I S around da
ISHOWSPEED
The internet’s biggest star brings 50 million fans to Nassau.
By CARA HUNT
Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
FOR more than than four hours, YouTube sensation Ishowspeed had more than 50 million people captivated on his live stream as he fnished his 2026 Caribbean Tour with a visit to The Bahamas.
Speed (whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins) took Nassau by storm on Sunday afternoon to the delight of his thousands of Bahamian followers - many of whom focked to the areas he visited - and to the 53 million fans around the world who hopped on the livestream and got a view of Nassau Speed style.
Word that the star was in the Bahamas quickly spread once he went live at the British Colonial Hilton at 2pm.
His visit included hanging out in Pompey Square with Bahamian infuencers such as Julian Believe, Das Quay, Myz Gigglez, Vocab Bahamas and Charlie Bahama, where he had the opportunity to play dominoes, limbo, kiss a parrot and have a dance lesson. He also met Rik Carey, one of the Baha Men. Speed is a huge fan of the group’s popular song Who Let The Dogs Out and has made his own music video to the hit single.
There was also a lion fsh cooking lesson at the Hilton, a game of pocking, and lunch 150 feet in the air at one of Nassau’s newest attractions, Dinner in the Sky.
Then it was of to Ft Charlotte and Awarak Cay to try conch salad, before literally stopping trafc on West Bay Street
to race locals - another one of his trademark moves.
He concluded the live shortly after 6pm after feeding nurse and Carribean reef sharks thirty feet below the water with the crew of Stuarts Cove.
In true Speed fashion, the live stream ended when he unlocked a treasure chest full of green apples during the dives. Regular viewers know that the appearance of green apples are a sign that the vlog will end abruptly.
While in Nassau he also swam with the pigs and visited Exuma,
although those events were not included in the stream. One of the highlights of his trip and in fact the entire Caribbean tour was receiving a portrait by Domonique Jacobs of Bfybydesign. Domonique captured Speed’s love of the Japanese anime series One Piece by portraying him as one of the show’s main pirates with her own signature style of adding textured hair and accessories to her work.
“My husband and I have both watched videos of his world tours and so we knew who he was. When I heard that he was coming to the Bahamas, I decided to make it and hope that somehow it would get to him. I am also a big One Piece fan myself and so I took elements of that along with Junkanoo and Androsia and the history of pirates here in the Bahamas to make
it.It took a few days,” she told The Tribune.
Speed is the global ambassador for One Piece and was blown away by the design.
“This is a sick art piece,” he told his chat. “I love this, you made this, this is amazing, real hair, real earrings, this is one of the best that I have seen all tour.”
Domonique says her instagram has blown up after the live with persons requesting their own custom designs.
Speed, just 21, began his social media career making gaming videos and quickly became a YouTube sensation with one of the most popular channels in the world.
His videos live up to the name Speed as he literally speeds though each place he visits to showcase their cultures and inventions to both domestic and international audiences.
If you missed the live, check out Speed’s You Tube channel for the video - irl stream in Bahamas +shark diving.
Photo credit: Carlos Rudy Hall
Welcome…
…to Around da Islands, our weekly supplement, free with Friday’s Tribune.
This week’s cover story features YouTube sensation Ishowspeed’s !ying visit to The Bahamas. Many of you are bound to be asking, Ishow…who? Just ask a young person – he’s HUGE! Just 21, he has 53 million followers on YouTube. Quite what he does, well, we will leave you to gure that one out!
Also inside is the heartwarming story of how longtime coaches Mary Woodside-Knowles and her husband, Donnie Knowles, of the Grand Bahama Soccer Club and Soccer Academy, decided to re-turf their playing eld. Without fanfare, they started, and were amazed at the army of volunteers who joined in to help their e orts.
We also feature our very own Tribune cartoonist, Lamaro Smith, and how he drew his own destiny as an illustrator.
Every week, Around da Islands, having partnered with Grand Bahama 242, highlights news, features and developments from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, o ering a broader national perspective beyond Nassau.
And don’t forget, this is your supplement too! Send us your story ideas, features and tips – we can’t run then them all, but we’re committed to strong, fair representation from across the islands.
So come along for the ride!
From all of us here at The Tribune – The People’s Paper.
