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Weekend

Up-and-coming singer strives to follow in the footsteps of greats pg 03

Sweet island girl

Farewell to John Beadle

Art community mourns the loss of John Beadle

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

HIGHLY respected multidisciplinary artist John Beadle died this week at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of work which helped transform the landscape of contemporary art in the Bahamas.

Beadle was born in Nassau in 1964, the son of a Jamaican father and a Bahamian mother. He began his formal fine art studies at the then College of the Bahamas. After completing the core subjects of the programme, he transferred to American colleges. He received a BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Painting from the Tyler School of Art, Temple University. He also spent a time studying in Rome, Italy.

A painter, sculptor, mixed media and installation artist, Beadle created bodies of work that touched on topics of migration, labour, security and the perception of value given to certain materials, objects and people. He created an ambiguity between the delineation of fine arts, utilitarian artwork and craft.

Trained as a painter and printmaker, Beadle also did impressive work in the traditional arts of Junkanoo, having served as a principal designer and sculptor for the One Family Junkanoo group. Due to his reach and longevity, Beadle is also considered one of the seminal artists of the contemporary Bahamian art scene.

Fellow artists and art lovers shared some of their thoughts on the renowned artist whose passion for art was evident in everything he created.

Amanda Coulson, founding director of the Tern Gallery and former executive director of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, said: “John Beadle was, in short, a legend.”

Her first experience working with the artist was for “Funky Nassau: - the first international group exhibition for Bahamian artists - in Germany in 2006. It was show for which he produced the artwork titled “In Another Man’s Yard.” This piece was recently acquired by the NAGB and is now part of the nation’s heritage.

This particular piece of art, Ms Coulson explained, consists of a plethora of hanging cutlasses, dangling dangerously and forming the shape of a tree.

“Like John himself, the piece was sharp, honest, difficult, but in all the best possible ways; it challenged you - as he often did - to think, to be better, whether that be as an artist, an arts’ professional or a human being. As a Bahamian of Jamaican heritage, he was acutely aware of the power dynamics, injustices and hierarchy within our own Bahamian society and was not afraid to shed light on it. Due to this, and his own authenticity and honesty, his work was not always so easy for

people - whether that be the public or the politicians - to accept. It was raw, it was honest, it was salty, like the man himself,” she said.

She added: “It is a cruel and sad irony that he transitioned on the opening day of the Venice Biennale (essentially this is the Olympics of the art world). In 2014, Beadle and I travelled to Venice to plan a project, under the aegis of the NAGB for the 2015 international art show, which would have put him and the Bahamas on the global stage in a major way. We had put a deposit on a building and were in the planning phases, but our government, having promised support, withdrew it and it was never to be. It’s time that we stop talking and start doing to honour our art luminaries (dance, music, fine arts) while they are still living and not wait for their demise to sing their praises. Rest in Power JB, you will be missed.”

Other tributes poured in on social media. The NAGB shared: “With great sadness, the NAGB announces the passing of John Beadle (1964-2024), a renowned multidisciplinary…

“Beadle embraced natural materials in his work, showcasing a level of skill and craftsmanship reflective of his formal training and his work with Junkanoo groups. The NAGB extends its deepest condolences to the Beadle family, his loved ones, and the art community for this tremendous loss. Beadle’s legacy will live on through his works in our collection, a testament to the power and enduring impact of art.”

June Collie, founder of the Sixty 2 Sixty Art Gallery, also expressed profound sadness at the loss of a local great.

“It is with heavy hearts that Sixty 2 Sixty Art Gallery extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of John Beadle, a remarkable multidisciplinary Bahamian. John’s passion for art knew no bounds, evident in the breathtaking beauty and profound depth of his creations, from his intricate artworks to the vibrant Junkanoo pieces that brought joy to many.

“His legacy transcends mere brushstrokes or sculptures; it resonates within the very soul of the Bahamian art community, leaving an indelible mark that will endure through generations. We are immensely grateful for John Beadle’s unwavering dedication to enriching our culture through his artistry,” she said.

“As we bid farewell to a true luminary, let us remember and celebrate the incredible talent and spirit he shared with the world. Rest in Power, dear Beadle. Your artistic brilliance will continue to inspire and uplift us always.”

JOHN Beadle (1964-2024)

‘Come back home, sweet island girl’ New artist could be the next Sweet Emily

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

Up-and-coming recording artist Azaria Samuels has the perfect background to succeed in the local music industry: her grandfather was the popular radio personality Anthony “Fatback” Marshall, her godfather is singer-songwriterproducer D-Mac, and she receives encouragement from the famous Sweet Emily, in whose footsteps she hopes to follow.

Azaria has now penned a love letter to the islands in the form of a song which evokes the feeling of joy one experiences when returning home.

The rake n’ scrape song, called “Come Back Home/Sweet Island Girl”, particularly celebrates her native island of Exuma.

Azaria, who also sings R&B, reggae and soca, said she wants to represent her home and culture in a worthy way.

And it seems local music lovers can really relate to the message, calling the track “catchy” and “groovy”.

Over the years, Azaria has worked with local musicians like The Spice Band from Andros, performing at events like Crab Fest.

“I got to catch crabs and interact with the locals. Island people are just so loving. So for them to

welcome you as family and introduce you to so many things is a great feeling,” she said.

Azaria has also just recently performed with the band New Vision in Eleuthera for the Rock Sound Homecoming weekend.

