Inne McKenzie, Food and Beverage manager at Café Johnny Canoe said the team is looking forward to showcasing at “The Taste of Paradise” tonight, especially given the fact that the restaurant is currently in the process of transitioning into new ownership and rebranding.

“Café Johnny Canoe is a casual dining experience and we focus on local Bahamian fare, so when you come there you would get your peas and rice, your fried snapper, cracked conch, baked macaroni and cheeseanything of that nature

FLIPPING Good Burgers

Oswald Ras Cooper

He was named a warrior of the Ahanta people in Ghana, but here at home this singer-songwriter wants to fight the good fight with the help of his lyrics and tunes. He tells Cara Hunt about how he hopes his new album can make a positive impact, especially on the nation’s youth.

Oswald Ras Cooper has always wanted to use his talent as a musican and songwriter to provide positivity to his listeners.

And now he has a released a compilation album of some of his best work to do just that: provide inspiration and motivation.

“The new album took over a year to put together and is a culmination of some of my hit songs I have released over the years. I wanted people to be able to have them all together in one album,” he told Tribune Weekend.

“It’s a cultural and upliftment album; it just has a lot of inspirational songs on it… songs of love and freedom that can inspire people. I want them to listen to a kind of song that will make a difference in their lives in some small or big way and be a healing to the soul.”

Ras has been making his music since the 1990s when he started rapping and chanting at the age of 16.

He now describes himself as a “Sling J”, which he says is a mixture of DJ and singer.

“There is so much negativity being pushed on our youths through music, movies and social media that we need positive songs and projects to reach our youths. I want to be a part of that positive influence on our endeavours. I love to write songs that my youth can sing along with me. I want them to see that I tried to make a positive impact with my talents that were given to me by the creator who would want me to use it for the upliftment of our people.”

Ras said his own personal life experiences helped him write the album’s songs.

“When I see the way the world is becoming and has become, I just want to use my gifts and talents to push a message that will balance the scale,” he said.

“There is so much negativity being pushed on our youths through music, movies and social media that we need positive songs and projects to reach our youths. I want to be a part of that positive influence on our endeavours. I love to write songs that my youth can sing along with me. I want them to see that I tried to make a positive impact with my talents that were given to me by the creator who would want me to use it for the upliftment of our people.”

His favourite song on the album is called “My Protector”.

“I wrote it to give thanks to Jah for keeping me strong when I get weak and guidance over me and my family and loved ones,” he said.

Ras’ career has evolved significantly over the years.

“(My career) has had its stumbling blocks, as some would say, but it has reached a level of higher energies. (Due to) my writing, my delivery, and the people who have supported me, it has grown. I feel the growth as I grow with it. And hopefully my music will reach its rightful audience. It will grow and it will get bigger as it finds it place and its purpose,” he said.

Ras noted that he would love to explore other careers some day.

“I would love to do some acting some day, maybe produce some short films. I would also like to learn how to speak in different languages so I can deliver songs to people from all around the world,” he said.

Additionally, Ras wants to pass on some of the knowledge he has acquired over the years to the next generation and give them a sense of African pride.

It is an issue that has always been deeply important to the singer. He has said that he wishes more Bahamians would embrace their African heritage, which he said is a major part of our cultural identity.

this weekend in history

March 15

Just last year, the artist visited Ghana where he performed for that country’s royal family.

During the visit he and fellow Bahamians Dr Michael Pateman, Robin Lightbourne and Christopher Davis all received honorary titles for the work they did in researching and tying together local Junkanoo traditions with traditions in Africa. They also had an opportunity to meet with some Ghanian officials to discuss possible connections between the two countries.

Ras was given the title ‘Akufo Warrior’ of the Ahanta people in Ghana - a title given to warriors of the tribe. The Ahanta people were the ones who started Junkanoo.

There are ten songs on Ras’s new album: “Where There is Love”, “Strength in Numbers”, “No Depopulation”, “Never Give Up”, “My Protector”, “Mr Greedy”, “Cry for Love”, “Candle in a Dark Room”, “Hold You” and “Who Can Hear”.

The artwork on the album cover is also very special to him. It was done by an artist out of Freeport, Grand Bahama, called Kino Coakley

“He helped me with the design’ it is a charcoal sketch….he has drawn all kinds of sketches of prominent people; he is definitely one of the best artists in the country,” he said.

THE POSSIBLY only surviving sculpture of Caesar made during his lifetime.

Sorbet (clue), Moribund, Cope, Jape, Launder.

Down: Renown, Choral, Folk, Azurite, Biopsy, Tousle, Regret, Sodium, Liqueur, Coda, Assail, Expert.

