04122019 WEEKEND

Friday, April 12, 2019

art gardening entertainment fitness fashion music history puzzles

Weekend

MAGGIE TURNS

100!

Page 4 & 5

Winter’s finally here Your guide to the final ‘Game of Thrones’ season

pgs 13 - 18

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02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

fitness

Posing in the park

Experience yoga in the Primeval Forest

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

A

laura Albury’s has married her love of the environment and her passion for yoga. She recently joined forces with the Bahamas National Trust to take her practice outdoors with her “Yoga in the Park” initiative.

Alaura, who is also known as “Baha Yogini”, decided to host the ongoing event as a way to raise awareness of New Providence’s Primeval Forest National Park, located off South Ocean Road.

“Yoga in the Park” takes place tomorrow at 8am and every other Saturday. Funds raised will go towards supporting the Bahamas National Trust and its efforts.

The classes started last month after Alaura paid a visit to the Primeval Forest and immediately felt a connection.

“I fell in love with this particular park after visiting it for the first time this year. I want to help spread more awareness of all the beautiful parks all over the Bahamas and the great things the BNT does,” she told Tribune Weekend.

The Primeval Forest is an undisturbed woodland representative of the early evergreen tropical hardwood forests of the Bahamas. It features dramatic sinkholes – unique limestone caverns up to 50 feet long,

30 feet wide, and in some cases 30 feet deep. It can be accessed by car.

The most notable features are accessed by boardwalks, steps and bridges. The Primeval Forest also supports a diverse collection of plants and animals.

As for the yoga session in the park, participants will learn various techniques in the beautiful setting.

“This is a well-balanced yet vigorous class that contains breath work, movement and holding postures for short periods of time, all while surrounded by beautiful lush greenery,” she said. “This class is recommended for beginners to intermediate to advanced yoga practitioners. It is the perfect compliment for students who are new to yoga, or those who have more experience.”

Alaura, who believes she found her purpose in practicing and teaching yoga, is a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Freeport who moved to Nassau in 2013.

Not only did she find better work in Nassau, “I ended up finding my purpose,” she said.

“I started to take classes, watch videos, read and read and until I was in love with everything about yoga.

Then I was told I should try teaching it. When I decided to step out of my comfort zone and teach, that’s when everything changed, which was very

unexpected for me because I’m naturally shy, so to teach a class was nerve-wracking, but after time and practice, and more so seeing how my teachings have changed people and make them feel better both physically or mentally, was a dream I never knew existed. Now I have been teaching almost four years and I love every single second of it.”

Alaura is excited to share her passion of yoga with others, while also supporting a worthy cause and raising awareness to the environment.

“Yoga in the Park” classes can accommodate a maximum of 10 people. There is a participation fee of $10.

Sign-ups are done through a ticket link on their event page on Facebook.

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Friday, April 12, 2019

Inside Weekend Interview 4-5 Andros native Maggie Walls returns to the Bahamas for her 100th birthday

Food 7 New “Watcha Cookin’ “ show goes beyond grits for healthy breakfast alternatives

Art 8 - 9 Exhibit highlights the work of a veteran folk artist, plus Transforming Spaces offers some new perspectives

Entertainment 10 - 11, 20 - 21 A Nick Jr Easter party; Atlantis launches its Twilight Electric Festival, plus Equity Bank hosts its third annual charitable exhibit

Music 12 Miami’s Zoey Dollaz comes to Nassau for Hennessy Artistry

Game of Thrones 13 - 18 Fashions from Westeros; what Bahamian fans hope to see happen in the final season, plus episode runtimes and more

Gardening 19 Jack Hardy says it’s time for some pruning

Literary Lives 22 - 24 Sir Christopher Ondaatje continues his story of a most unusual tryst

Forgotten Facts 25 The Chamberlains in Abaco

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 Giving up a pet in the name of God, plus Pet of the Week

Cover photo|HBO

My perfect Bahamian weekend O’niel Henry Leadon Explorer/counsellor at Baha Mar Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?

“Definitely Saturday breakfast. Anyone that knows me knows that I absolutely love tea. When I have the time, I sit with a piping hot cup of tea and my latest read.”

Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik?

“It really depends on my mood. Wine for candid talks with friends, cocktails at celebrations, and of course an ice-cold Kalik for the beach.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“The beach. I love being an island boy and my passion is environmental conservation. I always say that if I leave the Bahamas and find myself living overseas, I have to live near the ocean. The ocean is so full of life, always a life, always moving.”

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

“My support system – my mother, siblings and those closest to me, to keep me grounded and humble. They check me when I get too grand and encourage me when I’m feeling low. There is no price I could put on that.”

Q: Weekend away, where would you go?

“I would definitely go to London. For me, London is a place filled with endless history and there’s just so much that I would like to see and do there. My family has UK roots so it’d be a great experience to kind of live in another reality for a short period of time.”

Things 2 Do this weekend Friday

• Bahamas National Youth Choir in Concert

Time: 11am and 8pm (with a Saturday performance at 8pm) Venue: Dundas Centre for the Performing arts The Bahamas National Youth Choir is celebrating it’s 29th annual concert season with a matinee and nightly performances.

• Slime Making Day

Time: 3pm - 7pm Venue: Poley’s Playhouse

During all of April, Fridays is slime making day with Poley for the kids. Tickets are $25 and includes materials, a slice of pizza and a drink.

• Sound Waves Cafe XI

Time: 8pm - 11pm Venue: Pirate Republic Brewing SoundWaves Cafe returns with original music, art and poetry from local artists.

• Ladies Night: For Once in your Life… Love yourself

Time: 7pm Venue: Whitney Pinder Building, Colina Insurance A ladies only event with guest speakers discussing insurance and

motivation. The evening includes food, soft drinks, apple cider, makeup samples, vitamin samples, a KCNP ladies night bag, and the opportunity to be pampered. Services available include: massages, mink lashes, manicures, pedicures, polish changes, eyebrow waxing. Tickets are $30.

• A 90s & 2000s Dance Party

Time: 10pm - 1am Venue: Bistro Underground

If you were born in the 80s, 90s or even the early 2000s, you can appreciate the music hits from your favourite artists of those decades. There will be a dance competition for prizes, as well as food and drinks for sale.

Saturday

• Easter Eggztravaganza

Time: 12noon - 3pm Venue: Old Fort Bay Centre

Enjoy pony rides, face painting, a bouncing castle, colouring contests and a new and improved Easter egg hunt with separate categories for three age groups.

With a DJ, a cupcake decorating competition and lots of cotton candy, it is the perfect fun day for the whole family and it is absolutely free.

• Atlantis’ Twilight Electric Festival

Time: 6pm - 11pm Venue: Paradise Harbour, Atlantis SEE PAGE 11

• Movies in the Square

Time: 5.30pm Venue: Pompey Square

Enjoy an open-air screening of “Jurassic Park”. Concessions available at 5:30pm and the movie starts at 6pm.

Sunday

“Game of Thrones” Preview Party

Time: 7.30pm Venue: Caribbean Liquors, Centreville

Touted as “intimate, Medieval affair for real GoT fans”, guests are encouraged to wear costumes.

There will be small eats, treats and drinks. Prizes for originality and best costumes will be handed out.

• Spring Fundraising Concert

Time: 7.30pm Venue: Lutheran Church of Nassau The UB Concert Band, Pop Band and Concert Choir will hold a fundraising concert for UB music ensembles. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

interview

At 100 years old, she has seen and done it all.

Returning to the Bahamas for her milestone birthday, this Andros native tells Cara Hunt the secret to a long life and how she had hoped humanity were closer to world peace.

Maggie Walls M aggie Walls was born on April 6, 1919 in Blanket Sound, Andros, a few months before world leaders gathered at the Palace of Versailles in France to formally end World War I. Just two decades later, as a young bride, she would see the world tear itself apart again during World War II. From man’s first walk on the moon to the fight for civil rights and equality that eventually led to the election of the first black President of the United States, Majority Rule in the Bahamas, and the advent of life-changing technology, Mrs Walls has been around to see it all.

Last Saturday, the still sprightly and bubbly centenarian celebrated her milestone birthday with a special dinner party for family and friends at the Breezes resort in Nassau.

It was a day she said she never dreamt she would live to see.

“Not in my whole life did I really think I’d still be here,” she told Tribune Weekend. “But I am glad I am here.”

Maggie was the third of seven children in her family.

“My great-grandmother was a midwife and she delivered me at home. It was rough growing up in Andros back then for a lot of people (in fact, her mother sent her children to live with other relatives),” she said.

“I get up in the morning and pray, open the curtains so that the fresh air can get in and then I fix breakfast for the family, because yes, I still cook, and then I clean up the house.”

“I was very fortunate, because my great-grandmother was a midwife and so she had a career which was rare back then. And then she was also the supplier of castor oil for the island; she also had a trade. So we had a break.”