“It was a wonderful experience. Being there (on the island) for two whole weeks and people getting to know me and see what I am capable of and everything was amazing. They cheered me on and said I am going to be the next Sweet Emily. People compare me to her because of the energy, I would say,” she said.

Emily Williams was once the biggest female name in Bahamian music and someone Azaria looks up to and knows personally.

“Me and Sweet Emily have a very good relationship, so I took it as a great compliment, because we have a great bond. We always talk about the music; she always tells me to keep pushing, keep going and do what you have to do. So I always take it as a great compliment that people say you’re going to be the next Sweet Emily, because that’s a legend,” she said.

Although she is quite new to the music scene, Azaria said she has already learned quite a bit.

She is inspired by individuals like her grandfather Anthony “Fatback” Marshall, who taught her

about the music industry, as well as fellow artists like D-Mac, Geno D, Mama D, and the legendary Funky D.

“I have grown a lot from watching my grandfather in the entertainment industry. So watching him and being around him growing up, he has instilled so much in me. I have received lots of advice from persons like, of course Sweet Emily, then you have Geno D who has always given me great advice; Funky D, and D-Mac, who is also my godfather,” she said.

When she thought of her most memorable performances, Azaria said it has to be last year’s Andros Crab Festival.

“For the remainder of the year, I just want to be able to push more music, collaborate with great Bahamian artists and just stay positive all around. People can catch me at birthday parties, corporate events, regatta festivals, homecomings, concerts, and so much more. Just know that I am coming and I am coming strong. I am going to buss down doors and do what I have to do in this music industry and on this journey, ” she said.

Azaria’s music can be found on Apple Music, Audiomack, YouTube and Spotify.

Gail Byer-Branon

She has two wildly different passions, but both require attention to detail and meticulous work. This forensic scientist tells Cara Hunt about her second love: hat design. She even has her own label, which embodies traditional elegance yet also follows up-to-date trends.

What do forensic science and millinery design have in common? They are passions of Gail Byer-Branon.

The owner of the hat design label Simply. fascinatin_g is also a forensic scientist by profession.

As a child, Gail was intrigued with the art of mortuary science, but at the same time also had a love of fashion and art.

“Painting, sketching, carving, basically anything art related…I wanted to be a mortician at one point, but at the same time I really had this artistic side in me as well,” she told Tribune Weekend.

“I was good at art and my friend in school, Julia Isaac Thompson, and I would decorate all the bulletin boards at school. Eventually she went into teaching and I decided that mortary science might be a great profession where I could combine the two interests, but my father didn’t see my vision,” she said.

Instead, Gail went into forensic science when the opportunity arose in 2009.

She soon realised that her artistic ability came in handy in her chosen career, because there were times when it was advantageous to draw sketches and other visual interpretations.

While science was one of her first loves, fashion design was another.

“I grew up in that era when women dressed in classic timeless styles; my mother would not go to church without gloves, hat and matching shoes and bag,” she said.

“She was a banker by profession, but always sewed as a hobby. As time passed, the work became more intricate and people noticed. Her first wedding dress was made for a dear friend (who) saw a gown that mum made for me when I participated in a college coronation. She would sew my dresses and then FedEx them to me.”

Gail said even though sewing was not her thing, she and her mother would collaborate on styles, fabrics, accessories and the like.

“My mother was a perfectionist at her craft and subpar quality work was not accepted. As the demand increased for wedding headpieces, floral baskets, and even shoes, (it became the norm) for me to add that extra touch. Fast forward and mum gave up sewing.”

So Gail came a milliner by chance.

“Becoming a milliner was something that I did not see coming. Headwear changed and fascinators became very popular. I was approached by a friend to make two pieces. I said, ‘I’ve never done them before.’ She replied, ‘I have no

doubt that you can.’ I accepted the challenge, and six years later here we are,” she said.

It has became her passion and like her mother, she seeks perfection.

“When asked to construct a piece there are many things that I consider. Questions are asked. Does the individual have natural hair, braids, permed hair are they wearing a wig? All of these variables determine the way that a headpiece will fit. The manner in which a piece is positioned on one’s head can make a vast difference in how the look is executed,” she explained.

“Oftentimes women will wear a very elaborate or unique headpiece and that is a statement in itself.

this weekend in history

April 19

It can be ruined by over-accessorising with a lot of hair.”

Instead, she advises that the hair should be pulled back so that the headpiece can shine on its own.

“God gifted me with some talents and I’m grateful that I can use one of them to enhance ladies attire.”

Gail has not only created pieces for living clients, but also for the deceased, always ensuring that they look perfect.

“Do I always get it right? Definitely not, but that is how I learn,” she said.

“My production of unique pieces has slowed down due to a severe back injury, but I sketch to keep ideas flowing.”

Gail’s personal taste is more of classic style, reminiscent of the attire worn by fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn.

“Those are the types of looks that will never go out of style,” she said, “the looks that always look ladylike.”

Gail said she is very conscientious about the designs she makes for her clients, “because it is not about just making money; it is my name and reputation on the items that I make.”

LORD Byron in 1813

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

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

THE ALPHABEATER

CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or black square.

As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too!

Use the given letters and black squares below the grid to start. The grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down.