This WEEK in Around da Islands - Bahamian News, Features & Culture
GRAND BAHAMA NEWS
Pg 4 — Popeyes expansion seen as positive signal for GB economy
Pg 5 — Grand Bahama residents respond to historic second-term PLP victory
Pg 6 — New Computer Lab brings digital opportunity to Holmes Rock
Primary
ABACO FEATURES
Pg 7 — Abaco Dance Studio make rst international splash.
GRAND BAHAMA FEATURES
Pgs 8 & 9 — Drawn to success: How Tribune cartoonist Lamaro Smith drew his own destiny.
Pgs 10 & 11 — Heartwarming story of how community rallied to transform a soccer eld in Grand Bahama
Pg 12 — Island Brainwaves
EXUMA FEATURES
Pg 14 & 15 — Michelin-starred chef Alyn Williams has returned to Exuma, a place he regards as his hideaway, to put it on the culinary map.
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net
THE expansion of the internationally recognised fast-food chain Popeyes into Grand Bahama is being viewed as another positive indicator of investor confdence and
commercial activity in Freeport.
Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Ofcer of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, told Around da Islands, the development refects continued momentum in the island’s commercial sector.
“The arrival of Popeyes to Freeport is another encouraging signal of continued
investor confdence in the Grand Bahama market and the ongoing revitalization of our commercial sector, particularly within the downtown area,” Mr Newbold said.
“From a broader economic development perspective, new investment of this nature helps to stimulate construction activity, create employment opportunities,
Popeyes expansion seen as positive signal for GB economy
expand consumer choice, and increase overall commercial energy within the city.”
Workers began clearing the site on the Mall Drive south of Pioneer’s Way in late 2025 and by early 2026, work on the building was visible, adding to anticipation surrounding the restaurant’s arrival on the island.
Popeyes Bahamas has steadily expanded its footprint in The Bahamas over recent years, primarily through locations in New Providence. Known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken and signature sandwiches, the brand has gained strong popularity among Bahamian consumers and visitors alike.
Although ofcials connected to the Freeport project did not respond to requests for comment, on December 22, 2025, advertisements
circulated seeking cashiers, crew members and managers for the Freeport operation, directing applicants to apply through aetoscareers.com. Additional listings for Human Resources and other operational roles in Grand Bahama were also advertised. Around da Islands contacted the number listed in the recruitment advertisements and sent email inquiries, but no responses were received up to publication time.
The arrival of Popeyes comes at a time when Grand Bahama’s fastfood industry appears to be experiencing renewed activity. Several existing fast-food outlets across Freeport have also displayed “Now Hiring” signs in recent months. While speculation has circulated that some workers may be leaving current employers to pursue opportunities
with the new franchise, no confrmation has been provided by restaurant operators.
Despite economic challenges faced by Grand Bahama over the past decade, including hurricane recovery, population shifts and business closures, major fast-food brands have continued to demonstrate resilience on the island. Established chains have generally maintained customer demand, supported by residents seeking afordable dining options and visitors frequenting the city’s commercial centres.
Business observers say the survival of many fastfood operations in Grand Bahama highlights the sector’s adaptability and the importance of consumer-driven industries in sustaining economic activity. New entrants such as Popeyes are expected to intensify competition while also generating additional employment and commercial trafc, particularly within Freeport’s downtown district.
Mr Newbold commented that internationally recognised brands choosing Freeport reinforces confdence in the island’s long-term prospects.
“It also reinforces the view that Freeport continues to attract recognised international brands that see long term potential in the community,” he said.
“We welcome investment that contributes to economic activity, strengthens the business environment, and supports the continued growth and vibrancy of Freeport and Grand Bahama.”
As construction progresses, many residents are watching closely to see when the newest addition to Grand Bahama’s fast-food landscape will ofcially open its doors.
POPEYES, the newest fast-food restaurant, is nearing completion and is predicted to create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians.
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
Grand Bahama residents respond to historic second-term PLP victory
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
AS the dust settles on another general election in The Bahamas, the results show the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) secured a decisive 33 of 41 seats over the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Coalition of Independents (COI). As the results came into focus on the night of May 12, and after a recount in 25 constituencies
to deliver. Grand Bahama cannot continue to wait.”