TV CROSSWORD

Across: 5 Quan, 7 Kiefer, 8 Boyle, 11 Virgo, 12 Atkinson, 13 Anne, 15 Data, 16 What’s My, 17 Rigg, 18 Banner, 21 Dyer, 22 Glee.

CREAK WORDS

Oliver Hardy

Harry Langdon

Edna Purviance

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.

Down: 1 Mimi, 2 Record, 3 Cook, 4 Versus, 5 Quantum, 6 Ashe, 9 Partygate, 10 Enoch, 14 Aston, 17 Road, 19 Arg, 20 Eye.

TV show: Truelove

MUDDLESOME CLOCK-WISE

Yogi, Gila, Late, Teal, Alma, Mayo

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

SUMTHING

4x6=24, 5x3=15, 9x3=27

SMALL CROSSWORD

Across: 1 Professor, 7 Real, 8 Spine, 10 Gap, 11 Neatly, 13 Carpenter, 14 Insect, 16 Pie, 18 Agree, 19 Wear, 20 Listeners.

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

1 100, 2 Wear, 3 Come On Eileen, 4 Harrison Ford, 5 Gentleman Jack, 6 Hammond, 7 1980s, 8 Candi Staton, 9 John Humphrys, 10 Small stream.

Down: 1 Principal, 2 Reveal, 3 Flat, 4 Spy, 5 Sighted, 6 Reporters, 8 Silence, 9 Farmers, 12 Nectar, 15 Sewn, 17 Jet.

CROSS DOUBT

Across: PERIL

Down: NIGHT

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

Across

1 A lieutenant bearing one star (6)

4 Five-fuse explosion that’s gushing forth (8)

9 Money-making facility (6)

10 Taking flight in space maybe with little gravity (8)

12 Right time to lose one’s temper (4)

13 Throw away a fight (5)

14 An inclination to be crooked (4)

17 They hope to profit from hard roles she played (12)

20 What the knight does when his coach comes in? (5,2,5)

23 Though precious to some it’s nothing to a friend (4)

24 Fur-clad Swedish leader in East European city (5)

25 Where the land lies possibly (4)

28 The whole world finds it illuminating (8)

29 Old warship with two sets of propellers (6)

30 Property mistress? (8)

31 Shut a tin-opener in a cupboard (6)

Down

1 Star strikes a new pose (8)

2 Even when wired correctly it can still shock (8)

3 Pubs in the Norwegian and Swedish capitals (4)

5 Unreliable combination of opposites (4,3,5)

6 A tree reputedly dangerous up to a point (4)

7 Flowers one gets out of bed (6)

8 Numbers set out in rows (6)

11 Performed with a high degree of skill (12)

15 Neckwear we hear for dandies (5)

16 A gift for dishonesty? (5)

18 The rest minced meats outside for the pets (8)

19 Disciple to stick with the New Testament (8)

21 Endlessly ask the advice of a government official (6)

22 Clergyman taking a point to heart may be fired (6)

26 Final disposition indicates resolve (4)

27 Register to do work on the farm (4)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Cobra, 4 Satanic, 8 Pal, 9 Sou’wester, 10 Excited, 11 Decoy, 13 Shadow, 15 Temper, 18 Peace, 19 Clean up, 21 Wideawake, 23 Ago, 24 Repulse, 25 Dodge.

Down: 1 Cypress, 2 Balaclava, 3 Asset, 4 Sturdy, 5 Treadle, 6 Nut, 7 Curry, 12 Cap in hand, 14 Overall, 16 Reprove, 17 Scrape, 18 Power, 20 Emend, 22 Dip.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Flair, 4 Cockpit, 8 Eft, 9 Vindicate, 10 Inquest, 11 Irons, 13 Healed, 15 Ignore, 18 Mayor, 19 Tenders, 21 Offensive, 23 Ice, 24 Exposes, 25 Stern.

Down: 1 Flemish, 2 Antiquary, 3 Revue, 4 Canute, 5 Ceiling, 6 Pea, 7 Trews, 12 On one side, 14 Errands, 16 Eastern, 17 Ethics, 18 Moose, 20 Needs, 22 Fop.

EASY PUZZLE

26 Catch sight of (4)

27 Break suddenly (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across: 1 Shindy, 4 Corpse, 9 Disparagement, 10 Cygnets, 11 Idiot, 12 Final, 14 Again, 18 Evict, 19 Instant, 21 Transposition, 22 Extend, 23 Skinny.

Dictionary

Down: 1 Seduce, 2 Insignificant, 3 Drape, 5 Opening, 6 Precipitation, 7 Estate, 8 Pause, 13 Artisan, 15 Settee, 16 Minor, 17 Stingy, 20 Slick.

