what’s
Welcome
…to Around da Islands, our new weekly supplement, free with Friday’s Tribune.
This week we speak to Emile Haddad, the man in charge of what’s billed as a $2 billion resort development at Cave Cay in The Exumas on behalf of luxury Italian jewellery brand Bvlgari. It’s particularly refreshing to hear Haddad explain why he has massively scaled back the size of the project, by two thirds, describing the initial plans as ‘way too dense.’ His newlook development will be what he describes as ‘low-pro!le luxury.’ With his fellow investors committed to spending in the region of $2 billion, it promises to be something special. Importantly, he also says ‘maximizing job opportunities for Bahamians’ is one of the most important matters for him.
In Grand Bahama, excitement is building for the return of ArtLucaya from April 17-19. This year’s theme is ‘Dream Big,’ transforming MOSAIC Art Hub on East Sunrise Highway into a vibrant crossroads of visual art, performance, !lm, and conversation.
Every week, Around da Islands, having partnered with Grand Bahama 242, highlights news, features and developments from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, o ering a broader national perspective beyond Nassau. And don’t forget, this is your supplement too! Send us your story ideas, features and tips – we can’t run then them all, but we’re committed to strong, fair representation from across the islands.
So come along for the ride! From all of us here at The Tribune – The People’s
This WEEK in Around da IslandsBahamian News, Features & Culture
GRAND BAHAMA NEWS
Pg 4 — Coral Beach Golf Tournament a success - despite course challenges
Pg 5 — Grand Bahama athletes receive hero’s welcome a er CARIFTA success
Pg 6 — ArtLucaya returns under the theme ‘Dream Big’
Pg 7 — Pelican Point comes alive with annual Coconut Festival
EXUMA FEATURES
Pgs 8 & 9 — Maximising job opportunities for Bahamians a priority at $2 billion-plus Exuma resort
AROUND DA ISLAND FEATURES
Pgs 10 & 11 — Regattas, festivals and homecomings unfold for Easter celebrations around da islands
Pg 12 — Island Brainwaves
ELEUTHERA FEATURES
Pg 16 — Rock Sound comes alive as Boatman Show returns
Coral Beach Golf Tournament a success
despite course challenges
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net
IN a powerful swing of resilience and community spirit, the Annual Coral Beach Golf Tournament overcame what seemed like insurmountable challenges this year to emerge as both a sporting and charitable success, raising an impressive $13,000.
Held at The Reef Golf Course, the tournament went ahead despite lingering uncertainty surrounding the future of golf
in Grand Bahama. With the closure of the Grand Lucayan Hotel casting doubt over the course’s availability, organisers and participants alike faced weeks of concern over
whether the well-loved event would take place at all.
Ultimately, the tournament not only proceeded but exceeded expectations.
“The golf tournament was a great success, and we raised $13,000.00,” said Nanci Salvisburg.
The absence of golf carts, usually considered a necessity at such events, did little to dampen enthusiasm.
Many players opted to walk the course, embracing both the challenge and the rare opportunity to return to a familiar and cherished setting.
The tournament also became a moment of refection for the local golfng community.
Conversations throughout the day frequently turned to the uncertain future of the sport in Freeport, Ms Salvisburg noted, particularly in light of the recent closure of the hotel
and the other golf courses in the past few years.
“Everyone commented on the sad news of the closure and how disappointed that this may be the last of golf in Freeport with no other courses open,” Ms Salvisburg noted. Tournament organiser Larry Licastro echoed the mixed emotions surrounding the event, emphasising both gratitude and concern.
He confrmed that the feld included 44 golfers, slightly fewer than prior tournaments, due to cart availability. “Usually we have 48, but we had to cut it back because they informed us originally we would only have 16 carts, not the 20 per usual. We had guys that wanted to
play and we had to say no because there were not enough carts.”
Beyond the tournament, the event extended into an evening of fellowship. “We had about 89 people for dinner and the dance after, along with rafes and prize draws,” Mr Licastro added. “Everyone says its one of the best times they’ve had, so everyone was happy.”
This year, proceeds were distributed among six charities across Grand Bahama, including Cross Reach Food Bank, Reach Out Youth Organisation, R&R Restoration, Heavenly View Ministries in Eight Mile Rock, The Grand Bahama Childdren’s Home and newly added this year, the Burrows Home for the Aged.