Solution tomorrow

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

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

Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

30 Render duet badly but not put off (10)

3 Measures taken to decorate indoors? (5)

4 Attached to a refined redhead (7)

5 Girl set to work to produce shine (7)

7 Snap - or nip? (3-2)

8 The winner’s apparently inferior to the runner-up (6-4)

9 Begin unusual run as top of the bill (4,4)

14 He is bound to learn his craft (10)

16 Regular payments in view as serial takes shape (8)

18 Greek leader relaxed an order (9)

20 As in Leo maybe from the deep? (3,4)

21 He says whose turn is next (7)

23 Small wood varies in scope (5)

25 Barely seen gravity in giving reminder (5)

26 Have an inclination to be a nurse (4)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Across: 1 Triumph, 5 Maple, 8 Paperwork, 9 Net, 10 Down, 12 Long shot, 14 Priory, 15 Volume, 17 Oblivion, 18 Beat, 21 Err, 22 Scripture, 24 Seedy, 25 Worried.

Down: 1 Tepid, 2 Imp, 3 Mark, 4 Hoodoo, 5 Make good, 6 Penthouse, 7 Entitle, 11 Writ large, 13 Travesty, 14 Prowess, 16 Morrow, 19 Tread, 20 Spur, 23 Uni.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution

Across: 1 Foolish, 5 Picks, 8 Coastline, 9 Nee, 10 Late, 12 Measured, 14 Static, 15 Drover, 17 Activist, 18 Adam, 21 Ice, 22 Roughness, 24 Eased, 25 England.

Down: 1 Focal, 2 Ova, 3 Iota, 4 Hailed, 5 Pleasure, 6 Contrived, 7 Slender, 11 Traitress, 13 Silvered, 14 Seaside, 16 Astute, 19 Mused, 20 Thug, 23 Era.

EASY PUZZLE

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

Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer

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

A Barbie beach vacation in paradise

Iconic doll comes to the Bahamas for the first time as it celebrates 65th anniversary

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

If your childhood fantasy was to live life like Barbie in a dream house decked out all in pink, then the latest vacation experience being offered by Atlantis Paradise Island may just make a long-held dream come true for you.

The global toy and entertainment company Mattel Inc is collaborating with the resort to develop the Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: an immersive, Barbie-themed experience for all guests to enjoy in honour of Barbie’s 65th anniversary.

The collaboration between the toy company and Atlantis kicks off on the American Memorial Day weekend in late May and lasts throughout the summer. It will see various spaces of the resort transformed; from tailor-made Barbie-themed guest rooms and suites to bespoke retail and more. The partnership brings Mattel’s Barbie to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for the first time in history.

Barbie enthusiasts of all ages will have the opportunity to walk through and experience Barbie’s Atlantis wonderland.

The attraction will be set up in the Royal Towers. Visitors can explore several immersive playsets filled with Instagrammable vignettes, activity stations, and themed Barbie doll boxes that guests can climb into and snap photos of. There will also be portholes offering a glimpse at real-life mermaids. Other highlights include the pink carpet which will stretch from the Royal Towers’ grand staircase, and an over-the-top Barbie ball pit.

“What better way to celebrate Barbie’s 65th anniversary than to create a one-of-a-kind guest experience for the first time ever at Atlantis Paradise Island,” said Julie Freeland, senior director of Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “Atlantis is unmatched in offering top of the line experiences, a commitment to consumers and fans that we deeply value at Mattel.”

“Atlantis Paradise Island’s collaboration with the global toy and entertainment company Mattel adds to the resort’s 25-year history in providing world-class, experiential entertainment,” said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis Paradise Island.

“What makes the ‘Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams Come True’ special, is that it is meant to be enjoyed by all generations and will offer a range of accessible experiences. We are a resort that has a long history of delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests, and firsts to the Bahamas. Barbie fits that bill.

In addition to decked out roomsm the resort will also offer Barbie mermaid and culinary programming at the Atlantis Kids Adventures and Barbie-themed menu items at select F&B outlets.

In addition to family offerings, the resort will also have experiences specifically catered to adults as well.

“Atlantis prides itself on continuing to push the envelope on experiential offerings for its guests. As such, the team is always looking for new partners that not only share in its vision and passion but also are impactful and trusted brands. Through the great work of our team members in PR and Partnerships, an opportunity arose to collaborate with Mattel on bringing Barbie to the Bahamas in a new way and we thought this partnership could not be a better fit,” public relations officer Xavier Knowles told Tribune Weekend.

“Collaborating with companies like Mattel, that align with our goals, only make sense to continue to expand and explore. We could not be more happier with our partnership with Mattel to bring forth Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation and look forward to what the future holds.”

THE 65TH anniversary Barbie was inspired by the original 1959 doll.

“FOOT PRINTS II”

H i to ic solo exhibit seeks to preserve

and restore

traditions that defne Bahamians

“Iseek to engage in the preservation of history, traditions, and indigenous materials that are woven into the fabric of our story.”

- Antonius Roberts

The D’Aguilar Art Foundation is hosting its first ever solo exhibition with noted Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts, OBE.

Titled “Resilient”, the exhibit is now open to the public, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am to 4pm, until June 15 at the gallery space on Virginia Street, Nassau.

Roberts is a mixed media artist, primarily known for his work with wood sculpture and installation, and for conceptualising and running collective and socially engaged art projects. His practice reflects on ecology, Black portraiture and self-expression as a method of decolonisation.

In this new exhibition, he will unveil sculptures made with found and felled silk-cotton, madeira, logwood, lignum vitae and woman’s-tongue. He carves into the trees or logs to find and draw-out figurative characteristics and then uses the dust and remnants created through the activity of carving to create large-scale, expressive drawings.