T T N I E T E H W

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

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

TODAY’S TARGET

Good 13; very good 20; excellent 26 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

edition) Call 0907 181 2585 for today’s

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

THE ALPHABEATER

TARGET TIME

30 minutes

TARGET

CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid

SAXOPHONE

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

apex apse aspen expo hasp heap hoop hope nape neap nope oops opah open pane peon peso phase phon phone pone pons pooh pose posh SAXOPHONE shape shop snap snoop soap span spoon

Extra letter clues

0907 181 2560

(Deduct three minutes each extra clue letter heard)

Full solution

0907 181 2558

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

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

● Alternatively, for six Extra Letter clues to your mobile, text DXBEAT to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your usual operator rate

WORD BUILDER

The Weekend Fashion Report 96th Academy Awards Part 1

SPLIT

Emily Blunt (“Oppenheimer”)

Karin says: “I kind of love how this dress was so controversial that Emily’s stylist was fighting with random people on social media over it. Personally, I’m not a fan of the levitating shoulders on this Schiaparelli gown, even if it’s going to be a trend. And then lets address the elephant in the room: the sparkly outlined panties (or men’s underwear?). Without that detail the dress would be very simple, but with it, it looks a bit ridiculous.”

Cara says: “This dress is beautiful. I love that both the Oppenheimer girls (Florence Pugh wore a similar style) decided to defy gravity with their elevated straps, and I really love Emily’s take on the style. I think the ‘lingerie’ inspired detail on the dress is interesting. I did have to take a minute to decide if I really liked it, but overall, I think it’s a great look.”

FAIL

Erika Alexandra (“American Fiction”)

Karin says: “What was Christian Siriano thinking when he designed this monstrosity? And what brainwashing techniques did he employ to convince Erika to wear it on her big night? It’s completely irredeemable. It looks cheap and sloppily put together. I don’t even see an out-there vision here. That overskirt may as well have been a reject from Cyndi Lauper from the ‘80s.”

Cara says: “No. Just no; completely no; unequivocally no. It’s a hot mess; it’s tragic, hideous, and I hate it. And what’s sad is, if she had ditched the tacky 80s’ peplum overskirt, she could have had a great style moment with a sleek white dress, statement necklace and wild hair. Erika, honey, less is always more.”

HIT

Ariana Grande (“Wicked”)

Karin says: “People were dragging her all over the internet for this look; saying she rolled out of bed and forgot to leave the bedspread behind. This pale pink gown has landed her on almost all the ‘worst dressed’ lists. And while I can I see the comparisons to an oversized duvet, I actually, shockingly, really like it. I’m still not a fan of her new blonde hair, but everything else is on point.”

Cara says: “The future Good Witch (she’s playing Glinda in the movie version of ‘Wicked’) looked like a rose in bloom in this candy pink custom Giambattista Valli Haute Couture dress, and I am obsessed. I think the whole look is so pretty and glam. It’s delivering drama in the best way possible.”

HIT

Lupita Nyong’o (“Black Panther”)

Karin says: “I love that she paid homage to her Oscarwinning dress from 10 years ago (where did the time go?), but I still think I prefer the original. This shade of blue is, of course, fabulous on her, and she simply sparkles, but I’m not 100 percent convinced by the feathery, almost peplum, waistline (do feathers ever really work?). But I do like the slim fit of the skirt and overall she looks gorgeous.”

Cara says: “She just never disappoints; she looks stunning and flawless as always. This gown is the big sister to the pale blue ball gown she wore when she accepted her Best Actress Oscar for ‘12 Years a Slave’, and it’s a colour that was made for her to wear. The whole look is perfection. I really think she is my best dressed winner.”

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

Zendaya (“Dune - Part II”)

Karin says: “Is this dress really as stunning as everyone is saying, or is it just down to Zendaya who looks great in everything? I’m leaning towards the latter, to be honest. I find the palm tree design on this pink and black Armani gown a bit old-fashioned and tacky. The bodice is interesting, but nothing spectacular.”

Cara says: “This is another win for me. The detail on this dress is stunning and the colour combination is striking on her. And I love the slighty 60s beehive inspired hairdo. All in all, it is a very sophisticated look. Definitely one of the night’s best looks.”