Her family met tragedy when a boat owned by her great-grandmother sank off the coast of Andros, killing two of Maggie’s brothers.

In 1942, Maggie left Andros to move to the United States.

“I got married to my first husband. He and I had grown up together. His parents were from America and I guess he thought that I was ‘the one’, so we got married and I moved to Florida with him.”

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Friday, April 12, 2019

Maggie celebrates her 100th birthday at Breezes, surrounded by family Unfortunately, once in Florida, things did not quite go as planned.

“When I got there I realised that there were a lot of problems with his family not accepting me, and so after nine months we separated.”

Maggie eventually moved to Chicago and would spend the next years working at a number of jobs, including a stint at the Campbell Soup Company and working as a maid in a hotel.

“Basically, I worked at whatever I could find,” she said.

Also, like her great-grandmother before her, she supplemented her income by assisting people with natural health remedies.

“I was a healer and so I was able to make a side business doing that.”

In 1949, Maggie met her second husband, John Walls, Jr. They were married for 35 years and had a daughter, Barbette. Eventually, they relocated to Georgia, where they made their home and where she still lives today with Barbette and her grandson Polaris.

“In my whole life, the best thing I ever did was have my daughter,” she said.

Today, Maggie spends her days focused on her family, her church and doing volunteer work whenever she can.

“I get up in the morning and pray, open the curtains so that the fresh air can get in and then I fix breakfast for

A birthday cake for a very special lady.

Maggie Walls with her daughter Barbette and grandson Polaris.

the family, because yes, I still cook, and then I clean up the house. I am a Catholic and so when there is mass I go to mass, and I try to do whatever I can for the community,” she said.

So what is her secret to making it to 100?

Maggie attributes her long life to clean living and watching what she ate.

“I don’t eat too much meat, mostly fish and conch. I never drank or smoke.

Well, I only get drunk at Christmas,” she said laughing. “God was just with me all these years.”

When you have lived as long as she has, Maggie said you no longer have any stress, because you have literally seen and done it all.

“When young people are worried about things I can see ahead of that, because I have lived that already and so I know what is coming.”

Maggie said her favourite period in history was the late 1940s immediately after the end of World War II. “I remember that when the war ended people were so happy and it was a great feeling in the air.”

However, she said that she is disappointed that even after two great wars, the world has yet to fully achieve the peace it fought so hard to achieve.

“I pictured us being closer than we are,” she said. “I think that the majority of the people in charge just don’t see that people are hurting...and lot of people just grumble and complain instead of explaining,” she said.

Maggie was delighted to return to the Bahamas last weekend to celebrate her birthday with her family. She credits her daughter with making the special party happen.

“It’s been five years since I was last in the Bahamas. The best part of being 100 is that I am happy, and when you are happy nothing else matters.”

The birthday party, she explained, almost didn’t happen. After moving to the United States she lost contact with many of her family members.

Her niece, Dorcena Rolle, who had always remembered her mother speaking fondly about a sister who lived in the States, was able to finally track her down. Dorcena and her cousin Barbette spoke by phone in 2005 and arranged a family reunion so that the sisters could be reunited after almost 60 years apart.

“Every day with my mother is a blessing,” said Barbette. “She wanted to be near her family and friends for her birthday and just give them a nice time they could all enjoy being together.”

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

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Friday, April 12, 2019

food

Beyond grits

New show debuts with alternative breakfast dishes

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

G

rits has long been a Bahamian breakfast staple. A dish made from boiled cornmeal, it’s hearty, quick and so easy to prepare a middle schooler can do it.

But the truth is, there are a plethora of dishes that can be prepared for breakfast that have those same qualities.

And if you are intrigued to know which foods pack a similar punch while also being healthier additions to your breakfast, tuning into the first episode of the Ministry of Health’s “Watcha Cookin’ “ show might serve you well.

The show is expected to make its debut later this month. It aims to give parents unique, healthy meal options that can be easily introduced into their family’s diets.

An exact date for the premiere has not yet been announced, however, it is expected to be shown on ZNS, Atlantis TV and Aliv’s webbased TV service (once launched).

The theme of the first episode is “Breakfast Beyond Grits”. It is meant to give alternatives to the usual “grits and something” for the first meal of the day.

The episode will highlight the importance of eating a wholesome breakfast. It will feature host Denielle Miller; Chef Marcella Evans of the Atlantis Kids Adventure Club, as well as panellists Wesley Ingraham – an eighth grader from Aquinas College giving the teenage perspective; Camelta Barnes – a licenced senior nutritionist with the Ministry of Health, and Dr Cherita Moxey – physician and public health specialist with the ministry.

Sweet potato pancakes with a honey and orange reduction and egg

Sweet potato pancakes and egg omelette muffins will be featured on the first episode of “Watcha Cookin’ with host Denielle Miller. omelette muffins will be prepared on the show.

“The format of all the shows is to have the host cooking with a guest chef (professional and home cooks) and interacting with a panel that consists of any combination of Ministry of Health and private sector nutritionists, doctors, therapists, business owners and health advocates,” said a ministry representative.

“Watcha Cookin’ “ is part of a wellness campaign envisioned and executed under the leadership of Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands.

The main aim of the show is to equip Bahamians with practical nutrition facts that will help them better navigate the grocery aisles and be more conscientious about food purchasing, preparation and preservation practices.

Each episode will take viewers on an enticing health discovery, exploring topics such as appropriate portion sizes, reading nutrition

labels, incorporating the revised breadbasket contents, eating locally grown foods, starting a backyard garden, and other practical and delicious ways to prepare budget friendly, tasty family meals.

The show will also offer viewers the opportunity to participate via social media and win exciting prizes.

According to statistics by the Ministry of Health, 83 percent of school-aged children do not eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables; 42 percent eat salty foods at least two times a day; 30 percent eat fast food at least three times per week, and 69 percent drink one or more sugary beverages each day.

Among Bahamian adults, 90 percent do not eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables; 37 percent eat out more than two meals per day, and 73 percent are physically inactive. These poor habits have left the country with 92,493 with diabetes; 132, 741 with hypertension,

and over 600 with end stage renal disease. The annual cost for dialysis treatment is $25.5 million.

The vision of the Ministry of Health is an optimal level of health and well-being of all residents of the Bahamas, and “Watcha Cookin” is aimed at ensuring this vision becomes a reality.

The show’s sponsors include Ministry of Health, AML Foods, Atlantis, Hands for Hunger, Atlantic Medical and Aliv.

For more information about “Watcha Cookin’ “, contact Dr Cherita Moxey, committee chairperson, by e-mail at cheritamoxey@ gmail.com.

To keep up with the show, follow its Facebook Page, “Watcha Cookin’ “.

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

art

New perspectives for Transforming Spaces 2019

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

T

ransforming Spaces observed its 15th anniversary by not only remembering the artists of the past, but also showcasing the artists of the future.

This year, the art bus tour visited Popopstudios, the University of the Bahamas, Doongalik Studios, Hillside House, drove past the Lewis Street Mural Project, and the D’ Aguilar Art Foundation.

The tour, held under the theme “SUSTAIN”, was a mix of familiar art spaces and new venues for emerging talent.

Popopstudios, the facility created by John Cox, showed it truly lived up to the ‘Transforming Spaces’ title, after having suffered extensive damage in Hurricane Matthew.

Mr Cox said they had to practically rebuild the space and start afresh.

Several of the pieces on display were a testament to just how meaningful the rebuilding process has been to new artists, while other pieces in the exhibit were done by artists who have a longterm connection to the gallery.

Doongalik’s contribution to the tour was a look at straw work through the ages called “Embracing the Past to Sustain the Future,” showcasing traditional straw arts and crafts, such as handbags and mats, but also some creative items liked high-heeled shoes and dresses.

At the University of the Bahamas, tour participants were treated to the amazing work of some of the students in the art programme. It is the first time that the university was a participant in Transforming Spaces.

Work by young Bahamian artists was also on display as the bus passed the Lewis Street Mural Project. Not only does it feature the work of artists such as Allan Pachino Wallace, Maxwell Taylor and Deon McHardy, it also includes the work of dozens of children who live in the community

and participate in the Lend A Hand community centre. More of their work was featured at the Hillside House Gallery, which included the handprints of many of the kids The stop at the D’Aguilar Art Foundation allowed participants to view the “The Likeness of Being”, an exhibit for which artists like Kachelle Knowles, Keith Thompson, Gio Swaby, Allan Pachino Wallace and Spurgeonique Morley offered their perspective of what being black means to them.

Transforming Spaces was the vision of a core group — the late Jackson Burnside III, John Cox, Antonius Roberts, Tyrone Ferguson, Jay Koment and Erica James. They shared one common goal: to get artists to work together to expose Bahamian art to as any people as possible.

Some of the artwork shown as part of Transforming Spaces 2019.