Roberts’ interest in ecology is communicated through his careful handling of material; before making any marks or cuts, the origin of finding or being gifted the wood becomes integrated into the artwork’s narrative.

When he was given material from a wrecked Haitian sloop, he conceptualised a piece of art entitled “Ceremonial Stools in Honour of Haitians That Have Died While Attempting to Cross the Ocean”.

The installation is quiet but monumental: five bare and simple stools hang on the wall in a row. “Ceremonial Stools”, like all of Roberts’ sculptures, are

A R T I TS streboRsuinotnA

carefully and minimally reworked, resulting in artworks that hang in-balance between living tree and sculpture. Bodies and objects emerge from the wood at certain angles and retreat at others.

When confronting his works for the first time, you might find yourself engaging in a kind of lunar pareidolia (seeking the man in the moon), wondering out loud, “Is this a Chickcharney? Is this a thumb or a hand?”

The glimpses of something recognisable recall the experience of seeing an apparition or spirit in the corner of your eye- but the tangible and weighted nature of the material settles your mind on an effigy or a monument.

Using fire and the saw-dust left-over from carving, Roberts conjured a series of expressive drawings that compliment the sculptures. The energetic marks are not there to form a picture, but to recall the presence and movement of the artist: “I am here,” he says.

The rhythmical shapes record Roberts making large movements with his arms and shoulders across the paper in a fluid dance. The wood dust reminds us of the physical efforts it takes to carve the wood; and brings us back to the cycles of growth and death.

Through this method of making and seeing, Roberts’ work hangs in a balance between the corporeal and immaterial, somatic and intangible.

When you zoom back from a single artwork, you can see that Roberts’ practice as a whole is also a balance between two things: making objects and conceptualising larger community changes. When reflecting on his recent work he writes, “I am dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the places and traditions that define us as a people.”

Both of these efforts in decolonisation have seen new generations of Bahamian artists grow and benefit from Roberts’ ideas.

A few of the notable projects that have had ripple effects include Roberts’ participation in the collaborative project “Jammin”, in which he and three other Bahamian artists - Stan Burnside, Jackson Burnside III and John Beadle - painted collaboratively to create an entirely new Bahamian style of painting that drew inspiration from black and African references; Roberts’ on-going project called “Sacred Spaces” for which he creates installations from local felled wood to remediate under and dis-used spaces, and most recently ICE (Incubator for Collaborative Expression), an old ice factory that Roberts’ regenerated into a community project that houses studios, residencies and vegetable gardens and many other initiatives.

His practice is diverse and complex, comparable to that of American artist Theaster Gates; it encompasses the making of artworks as well as community concepts and projects.

The “Resilient” exhibition brings together works made over ten years, with the majority of works made in a flurry of activity in the past year following two major life and career events: Robert’s first retrospective exhibition, a solo at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) curated by Krista Thompson, and a life-changing trip to Southern Africa. Having had the chance to see his own work en masse at the NAGB and then make a spiritual pilgrimage, clarified and energised Roberts’ work.

INSTALLATION shot of ‘Resilient’ by Antonius Roberts

INSTALLATION shot of the ‘Resilient’ exhibition

“Chickcharney”

Going pink

Good day, gardeners. How does your garden grow?

If all is well then it ought to be having a growth spurt and showing off lots of flowers.

In focus today are two simpleto-grow plants that add ease of maintenance (we all like a low maintenance garden), medium texture, bright colour, and in one of the examples, fragrance to your garden.

The first one that I’ve noticed that I find worth mentioning today is the Panama rose, aka bush pentas, or as it’s known in the nursery trade by its botanical name, Rondeletia leucophylla.

The Panama rose is a very easy plant to add to the garden, it gives bright and profuse pink flowers through the first half of the year primarily, with sporadic flowering for the second half, but this can vary widely depending upon growth stage, and the timing of any pruning, as well as how well suited the plant is to the particular location.

Butterflies and hummingbirds adore the Panama rose, and it is great to brighten up an area in full sun or part shade. The more shade it receives, the less profuse the flowering.

The Panama rose is easy because it requires zero supplemental watering once it is established in the ground. This makes it a high value plant in my books, as it is really quite incredible how much water is wasted in high maintenance gardening.

Give it a solid pruning two or three times a year to promote a fuller, bushier, more profusely flowering plant. It is generally a medium sized hedge or shrub, and typically used as a maintained shrub or hedge at a height of two feet up to five or six feet, from my experience.

I have one growing that I’ve let grow unpruned to watch its habits, it is over eight feet tall and taking on the characteristics of a small tree.

I think that the Panama rose would make a suitable bonsai plant as well (I hope that someone may try this out and let me know!).

The second example that I think is worth mentioning is the oleander, which goes by the botanical name of Nerium oleander.

Flower colour varies in the oleander, from white to yellow tinged, light pink, dark pink, and red.

There’s also a dwarf variety, which has flowers more of a salmon pink colour, but I’ll focus on the typical large growing one for now.

The oleander is a finicky plant at its young stages as it is very susceptible to decline by overwatering.

Too wet and they’re not happy, too dry and the same result; a plant that doesn’t do well.

Once they mature some and settle in, they require zero supplemental

watering when planted in the ground.

Anyone who wants a large hedge with little maintenance ought to reconsider the oleander. It has fallen out of popularity in the last decade, but it is worth using, in my opinion.