(Photos by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

What to stream this week: Taylor Swift, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and MLB The Show 24

By The Associated Press

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

— Taylor Swift’s concert film “The Eras Tour” is now on Disney+, a day earlier than originally announced. The streaming cut features five new songs, including “Cardigan.” “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” was a phenomenon at the theatrical box office, grossing over $262 million worldwide in a groundbreaking deal with AMC Theaters, which released the film instead of a traditional Hollywood studio. In her review, AP Music Writer Maria Sherman wrote that the film is, “a near exact replica of her blockbuster concert performance, which recaps all 10 of her studio albums across 17 years of recorded work,” adding “it is the opportunity to have every seat in the house transform into the best seat in the house.”

— Film editor Carla Gutiérrez (“RBG”) makes her directorial debut with “Frida,” an evocative portrait of artist Frida Kahlo told in her own words. Gutiérrez used Kahlo’s diary entries, letters, essays and her paintings to drive the narrative, which delves into her childhood, her marriage, her style, her accident and, of course, her art. “Uncovering her own words and her own voice, I think what we’re presenting is a new way of getting into her world and in her mind and her heart and really understanding the art in a more intimate, raw way,” Gutiérrez told the AP before the film’s Sundance premiere. It debuts on Prime Video.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

NEW SHOWS TO STREAM

— Over the years, the characters on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” have achieved medical breakthroughs, crisis situations, office romances, staffing shakeups and three hospital name changes. We’ll see what’s in

store for season 20 when the popular medical drama returns Thursday after filming was delayed due to the Hollywood strikes. This season, Ellen Pompeo — who plays Dr. Meredith Grey — will not be a series regular but will appear periodically. Shonda Rhimes’ other ABC show, the firefighter drama “Station 19,” also returns for its seventh and final season.

— The comedy “Girls5Eva” has jumped from Peacock to Netflix for its third season. The musical comedy is about a girl group from the nineties who achieved a tiny bit of fame and are hoping to revive their celebrity status decades later. The show is executive produced by Tina Fey and stars Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Busy Philipps. All six episodes of season three stream Thursday. Seasons one and two are also available for viewing on Netflix.

— A new Apple TV+ limited series called “Manhunt” has made the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth into a political thriller. Tobias Menzies stars as Edwin Stanton, former Secretary of War, who led the search for Booth after Lincoln’s murder. The show is based on the book “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” by James L Swanson. It premieres today.

— Just in time for this election year, a new dramedy follows female reporters embedded on a presidential campaign. “The Girls on the Bus” stars Melissa Benoist (“Supergirl”) as Sadie McCarthy, a newspaper reporter who is enamored with old school journalism and idolizes Hunter S. Thompson. She travels the country by bus with a seasoned print reporter who always gets the scoop (Carla Gugino), a broadcast reporter at a conservative network (Christina Elmore) and a

young journalist (Natasha Behnam), who embraces new media and uses Substack, sponsors and social media to reach an audience. “The Girls on the Bus” is now on Max.

— Cozy PBS staple “Call the Midwife” returns for its 13th season on Sunday on PBS. The period drama, narrated by Vanessa Redgrave, follows nurses, midwives and nuns working in London’s East End and is based on a memoir called “Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s” by Jennifer Worth. The new season is set in 1969. “Call the Midwife” will be able to stream to PBS station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App.

— Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— Most pro sports simulators offer gradual upgrades from season to season, but Sony’s MLB The Show 24 is going for something truly revolutionary: You’ll be able to play as a woman. In the “Women Pave Their Way” storyline, you’ll be able to create a female baseball player from scratch and see if she can fulfill her dream of playing in the major leagues. Other new storylines include a tribute to New York Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and season two of the playable Negro Leagues documentary. Of course, there’ll be the usual enhancements to gameplay and animation, with the developers promising a particular emphasis on “fielder urgency.” And Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the new cover model. If you order the digital deluxe edition, you’ll be able to throw out the first pitch today on PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One or Nintendo Switch.

— Lou Kesten

food Local talent shines at Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival

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

Frompg03

“At the festival, we will we have the opportunity to present one of our more featured dishes on our menu, which is a conch chowder. We just want to make sure that the guests are happy and it gives them a little teaser to come into the restaurant on Baha Mar Boulevard and experience the full menu,” said Inne.

Xavia Rolle-Higgs Rolle - founder of POW: Pancakes, Omelettes and Waffles - said the greatest benefit of her participating in the festival would be being able to network with international celebrity chefs, with the hopes of maybe one day even expanding abroad themselves.

“We are going to bring some flair, something a little different. We are excited,” she said.

Asline Blanc of Do-Doon’s Kitchen said being the only restaurant offering Haitian cuisine at the festival is a great feeling, especially since she’ll be featured at the Jerk Jam where Haitian superstar Wyclef Jean will be performing.

“I feel like being included in a lineup of such magniture makes the entire company feel seen and heard. People are out there, they’re looking for us, they love us, they want to see us do great and be great,” she said.