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Friday, April 12, 2019

art

A veteran folk artist in the spotlight

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

T

he Benjamin family is honouring their patriarch, veteran folk artist James O Pennerman, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, by sharing his work with the Bahamian public.

They hope to highlight the often overlooked gifts and talents that the elderly possess.

Jamie Benjamin told Tribune Weekend that her “grandpa” was a selftaught artist but was exposed to the arts from a young age; he was a violinist and even dabbled in violin-making.

Born in the idyllic settlement of Mangrove Cay, Andros, on June 18,1933, as the only child of Ezra and Lerlean Pennerman, James was given all the opportunities the couple could afford in terms of education and appreciation for the arts.

Jamie believes his grandfather viewed violin-making as therapeutic.

She also spoke of how he turned a room in his home into a little studio where he would often use clippings from newspapers to paint portraits of famous people, or painted from memory.

It was after a career in management in the hospitality industry and at Bahamasair, that James Pennerman decided to try his hand at painting in a style some say is reminiscent of Bahamian folk artist Amos Ferguson. Over two decades, he created a collection comprised of Bahamian landscapes, wildlife and famous national and international landmarks as well as people. His works, said Jamie, are an

expression of his connecting with the beauties of God´s creation, both natural and man-made.

“He has experimented with acrylics, oils, and for the past 20 years he has painted up until he began experiencing signs of dementia. He loved scenes from nature, both locally and even in Miami, where he also lived for many years,” said Jamie.

She said family decided to put on an exhibition under theme “Creation” to showcase James Pennerman’s work.

There are 73 pieces in the exhibition at the New Providence Community Centre’s Ladder Gallery. The works are a collection of watercolours and acrylics, varying from abstract to realistic.

“Although we have come a long way in appreciating Bahamian artists and their work, I feel that we tend to overlook our self-taught folk artists, in particular, the elderly or the mature artists. My grandfather started painting what most would consider late in life.

He will be 86 years old this year. However, his contributions are significant because of those years of experience and how those emotions and feelings manage to come through in several of the pieces on canvas. This exhibition, I hope, will change the stigma and (reenforce) that you are never too old to pursue your dreams,” said Jamie.

She said it was her mother, Terry Benjamin, along with her siblings who decided to honour her grandfather’s life, legacy and talent while he is still alive. It is their hope that this exhibition will show how much the elderly have to offer in terms of talent.

Artwork by James O Pennerman

Since the launch of the exhibition, several art pieces have already been sold. The family encourages Bahamians to take advantage to view artwork painted by a self-taught folk artist.

James O Pennerman is a violinist and artist.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

entertainment

A Nick Jr Easter for the whole family

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

N

ICK Jr and Friends will be making an appearance at the Botanical Gardens this Easter with entertainment and festivities for the entire family to enjoy.

Kids can look forward to meeting Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig. But it’s also a great outing for those 80s babies who are fans of Nick Jr’s iconic characters such as Little Bill, Franklin and the Rugrats.

Hosted by The Playground, gates will open at 12noon on Monday, April 22. Eats and treats will include snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, and more. In addition to meeting the Nick Jr characters, guests can also enjoy magic shows, puppet acts, face painting, balloons, hoopla, a bouncing castle, kids karaoke, a performance by the Urban Renewal Band and a Junkanoo rush-out.

Organiser Jason Cartwright explained that The Playground was started by a group of parents who saw the need to host events targeted towards kids and families after seeing the lack of things to do on holidays. They wanted to give people another option beyond just going to the beach or the movies.

“We decided to come together and create a fun atmosphere for the entire family to enjoy. On Majority Rule Day Holiday 2019 we hosted the Disney and Friends Family Fun Day at the St John’s College grounds and a had a massive turnout where Anna and Elsa, along with Moana, came down from Orlando to perform live on stage. There were also characters from Hype Mascots to add some spice to the (proceedings),

dancing and entertaining the kids,” he said.

“The (looks) of joy on the faces of the children left us speechless and we knew we had found something that all families would enjoy doing on a more consistent basis.”

Mr Cartwright said with the help of people like Gandhi Pinder and Bamboo Shack, Alivia Carey of Milo Butler, Mrs Basden of Bahamasair and Mrs Hanna of JS Johnson, they were able to make the dream a reality. He said these individuals assisted in paving the way for this upcoming family fun day that has evolved almost into a fair.

For this event, he The Playground has teamed up with a local organisation that focuses on kids living with autism and various disabilities.

“We figured we would give back from proceeds to help them get more materials and upgrades to their systems to better assist the children.

These events will not be for profit.

We just want something positive and fun for families to do with their kids,” said Mr Cartwright.

“The face painters are ready. Our host Dion ‘Happy’ Johnson, who was a huge success at the last event, will make sure the kids are entertained with musical chairs, limbo and other fun and exciting games. The kids karaoke was a huge hit, but I believe the Junkanoo rush-out will be the biggest highlight of the event. We just want everyone to leave having had a good time, so when we bring our other event later down it will be highly anticipated.”

Tickets are limited and are $10 at the door and $5 in advance from: GQ Diplomat on Mackey Street, Buy The Book on Saunders Beach, and at www.onlinedealfind.com.

Kids enjoy The Playground’s last event, “Disney and Friends”.

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Friday, April 12, 2019

entertainment

Things get electric at Atlantis’ new twilight festival

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

A

tlantis is adding to the list of festivals to attend this year as they launch their Twilight Electric tomorrow, Every Wednesday to Sunday, until June 23, Atlantis guests and adventureseekers across the Bahamas can expect to “experience the unexpected” as they enter a whimsical and vibrant entertainment playground under the stars at Paradise Harbour.

The Twilight Electric Festival aims to tantalise the senses as a technical spectacle of colour, music and frivolity collides with Bahamian musicians, artists and culinary talent. There will be a Ferris wheel, an artisan marketplace, Junkanoo, and more. Also featured at the event will be what is being touted as a must-see cabaret show called

“Showtime at the Pink Flamingo”, recommended for audiences 16 years and older.

This theatrical production features a cast of international entertainers ranging from burlesque dancers and acrobatic artists, to classically trained vocalists. It will be performed in a traditional spiegeltent, decorated with mirrors and stained glass.

Atlantis said from the moment guests enter the eclectic entertainment playground, they will immediately be transported into a fantasy world that goes beyond the norm and sparks the imagination.

“Here at Atlantis we always work to provide our guests, neighbours and friends with world-class entertainment.

This swanky Spring festival, Twilight Electric, is no different,” said Cara

Douglas, director of onisland marketing.

Talking about the festival’s ultimate hight, the cabaret show, she said: “‘Showtime at the Pink Flamingo’ was developed in partnership with the creative masterminds ‘Showtime at the Pink Flamingo’ behind the international sensation BLANC de “We are looking forward to the feedBLANC and LIMBO.” back from our guests, neighbours and She said each night will feature a friends. We are hoping that everyone different line-up of entertainment, is thrilled, excited and inspired by this live music and artists. Musical perfor(festival),” said Ms Douglas. mances will range from Willis and The The festival takes place every Illest to The Royal Bahamas Police Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm to Pop Band, and entertainment will include limbo dancers, stilt walkers and 11pm. ‘Showtime at the Pink Flamingo’ fire-breathers. will be performed nightly at 8pm.

Equity Bank’s annual show supports artists, Marco Alert Project Equity Bank And Trust Bahamas will be hosting its third annual “All We Need is Art” charitable exhibit this Saturday from 2pm to 6pm in the bank’s open atrium at its Caves Village location.

Every year, the exhibition attracts many of the bank’s high net worth clients, guests of clients, senior governmental officials and affluent Bahamian art collectors. There will be hors d’oeuvres by celebrity chef Mario Connolly, who has prepared delicacies for celebrities like Tyler Perry, David Copperfield, Bill Gates,

and Mel Gibson. Wines like Pazo Pegullal Albariño will be served courtesy of D’Ines Deli Island Boutique.

Some of the prolific artists unveiling their work include Sophie McCarrol, Kareem Williams, Theo McKlein, Akeem Wallace, Jenna Chaplin, Judith Papillon, Kevin Cooper, Sashla Bethune, Sylvia Krista, Wedlear Eugene, Harry Wallace, Justin Moultrie, Laquinta Moss, Jalan Harris, Antonio Smith, and others.

“We are very grateful to the exceptionally talented

and passionate local artists who enrich the culture of the Bahamas...Moreover, many discerning investors consider art a part of the asset mix for the preservation of value,” said Dillon Dean, Equity’s managing director.

“And at this time of year, Equity and our supporting artists for the event couldn’t think of a more appropriate cause to support than the Marco Alert Project for

the detection and prevention of missing children. May God strengthen the families affected by such travesties.

Artists exclusively benefit from sales save for a portion of the proceeds being donated to support the Marco Alert Project.”