I favour it when used as a large sprawling shrub, or most particularly when it is trained into a tree form, or lollipop type shape, but this is often ruined by gardeners or maintenance crews who insist on cutting them back. When trained into a tree form, they really ought to be left to grow, and the only place that clippers or a machete should be contacting this plant is at its base to remove any growth below the branching point.

We’re generally not superstars when it comes to maintenance in this Bahamaland, and when the oleander is grown as a hedge or shrub, it can be hacked back in a misshapen way and recover quite easily.

The oleander is fragrant, and I enjoy them when used correctly or suitably. Who doesn’t enjoy a plant that requires little to no attention but

gives back with beautiful, profuse, and in the case of the oleander, fragrant flowers? I sure do. The pink flowers of oleander and the Panama rose have got my attention lately, and I hope that you’ll give them both a try!

As always, I wish you happy gardening.

OLEANDER flowers

Scents to remember

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

Scented candles have been quite the rage for some time now, and Bahamians have enthusiastically followed the trend.

The only problem is, they are often forced to order candles without smelling them; they have to rely on online reviews and descriptions of others.

But thanks to the local candle company Wright’s Wicks, customers have the opportunity to have a sniff for themselves prior to purchase.

The company was founded by Rodesia Wright and offers not only candles, but also wax melts, room and linen sprays, electrical wax warmers, tea light wax warmers, wick trimmers and body products such as butters, sugar scrubs and soaps. The candle collection has expanded to include single-wick candles in 4oz and 9oz jars, luxury two-wick vessels, and large threewick options.

And it’s a family affair: Rodesia’s relatives - who own Wright’s Carpet Masters and are no strangers to running a business - assist with pop-up events, customer sales, curating gift boxes and doing product photography.

“The most popular scents during this time of the year are definitely anything that is floral,” she told Tribune Weekend. “People tend to associate Spring with flowers and new beginnings. Our spring collection was just released on March 20 with five scents and offers a combination of floral, clean and fresh scents that are perfect for Spring. In fact, our best-sellers are Pink Orchids and Springtime, which are both floral scents.”

And Rodesia’s customers love the idea of purchasing locally made candles, sprays and melts.

“They love having the option of walking in the store and smelling the candles before making a purchase. We also get positive feedback on our packaging and product presentation,” she said.

Due to the positive feedback the brand receives, she said there is a high rate of return clients. This happens especially during the Fall

season, with scents like the popular pumpkin candle.

Rodesia also found great success at last Winter’s Bahamas National Trust Jollification.

“It was such a pleasure to participate in such a well-established, well-loved Christmas event that really starts off the Christmas season. It gave us a chance to get our brand out there, meet new clients, reconnect with old clients and to network with other small businesses,” she said,

Rodesia, like so many people around the world, discovered her new passion during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was on a leave of absence from her job.

The brand’s first collection launched in August 2020 with nine scents.

“In the beginning,” Rodesia admits, “there was a lot of testing and trial and error. Since then, our candles have come a long way.”

She and her team are now gearing up for their upcoming Mother’s Day collection.

“We offer wholesale and customisation of all products for weddings, corporate events, baby and wedding showers. We also create customised gift boxes for special occasions. Clients can choose from our pre-made gift box options or set a budget and allow us to put gift sets together for them,” she said.

The home-based business out of New Providence also offers online shopping through www.wrightswicks242.com and in store at Wright’s Carpet Masters on Bernard Road. Delivery is another option that can be done upon request. And products can be shipped to most of the Family Islands.

literary lives - Tom Cruise

Hollywood’s last movie star Part II

Sir Christopher Ondaatje continues with the story of the American actor and producer whose films have grossed over four billion dollars in North America, and over 11.5 billion dollars worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing box-office stars of all time.

“It’s well known I’m a Scientologist, and that has helped me to find that inner peace in my life, and it’s something that has given me great stability and tools that I use.”

- Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise has produced many films in which he appeared, including Mission Impossible, Without Limits, Mission Impossible 2, The Others, and Vanilla Sky.

On August 22, 2006, Paramount Pictures announced that it was ending its fourteen-year relationship with Cruise.

In the Wall Street Journal, chairman of Viacom (Paramount’s parent company), Sumner Redstone cited the economic damage to Cruise’s value as an actor and producer from controversial public behaviour and views.

Cruise/Wagner Productions responded that Paramount’s announcement was a face-saving move after the production company had sought alternative financing from private equity firms.

Industry analysts such as Edward Jay Epstein commented that the real reason for the split was Paramount’s discontent over Cruise/Wagner’s exceptionally large share of DVD revenue from the Mission: Impossible franchise.

The following November, Cruise and Paula Wagner announced that they had taken over the film studio United Artists. Cruise was to act as a producer and star in films for United Artists, while Wagner would serve as Chief Executive.

Production began in 2007 on Valkyrie, a thriller based on the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler.

The film was acquired in March 2007 by United Artists. On March 21, 2007, Cruise signed to play Claus von Stauffenberg, the protagonist.

This project marked the second production to be greenlit since Cruise and Wagner took control of United Artists.

The first was the film Lions for Lambs, directed by Robert Redford, starring Redford, Meryl Streep and Cruise. It didn’t work and opened on November 9, 2007, to unimpressive box-office reviews and critical reception.