While the PLP celebrates, the FNM faces a period of refection and rebuilding. Many within its base see this as an opportunity not a setback, to reconnect with the electorate, particularly younger voters.
“The FNM needs to get back on the ground,” said FNM supporter Ann Skippings. “They need fresh voices and stronger engagement with young people. That’s the future of politics.”
the following day, a familiar feel returned; not of campaigning, but of expectation.
At 10.28pm, Grand Bahama’s own FNM Leader Michael Pintard delivered his concession speech, acknowledging the will of the people. Shortly after, Prime Minister-elect Philip “Brave” Davis addressed the nation, signalling the beginning of his second consecutive term, making him the frst leader since former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to achieve such a political return.
By morning, the mood across Grand Bahama and beyond had shifted from contest and celebration to
expectation: it is time for the politicians to get back to work.
“Elections come and go, but the country must move forward,” said Lynn Adams, a Freeport resident who supported the FNM. “We may be disappointed, but we still have to live here together. Now is the time for results.”
PLP supporters, excited by the party’s commanding victory, echoed a similar sentiment though with renewed confdence in leadership.
“This win means stability,” said Joan Brown, a longtime PLP voter in Eight Mile Rock. “Prime Minister Davis
now has a stronger mandate. The promises made must now be promises kept.”
Nowhere is that urgency more pronounced than in Grand Bahama, where the long-promised redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport remains a central issue. For many residents, the election outcome is less about party lines and more about progress.
“We’ve talked about the airport for years,” said a small business owner, who identifed himself only as Matthew.
“This administration has
Among those seen as key to that renewal are newly elected FNM Members of Parliament Frazette Gibson and Michela Barnett-Ellis. Both women represent a new generation of leadership within the party and are widely viewed as capable of energising its base.
“I believe, Frazette Gibson has the kind of connection and relatability that can bring young voters back into the fold,” said Austin Pinder, also a FNM supporter. “She understands the moment.”
This election has also marked a historic milestone for women generally in Bahamian politics. For the frst time in 24 years, nine women will serve in Parliament. All seven of the PLP’s female candidates: Glenys Hanna-Martin, Pia Glover-Rolle, Lisa Rahming, Patricia Deveaux, Ginger Moxey, Jobeth Coleby-Davis and Leslia Miller-Brice successfully reclaimed their seats. They are joined by Gibson and Barnett-Ellis from the FNM, signaling a broader shift toward gender representation in national leadership.
“This is a proud moment,” said Freeport resident Renae Smith who didn’t share her party afliation. “It shows progress but also reminds us that representation must translate into real change for women and families across the country.”
EDWARD Whan II (left) and Michael Pintard (right), who contested the Marco City seat in the May 12 general election, greeted at the polls. Mr Pintard emerged as the winner.
Photos: BARBARA WALKIN
New Computer Lab brings digital opportunity to Holmes Rock Primary
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net
STUDENTS at Holmes Rock Junior High School are stepping into a new era of learning with the unveiling of a fully equipped computer lab, thanks to the eforts of James Sarles Realty Foundation and its network of generous partners.
The initiative was born out of an urgent need at the newly opened junior high where, according to Mr Sarles, the school had no computers available for its students.
“After discussing with M. Lindsey and Ms Keonte, the computer instructor teacher, the situation at the Holmes
Rock School, I learned that there was a real gap,” Mr Sarles said during the presentation and launch of the computer lab. “There were no computers for the students. We knew something had to be done.”
Partnering with sponsors, the foundation completely transformed the space allocated for the students’ technological education.
The project went beyond simply supplying devices; the lab was fully redesigned, outftted with new computers, furnishings, and a functional learning environment tailored for the youngsters.
learning,” Mr Sarles explained. “They’re being taught computer studies, and they have access to tools that will help them grow academically and beyond.”
The initiative highlights the growing importance of digital access in education, particularly in smaller communities where resources can be limited.
Holmes Rock, a settlement on the western end of Grand Bahama, is home to families who
The investment is already making a diference. Under the guidance of computer instructor, students now have the opportunity to develop essential technology skills, from basic computer literacy to conducting research for school projects.