D Gilbert Cassar, Head of Business Development and Fintech, said: “Many discerning and prudent wealthy individuals realise the value

appreciation over time of bespoke art, and we are happy to encourage local artists to realise their value.”

Sophie McCarrol, renowned seagrape leaves artist and lead organiser, added: “Being an artist is hard, amazing, but hard. You need support. Very few people can live from their creativity alone. It is absolutely incredible to receive support from Equity Bank And Trust Bahamas so consistently and selflessly. Having the right venue, ambiance and affluent potential clients cannot be understated. Such supportive establishments are crucial for artists to continue to create beauty and to feel confident! We need art around us to feel happier, to capture history and to feel a part of humanity.”

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

music

Miami’s Zoey Dollaz comes to Nassau

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

O

ne of Miami’s hottest rappers, HaitianAmerican Zoey Dollaz, will be bringing his unique vibes to the Bahamas on Easter weekend.

The chart-topping artist is the special guest performer for Hennessy Artistry on the Beach event set to take place on April 20 at Rose Island. He is expected to perform hits like “Blow a Check” during the daytime beach party beginning 12noon.

The Hennessy Artistry on the Beach series, a presentation by Commonwealth Brewery, is usually hosted during the summer months, however

the company wanted to “break the mould” with this upcoming Easter event.

“The Easter weekend is somewhat the start of summer and summer beach parties. There was no better time in my opinion to launch the Hennessy Artistry on the Beach series, starting with New Providence,” said Kristen Duncombe, brand representative.

As has been the case with all of its global events, Hennessy Artistry seeks to offer an experience of sight, sound and taste sensations. The experience will include mixing stations at which party-goers learn how to concoct Hennessy long drinks.

Review: Norah JonES is unrestrained on ‘Begin Again’ Norah Jones grew to be a household name after her 2002 debut “Come Away With Me” — an album that brought home five Grammys. She became a jazz sweetheart overnight, but quickly established that she did not want to be boxed into one genre.

Following her early success, Jones began to wander toward folk influences before dappling in electronica, collaborating with Danger Mouse with 2012’s “Little Broken Heart.” Jones made a return to jazz with 2016’s “Day

Breaks” and has now released a collection of singles in “Begin Again.”

The seven-song project harnesses Jones’ ability to tap into other musical streams while maintaining a central jazz feel. Electronic influences are less pronounced than in “Little Broken Heart” yet more present than in “Day Breaks.” The subtlety is welcomed with the experimentation on “Begin Again.”

“My Heart Is Full” plays with reverb as Jones’ sultry voice echoes and bounces, commanding attention.

Zoey Dollaz and other special guest appearances.

In 2012, Dollaz released his first mixtape and several singles. His track “Blow a Check” became a smash hit in 2015, which led to him being signed by the LA Reid’s Epics Records and its imprint label, Freebandz, run by Grammy-winning rapper Future.

His most recent mixtape, “Sorry Not Sorry”, was released in 2018 and is a celebration of Miami’s underground culture.

Hennessy Artistry on the Beach is held three times a Haitian-American Zoey Dollaz year. After New Providence, the event will move by Abaco, “This event will feature what Henbefore its finale in Grand Bahama nessy Artistry is all about, the blend of on August 5. unforgettable experiences, food and “People should come to this event because it will not be one to be missed. music, and of course Hennessy. We It will be unlike our previous beach have cabanas and bottle service availevents as we have push the barriers to able to those who are so inclined, food bring the crowd something they will vendors such as Vel Monkey Foot, remember,” she said.

Pop Stop and Just A Pop. Our deejays “Hennessy would like continue are a blend of our talented Bahamian to grow in The Bahamas especially deejays and a few international deejays amongst millennials.” as well,” said Ms Duncombe.

Hennessy Artistry will close out the However, the main highlight of year with its biggest concert event on the event will be a performance by November 2.

The distorted vocals in “Just a Little Bit” make the song playful, without detracting from the quality of Jones’ writing. Mirroring techniques used by artists like Bon Ivor, “A Song With No Name” mixes the delicate with the experimental, striking a fantastic balance. It’s a distinct Jones’ song, with post-production vocal texture. “It Was You” pulls no bells or whistles, coasting into a jazz number decorated with horns and a thundering piano.

As a collection of singles, “Begin Again” is less concerned with generating a cohesive feel throughout the album — perhaps allowing Jones more creative licence song to song. It’s an entertaining assortment of Jones unrestrained. And as a woman who has accumulated nine Grammys and has seven albums (not to mention two collaborative albums) under her belt, why have any restraint?

RAGAN CLARK Associated Press

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, April 12, 2019

celebrity

PART

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

HIT

HIT

SPLIT

FAIL

Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)

Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth)

Rose Leslie (Ygritte)

Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei)

Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)

Karin says: “She outshines her Khaleesi for sure. I’m loving this tangerine colour! I adore the neckline; it looks so effortless and yet so intricate at the time same. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the hem. A few less ruffles would have been good. But it’s such a minor detail that I can overlook it.”

Cara says: ““First, I am absolutely loving the orange colour. I’m not as enthused about the dress just because I wish the bodice was cut a little different. I am not really feeling the way it fans out, making her look a bit squarish.”

Karin says: “The skirt isn’t so bad, although there are too many tiers for my taste.

The bodice, however, is not flattering. Overall it’s not a terrible look, and she’s young and experimenting with style, so she gets pass...sort of.”

Cara says: “This is definitely the worst look of the group. I could have lived with the skirt, but I just really dislike the top.

It looks cheap and is really not that flattering, to be honest.”

Karin says: “Khaleesi would never! The chiffon dress – which looks like it’s representing the ice part from ‘A Song of Fire and Ice’ – isn’t too bad, although there are too many ruffles on the arms.

But it’s the makeup which ruins this look. The lipstick is too dark and the orange eyeshadow unsuitable.”

Cara says: “This dusty blue colour is amazing on her. And you know how much I love a good flowy gown. My only complaint is that I don’t really care for the railroad tracks on her boobs.”

Karin says: “This is hands down the best Gwen has ever looked on a red carpet. At over 6’3” tall it’s not easy to find gowns, but she pulled it off beautifully with this flowy couture creation. The cut, the print, the colour combo...all perfect. And I’m loving her longer hair.”

Cara says: “Oh wow, this girl is on fire. I love this dress! It is the perfect choice and just enough drama to be associated with the phenomenon that is ‘Game of Thrones’. She also blends into the poster flawlessly.”

Karin says: “The pattern and the material are a teensy bit reminiscent of a table cloth, but it’s still a fabulous look, and somewhat unique. I don’t believe I’ve seen anything quite like it. The red is gorgeous on her and I love the one-shoulder look. But she needed some bling; dangling earrings maybe.’

Cara says: “This is another gorgeous gown, perfectly suited to the event. I have to say that the ladies brought their fashion ‘A’ game to the final premiere red carpet. So much sartorial eye candy!”

• For more fashions from Westeros, see page 16

PHOTOS BY EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP

The Weekend “Game of Thrones” Fashion Report final season premiere

I

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

celebrity

PART

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

SPLIT

FAIL

SPLIT

HIT

Hannah Murray (Gilly)

Carice van Houten (Melisandre)

Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand)

Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell)

Sophie Turner (Sansa Turner)

Karin says: “This is just so simple and shapeless; so nondescript. If it weren’t for the bright yellow colour it would be boring beyond belief. I get she maybe wanted to play it safe, but these ubiquitous strapless gowns don’t suit everyone.”

Cara says: “This is lovely. I am loving all these bright, jewel toned ensembles and this one is simple yet dramatic, if not a bit wedding-like. Still, it suits her and she looks very pretty.”

Karin says: “This is almost conservative for the Red Woman. It looks like a 1980s haute couture experiment to me. Yes, they’re now trying to disguise themselves by being pointy, but we can all still see that the huge, unattractive shoulders are back... unfortunately.”

Cara says: “This is another one of the dresses I like but I’m not completely in love with. It’s fine, but I’m not freaking out about it. It leaves me a bit cold, to be quite honest. I wouldn’t look at it twice.”

Karin says: “Maybe this is fashionable in Dorne. Here, it’s just plain hideous. That embroidered brown and pink top is actually one of the ugliest things I’ve ever seen. And the matching hot pink linen pants are already creased. Tragic.”

Cara says: “This is just a frumpy, wrinkled outfit that I don’t like at all. The top is a combination of granny’s old nightgown embroidered by her little granddaughter who is just learning to sew. It’s plain awful.”

Karin says: “Natalie brings her screwed up smirk as an accessory. The dress is too old, boring and fussy for her.

Are we not over black velvet yet? The nude material just showing up on the bodice and not the sleeve is not a good look. And the slicked back hair just appears greasy.

Definitely not befitting a queen.”

Cara says: “So... I like the concept of this dress, even if the bottom half looks super tight. (I wonder if she had trouble walking in it?) But the sequined top is cute.”