In August 2008, Wagner stepped down from her position at United Artists but retained her interests in United Artists, which combined with Cruise’s share amounted to thirty percent of the studio.

Cruise began working with Paramount again as a producer and star with Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, without Wagner. He was very much the producer, and the film was a critical and commercial success. He and Wagner would get together again on the modestly successful Jack Reacher series, also for Paramount Studios.

“I always look for a challenge and something different.”

- Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise’s personal life is something different. He splits his time between his homes in Beverly Hills, California, Clearwater, Florida, and the South of England, where he has lived in Central London, Dulwich, East Grinstead and Biggin Hill.

When he started out in films he had relationships with Melissa Gilbert, Rebecca De Mornay, and Cher.

Cruise married actress Mimi Rogers on May 9, 1987.

They divorced on February 4, 1990. Rogers had grown up in Scientology, was heavily involved and was one of its “auditors” when they met and he became one of her clients. In a 1993 Playboy interview Rogers discussed her split from Cruise and said that he was considering becoming a monk – which affected their intimacy. She later retracted her comments and received a $4 million divorce settlement.

Cruise met his second wife, actress Nicole Kidman on the set of their film Days of Thunder (1990). The couple married on December 24, 1990, and adopted two children: Isabella Jane (born 1992) and Connor Antony (born 1995).

In February 2001, Cruise filed for divorce from Kidman while she was unknowingly pregnant. The pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.

“Nothing ends nicely, that’s why it ends.”

- Tom Cruise

Cruise was next romantically linked to Penelope Cruz, his co-star in Vanilla Sky (2001). The threeyear relationship ended in 2004. An article in the October 2012 issue of Vanity Fair stated that after the breakup with Cruz, Scientologist leaders launched a secret project to find Cruise a new girlfriend. This search resulted in a short-lived relationship with Iranian-British actress Nazanin Boniadi, who subsequently left Scientology.

In August 2005, Cruise began dating “Dawson’s Creek” actress Katie Holmes. A month later Cruise declared his love for Holmes on The Oprah Winfrey Show by jumping on Winfrey’s yellow couch.

On October 6, 2005m Cruise and Holmes announced that they were expecting a child. In April 2006, their daughter Suri was born.

Seven months later Holmes and Cruise were married in the 15th century Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano in a Scientologist ceremony attended by media and many Hollywood stars. They had “officialised” their marriage in Los Angeles the day before the Italian ceremony.

David Miscavige, the head of Scientology, was Cruise’s best man at the ceremony. Widespread speculation indicated that the marriage was

TOM Cruise at last year’s ‘Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning’ premiere

arranged by the Church of Scientology. Six years later, on June 29, 2012, Holmes filed for divorce from Cruise. The exact terms of the settlement, according to New York law are still not publicly available. Cruise stated that the reason Holmes filed for divorce was to protect the couple’s daughter Suri from Scientology, and that Suri was no longer a practising member of the organisation.

Mimi Rogers, Cruise’s first wife, converted Cruise to Scientology in 1986, after which he became an outspoken advocate for the Church of Scientology in the 2000s.

He admitted to this in an interview with Barbara Walters, leaked by the tabloid Star in 1980.

He was a devoted disciple until Janet Reitman’s book Inside Scientology: The Story of America’s Most Secretive Religion.

The Church’s leaders then promised to share Scientology secrets, which caused Cruise to “freak out” and remove himself from the Church, and start work on Eyes Wide Shut with Nicole Kidman.

However, Marty Rathburn and David Miscavige, the Chairman of the Church, persuaded Cruise to continue his training and to continue to promote various programs about Scientology.

He was a militant spokesman and campaigned for the organisation to be afforded the status of a religion in Europe. He also lobbied British Prime Minister Tony Blair to recognise the Scientology organisation as a tax-exempt non-profit entity. Scientology leader David Miscavige created the Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor and awarded it to Cruise in 2004. Scientologist Paul Haggis also claimed that Cruise tried to convert David and Victoria Beckham, Will Smith, and Stephen Spielberg to Scientology.

After 2008, Tom Cruise restricted interviewers from asking him about Scientology.

Cruise mistakenly criticised actress Brooke Shields for using the drug Paxil (paroxetine), an antidepressant which she used to recover from post partum depression after the birth of her daughter in 2003.

“Cruise should stick to saving the world from aliens and let women who are experiencing post partum depression decide what treatment options are best for them.”

- Brooke Shields

In late 2006 Cruise apologised in person to Shields for his comments.

In March 2004 Cruise’s publicist of fourteen years, Pat Kingsley, resigned and was replaced by Lee Anne DeVette, Cruise’s sister, who was also a Scientologist. She served until November 2005. DeVette was replaced by Paul Bloch from the publicity firm Rogers and Cowan – in a move to curb controversy surrounding his relationship with Katie Holmes.

Lawrence Wright’s book Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief prompted a TV documentary of the same name and cast a spotlight on Cruise’s role in Scientology. Both the book and the film allege that Scientology groomed romantic partners for Cruise. Cruise’s ex-girlfriend controversially compared the organisation’s auditioning of girlfriends for Cruise as tantamount to “white slavery”.

Despite personal criticism, Premier Magazine ranked Cruise as Hollywood’s most powerful actor, and Forbes magazine ranked him as the world’s most powerful celebrity. The founder of CinemaScore in 2016 cited Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio as the “two stars, it doesn’t matter how bad the film is, they can pull the box-office up”.