Despite the challenges, the Coral Beach Golf Tournament served as a reminder of the enduring passion for the game on the island. In November 2025, Ms Salvisburg initiated a petition that was signed by winters residents who have enjoyed golfng on Grand Bahama for years, with the hope of getting the attention of government and tourism ofcials to address what they describe as a crisis: the island’s once-thriving network of golf courses that has dwindled to one facility, which is barely operational.
A copy of the petition was hand delivered to the Ministry for Grand Bahama and other government agencies; however, to date Ms Salvisburg has had no response to the golfers’ plea.
The petition is also online at https://www. change.org/p/do-notclose-the-reef-golf-course currently with 324 signatures.
Photos: BARBARA WALKIN
Grand Bahama athletes receive hero’s welcome after CARIFTA success
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
GRAND Bahama’s track and feld rising stars returned home to a hero’s welcome this week following outstanding performances at the 53rd CARIFTA Track and Field Games in St George’s, Grenada, and the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Martinique.
Track and feld athletes touched down on Wednesday evening, greeted at the airport by Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, along with proud family members, friends, and supporters. The swim team followed on Thursday evening after yet another dominant showing in the pool.
“It’s been a great time welcoming them home,” said Minister Moxey. “Their achievements mean so much, not just for Grand Bahama, but for the entire country.”
Among the standout performers on the track was Zion Bradford, who captured a gold, silver, and bronze medal at the Games. Refecting on his performance, Bradford said the experience was both rewarding and motivating.
Bradford was also part of the Under-17 boys’ 4x100m relay team alongside Lavario Ferguson, Emmile Higgins, Ky’len Johnson, and Avonte
Lotmore, which powered to gold in 41.36 seconds.
Keyezre Thomas also delivered an impressive showing, competing in four events: the 200m, 400m, 4x100m, and 4x400m. She secured a silver medal in the 400m with a personal best of 52.58 seconds, bronze in the 200m (24.00), and played a pivotal role in the Under-17 girls’ relay teams.
The quartet of Taree Forbes, Brion Ward, Keyezre Thomas, and Jazae Johnson struck gold in the 4x100m relay, setting a new CARIFTA record of 44.21 seconds, while the 4x400m team claimed silver.
Meanwhile, in the pool, Team Bahamas continued its regional dominance at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Martinique, securing an unprecedented eighth consecutive title. The team amassed over 790 points, out swimming Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, who fnished second and third respectively.
Among the standout swimmers was Isabella Cuccurullo, whose performances once again highlighted her as one of the nation’s premier young talents, after securing nine medals. Demonstrating consistency, strength, and composure, Cuccurullo contributed signifcantly to the team’s medal haul, reinforcing The Bahamas’ reputation as a powerhouse in regional swimming.
THE GRAND Bahama athletes who competed at the 53rd CARIFTA Track and Field in St George’s, Grenada, and the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Martinique, are back home and were greeted by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, friends, and family.
Photos: BARBARA WALKIN
ARTLUCAYA returns under the theme ‘Dream Big’
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
EXCITEMENT is building in Grand Bahama, with the sense that something creative and daring is coming.
From April 17–19, ArtLucaya returns under the theme “Dream Big,” transforming MOSAIC Art Hub on East Sunrise Highway into a vibrant crossroads of visual art, performance, flm, and conversation. Now in its fourth year, the festival is stepping into new territory; more polished, intentional, and more ambitious than ever, according to organisers.
Festival Chair Fatima-Zahra Kaboub told Around da Island that at the heart of that evolution is a deliberate shift toward professional
curation of the art pieces, evidenced by the fact that this year’s edition has been shaped in collaboration with Canada-based ARMOVA Curatorial.
“They’ve been very instrumental with helping set up and organise exhibitions, not just here but also in Nassau,” she explained. “So, we invited them to help us turn ArtLucaya into a much more professional festival.”
That infuence is already being felt. Artists were required to submit formal statements, participate in guided sessions, and refne the narrative behind their work. The result, Ms Kaboub says, is a collection that feels both cohesive and deeply personal.
“There’s a real look inside this year,” she said. “The work has become more sophisticated, more philosophical. It’s not just
FESTIVAL Chair Fatima-Zahra Kaboub
about what you see anymore, but what you feel and what you’re trying to say.”