Karin says: “This is kinda the short version of her show sister’s gown. But this one I like. It suits her. It’s a bit party, a bit goth. It’s not the most amazing thing ever, but it’s cute. And I know this is closer to her natural hair colour, but Sansa’s red locks suit her better.”

Cara says: “This is a very cute dress. I don’t think that it was the best choice given the amazing more formal gowns worn by her co-stars, but it’s fine. A small complaint: Again, I wish the bodice were more attractive; maybe a higher cut.

PHOTOS BY EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP

The Weekend “Game of Thrones” Fashion Report final season premiere

II

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, April 12, 2019

television

Fire, ice and puberty:

How ‘Thrones’ characters have grown LOS ANGELES (AP) — Living in Westeros can really change a person. Those who survived the first seven seasons of “Game of Thrones” have seen their parents, children and even pets stabbed, disemboweled and beheaded.

They’ve been burned and frozen. They’ve lost essential body parts. Some have been through death and back, others suffered the horrors of puberty. Occasionally, they’ve been allowed some triumph.

Here’s a look at the twisted journeys of some of the characters who’ve managed to make it from 2011’s season one to Sunday’s premiere of season eight of the HBO series.

JON SNOW “You know nothing, Jon Snow,” was a frequent refrain that became a social media meme early in the series. It’s spoken by the Wildling woman Ygritte, who takes Jon’s virginity and leaves him with some worldly wisdom. (Kit Harington, who plays Snow, and Rose Leslie, who plays Ygritte, later married in real life.)

Jon Snow knows a lot more now, and is about to learn a world-shaking truth about his origins as season eight begins.

A bastard brought into the noble northern Stark family and raised by a regal woman who refused to love him, he was sent to serve at the great wall that guards the north, along with delinquents and other throwaway children. He would quickly rise to become their commander, and reached out to rival clans to fight the plague of the White Walkers. Killed in a mutiny at the end of season five, he was later brought back to life by a priestess. The lords of the region join to declare him

Kit Harington as Jon Snow the King in the North, but he leaves to seek allies in the growing White Walker war.

He found such a partner, and lover, and more in Daenerys Targaryen, who brings her dragons and armies to the fight.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN Viewers can tell how far Daenerys has come by the sheer number of names and titles she’s amassed: Daenerys Stormborn, Khaleesi, Mhysa, Mother of Dragons, The Unburnt, The Queen Across the Sea, The Princess That Was Promised, and just plain Dany to friends and fans. When the show began

she was treated as a piece of currency, a princess-in-exile married off to a barbarian by her calculating brother.

Now she is either worshipped, feared or revered by nearly every soul in her world.

She brought dragons back from extinction, conquered kingdoms, freed thousands of slaves, and is on the verge of restoring her family’s dynasty over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, but first must fight alongside Jon Snow, and explore their possibly shared destiny. Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys, has had some real-life baptisms-by-fire since the show began, suffering two

aneurysms and undergoing two brain surgeries.

ARYA STARK From little princess to ruthless assassin, few have had a more transforming trip through the seven seasons of “Game of Thrones” than Arya. Played by Maisie Williams, Arya was a girl of about 11 forced to do needlepoint and other acceptably girlish things while dreaming of swords, war and adventure. Be careful what you wish for in Westeros. She saw her father beheaded in season one, had her brother and mother slaughtered at

the Red Wedding in season three and was kidnapped and led through endless, gruelling wandering. All of it left her hardened and hungry for vengeance, with a kill list of names she recites like a prayer before bedtime.

The Tribune | Weekend | 18

Friday, April 12, 2019

Lena Headey as Cersei L annister

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark

SANSA STARK While Arya embraced death and struggle, her big sister Sansa — played by Sophie Turner, who has become a star in the “X-Men” film franchise — only wanted the life of tea and tiaras she had as a young teen when the show began. Her initial innocence and optimism and subsequent persistence through humiliations and violations have made her the show’s great emotional survivor. She was delighted to be betrothed to the king’s son Prince Joffrey in season one, only to learn he was a vile monster. Her beloved pet dire wolf Lady was executed. She was forced into marriages with Tyrion Lannister then Ramsay Bolton, the most sadistic

soul on a show full of them.

Ramsay raped her on her wedding night in a season five scene that was too much even for many devoted viewers.

As season eight begins she’s finally in a position of power, in charge of her reclaimed family home of Winterfell. She has matured darker but still with her moral sense intact, and unlike many of the show’s characters, has actually gained wisdom through her struggle.

BRAN STARK Bran began the show as a boy barely big enough to use a bow and arrow and is now a seer known as the Threeeyed Raven, who contains the wisdom of millennia, and a secret about Jon Snow

that will redefine his family and possibly all of Westeros.

His appearance underwent a change nearly as dramatic.

Actor Isaac Hempstead Wright, now 19, was 11 when he shot the first season, and had a pubescent growth spurt that rendered him virtually unrecognisable within a few seasons.

CERSEI LANNISTER Cersei was queen when season one began, and is queen as season eight begins.

She’s barely left the castle in King’s Landing during the show’s run, but for a naked walk of shame through the streets that became one of the show’s most memorable

— and most memed — moments. Most of her trials have been internal. All three of her children have died.

Her famous long-blond locks are now gone in favour of a cropped cut that evokes maturity. She has refused to change her view of the world however, staying steadfast in the ruthlessness that for most of the series has kept the throne in her control. As season eight starts she’s refused to commit her troops to the fight in the north, hoping all her potential rivals will destroy themselves while she waits it out.

TYRION LANNISTER Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage, has in many ways been the face of the show

since Sean Bean’s Ned Stark lost his face — along with the rest of head, in season one.

At first he was a wisecracking alcoholic who spent most of his time in brothels. Now, he’s a wisecracking alcoholic who advises Daenerys Targaryen, would-be queen of the realm.

Through constant humiliations and rejections, Tyrion remained loyal to a family that despised him until he couldn’t bear it anymore, killing his father, fleeing into exile and finding new life with Daenerys, the biggest threat to the clan he’s renounced.

ANDREW DALTON AP Entertainment Writer

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, April 12, 2019

gardening

Spring pruning and Summer planting It’s time to do some Spring cleaning in the form of pruning, says Jack Hardy

A

pril is a great time to prune flowering shrubs.

The sap is rising and the temperature warming; these two factors will encourage your shrubs into new growth after you have pruned them. The aim of pruning is twofold: to remove dead and spindly branches, and to encourage larger branches to divide and make the shrub bushier.

Roses in particular benefit from an April pruning. The foliage produced during the winter months did not have to deal with extended hours of hot sun.

New growth after pruning will adapt to the somewhat warmer conditions of May and June and be ready for the scorching days of July and August.

Rose bushes generally have two or three main stems. Spindly side branches substantially thinner than a pencil should be clipped away leaving an inch or so of stub attached to the stem. As long as there are no growth nodes in the stub it will die away

naturally and heal itself at the point where it grows from the main stem.

The ends of the main stem branches should be pruned away just after the point where the compound leaves have a full complement of leaflets, the number varying with the type of rose.

This cut usually occurs between six and ten inches from the end of the branch.

Hibiscus shrubs should be initially examined with hurricanes in your thoughts. A dense and bushy hibiscus shrub looks lovely but provides resistance to wind. In a hurricane the wind will. Look for interior stems that can be cut away without seriously affecting the shape of the plant but will allow for an airier interior and less wind resistance. Any branches that are pruned just above a growth node will generally produce three new branches that will flower fully in two months. Some hibiscus such as schizolpetalus have cane growth and should perhaps never be pruned except to remove deadwood.

It is customary with oleander to severely prune a shrub once a year.

April would be a good time for this exercise but an even better time would be just before a hurricane. With oleander you can forget about the pruning rule that says you should never remove more than 25 percent of a plant’s foliage.

You very rarely see a bougainvillea that is allowed to grow naturally.

The last I saw was several decades ago in the yard of the original Frank Hanna store in Nicholls Town, Andros.

Bougainvilleas grow either as trees or rampant sprawling vines. I have a thornless red-flowering tree in my yard which draws the eye from a long

Bougainvillea distance and is magnificent. I prune it only to keep a pathway clear and to make cuttings.

Vinous bougainvilleas are terrors to prune. There will be blood. Heavy gloves are required even to carry away cut branches for disposal. Pruning can be reduced if you train a bougainvillea vine into a mature tree such as Tropical Almond. If you have a very large garden and spare area you can grow bougainvillea vines as they are intended to grow in nature when they have nothing to climb onto. Set the plant into the ground and never prune at all except to remove obviously dying branches. Within a few years the bougainvillea will have reached for the sky and then be pulled back by gravity so many times you have a massive bee hive shape that in full flower is absolutely stunning.