At the Jerk Jam, Asline said the team from Do-Doon’s Kitchen will be transforming one of their authentic Haitian dishes and turning it into a pork griot dish - focusing more on jerk seasoning as opposed to it’s original green seasoning.

Meanwhile, the proud owner of Fries With Benefits, Rakel Rolle,

said her signature loaded fries are ready to take over the Jerk Jam.

“People always underestimate the potato, so we’ll be able to show them exactly what the potato can do. I’m not going to give it away too much, but people can look forward to that. This is our first year at the festival and what that means for us is that it’s an opportunity now for us to show on a world stage what Fries With Benefits can do,” she said.

For Daphne Smith of the Tin Ferl pop-up collective, it’s been a pleasure partnering with the NPIWFF to assist in selecting local food vendors.

“We were happy to supply them with about 10 local food vendors, in

addition to the vendors that they already had. It is an awesome opportunity to give the local vendors the exposure that they will be receiving, partnering and mingling with celebrity chefs, and we were just happy to be that outlet for them,” she said. The festival is also set to feature the resort’s distinguished chefs and mixologists.

Participating Atlantis resort restaurants include Silan, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya; Paranza, the Italian restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Michael White; Café Martinique, the French restaurant helmed by acclaimed chef Adrien Delcourt, and Shack Shack, the first of the brand’s venues to open in a resort location.

BLUE Flamingo

DO-Doon’s Kitchen

FRIES with Benefits

Literary lives - Jesse Owens (1913 -1980)

The ‘Buckeye Bullet’ who became a legend- Part I

Sir Christopher Ondaatje remembers the great American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the infamous 1936 Olympic Games.

“For a time at least, I was the most famous person in the world.”

James “Jesse” Cleveland Owens, originally known as J C, was the young est of ten children (three girls and seven boys) born to Henry Cleveland Owens (a sharecropper) and Mary Emma Fitzgerald in Oakville, Alabama on September 1, 1913. He was the grandson of a slave. When he was nine years old he and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio as part of the Great Migration (1910-1940), when 1.6 million Americans left the segregated and rural South for the urban and industrial North for better opportunities.

When his teacher asked his name to enter her roll book he said ‘J C’, but because of his strong, southern accent, she thought he said “Jesse”. The name stuck, and he was known as Jesse Owens for the rest of his life.

Owens, when he was young, took different menial jobs: delivering groceries, loading freight cars, and working in a shoe repair shop, while his father and elder brother worked at a steel mill. Owens later attributed his athletic success to his junior high school track coach, Charles Riley, at Fairmont Junior High School. As he worked after school, Riley allowed him to practice before school instead.

Owens and Minnie Ruth Solomon met at Fairmont Junior High School when he was fifteen and she was thirteen. They dated steadily. Their first daughter was born in 1932. They married on July 5, 1935, and had two more daughters

together. They remained married until his death

Jesse Owens was first noticed when he was a student at East Technical High School in Cleveland. He equalled the world record of 9.4 seconds in the 100 yards sprint, and jumped 24 feet 9½ inches in the long jump at the National High School Championships in Chicago.

“A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.”

- Jesse Owens

Owens attended Ohio State University as soon as his father found employment, which ensured his family could be supported. Under the coaching of Larry Snyder, Owens won a record eight individual NCAA championships in 1935 and 1936. Although he enjoyed athletic success, he had to live off-campus with other African-American athletes. When he travelled with the team he was restricted to eating at “Blacksonly” restaurants, and had to stay at “Blacks-only” hotels. He never received any scholarship, and always worked at part-time jobs to pay for his schooling.

On May 25, 1935, Jesse Owens established four world records in athletics. In a span of forty-five minutes during an athletics meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he set three world records and tied a fourth. He equalled the world record for the 100 yard sprint, and set world records in the long jump (26 feet 8¼ inches – a record that would last for twenty-five years); 220 yards sprint (20.3 seconds); and 220 yards low hurdles (22.6 seconds).

Professor of sport history Richard C Crepeau wrote later that it was the most impressive athletic achievement since 1850.

On December 4, 1935, NAACP Secretary Walter Francis White wrote a letter to Jesse Owens discouraging Owens from taking part in the 1936

Summer Olympics in Nazi Germany, arguing that African-Americans should not promote a racist regime after what his race had suffered at the hands of white racists in his own country. But he never sent the letter. Owens was forced by the NAACP to declare that as minorities in Germany were discriminated against, the United States should withdraw from the 1936 Olympics. However, Black athletes did eventually take part after Avery Brundage, president of the American Olympic Committee, branded them “un-American agitators”

In 1936, Owens and his United States teammates sailed on the SS Manhattan and arrived in Germany to compete at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. By then Owens was already famous. Many of the young girls at the Olympic Stadium thronged and shouted “Wo ist Jesse? Wo ist Jesse?” (Where is Jesse? Where is Jesse?) The founder of Adidas Shoes visited Jesse Owens in the Olympic Village and persuaded him to wear Gebrüder Dassler Shuh fabrick shoes – the very first sponsorship for a male African-American athlete.