The weekend begins Friday night with the Vernissage Cocktail Party, running from 7 to 9pm. Guests can expect
a lively opening featuring performances by Forces of Nature and a Junkanoo showcase, an intentional blend of visual and performing arts that has become a signature of ArtLucaya.
Proceeds from the Vernissage party support student art programs, part of an ongoing mentorship initiative that treats young creatives as emerging professionals.
“We don’t just give funds,” Ms Kaboub said. “We ask students to participate, to exhibit, to speak with collectors. It’s about giving them a real
experience, like mini-incubators for future artists.”
Saturday unfolds as a day of access and interaction. It begins at 10 a.m. with “Cofee with Ilene Sova,” hosted by Byron Armstrong of ARMOVA Curatorial. This is a free session ofering insight into the curatorial process.
By 11 a.m., the spotlight shifts to “In Conversation with Veronica Dorsett,” blending dialogue with live music, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites the public into the artistic process.
Then in the afternoon is the hands-on with a paid workshop led by Claudette Dean, titled “Freeing the Dreamer Within – Translating Dreams Onto Canvas.” With limited space and a $40 fee, the session is expected to draw serious creatives ready to explore their inner voice.
At 6 p.m., the festival screens “Reframing Paradise,” a flm that places viewers alongside Bahamian artists launching FUZE, the Caribbean’s frst art fair, another sign of the region’s growing creative infrastructure.
Sunday brings the focus squarely onto the next generation. The Student Exhibition opens at 1 p.m. at Saviour Lutheran Church Hall, just next to MOSAIC, showcasing the work of 22 young artists participating in the mentorship program.
The festival closes at 2:30pm with a virtual presentation, “The Art Animation,” featuring Maz Joachin and the team from Streetlight Animation Studio.
This year’s numbers tell their own story with more than 60 exhibitors confrmed.
Supporting that growth are key partners like the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the festival’s main sponsor, and Carnival Corporation, which joined this year.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to attend not just once, but to return. “Take the time to read the artist statements,” Ms. Kaboub urged. “See the connection between the artist and the work. That’s where the magic is.”
SHELDON Saint
KEVIN Bethel
ASHLEY Murphy
LAURIE Tuchel
Photos courtesy of ArtLucaya
SISSEL Johnson
CHANTAL-Bethel
JEMONIQUE Barnabie
ALISA Streather
LEO Brown
By DENISE MAYCOCK
PELICAN Point came alive with the sights, sounds and favours of coconut on Easter Monday as residents and visitors focked to the annual Coconut Festival in Pelican Point, East Grand Bahama — a celebration rooted in community pride, resilience and tradition.
Now in its 26th year, the festival has grown into one of the premier cultural events on Grand Bahama, drawing tourists and Bahamians alike to the quaint seaside settlement known for its charm and closeknit community spirit.
The festival’s origins date back 27 years, when Cathy Laing of Pelican Point was inspired after attending the Pineapple Festival in Eleuthera. Determined to create something similar for her own community, she helped bring the Coconut Festival to life — an idea that has since blos somed into a major annual attraction.
Despite the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which ravaged com munities across East Grand Bahama, resi dents of Pelican Point remained steadfast in their commitment to the event.
“We keep pushing forward,” Pastor Lawrence Laing, the patriarch of Pelican Point, said, refecting on the journey.
Cathy Laing served as chairperson of the festival until January 2025, when a new chair man and committee took over leadership. The transition has been seamless, with the new team continuing to work closely with the previous
administration to build on the festival’s success. Since then, several improvements have been made to the festival grounds, including the construction of permanent booths for vendors — a sign of the event’s continued growth and sustainability.
Pelican Point itself has long been regarded as one of the most progressive communities in East Grand Bahama. With its church, school, gas station, food store and thriving population of second-home owners, the settlement has produced generations of professionals,
including teachers, lawyers, doctors, magistrates, carpenters and builders.
In earlier years, life in the community centered around fshing and homemaking, with men taking to the sea and women managing households. Today, while much has evolved, the peaceful and safe nature of the settlement remains unchanged.
The Coconut Festival is major economic boost for the community and its residents. The grounds were teeming with delicious native food and sweet coconut treats, and beverage,
Pelican Point comes alive with annual Coconut Festival
and authentic Bahamian-made jewel and souvenirs. There were also fun activities, such as popular coconut barking contest, where natives and visitors compete.