April is also the last best time to plant summer annuals and first-year flowering perennial seeds, such as gaillardia. Gaillardia is called blanket flower in the US and earns its name by producing a heavy cover of daisy-like flowering plants that are drought resistant and can handle our hottest days with ease. There is always a downside to such virtues and with gaillardia it is over-reproduction. Grow one bed of gaillardia this year and you will have gaillardia all over the yard next year, the seeds carried by the wind.

Vinca is called periwinkle in the UK and that, along with Sailor’s Button, is the name most used in the Bahamas.

Sturdy plants with shiny leaf surfaces, vinca has bright flowers with 5 petals that are joined at the bottom. A violet variety has become naturalised and can be found in just about every island settlement. Vincas can be annual or

perennial. The perennials often die back and impatient gardeners consider them to be truly dead and replace them. Left to complete their cycle vincas will grow back and continue flower production. The introduction of a true blue flowering vinca a decade or so after the first true red has taken vincas to the front line of summer flowers with bright flowers instead of the muted mauves and pinks of the past.

The complaint I hear most about cosmos as a summer annual is its height. Individual plants find it hard to support themselves and cosmos is best grown in masses that become mutually self supporting. It used to be that gardeners complained about the colour range – usually limited and including sulphur and pink – but the colour range has now been greatly expanded.

There are also lower lying varieties that fit into beds more handily.

Both cosmos and zinnias originate in Mexico. The flower shape, size and colour of zinnias is so extensive within the genus that we can plant a garden solely with zinnias and seem to have dozens of widely different annuals on display.

Guess where the Mexican sunflower comes from. Also called tithonia, individual plants can grow in small shrub-like form so needs to be used as a specimen plant or sown widely apart.

The flowers do not grow huge like regular sunflowers and can vary from yellow to brick orange to red. There are varieties that grow to about three feet and others that grow to five or six feet. The choice is yours.

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

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

entertainment

A night of rising stars Elevation Awards 2019 names its winnerS

T

he stars were all out and shining brightly last Saturday as they walked the red carpet for the third annual Elevation Awards 2019 at the British Colonial Hilton.

The best from music, film, TV and the arts came out to honour their peers and to find out who went home with the coveted pointy statuette.

This year, seven new categories were added to the award show: “Radio Talk Show of The Year”, “Gospel Artist of the Year”, “Gospel Music Video of the Year”, “Hip Hop Artist of the Year”, “Hip Hop Song of the Year”, “TV Series of the Year” and the “Bahamian International Award”.

Bahamian comedian and radio personality Naughty was the night’s host.

Performers included Dyson Knight, Patrice Murrell, Julien Believe, TonAsh, Bodine, Chase Fernander, Charisa, Fanshawn, Oslien Jadorte & GOM Worship, Jay Shephard, Leo, Ilsha, and Maleah Gabrielle.

However, before any awards were handed out, proceedings kicked off with a special red carpet show hosted by designers Apryl Sands, Cardem McClam, Fay and Jerchovia. This was followed by a pre-show hosted by DJ Epic Forealz and featuring performances by Krazy Ringo, B7ayre and Khreasel.

The Elevation Awards were established by Vincent “V-Mac” McDonald to celebrate the accomplishments of Bahamians in music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment within the past year. The primary goal of the awards is to assist in the development of the country’s entertainment industry.

Among the night’s winners was Scharad Lightbourne, who took home the award for Photographer of the Year. He said winning the award was a complete surprise.

Friday, April 12, 2019

“I love this and I will continue to push the industry through my amazing team, my peers and colleagues, my mentees and my family,” he commented on Facebook.

The third time proved to be the charm for “Happy Foods 242”, which after being nominated for three consecutive years finally won the TV Series of the Year Award. “God works in mysterious ways,” said producer Sasha Lightbourne.

TonAsh, who won the Hip Hop Artist of the Year award, gave a shout-out for all the love and support he has received. “Respect for the (nominees). Big ups to people who ride along for the journey,” he said.

Meanwhile, music artist Wendi, who last year won for Video of the Year, was named the Female Artist of 2019.

This year’s Trailblazer of the Year is Victor Johnson, musical director of the Essence band and president of MAVS, a platform for artists to gain insightful information about their focus areas as well as meaningful connections.

Mr Johnson, who said in a vlog that he initially felt conflicted about his nomination because he didn’t really feel like a trailblazer, thanked all of this mentors, his MAVS and Essence families. He also said he’s proud of the entire Bahamian creative arts industry.

2019 Elevation

The Awards winners are as follows:

Jay Shephard – Bahamian International Artist of the Year Wendi – Female Artist of the Year MDeez – Male Artist of the Year Eman – Gospel Artist of the Year TonAsh – Hip Hop Artist of the Year “Repeat” by Chase Fernander – Music Video of the Year “Where Did Everyone Go” – Gospel Video of the Year “Feeling Good” by Patrice Murrell – Contemporary Song of the Year “Unruly” by D-Mac – Traditional Song of the Year “Jetski’ by Foots featuring Sleepy Lexx – Hip Hop Song of the Year “Splinters” by Shal Marshall – Caribbean Song of the Year Sawyerboy – Entertainer of the Year Rashad “Shady Einstein” McPhee – Music Producer of the Year Kyle Ferguson of Jiggy Productions – Video Producer of the Year Scharad Lightbourne – Photographer of the Year Minolta Butler – Visual Artist of the Year “Beyond the Headlines” – TV Talk Show of the Year “Freedom March” with Rodney Moncur – Radio Talk Show of the Year “Happy Foods 242” by Sasha Lightbourne – TV Series of the Year “Guava Duff” by Duet Studios – Short Film of the Year Mini Skirts and Microphones by Ianthia Smith – Blog of the Year Das Quay – Vlog of the Year Victor Johnson – Trailblazer Award

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Photos/Terrel W Carey Sr

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019

literary lives

A most unusual tryst part II Sir Christopher Ondaatje continues his tale of a remarkable tryst that changed the lives of three people.

“Y

ou can imagine the guarded conversation between Fiametta and Fiorenza Dorino in the hotel that night. Until now, they had had differences of opinion over music and concert schedules and that sort of thing – but never a difference over a man. Of course, both of them had had relationships with men, but those had never amounted to much.

Their lives had been far too busy. Now, very suddenly, when they were both heading for musical fame, each had met a man to whom she was seriously attracted, and a competition was inevitable. Although nothing was said that evening, both knew that such a rivalry could erupt and disrupt their partnership, and even possibly threaten their musical careers.

“They lunched in the Souk Restaurant on the top floor of the Taj, at one of the most romantic tables, next to windows from which they could see not only the nearby Gateway of India but also the outline of Elephanta Island

The Dorino Duo, twin sisters Fiametta and Fiorenza (Painting by Théodore Chassériau)

and even the distant Nhava Sheva port. In fact, the air was so clear that a good part of south Mumbai was visible, including Malabar Hill on the far

side of the Back Bay. To make matters worse, the elegant and charming Mr Irani seemed to be as keen on Fiorenza as he was on Fiametta. Both twins vied for his attention and he, as openly, encouraged their affections. It was a double coup de foudre, if such a thing exists. And not one of the triangle knew what to do next. Two days later, the twins were scheduled to fly back to Milan. They agreed to meet Rustom Irani again later that evening – this time at his mansion on Malabar Hill.

‘My driver will pick you up at your hotel at seven o’clock,’ he said. ‘Dress casually, because I have a surprise for you.’

“The Parsees are Zoroastrians in religion, followers of the ancient Persian prophet, Zoroaster or Zarathustra.

Their name, Parsee, was given to them after they emigrated from Persia following its conquest by the Arabs in the early eighth century. They moved to the western coast of India, first to Gujarat, later further south, where they eventually helped the British to build Bombay and settled in houses and mansions on Malabar Hill in the 19th century. A Parsee built the Taj

Mahal Hotel. Nowadays, their mansions have a somewhat faded grandeur, but more than enough to enchant the first-time visitor.

“When Fiametta and Fiorenza’s suitor, Rustom Irani, greeted them at the doors of his mansion, he was dressed in traditional Parsee costume: shirt, pyjamas, long gown and turban.

His shirt, or sadara, which is normally considered to be the most sacred garment because it is worn next to the skin, was like a vest made of fine but plain white linen. His black gown, extending down to his knees, was held around his waist with a kusti, or sacred cord, which was wrapped round three times and fastened in front with a double knot. His pyjamas were of red silk, fastened about the waist with a silken cord. His maroon-coloured turban was made of stiff material, quite like a European hat but without any rim, and worn at an angle from the top of the forehead backwards. His shoes were of red morocco, turned up at the toes.

Rustom warmly welcomed the excited girls. ‘Now,’ he said, ‘for the surprise I promised you at lunchtime.

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

Friday, April 12, 2019

If you are to enjoy my hospitality this evening, you must dress as ladies of this house. It will amuse you, and you will be much more comfortable.’