“One chance is all you need. I always loved running … It was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.”

- Jesse Owens

On August 3, 1936, Jesse Owens won the 100 metres dash with a time of 10.3 seconds, defeating teammate Ralph Metcalfe by a tenth of a second and defeating Tinus Osendarp of the Netherlands by two tenths of a second.

On August 4, 1936, Owens won the Long Jump with a distance of 8.06 metres (26 feet 5 inches3¼ inches short of his own world record). He beat Luz Long of Germany in an event watched by Adolf Hitler.

On August 5, 1936, Owens won the 200 metres sprint with a time of 20.7 seconds, defeating Mack Robinson – the older brother of famed baseball player Jackie Robinson.

On August 9, 1936, Owens won his fourth gold medal in the 4 x 100 metres sprint relay when head coach Lawson Robertson replaced the American sprinters Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller with Owens and Metcalfe. Owens’s record breaking performance of four gold medals was not equalled until Carl Lewis won gold medals in the same events at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Owens’s world record in the long jump (26feet 8 inches) stood for twenty-five years until it was broken by Ralph Boston in the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Owens’s Long Jump victory is documented in the 1938 film Olympic made by the German film maker Reni Riefenstahl: The film showed Nazi Germany’s Adolph Hitler shaking hands with German victors only before leaving the Olympic Stadium.

“Hitler had a certain time to come to the Stadium, and a certain time to leave. It happened that he had to leave before the victory ceremony after the 100 metres race which began at 5.45 p.m. But before he left I was on my way to a broadcast and passed near his box. He waved at me and I waved back … It was bad taste to criticise the man of the hour in another country.

“Hitler didn’t snub me – it was our President who snubbed me. The President didn’t even send me a telegram.”

- Jesse Owens

In Germany Owens had been allowed to travel with and stay in the same hotel as whites, at a time when African-Americans in many parts of the United States had to stay in segregated hotels which accommodated only blacks. When Owens returned to the United States he was greeted in New York by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. During the ensuing Manhattan ticker-tape parade

someone handed Owens a paper bag. When he opened it he found that the bag contained $10,000 in cash. Owens never did find out who had given him the money.

After the parade Owens was not permitted to enter the front of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York – but forced to travel up to the reception honouring him by the freight elevator. President Franklin D Roosevelt never did

invite Jesse Owens to the White House, nor did he ever acknowledge Owens’s achievements. When the Democrats sought his support in the 1936 Presidential election, Owens instead endorsed Alf Landon, Roosevelt’s Republican opponent.

“When I came back, after all those stories about Hitler and his snub, I came back to my native country and I could not ride in the front of the bus. I had to go to the back door. I couldn’t live where I wanted. Now what’s the difference?

- Jesse Owens

OWENS displaying excellent form during his victory in the long jump at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin

OWENS and Minnie Ruth Solomon take their marriage vows in Cleveland on July 5, 1935. (AP Photo)

Youth Orchestra to honour iconic founder Errol “Duke” Strachan

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

THE FOUNDER of the Bahamas National Youth Orchestra (BNYO) will be celebrated in a major way for his contributions to the development of music this weekend.

The BNYO was founded in 1990 by Errol “Duke” Strachan, MBE.

It will will host an “Afternoon of Music” in recognition of the outstanding support, direction and guidance from Mr Strachan at Coral Villas on Sunday at 3pm.

The general public is invited to come out and join in the celebrations.

Mr Strachan, now 91, has always been a firm believer that music, without a doubt, has the power to change lives. It has been one of his greatest joys.

Born in Snug Corner, Acklins, on December 18, 1932, he was the first of 13 children of Lillian Taylor with his father James Strachan.

“Mr Strachan has dedicated his adult life to teaching music free of charge to children who are willing to join the orchestra and develop their music skills. Moreso, he has given instruments to students who are interested in music but whose parents are unable to purchase the instrument,” a statement by the group said.

Mr Strachan is a singer and musician who plays multiple instruments.

He is internationally renowned for his talents. Amongst the highlights of his career was having his orchestra perform at the 1985 CHOGM dinner party that hosted Margaret Thatcher. His orchestra’s stellar performance earned the group an all expenses paid trip to South Africa.