“With this project, the students are now able to come into the lab and engage in meaningful
rely on schools not only for academic instruction but also for opportunities that broaden their children’s future prospects.
Holmes Rock Junior High serves as a feeder institution for Eight Mile Rock Senior High, where students continue their education.
In recent years, educators at the junior high level have emphasized the need for stronger foundational digital skills, making this new lab a timely and strategic investment ensuring that students transition better prepared for the demands of junior high and beyond, according to the computer instructor.
For the foundation, the project represents more than a one-time donation it is part of a broader mission to uplift communities through education.
“We are very, very appreciative of our sponsors who made this possible,” Mr Sarles said. “Investing in our youth is investing in our future.”
The James Sarles Realty Foundation is encouraging members of the public to support its ongoing work. Contributions can be made via PayPal at jamessarlesrealty@gmail. com, helping to fund similar initiatives across the islands.
HOLMES Rock Junior Schools students are already taking advantage of the new computer lab.
STUDENTS at Holmes Rock Junior High now have access to the world electronically, courtesy of the James Sarles Realty Foundation and its partners, who donated computers and furniture for a computer lab at the school.
Photo: courtesy of James Sarles Realty Foundation
Abaco Dance Studio make rst international splash
STUDENTS from the Abaco Dance Studio recently competed in their frst international event - The Ultra Dance Tour 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
It was a milestone event for the young dancers who rose to the occasion with discipline, resilience, and professionalism that deserves national recognition.
“These young athletes endured early mornings, long competition days, and the pressure of performing in an unfamiliar environment
yet delivered standout performances that refected not only their training, but the strength and potential of talent coming out of Abaco, said Michelle Russell, the director of the Abaco Dance Studio.
She said that the dancers exemplify the same commitment, endurance and competitive spirit recognised in traditional athletics.
“Abaco may be small, but our talent is not and this moment refects a shift worth documenting,” she said.
DRAWN TO SUCCESS:
How Tribune cartoonist Lamaro Smith drew his own destiny.
By LEIGH LIGHTBOURN
For many, a career in the arts is seen as uncertain, even impractical. For Grand Bahama-born digital artist Lamaro Smith, it was never a question of if, only how.
“I never thought of doing anything else,” Smith said. “I always knew what I wanted to do.”
Raised in Holmes Rock, Smith was a child who drew constantly, covering any surface he could fnd. Instead of discouraging the habit, his parents nurtured it. His mother, an educator for more than 30 years, and his father, an electrician with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, redirected that energy by simply giving him paper and pencils.
That encouragement carried into his years at Freeport Primary and St. George’s High School, then known as Goombayland. There, teachers played a defning role in shaping both his technical ability and confdence. He credits art teachers Miss Caroline Murphy and Mrs. Alicia Robinson with strengthening his skills, while English teacher Mrs Janice Pinder helped him recognise the potential to turn ideas into fully realised stories.
Like many young creatives, Smith entered adulthood with a clear vision, but quickly encountered a more complicated reality. He had assumed that graduating from college would lead directly into a career in animation, but fnishing his studies during a global recession made that path far less accessible.
“When I was young, I thought life was simple: graduate from college, get a job as an animator,
and be done,” he said. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple.”
Returning home to Grand Bahama, he took a position as a graphic designer at FDK Laminators. What might have seemed like a detour became a critical stage in his development, allowing him to refne his design instincts and build a strong visual foundation.
I wanted Conchman to capture that spirit.”
While much of his professional work is driven by client needs, Smith fnds particular fulfllment in projects that allow for exploration and world-building. Among his personal pieces, one stands out: The Gate, a moody Junkanoo-inspired illustration that marked a turning point in his understanding of light, colour, and composition.
Like many full-time creatives, he continues to navigate the balance between passion and sustainability, acknowledging both the rewards and the challenges that come with the profession.
“It’s not easy, and it probably never will be, and that’s okay,” he said. “I had to decide early on if it’s worth it.” At present, Smith is focused on refning his work and steadily developing new ideas. Rather than rushing
That experience led to freelance illustration work and eventually a role at Keen i Media in 2014, where he expanded his understanding of both creative production and the business side of the industry. Recognising the pressures and limitations of the traditional job market, he made a decisive shift to independence in 2015, beginning his career as a full-time freelance artist, a path he has now sustained for more than a decade.