Festivalgoers were encouraged to continue supporting both the event and the community it represents.
New Administrator for East Grand Bahama Deidre Fox talked about the importance of events like the Coconut Festival in rebuilding the area.
“We want to continue to rebuild East Grand Bahama. It is festivals like this that bring families and visitors together, and they keep coming back to support the community,” she said.
Among those in attendance were East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, Minister for Grand Bahama and Pineridge MP Ginger Moxey, and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Transport Kingsley Smith, all of whom praised the festival’s impact.
MP Thompson described East Grand Bahama as “the best, most beautiful constituency in the entire Bahamas.” He noted that the region has earned a reputation as the “capital for festivals,” with each settlement — from Sweeting’s Cay to McLean’s Town and Freetown — hosting its own unique celebration throughout the year.
Amid the festivities, he also reminded attendees of the deeper meaning of the Easter season, urging them to give thanks and refect on the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Ofcials highlighted the economic and social benefts of the event, noting that vendors selling coconut-based foods, handmade jewellery, and local drinks all contribute to the local economy while fostering a sense of unity.
Community patriarch Pastor Lawrence Laing welcomed attendees.
“It provides economic empowerment and brings community togetherness,” Mr Thompson said. “We love to see people come out and enjoy what God has given us — our beautiful beaches and natural resources.”
Kingsley Smith, MP for West Grand Bahama, said he was pleased to attend and show support, noting the unique appeal of family-oriented communities outside the City of Freeport.
“Anytime you come into these communities, you feel a diferent vibe — it’s family-oriented, with beautiful beaches and waters,” he said.
As the sun set over Pelican Point, the Coconut Festival once again proved to be more than just an event — it was a testament to resilience, heritage and the enduring spirit of a community that continues to thrive.
Vandyke Hepburn
EMILE Haddad
Regattas, festivals and homecomings unfold for Easter celebrations
AROUND DA ISLANDS
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
OVER the Easter holiday weekend, the country transformed into a living, breathing celebration, as regattas, festivals and homecomings unfolded across the islands, drawing crowds in a vibrant return to culture, community and connection.
Airports were flled, docks were busy and communities from north to south welcomed a familiar wave of visitors. From Eleuthera to Bimini, Abaco to Andros, and Crooked Island to Exuma and Grand Bahama, the weekend unfolded as a nationwide reunion, driven by culture, connection and the pull of home.
In Eleuthera, that spirit was especially evident. Communities including Lower Bogue, James Cistern and Rock Sound each hosted their own homecoming events, creating a continuous stretch of activity across the island and giving returning residents multiple opportunities to reconnect.
At its core, the homecoming tradition remains rooted in togetherness.
A social media recap from the Regatta Desk Festival and Homecomings platform captured the essence of the weekend, noting that “people come together from diverse backgrounds, each seeking a unique experience,” whether they are returning residents, visitors from abroad or simply neighbours joining in the festivities.
Across the islands, that shared experience took many forms. Sailing races cut across clear waters, cultural games brought out friendly competition, and the aroma of traditional foods flled the air as communities leaned into the elements that defne Bahamian celebration. The
embracing the warmth and authenticity that defne these gatherings. As noted in the recap, “festivals and homecomings unite family, friends and visitors in joyous celebration of our rich culture,” with many guests eagerly taking part in the down-home fun.
In Grand Bahama, the 26th Annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival stood out as a major highlight. The
platform highlighted this blend, stating that “through cultural games, sailing, delicious cuisine, and vibrant music, there is nothing quite like regattas, festivals and homecomings to bring us together.”
Importantly, the appeal of these events continues to extend beyond those with roots in the communities. Visitors are increasingly drawn into the experience,
ROCKSOUND
seaside community buzzed with activity as attendees enjoyed coconut-based treats ranging from fresh coconut water to breads and the ever-popular sky juice. Live performances from leading artists, school bands and a Junkanoo rushout added to the energy, turning the festival into a lively showcase of Bahamian favour and talent.
traditional pace, hosting a kite fying competition following church service. The event brought together residents of all ages, creating a simple but meaningful moment of shared joy.
PhotosHomecoming provided by The Regatta Desk Festivals and Homecomings
In Exuma, attention turned to the water for the inaugural Emerald Sunset View E Class Sail Of, an event designed to spotlight the next generation of sailors. The Regatta Desk team noted that Keshawn Monroe guided the sloop Black Point Pride to a clean sweep victory, a proud moment for the Black Point community, which had built four E Class sloops for its junior sailors just a year earlier.