He was the recipient of the Cacique Award for his outstanding service and youth development and was awarded by the Musicians & Entertainment Union for his contribution to the field of music. In 1995, he received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts, and the list of accolades goes on.

Mr Strachan’s remarkable contribution to music, however, did not come without its challenges.

At the age of 13, he lost three fingertips. Despite his physical handicap, he is a self-taught musician and excelled at playing multiple instruments.

Mr Strachan is a husband to the love of his life Dorothea. He is also a supportive and nurturing father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a family man, teacher, entertainer, avid gardener and role model. For more information on Sunday’s event, contact director Aaron Neely at 4240201 or event co-ordinators Antonio and Sonia Knowles on 455-0622 or 447-4776, respectively.

Last year, Mr Strachan released “This Is My Life: A Bahamian Rhapsody”, which is available at the Logos Bookstore in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre and online at Amazon in paperback and eBook format, and from Barnes and Noble.

In the book, he reflects on his achievements, his legacy as a musician, taxicab driver, teacher, and mentor. His contributions to music in the Bahamas will be felt for generations.

A historic heist

Nearly a century ago this weekend, on March 17, 1926, the ‘Great Bahamian Gold Heist’ was pulled off by taxi driver Spencer Williams, and Audit Office clerks Orlando Ingraham and Ernest Hilliard Bowen.

One of the biggest robberies in modern history of the country, it made the New York Times and even to the pages of an Australian newspaper.

The three thieves broke into the Office of the Commissioners of Currency in Rawson Square, Nassau, and blew open the safe with dynamite. They made off with 1,500 pounds of gold and silver coin, which was used to guarantee the value of Bahamian money at the time.

ERROL “Duke” Strachan

Travel makes me think

By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters

Flying back from New Orleans on American Airlines this week started out with a gruelling and quasi painful experience of a 4am wake-up.

Traipsing along a carpeted corridor with a 55 lbs suitcase on rollers and the rollers not turning on the carpet. Who ever thought to carpet areas where rolling suitcases are heading? (note to self: who was that wise and wonderful soul who carpeted the concourses in Nassau airport?).

Pulling a full carry-on along those corridors after a flight that is 19 hours late is really pushing it too far.

It is fun to go away because it is fun to come home; travelling has lost most of its fascination because of the crowds, the stress, the weather, the delays.

One of my friends recently wrote to me upon his return flight from Europe that he never wanted to set foot in an airport again for the rest of his life. I get it; I really do.

While I endured my twenty-hour delay, I found myself thinking of the poor puppies in their dog-carry bags having to stay quiet under the seats, or worse still, dogs in cargo.

Are they being remembered? Is somebody giving them water? (I mean, face it, is somebody giving me water?)

Being in America for five days has been, as usual, enlightening. Animals are viewed completely differently in the States than here in the Bahamas.

In New Orleans I saw several shops that cater to dogs: specialised collars, outfits, and some of the most yummy looking cookies. I bought a bunch, in spite of the fact that they were definitely more expensive than I would have paid for any cookies for my kids!

But we are discussing fur kids here and what they deserve when you come home from a trip.

There was a restaurant that one of my colleagues visited in New Orleans that had a section in the menu for dogs and the food was delivered to Fido in special bowls and on a tray. Apparently, the rescue dog in question gobbled down his special meal and gave it four paws of excellence.

I frequently wonder if animals, particularly dogs, are attracted to the same visuals that attract us to purchase something for them? We, the human parent, see these adorable cookies; the adorability is what appeals to us...thinking about if your pet is visually stimulated by pink frosting or dog biscuits shaped like bones verses just squares.

pet of the week

A ray of perpetual sunshine

ByTHEBAHAMAS HUMANESOCIETY

On a sunny day or a cloudy one, this potcake is alwaysfull of personality!

Sunny is about three years old and loves going on the dog walks with the other dogs from the Bahamas Humane Society.

I bought these incredible cookies because I think they are cute, but does Bella?

This brings me to another topic, and that is dressing up your pet. Hmmmm... I have always owned big dogs and they have never enjoyed having T-shirts or other bits of clothing put on them. However, I do see lots of little dogs who appear to be quite OK with it. I guess it is possible that they have “worn” clothing since they were puppies and think it’s perfectly normal.

I have mixed feelings because the act of dressing a puppy up does denote affection and love towards the dog, which is a very good thing, but sometimes it can go a bit far.

Coats and rain gear I am totally in favour of. It can get seriously cold,

and even though our furry buddy has an insulted fur coat of the finest and most acceptable kind, it may just not be thick enough, and a man-made coat can be a welcome addition.