Today, Smith’s work spans digital illustration, concept art, and political cartoons, many of which appear in The Tribune. While he acknowledges the infuence of Bahamian cartoonists such as Eddie Minnis and Sideburns, his approach is rooted in authenticity.
“I grew up with their work and appreciate that foundation,” he said. “But I have to create from a place that’s sincere to me. I have to trust myself.”
That mindset shapes not only his artistic style but also how he communicates with his audience, balancing humour and observation while ensuring his message remains clear and engaging.
Beyond editorial work, Smith has also explored storytelling through original concepts, most notably Conchman, a distinctly Bahamian take on the superhero genre. The idea began informally, sparked by a conversation among friends and a series of sketches that quickly evolved into something more intentional.
“I wanted it to be a superhero story, but also an expression of Bahamian joy,” he said. “One of our greatest strengths is not taking things too seriously, and
large projects, he approaches them in stages, allowing space to avoid burnout. Among his goals are a future solo exhibition and the continued development of original stories, including further work on Conchman.
Much of this evolving body of work, ranging from his Conchman: The Man of Shell two-book series to collections of his illustrations and available prints, is housed on his website, where he continues to build a central space for both his storytelling and visual art. Looking ahead, Smith hopes his work contributes to a broader creative culture in The Bahamas while also opening doors for others.
“I hope I’m adding something of value and creating a path for those behind me,” he said. “I want people to keep creating in whatever way fts them.”
From a boy sketching on any available surface in Holmes Rock to a working artist forging his own path, Lamaro Smith’s journey refects persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to authenticity, qualities that continue to shape both his career and his contribution to Bahamian creative life.
comic Illustrations published in the tribune
sCENES FROM CONCHMAN COMICS
artist lamaro smith
Heartwarming story of how community rallied to transform a soccer eld in Grand Bahama
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
LONGTIME soccer coaches Mary Woodside-Knowles and her husband, Donnie Knowles, of the Grand Bahama Soccer Club and Soccer Academy, didn’t set out to make headlines. They simply set out to make a diference, starting with an aging feld at
“There was Pilot Club, fraternity, sorority, school kids, former players; even our arch-rivals… came out and helped, and they brought the whole family,” Mary said. “It was just such a nice mixture of people.”
the YMCA in Freeport. What began as a quiet vision became one of the most inspiring community eforts Grand Bahama has seen in years.
“This is your new soccer club,” Mary said, standing on what will become a lush green space where children will soon play at a higher level. “This grass will be a faster speed of play, which means it would improve the children’s quality of playing.”
For years, promises had been made about improving the feld, but nothing materialised. So, the Knowles made a decision.
“Donnie and I are both in our 60s, and we’ve volunteered for over 30 years, so we just decided: if not us, who else? So, we just did it.”
Without fanfare, they started, and volunteers joined the efort. What followed, Mary said, exceeded every expectation.
In a single day, an army of volunteers laid 19,152 pieces of letter-sized sod, a feat even professionals said couldn’t be done.
“We had two trailer loads of sod, which we cut into four, which made 19,152 pieces,” Mary said. “Professional landscapers said, ‘You’ll never do it in a day.’ But there’s only a certain lifespan for the sod… so we got it down in one day.”
The efort drew people from every corner of the island: service clubs, students, former players, families, and even former rivals.
“There was Pilot Club, fraternity, sorority, school kids, former players; even our arch-rivals… came out and helped, and they brought the whole family,” Mary said. “It was just such a nice mixture of people.”
The outpouring of support was deeply emotional.
“I literally had to go in the corner about four times and just shed a tear,” she admitted. “It just goes to show
MARY and Donnie Knowles, along with volunteers throughout the island, have come together to transform the Soccer Field at the YMCA.
what happens when the community works together.”
Local businesses and individuals stepped up in remarkable ways donating equipment, water, ice, transportation, and labor. From heavy machinery operators to volunteers carrying sod by hand, everyone played a role.
Mary believes perhaps what touched people most was the spirit behind it.
“I think people saw that we weren’t advertising it… we were just doing it on the quiet, and it touched them,” Mary refected. “We didn’t have to beg people. It just happened.”