Meanwhile, in Andros, the Conch Sound community embraced a more
Back in Eleuthera, the James’ Cistern Heritage Festival blended food, culture and community enterprise. Co-chairperson Glenda Johnson-Ingraham in an interview with The Regatta Desk team, encouraged participation in the annual event, which continues to celebrate the richness of local traditions. Vendors such as Dwight and Shermanda Bethel of Mandy’s Pizza and baker Michelle Sturrup of Tummy Treats ofered a variety of homemade items, refecting years of culinary dedication. Music remained a defning feature across all islands.
In Bimini, veteran performer Stevie S headlined a lineup that included Sweet Emily,
Keshann, Ebony 242 and others, delivering an energetic night of entertainment. In Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Kirkland “KB” Bodie closed out the Boatman Show alongside a strong roster of local acts, while Lower Bogue patrons turned out in anticipation of the Singing Bishop, joined by performers such as Shaad Collie and the VIP’s.
Each event, whether large or small, carried the same underlying purpose. They created space for reconnection, celebration and cultural expression.
As the long weekend came to an end, the impact of the festivities lingered beyond the music and the meals. For many, the journey was about returning to something deeper; a sense of belonging that continues to defne life across the islands.
COCONUT Fest Grand Bahama
JAMES Cistern Homecoming in Eleuthera
CONCH Sound Community kite flying competition
Photos provided by The Regatta Desk Festivals and Homecomings
SHARADE TAYLOR, Mama D, and Shine 242 at Rock Sound Homecoming
12 Friday, April 10, 2026
CRYPTOQUOTE
A X Y D L B A A X R is L O N G F E L L O W
One letter stands for another. In this example, used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.
Yesterday’s Answers
Rock Sound comes alive as Boatman Show returns
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
ACAPACITY crowd in Rock Sound on Saturday night signalled more than just strong turnout for a holiday event: it pointed to something deeper about the continued pull of Bahamian music and the appetite for cultural experiences that feel both familiar and alive.
The return of The Boatman Show, held over the Easter weekend and powered by the Rock Sound Homecoming Committee in collaboration with Keep The Vibe Alive Music Group, unfolded as a multi-day event that blended entertainment with a broader cultural message.
While activities began on Thursday with an opening ceremony, it was by Friday night that the event found its rhythm. A lineup of Bahamian performers including Rycon Bahamas, Avvy, Jonny Cake, Sweet Emily and FanShawn brought energy to the stage, turning the grounds into a lively space that refected the range of local talent. The performances ofered more than music, tapping into a sense of identity and connection that resonated with the crowd and reinforced the role of local artists in shaping the country’s cultural narrative.
That momentum carried into Saturday, where anticipation centred on the return of the Boatman. By that point, Rock Sound had reached capacity, with patrons gathering early for what was expected to be the defning night of the weekend. The atmosphere refected both
excitement and pride, with many clearly invested in the experience beyond just the performances.
Sharad Taylor opened with a performance that quickly captured attention, punctuated by the statement, “Bahamian Man Don’t Cheat,” which drew an immediate reaction from the audience. Ironn Storr followed, delivering a set grounded in the traditional sounds that continue to
continuing to come into her own, and she was met with a strong response from the crowd. Shine242 also made a strong impression, presenting himself as part of a new wave of artists carving out space within the local music scene, with a performance that balanced energy and control.
The night closed with KB, also known as Kirkland H Bodie, whose performance brought the event to its peak. With a series of well known hits, he led the crowd into a full Rake N Scrape segment that underscored the enduring appeal of the genre and its ability to bring people together across generations. Beyond the performances, organisers framed the event as part of a wider efort to maintain and grow Bahamian culture. By placing traditional sounds alongside newer voices, the weekend highlighted how genres such as Rake N Scrape continue to evolve while remaining rooted in their origins.
shape Bahamian music, ofering a reminder of the genre’s roots and its lasting infuence.
Mama D delivered one of the more polished performances of the night, refecting
both
growth and confdence on stage. Her presence and delivery signalled an artist
That intention was echoed by members of the logistics team, who noted that “We all had one common goal and that was to Keep The Vibe Alive,” refecting the shared efort behind the scenes.