Many years ago, when my sons were young, we owned two Bernese Mountain dogs (a Swiss dog breed who are used to working in the snow and pulling milk sleds in the villages). They loved being in the airconditioning, but their coats rapidly adapted to the warmth of the Bahamas and their undercoat was never as thick as their Swiss counterparts.

There are two schools of thought as to whether you should shave down a dog in warm climates. Some people do and others feel that the thickness of their coats serves as a natural insulation feature. You see both in the Bahamas, and I would say that the jury is still out on that one.

There’s nothing better than coming home to you family, both human and furry - even when American Airlines delivers you back 20 hours late!

What a gruelling and frustrating experience! If I wasn’t stressed before, I sure as heck was at the end of this epic odyssey, and a furry welcome home was a very welcome stress relief medicine.

Bella greeted me with such happy excitement, little squeaks and copious tail wags; she really made her Mummy feel wanted and loved.

Glad I don’t have any trips on the agenda for a while after this recent ordeal.

Sunny has potcake smarts and she’d love to be an inside dog with you. She’s good around other dogs and could be trained for life with cats. Does your life need some sun? Sunny might be the perfect fit! Come in to the BHS to meet her or call 325-6742 for more information. Sunny looks forward to meeting you.

DOGGIE cookies purchased in New Orleans

(Photo by Judy Young)

The Weekend Fashion Report 96th Academy Awards Part II

SPLIT

Da’Vine

Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”)

Karin says: “The periwinkle colour of this Louis Vuitton gown is gorgeous on her, especially with the blonde. I love that’s it’s so sparkly and I love the long train. The giant puffy, feathery sleeves are a choice though; they make her look a bit like a bird. But overall, I still thinks it’s a nice ensemble. Very glamours and old school Hollywood.”

Cara says: “Our newest Best Supporting Actress looked so excited to be attending Hollywood’s biggest night. She is wearing a lovely shade of blue that suits her, but I hate to admit that I was not a fan of her blue feathery wrap/coat thing. It feels a bit tacky and too boudoir for me.”

SPLIT

Margot Robbie (“Barbie”)

Karin says: “I think we were all disappointed when we first saw this dark brown gown by Versace. The thing is, for any other occasion this would be a really good choice. I love the rounded neckline on the structured bodice and the draping at the waist (I also think this probably looked much more exciting in person), but this is the last time she’s representing ‘Barbie’ during this awards season and it would’ve been nice to see her go out with a big bang.”

Cara says: “Vogue called this the Funeral Barbie dress and I can’t see anything else. I guess she wanted to begin the disassociation from the iconic doll? There is nothing wrong with it, per se; it’s just so basic and boring. And of all the jewellery options I am sure she had, that bracket is really ugly. Sorry, not sorry.”

SPLIT

Emma Stone (“Poor Things”)

Karin says: “Thankfully, they were able to sew her back into the dress after it apparently came apart at the seams during the ‘I’m Just Ken’ segment of the broadcast. The pale mint colour looks amazing with her complexion and red hair, but I’m just not a fan of the silhouette. It seems very pedestrian. Also, why is peplum coming back?”

Cara says: “Congratulations to our Best Actress Winner. Wardrobe malfunction aside (it appeared to be either a broken zipper or seam at the back), she looked stellar in this peplum Louis Vuitton number that is just as bubbly as her personality. I will say that her dress seemed unnecessarily long, like the hem wasn’t tailored for the shoes she had planned.”

HIT

Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”)

Karin says: “I’m so sad that Lily didn’t win Best Actress, but she did win with this Gucci gown. She looked so elegant. The midnight blue is stunning on her. I love how she paid homage to her Native American heritage with the 216 quilled petals. And I love how it also matched the geometric Bulgari necklace featuring turquoise, sapphires and diamonds.”

Cara says: “I liked this dress at first glance, but I loved it even more when I read that the Gucci gown included symbols of her Native American tribe’s roots. It was such a simple, but meaningful touch and she looked flawless. The curls and the jewels just served as the icing on the cake.”

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

Issa Rae (“Barbie”)

Karin says: “Extra deep plunging is hard to pull off, and I don’t feel she really does here. Also, another Barbie girl who decided to go dark for the Oscars. It’s just a very basic dress; nothing special. Nothing about it really wows me or makes it memorable. A bit disappointing for such a big event.”

Cara says: “This Ami Paris dress is just an OK look for me and she looks lovely, but I’m not blown away by it. I don’t dislike it either. I feel we have seen this style dress quite often on the red carpet and it’s just a very safe choice that works most of the time. It’s just not going to cause any excitement.”

celebrity

(Photos by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)