The transformation of the feld, measuring roughly 80,000 square feet, has been months in the making, beginning in July 2024. It involved relocating a baseball feld, grading the land, installing irrigation, and sourcing specialized grass typically used on golf courses.
But for Mary and Donnie, this project is about much more than grass.
“We run the YMCA programmes and we’ve made academies out of both the boys and the girls soccer leagues,” Mary said. “It’s out of the love for the children.”
They are also teaching the next generation the value of ownership and service.
“I told the kids that before practice, they’re going to pick up rocks,” she said. “Because this is ours. It doesn’t belong to Donnie and Mary. It’s ours, and we have to take care of it.”
That message is already taking root.
THE TRANSFORMATION of the field, measuring roughly 80,000 square feet, has been months in the making, beginning in July 2024. Up to Wednesday, May 13, volunteers showed up to continue laying the sod on the field.
“One parent said, ‘I’ve never been so excited for rain for a grass that isn’t mine,’” Mary shared with a smile. “And I said, ‘It is yours.’”
Looking back, Mary believes the scale of the work was hidden from them for a reason.
“The best part is Donnie and I had no idea the volume of work that it was going to be. I guess God scaled our eyes so we wouldn’t know.”
Now, with the sod already taking root and the feld beginning to resemble a carpet of green, the vision is becoming reality. There is still work ahead, maintenance, mowing, fertilizing, but the foundation has been laid, not just in soil, but in spirit.
“Let your tank be empty,” Mary said, quoting Dr. Myles Munroe. “And that’s what we plan on doing.”
And it all started with a simple question: “If not us, who else?”
TWO trailer loads of sod were cut into four, making up the 19,152 pieces that were laid on the field.
Photos: BARBARA WALKIN
12 Friday, May 15, 2026 around da Islands
Rakish, Triple, Samba, Lesion, Bandana, Exude, Wimp, Reckless.
MUDDLESOME
TV CROSSWORD The Ipcress File The Dark Knight Dressed to Kill
A X Y D L B A A X R is L O N G F E L L O W
One letter stands for another. In this example, A is used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.
Across: 5 Drop, 7 Dervla, 8 Eliza, 11 Skins, 12 Cemetery, 13 Road, 15 Aled, 16 Messing, 17 Damp, 18 Miller, 21 Nate, 22 Eyre. Down: 1 Geek, 2 Alyssa, 3 Klum, 4 Carell, 5 Donovan, 6 Omid, 9 McDermott, 10 Byrne, 14 Basil, 17 Down, 19 Ice, 20 Eve.
TV show: Run Away
5x9=45, 3x4=12, 8x5=40
SMALL CROSSWORD
CLOCK-WISE
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
Dene, Need, Edna, Name, Mesa, Sade
QUIZ OF THE WEEK
1 November, 2 Kevin Webster, 3 Tottenham Hotspur, 4 Take, 5 The Style Council, 6 1970s, 7 Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, 8 Pete Waterman, 9 France, 10 Shakin’ Stevens.
Across: 1 Carpenter, 7 Oral, 8 Beige, 10 Pus, 11 Turtle, 13 Reasoning, 14 Unseen, 16 Sum, 18 Trays, 19 Eden, 20 Spreading. Down: 1 Contrasts, 2 Argued, 3 Plot, 4 New, 5 Tipsier, 6 Resigning, 8 Belongs, 9 Grammar, 12 Uneven, 15 Seed, 17 Dye.
CROSS DOUBT
Across: SIGHT Down: HIPPO
QUICK CROSSWORD
Across: 7 Option, 8 Docile, 10 Perplex, 11 Peace, 12 Roll, 13 Sever, 17 House, 18 Lone, 22 Craft, 23 Vagrant, 24 Urgent, 25 Victor.
Down: 1 Compare, 2 Startle, 3 Jolly, 4 Complex, 5 Final, 6 Never, 9 Expensive, 14 Content, 15 Loyalty, 16 Venture, 19 Scrub, 20 Range, 21 Again.