“When you have to cope with a lot of problems, you’re either going to sink or you’re going to swim.”

While reviewing Days of Thunder film critic Roger Ebert, the noted film critic and screenwriter, formerly of the Chicago Sun-Times, noted the similarities between several of Tom Cruise’s 1980 films and nicknamed the formula the “Tom Cruise Picture”.

He listed nine ingredients:

1. The Cruise character

2. The mentor

3. The superior woman

4. The craft he must hone

5. The arena it takes place in

6. The knowledge he must learn

7. The trail or journey

8. The photo enemy

9. The eventual enemy of the character.

A Few Good Men and The Last Samurai can be considered to be part of this formula. Widescreening analysis agreed, and compared two of these characters in an article on the film A Few Good Men. It is an interesting analysis, to which he has also established himself as an action star, often performing his own extremely hazardous risky stunts. It seems to work. He may just be the last great American film mogul.

The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia.

-Tom Cruise

CRUISE with his second wife, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman

CRUISE’s first wife, actress Mimi Rogers, recruited him into Scientology

CRUISE marries his third wife, actress Katie Holmes

animals

Animal matters

Kim Aranha

Are animals answering back?

As I read the paper, watch TV and scroll through the internet, I notice a large number of stories involving animals, especially wild animals, making their displeasure known in response to gawking tourists and thrill seekers getting “up close and personal” for that ever-important selfie.

Have animals finally had enough of being exploited and manipulated just to serve the tour operator or “fearless” explorer who goes where others (with intelligence) fear to tread?

There have been two very nasty incidents in Africa involving bull elephants in the past few months. The tour operators vow that their rangers are very experienced and well trained. These two incidences involved a Jeep carrying tourists on safari, and sadly the most recent caused the death of an elderly lady who was living her dream.

I have been on several safaris in several countries. Though the configuration of the Jeeps alters from place to place, the rules remain the same: sit down, stay quiet, no gestures, no loud speech.

In other words, do not attract attention to yourself and the others with you.

I took my children on safari many years ago and my youngest was six. Before we would get in the Jeep, every time the warden would ask me, “Can we trust him not to make loud sounds or sudden movements?”

I would always assure the warden that my son understood the dangers and would be very respectful of the animals and would not startle them. I am pleased to report that he did not let me down.

We seem to have lost touch with the fact that animals have rights too. We are totally OK to use them, exploit them and make money out of them, but with zero respect about the shame-

PET OF THE WEEK

less invasion into their space and the disgraceful way we treat them.

I cannot help but feel that the elephants who behaved so aggressively did so because of some previous incident when some unscrupulous (probably egged on by a mindless thrill seeker) driver got too close to the elephant and frightened it.

Elephants have good memories (we all know that), and the animal may have suffered a traumatic situation which he never got over. And then when he saw the dreadful motorised “creature” that was on the rampage… he retaliated, tusks to the forefront, and did some irreparable damage, including killing somebody.

Just think about how we exploit animals. We use dogs to sniff bombs,

A true pearl of a pet

By The Bahamas Humane Society

If you’ve been looking for a dog to help you get your daily steps in, look no further than Pearlie.

This ball of energy loves to go on the dog walks and doesn’t want to be back inside her cage.

Pearlie’s about four and a half years old and looking for a person to call her own.

She is good with other dogs and could possibly learn to get along with cats who could tolerate her energy levels.

Have you been looking for an energetic companion to

find people buried under rubble and in avalanches. We use canine back-up in most police forces in the world, including the Bahamas, but you can’t find an apartment that will allow you to have a dog live with you. It is a real estate agent’s nightmare to try an accommodate a client who has the temerity to own and love their pet.

The world over animals have been ignored and not considered. Some countries are improving greatly. Going to Europe is a pleasure where the family pet is part of the family; it is not rubbing off in the Bahamas, alas.

When it comes to respecting the wildlife and the space required for them to be able to live a normal uninhibited life, we do not respect the boundaries; we do not mind caging,

brighten your day?

Come in to the Bahamas Humane Society to meet Pearlie or call 323-5138 for more information. Pearlie looks forward to meeting you.

• The BHS Thrift Shop has had a facelift! Come check out our new pink facade and fnd some great deals at the same time. Wednesday/ Thursday/Friday, 11am to 3pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. All proceeds go to the Bahamas Humane Society.

penning and making them perform for reward.

We all deserve to be free; free of being encroached upon.

We have wildlife in the Bahamas and thank goodness for the different nature reserves that we have, but poachers abound. Rules are considered offensive. Why should they respect the grouper season, the crawfish season? Why should we not eat what we want to eat when we want to eat it?

The more we continue to adopt this insouciant attitude that animals are there for our amusement and assistance.

The closer and closer we get waving those dreadful selfie sticks in the air, making the animals fearful…if we keep trying to touch them, have souvenirs even if it means snapping off a piece of coral or plant…or killing a perfectly healthy starfish just to bring it home and let it gather dust on the bookcase in your son’s bedroom…we need to realise that a line has to be drawn in the sand (while there is still sand to draw a line on).

We build towering condos to house hundreds of people, and all those people will be on the streets and in the sea, in our ponds (covered in sunscreen) and we just let it happen. We let dogs starve, we let animals be neglected, we disrespect nature and then we complain when something goes wrong.

No wonder animals are fighting back when they can. I so totally get it and I just wish that those in power, those in control, would get it too and actually help make a difference.