Two female servants in waiting silently appeared and escorted Fiametta and Fiorenza to the private quarters. Here they shed their western clothes and were slipped into satin pyjamas, selected for them from a variety of textures and colours on offer that far excelled those worn by their host.

Many yards of silk were would round their nether limbs, virtually concealing their bodies except for part of the bosom, and then thrown over their shoulders and heads, to droop on their left arms, as a shield against the gaze of any inquisitive stranger.

After being draped with gold anklets, necklaces and earrings, the twins appeared to be more like houris, Persian ladies of paradise, in their ethereal balloons of silk, than earthly women. It was an utterly exotic experience, and the twins felt as if their world of make-believe was a wonderland. The dress of the Parsee ladies is renowned for its gorgeousness, and Fiametta and Fiorenza made a grand entrance as they were conducted out to meet their host.

“Despite their exoticism, Parsees are well known for having adjusted and adapted to the ways of their adopted land, mingling with other people and respecting their customs and ways of life while maintaining their own identity and remaining faithful to their own religion and customs.

Rustom Irani was determined to live up to this reputation by entertaining his guests in as splendidly Parsee fashion as he could while also ensuring that they were comfortable and always at ease. He made himself into the perfect host. Parsee food is a mix of spices, dried fruits, nuts, eggs, chutneys and coconut.

Sauces, made from pomegranate, tamarind and lime are both sharp and rich at the same time, influenced by the

The magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai (formerly Bombay)

A Parsee gentleman in traditional costume.

Gujerati relish for sweet and sour. At any Parsee dinner, the succession of dishes is enough to halt outsiders in their tracks. Fiametta and Fiorenza, as they ate while listening to their host talking about the fascinating history of the Parsees, and telling him in turn about their lives as musicians, couldn’t help wondering how he had managed to remain so athletic.

“Shortly before midnight, after a lull in the conversation, Rustom opened his heart to the twins. ‘All the wonderful clothes and things you are wearing are a present to you from me. You look marvellous in them and you do not have to be at all ashamed of being seen in public in your finery. It suits you. But soon my driver will have to return you to your hotel. However, before he does, there is something important that I want to say.

We have had a marvellous evening. In fact, I cannot think when I have enjoyed myself more. You can see that I am more than attracted to both of you, and I feel sure that my feelings are reciprocated.

If I were to feel the same way tomorrow as I do now, I would definitely ask one of you to marry me and to stay

here with me in Mumbai. But that is an extremely difficult decision for me to make. And probably much harder for you.

How can I possibly choose one of you? I can hardly tell you apart as it is. You are incredibly beautiful, sensitive, and full of all the yearning and understand that I so need in my life. It’s now six years since my wife died of cancer, and I haven’t forgotten the sadness, but I would like to remarry.

More than that, it is important for my family that I have an heir, not only to inherit my fortune but to carry on my family responsibilities and family business. Are either of you prepared to leave the other and give up your musical career to marry me and life the life of a Parsee princess in what must seem to you to be a strange eastern country?’

“Coming as it did late in the evening, after such an intimate tête-à-tête, the question was certainly quite a shock. The twins had worked almost without pause to gain acceptance and acclaim in the musical world, and now they were faced with an awful dilemma.

They were both stunned and silent.

“Then Fiametta, who was actually the elder twin by a few minutes, looked at Fiorenza and suggested, ‘Why don’t we meet tomorrow morning at ten o’clock and we’ll give you our answer? It’s much more than an important decision for us – it will change our entire lives. We are booked to catch the plane to Milan early the following morning. But if we come to the right decision, it won’t matter that we shall be flying away, because our feelings will not change and we shall need time to adjust our lives accordingly. Our feelings for each other are as important now as our feelings for you and we must somehow sort out our confusion. Don’t forget we have lived virtually all of our lives together, doing everything together and often making the same decisions at the same time – often without even consulting each other.’

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

“And there they left it.

Fiametta and Fiorenza bid warm goodbyes and were driven back to their suite at the hotel, where they talked well into the night. The discussion was confused, tearful and often tender – but never angry.

In the early hours, Fiametta, after a thoughtful silence said: ‘I really want to marry Rustom. I love him, and I want to bear his children. Tell me truthfully – do you?’

“Fiorenza pondered, and said at long last, with tears in her eyes, ‘I love Rustom, too. But I’m not sure I want to give up everything I have, and I’m not sure I want all the responsibilities of a marriage and bringing up his children – particularly here in India. And I’m equally certain that I don’t want to give up our musical career after everything we’ve worked so hard for and achieved. I can’t imagine a life without you. I suppose I wouldn’t mind even being Rustom’s mistress – without any of the other responsibilities that you are so eager to assume. I would even like it.

But how could this possibly happen? And how could you possibly agree to share your husband with me? If there was any way we could do this, we could then keep our musical careers, have the man we both love, and still have each other.

I promise never to make any undue demands on him or interfere with your marriage.

This way neither of us would really be giving up anything, least of all our love for each other.’

“And that was how the long and extraordinary day finally ended. The exhausted twins went to sleep. They woke next morning feeling surprisingly refreshed, and both of them shared an unexpected and unfamiliar excitement. They hugged each other for a long while.

Then Fiametta, again taking the lead, said: ‘Don’t say a word. Nothing at all. Let things happen as they will.

Let’s see what Rustom says when we meet him this morning. After all, I’m sure the

Friday, April 12, 2019

The traditional dress of the Parsee woman is renowned for its beauty. decision is much harder for him than for us. Who knows, maybe he will come up with the answer and sort the whole thing out for us.’” *** I stopped speaking. My companion and I were sitting practically alone in the empty Wigmore Hall, with the magic of the evening’s music beginning to wear off. It was time to leave. Later, over a quick dinner, I explained that Fiametta did eventually marry

Rustom Irani, and the twins do still live together – well, not quite – in the same compound on Malabar Hill. Fiametta has two young children, a boy Cyrus and a girl Baegan, with a beautiful oval face like her mother. The sisters still have their musical schedule, marginally less busy than before, playing concerts in Italy, Russia, China, England, Australia, France, and of course India, where they help the philanthropic work of the

A Parsee bride Irani family’s foundation. In fact, the Dorino Duo are extremely well known and in much demand all over the world. So far as I can tell when I meet them – which is somewhat less often, now that they live in India – they have a happy existence. As for the rest of us, we are lucky not to have lost one of the most talented musical duos in musical history but for the imaginative creativity and unselfishness of the younger of the two sisters.

Sometimes the world works its wonders in strange ways, and sometimes insoluble problems are solved with secret innovative genius.

NEXT WEEK: The author who shaped the childhoods of countless people with his fairy tales.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of “The Last Colonial”.

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, April 12, 2019

history

Chamberlain in Abaco

I

don’t remember having seen this building on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, and I don’t remember having heard the name Chamberlain in connection with Abaco.

Though the Chamberlain family is best-known for their connection to sisal-growing in Andros, I am told that they were involved in Abaco’s sisal industry as well and that there was a sisal processing plant on Green Turtle Cay. The photo that accompanies this article is of the ‘Chamberlain House’ on Green Turtle Cay, in New Plymouth, the name of the main settlement on that island, where UK Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (and perhaps his brother and/or father) spent some time. It’s tucked away on a side street, so it’s easy to miss.

According to Albert Lowe Museum’s historian Amanda Diedrick, the Chamberlains stayed in the home that now houses the museum, but at some point the family (or, perhaps their sisal company) bought the house in the picture. Then, in 1903, it was sold to Augustus Roberts, a local resident.

In 1929, Roberts sold it to Walter Kendrick, a British doctor, who spent quite a few years in Abaco operating a medical practice out of the house. The good doctor saved quite a few people by bringing them into the house during the 1932 hurricane. In fact, this house is one of the few remaining survivors of that massive storm.

The house remained in Dr Kendrick’s family (his daughter married a local man and their descendants still live on the Cay) until recently, when it was acquired by an American citizen. Unfortunately, it appears that no effort is being made to preserve or restore this historic home. It sits there, neglected and looking unloved, except for the flowers that, for me, made this picture stand out.

Historic buildings like this one should not be allowed to rot away and fall down. It’s at least a century old and, like so many old Abaconian-built homes, must have withstood scores of hurricanes. Knowing they way the old time carpenters did their work, there’s no doubt in my mind that the ‘Chamberlain House’ is ready for a few more

Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Neville Chamberlain (1937 -1940)

“Historic buildings like this one should not be allowed to rot away and fall down.” bouts with the counter-rotating winds of yet more hurricanes.

In his poems “Idylls of the King”, Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote” “Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of: Wherefore, let thy voice, rise like a fountain for me night and day.”

The question is, can the ‘Chamberlain House’ be saved? It’s heartbreaking to see it in such decline.