PROCEEDED cope, coped, creep, crepe, crop, deep, deeper, dope, doped, doper, dorp, drop, epee, oped, peer, peered, pore, pored, precede, preceded, proceed, PROCEEDED, prod, repo, rope, roped
MICRO CROSSWORD
CHALLENGER
Answers
Sudoku
Michelinstarred chef
Alyn Williams
is headline act at inaugural Taste of Exuma Festival
MICHELIN-STARRED
chef Alyn Williams has returned to Exuma – a place he regards as his hideaway – to put it on the culinary map.
For more than a decade, Chef Alyn has regarded Exuma as his escape, but this weekend he is the headline act in the inaugural Taste of Exuma Festival.
He will be joined at the Grand Isle Resort & Residences venue for the festival by two of the shining stars of the Bahamian food scene, and by the team from John Watling’s Distillery, creators of the Rum of The Bahamas, who will ofer cocktails and rum concoctions as well as a curated mixology experience and a unique signature drink every night.
Chef Alyn has fown in from London, England, where he ran the Michelin-starred Westbury restaurant from 2011 to 2019. In 2012, he was named National Chef
of the Year. He is now at the helm of the Magistracy Dining Room in Hong Kong, and has worked with stars such as Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett and Marcus Wareing.
The inaugural festival began on Thursday, and runs until May 17.
Chef Alyn, who calls Exuma his “special place” said of the festival: “Once the idea was born, there was no turning back.”
Rounding out the line-up of chef talent is the executive sous chef at the British Colonial Hotel, Antonio Williams, and Grand Isle’s own head chef, Exumian Nigelle Thompson.
John Watling’s Distillery’s co-founder and managing partner, Pepin Argamasilla, said: “The event promises to be one of the fnest and most fun experiences of the culinary calendar.”
Combining great food, great rum and the most stunning of locations, the goal is for the Taste of Exuma festival to become one
“I think we have to bring in new blood, new talent, and it's great to be able to inspire and see these kids and give them encouragement. Tourism in The Bahamas is such a big part of the economy. We want to see good young Bahamians coming through to take their place in that.”
of the highlights of the culinary calendar in the region – attracting people from both within The Bahamas and from outside the country.
Yesterday, junior chefs were taking part in a cook-of with local schools, ahead of last night’s Junkanoo welcome reception and the frst four-course dining experience, from Chef Nigelle.
Today’s events will begin with a curated rum mixology pop-up from John Watling’s Distillery, before a 6pm reception with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails followed by a four-course meal from Chef Antonio.
Tomorrow sees Chef Alyn lead the way, while there will also be a marketplace with speciality fare and a cook-of with senior chefs. Sunday
begins with a Bahamian brunch before a cooking demonstration pop-up with Chef Alyn.
For Chef Alyn, it has taken a decade for the idea of the festival to come to life.
He said: “I have cooked in Grand Isle many times, and over the past ten years we have just talked about making it bigger and having a proper culinary festival. I don’t think there was any one factor that got us from talking about doing this to it happening – it was just why not, let’s get it done. I am really excited – I almost have to pinch myself.”
Over the years, he said there has been lots of growth in Exuma, adding: “There’s lots going on here in Exuma – we have got so much going on now. There’s great support in
the island. There’s defnitely traction in the island.”
Chef Alyn said the quality of the local produce was a big factor in what he wanted to bring to the table.
“I am bringing a bit of my style but I am using as many local ingredients as I can. There’s fresh grouper – you’d be crazy in this part of the world not to have fresh fsh, but I am also working with local famers and using as much local produce as possible. It makes such a great diference to have fresh local produce.
“I am cooking a grouper that is tempura-fried and some hot peppers – they do some ghost peppers locally I am using. Then I have a palate cleanser afterwards of mint, basil and papaya. And of course I am using John Watling’s rum in the dessert!”
The frst day of the event included a cook-of featuring young students – which is an important part of the occasion.
“I think we have to bring in new blood, new talent,” said Chef Alyn, “and it is great to be able to inspire and to see these kids and give them encouragement. Tourism in The Bahamas is such a big part of the economy. We want to see good young Bahamians coming through to take their place in that.”
All of this takes place beside the stunning shorelines of Emerald Bay, making it a perfect combination of taste and place.
A partnership has been set up with Bahamasair with special fares from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale to George Town, Exuma, to make the trip as seamless as possible. A promotional code, TASTYGGT, ofers a discount if booked by May 15.