PHOTO/LINDA GILLARANHA

An elephant charges a truck with eco students at the Selati Game Reserve in South Africa in 2021. No one was injured in the attack.

(Photo from a video by EcoTraining Guides and Guardians)

From page 04+05

Spring is now in full bloom, she said there is no textbook when it comes to fashion, regardless of the season. Personally, she straddles the line between traditional and non-traditional when it comes to attire choices.

“Wear things that offer comfort; colours that complement skin tone, and just be creative,” she advises. “Fashion is personal and unique!”

Although she is currently injured, she hopes that when the time comes she will be able to expand her line to create unique bridal headpeices and work with moulding by hand to eliminate “the cookie cutter look” of pre-fabricated hat moulds

“I want to create very unique pieces,” she said.

HATS and fascinators by Gail Byer-Branon’s Simply. fascinatin_g label.)

pageants

Bahamian pageant coach aims to showcase the best in Bahamian youth

By Tristan Gibson

It was the Model of the Year 1999 pageant where an awe-struck Darrol Stubbs witnessed a transformation in real time which would inspire him for the rest of his life. He was only 10 years old at the time, but what he saw was once timid women become fierce queens.

That phenomenon, that confidence was something he aspired to recreate for young women across the country. Now, at the age of 33 and with 18 years of pageant coaching under his belt, his dream became reality when he put on his own national pageant – the 2024 Mister & Miss High School Bahamas National Pageant.

On March 16, at the Grand Lucayan on Grand Bahama, the ballroom swelled with applause as swathes of Bahamians cheered for 18 students who hailed from across the archipelago – each vying for the title and crown.

“Three things I am most passionate about are pageantry, the youth and school pride, and to have them all under one roof has always been a dream,” said Darryl.

He explained the pageant was launched through his own organisation, the Bahamas National High School Pageants (BNHSP) organisation. It is designed to for young Bahamians, whether novice or adept, to hone their talents for the world stage – a stage where he believes more Bahamians deserve to be recognised.

Since the 1960s, the Bahamas has competed in numerous international pageants. Notably, in 1991, Jodi Barbara Weech became the first Bahamian to place in the top 10 at the Miss World pageant; Braneka Basset placed in the top 20 at Miss World 2010, and in 2021, Chantel O’Brian achieved a similar feat at Miss Universe.

Vjaughn Ingraham, who was coached by Darrol, also achieved a national milestone when he placed in the top 20 at Mister International.

Darrol intends for the pageant to be an annual occurrence to cultivate needed qualities such as intelligence, poise, confidence, and the ability to

express oneself clearly in the country’s youth.

From the 18 entrants, the top five were chosen after succeeding in three categories: interview, school pride fashion and costume, and formal wear.

Each top-placing contestant then went through a question-and-answer segment to determine their character. Topics ranged from self-esteem in the social media age to domestic violence.

“It’s always been a profound moment for me to watch them

as Mister and Miss Bahamas National High School 2024.

Standford, who is new to pageantry, described the experience as “eye-opening”. It awoke in him a new passion for men’s fashion and runway modelling.

metamorphise off and on the stage after shedding so much blood, sweat, and tears,” said Darrol.

The event boasted various notable Bahamian judges, including acclaimed photographer Alfred Anderson; community welfare advocate and Bahamas Department of Public Labour Assistant Officer Christopher Farrington, educator; Miss Teenager Bahamas 2013 Shavon Semelfort, published author and Mrs Bahamas World 2010 Keldra Pinder, Huyler Group CEO Addis Huyler, and pageant and etiquette coach and Miss Bahamas Universe 2021 Chantel O’Brian.

“For a lot of them, this was brand new for them,” said Chantel. “It allowed them to be free in their talents, their excitement, their school pride.”

She added, “Pageantry was very pivotal in who I’ve become to be in terms of the skills I’ve acquired and my ability to show up confidently in my own skin. … You can really find and learn about yourself as well as build community. It’s something I recommend and encourage the contestants to continue in.”

At the pageant’s finale, Sherlin C Bootle Secondary School’s Stanford McIntosh and North Eleuthera High School’s Kaynia Minnis were crowned

“I’ve fallen in love with being able to portray the best version of yourself,” he said. “It gives young men and young women a platform to advocate for what they truly love to do.”

Familiar with the industry since she was seven years old, Kaynia said this new competition was an amazing opportunity and it reignited her love for taking part in pageants.

She added, “Chantel is my inspiration. Oh, my goodness. When I saw her on that judging panel, I freaked. … Ultimately, at some point, I want to be Miss Bahamas and it’s best that I get the practice in now.”

Darrol said the pageant organisation along with winners Stanford and Kaynia will be visiting various schools to advocate for pageants.

He thanked his team and his codirector Jar’Danell Nicole Bowe for assisting with the event, as well as the numerous sponsors for making this dream possible.

“I believe that our youth can create a brighter future for our country. We must focus on nurturing them and building them up as leaders and ambassadors who can leave an everlasting mark both on this nation and on the whole wide world,” he said.

MISTER and Miss High School Bahamas, Kaynia Stubbs and Stanford McIntosh (Photo by Preston Knowles)

PAGEANT couch and event founder Darrol Stubbs (Photo by Alfred Anderson)

JUDGES with pageant founder, (l-r)Addis Huyler, Shavon Semelfort, Keldra Pinder, Darrol Stubs, Chantel O’Brian, Alfred Andreson and Christopher