• For questions and comments, e-mail islandairman@gmail.com

The ‘Chamberlain House’ at New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay

Yesterday’s solution: JUMPs (across) PaniC (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.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Whatever the cost, it could make a nice party (2,3,5) 6 They give a better interest (4) 10 Scotch governor? (5) 11 Insect presented by a bird to a fish (9) 12 I react in a disaster instantly (2,1,5) 13 Ovals? Possibly rounds (5) 15 A stye isn’t a pretty sight (7) 17 Made ends meet sailorfashion? (7) 19 Pet animals? (7) 21 A new car coat? (7) 22 Sound of amusement (5) 24 Gently reprove a doctor in broken Danish (8) 27 It brings down the tone when depressed (4,5) 28 The new man or woman (5) 29 The position is reversed with the heartless (4) 30 Sort of lady we hate to go before (4,3,3)

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

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Down 1 Call of the sea? (4) Across: 1 Monarch, 5 Parka, 2 Anne Bronte’s alternative 8 Leningrad, 9 Cut, 10 Iran, instruction to boxer (5,4) 12 Trespass, 14 Anyway, 15 Saigon, 17 Insomnia, 18 Verb, 3 Cathy rocks the boat (5) 21 Inn, 22 Nightmare, 24 Ghana, 4 Admit that you take in 25 New York. stolen goods? (7) Down: 1 Multi, 2 Nun, 3 Rank, 5 Catches cavorting seals (7) 4 Harare, 5 Pedestal, 7 Rather slow speech 6 Rectangle, 7 Artisan, appears to attract a 11 Abyssinia, 13 Tasmania, number in Rome (5) 14 Abiding, 16 Air gun, 19 Bleak, 20 Stow, 23 Ago. 8 Happiest time for those not attending night classes? (10) 9 Comes to grips in sporting fashion (8) Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution 14 They provide simple remedies (10) Across: 1 Strange, 5 Picks, 16 It may be regarded as a 8 Espionage, 9 Nun, 10 Rate, form of curiosity (3,5) 12 Measured, 14 Static, 15 Drivel, 18 It’s taken firmly in hand 17 Activity, 18 Odds, 21 Owe, before bottlenecks can be 22 Refresher, 24 Mused, cleared (9) 25 Earldom.

20 Badly angered a noble Down: 1 Smear, 2 Rip, 3 Noon, 4 Enamel, 5 Pleasure, foreigner (7) 6 Contrived, 7 Synodal, 21 Showing a decreasing 11 Traitress, 13 Silvered, 14 Sea need? (7) room, 16 Stifle, 19 Serum, 23 Unsuitable description of 20 Tear, 23 Had. those in poor health (5) 25 Man in the orchestra gives Beethoven’s choral symphony (5) 26 It’s army manoeuvres for her (4) Down Across 1 Carry on (4) 1 Western US state (10) 2 Serial television drama (4,5) 6 Fraudulent operation (4) 3 Figure of speech (5) 10 A tropical fruit (5) 4 Divine (7) 11 Shy (9) 5 Transgression (7) 12 Humorous 7 A board entertainer (8) game (5) 13 Point in 8 Italo-Swiss dispute (5) mountain (10) 15 Mean (7) 9 Disagreement (8) 17 Tombstone 14 World’s longest inscription (7) freshwater lake (10) 19 Vividly described (7) 16 Follower (8) 21 Frankness (7) 18 Prolific (9) 22 Lowest point (5) 20 City on Lake Michigan (7) 24 Blameless (8) 21 Accept as 27 Introduce valid (7) deviously (9) 23 Nightclub for 28 Contaminate (5) dancing (5) 29 In murderous 25 Hidden frenzy (4) complication (5) 30 A Scandinavian 26 Dumbfound (4) capital (10)

EASY PUZZLE

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P Mo Eject, Logo, Gym, Say, *SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390 Hoax, Pique, Prefixed, PLay Q 24 Today’s TarGeT Minor, Judge, Dowagers.

Good 16; very good 24; excellent 31 R down: Killjoy, Rout, (or more). solution tomorrow.

Maze, Nuance, Thrived,

yesTerday’s soLUTion dhow down downriGHT drown godwit gown grow grown growth nowt owing rowing throw throwing thrown towing town twig twin whin whir whit width wind wing wino with wont word wording worn wort worth wright wring writ wrong wroth

call 0907 181 2585 for today’s target solution *calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

*SP: Spoke – Helpline 0333 202 3390

Sabotaged, Octagon, Finite, Owns, Grin, Aqueous.

Extra letter clues

0907 181 2560 (Deduct three minutes for each extra clue letter heard)

full solution

0907 181 2558

S T U V W X Y Z

1

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24 2

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, April 12, 2019

animals

In the name of God Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

T

he Bahamas is a self-proclaimed Christian nation. That sounds very impressive and it should denote a nation of compassion, kindness, forgiveness and redemption. I emphasise the word “should”.

So what is wrong with this picture? Absolutely everything. Regrettably, you cannot accuse the general Bahamian population of embodying these qualities; just read the daily papers or follow social media.

I showcase this splendid cat, Felix*, 10 years old. Up until last Monday, Felix was the beloved pet of an individual; he has been well fed, all his shots are up to date, he has his own bed, but that did not protect him from being surrendered to the Humane Society of Grand Bahama in the name of religion.

He was delivered with all his personal belongings, expensive food and kitty litter, a supply of vitamins...in the name of religion.

His owner regretfully informed the HSGB executive director Tip Burrows and her staff that she has given herself to Christ and that the Lord told her that she has to give up her pet because she loves him too much.

The staff in Freeport did everything they could to gently persuade this lady that God is a loving God and would never ask her to separate from one of his creatures, but she was steadfast in her decision and left him behind as she walked through the door to dedicate her existence to Jesus. Felix now sits at the shelter and this beautiful boy is not eating, pining and suffering from this enforced and final abandonment, all in the name of religion. The vet has checked him over and has declared him 100 percent healthy. The only thing wrong with him is

that he is totally miserable, confused and needs his human, or at this point, a new human to love.

My goodness, there is so much about this story that screams “stop, I don’t want to hear any more!”

This typifies what I have been disturbed about for a very long time; we may call ourselves a Christian nation, that label sticks wherever you slap it. Perhaps it would be more accurate to call ourselves a church-going nation.

Oh, we flock to houses of worship, we wear the hats, the fancy clothes, we have the little girls in their frills and boys in their jackets. But if you are a believer, do you really think God is looking at how you are dressed. Does the Lord place any importance on the colour or style of the latest hat?

Staying with this thread of thinking, I ask, does God endorse giving up a pet and cause suffering? According to the Bible, God created all creatures. When the big flood came, God told Noah to build the ark to make sure animals survive. So if we were to believe that the Lord created and cherishes his creatures, how can we ever imagine that he would command an owner to get rid of a beloved pet? Only a cruel, unforgiving deity would order such a sacrifice, surely.

There is another possible take on this tragedy in Freeport and beautiful Felix, who is a black cat.

We all know the nonsense spoken about black cats, and frequently that drivel extends itself to black dogs, too.

Is it possible that Felix’s rich black coat that resembles the luxurious coat of a black panther is precisely what has made him unacceptable to a woman who has decided that the Lord is the only direction her love can take?

It makes me wonder if this person has a family, children. Will she be allowed to love and cherish them or has she had to turn away from them and walk away from all love and affection except one enforced by her church?

I would so love to engage in a calm and civilised discussion with the pastor who has made this recommendation to a person who perhaps is the victim of a brainwashing that was clearly most successful. What church is

Was this cat given up “in the name of religion”.

this? By all reports, the person who surrendered her pet believed that what she was doing was the right thing to do and fervently believed that it was because she loved her cat too much. In spite of very respectful urging to change her mind, she was immovable.

So the bottom line is once again, religion is behind an ill. Is it because of misinterpretation?

Need we remember the Crusades, the Inquisition, the burnings at the stake, and the terrorism all over the world today and yesteryear, all in the name of religion...frequently encouraged and fuelled by fanatic clerics with their own agendas and misinterpreted by the vulnerable who eternally search for a solution and an end to their unhappiness and misery.

I ask you now, can anybody dig deep into their hearts and give this beautiful boy a home? * Name changed to protect the former’s owners identity.

A LADY IN WAITING

PHOTO/PATRICIA VAZQUEZ

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

“W

hy, yes. Yes, I am a lady! In personality and by name. I am one of the many cats and kittens available for adoption at the Bahamas Humane Society. I’m about one year old. I can add a touch of royalty to your household and I don’t mind a good snuggle now and then. You’ve been wanting a Lady in your life, right? So come and meet me and fall

in love! Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday, or you can call 323-5138 for more information. I do look forward to making your acquaintance.”

• This Saturday, the BHS is hosting its art sale at the Thrift Shop, from 10am to 2pm. Come and check it out!

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, April 12, 2019