05312019 WEEKEND

Friday, May 31, 2019

art books film fashion music history pop culture gardening puzzles

Weekend

BELLES OF THE BALL Pages 14-15

Hollywood chic Audrey Hepburn inspires local designer Pages 8 & 9

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019

society

Tea time for a good cause Bahamas Sickle Cell Association hosts second annual party

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here is perhaps no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than to get dolled up, sip tea, nibble on scones, fruits and sandwiches while listening to skilled violinists and watching a parade of hats, fashion and faces – all for a worthwhile cause.

The goal of the Bahamas Sickle Cell Association’s second annual Tea Party is not only to bring awareness and raise funds for the organisation, but perhaps more importantly, to highlight the people most impacted by their work – individuals like tenth-grader Kia Archer, the only known person in the Bahamas with the S O-Arab sickle cell disease; Yale Rutherford, who at 23 has already undergone a bi-lateral double hip replacement, and Jovanna Evans, whose two children, Jadyne and Reign, are affected by the inherited blood disorder.

“An event such as this is crucial to getting the conversation going, promoting an understanding of the disease and showcasing a variety of persons impacted by it,” said BSCA’s president, Kayla Smith-Mortimer, who served as the mistress of ceremony for the fashion show put on by the association’s warriors – the name for those afflicted with the disease which impacts the oxygencarrying protein haemoglobin found in red blood cells leading to periodic episodes of pain, called crises.

Parties are even better when you have a cause, according to immediate past president Lady Sonya Longley.

She got the ball rolling last year, planning and organising the association’s largest fundraiser which relies on a mix of private and corporate sponsorship to defray costs and

contribute raffle prizes to the event which drew 160 persons to the St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church near Lyford Cay. “It takes a lot of team work to pull this off. It also takes interested persons who want to ensure the association itself benefits. If you don’t have an interest, you won’t do your best. Our attendees are people interesting in pushing the organisation forward,” she said.

Entertainment included musical interludes provided by String City Violinists, the Faces of Sickle Cell who put on a fashion show where attendees learnt more about the individuals behind the diagnosis, and a lively hat and fascinator parade directed by emcee Mavis Collie for guests who showed up to show out.

The event had something for everyone. Raffle prizes ranged from $100 gas vouchers to a weekend stay for two at Comfort Suites.

Meanwhile, pop-up shops featured merchandise from Cia Monet’s organic candles, soaps and scents to eye-catching jewellery by Jacquelyn Sawyer and Chic Floral Design’s ravishing hats for browsers and buyers.

The association’s current executive team made presentations to past presidents Lady Longley and Dr Nisha Armbrister, marking their period of service to the Bahamas Sickle Cell Association.

Wrapping up the two-hour event, ladies who participated in the table setting competition – under the theme,“Our Bahama Islands” – waited with bated breath for judges to announce whose tea for eight landscape had the perfect balance of creativity and meticulousness combined with a kaleidoscope of tasteful colours.

String City violinists delight the crowd

Table decoration winner Alexia Roach (right)

The winner was the tropical yet elegant “Eleuthera” as depicted by Alexia Roach. She heard about tea party from a family friend.

“I was excited to see there was an event for sickle cell,” she said. “The tea party placed the disease on my

radar. My family is affected directly by cancer. When you’re not directly impacted by something it’s hard to keep it on your radar but events like this help to remind you that there are other people who are suffering with health issues.

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Friday, May 31, 2019

Inside Weekend

My perfect Bahamian weekend Sherron Hudson Entrepreneur Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch?

Interview 4-5 The new Miss World Bahamas looks forward to fighting for the environment

Art 7 An outlet for your creative side at the Paint Your Own Pottery Studio

Fashion 8 - 9 Bahamian designer showcases in New York and gets singled out by Wendy Williams

Music 10 - 11 Julien “Believe” and friends rock a Chinese festival in Beijing, plus ‘Big Bruh’ is back with new gospel music

Entertainment 12 A live viewing party and special concert for the UEFA Championship final with Jah Cure, Heineken, and more

Environment 13 An encounter of the marine kind for RM Bailey seniors

Society 14-15 The Cancer Society of the Bahamas bring the Met Gala to town

Film 17 ‘Godzilla’ returns to the big screen alongside ‘Stranger Things’ stand-out star

Pop culture 18 Name of thrones – HBO cult show inspires baby names

Gardening 19 It’s pineapple party time in Eleuthera

Literary Lives 20 - 22 An extreme experience in the jungles of Sri Lanka

Books 23 - 24 Best-selling author hopes to launch new publishing era in the Bahamas, plus the newest releases

Forgotten Facts 25 Paul Aranha remembers the legendary Blind Blake

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 The question of love, plus Pet of the Week

“I prefer Sunday brunch, because the Sunday meal is the definition of what true Bahamian culture is about.”

Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik?

“Cocktails, because you can pick your choice of flavouring according to how you feel that given day.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“I prefer the beach because it’s relaxing and (gives me) a peace of mind.”

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

“I can’t live without God because I know how the known has let me down, but the unknown has not let me down yet.”

Q: Weekend away, where would you go?

“I would go to Canada because it is the exact opposite to what we have...the perfect change of scenery.”

Things 2 Do this weekend Friday

• St Anne’s School Festival Concert Time: 7pm Venue: St Anne’s Auditorium The event will feature performances by the National Arts Festival participants. Donation is $5.

• Throwback 80s and 90s party Time: 8pm Venue: Smuggler’s Pirates of Nassau The Flashback Series is bringing back old school parties for those real old school lovers.

Come jam to old school reggae, hip hop and R&B from the 80s and 90s.

• “Friends with Benefits” – Back by Popular Demand Time: 8pm (additional performances on Saturday and Sunday) Venue: The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts Nassau audiences have another three chances to see Gea Pierre’s hit play which has already had 13 sold-out shows.

• The Odd Couple – The Female Version

Time: 8pm (additional performances on Saturday and Sunday) Venue: The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts Florence Unger and Olive Madison go head to head in Neil Simon’s comic classic. But instead of the poker party that starts off the original version, Ms Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Costazuela brothers. But the hilarity remains the same. Jovanna Hepburn encapsulates the highly-strung neurotic tendencies of Florence, while Patrice Francis and Sania Johnson-Duncombe both portray the untidy, unconcerned Olive. T

Saturday

• “Unmissable” – UEFA Championship Final Live Viewing Party + Concert Time: 3pm Venue: Beach Soccer Stadium SEE PAGE 12

• Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert Time: 7.30pm - 8.30pm Venue: St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk

The annual Spring concert will feature classic tunes from the big screen and more.

Admission is free.

• A Season at Fiona’s Theatre presents “Unplugged” Time: 7.30pm - 10pm Venue: The National Art Gallery A collaboration of two emerging trailblazers in their fields: singer/songwriter Chase Fernander and poet/singer Rashad Leamount. With “Unplugged”, they take it back to the music, to the beat, to the rhythm of tongue, skin, rhyme and bone. Other performers for the evening include: AbiYah, Tanisha Sweeting, Leoneisha Johnson, aka Leo, NevAndria Lyriic, Kenique Maria, Foots, Sherwood Rahming, Judah the Lion, and Foreign Sound.

Admission is $5.

Sunday

• The Sunday Cool Down Time: 7pm Venue: The Balmoral Club The Sunday Cool Down is back with its June edition.

Music, drinks and cool, relaxed vibes to help you get ready for summer.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019

interview

Entering the Miss World Bahamas pageant was a last-minute decision on this 18-year-old’s part, but it was one that paid off big time.

The new pageant queen tells Cara Hunt how she is excited for what lies ahead: an international competition in Thailand and fighting for the environment.

Nyah Bandelier

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ewly crowned Miss World Bahamas Nyah Bandelier did not grow up with dreams of being a beauty queen.

Rather, the 18-year-old imagined herself bringing life into the world as an obstetrician.

“I love biology and I love children,” she told Tribune Weekend, “so for me it just seemed like the perfect thing.

The miracle of life is so amazing.”

She has also considered a career in pharmaceutical sales.

“I can see myself as an entrepreneur as well as a doctor, because I can’t imagine only doing just one thing.”

Nyah has always had a wide variety of interests.

While attending Mount Carmel Preparatory Academy she was an avid dancer and gymnast. She even danced for the Roots Junkanoo group as well as being active in school events and

clubs. In fact, she did so well in her studies that she received several scholarships to attend university abroad.

“I love adventure and trying new things and taking risks,” she said, admitting that her entering the Miss World Bahamas pageant was somewhat of a spur of the moment decision.

“It had crossed my mind a few years earlier to maybe enter the Miss Talented Teen pageant, but I never followed up on it. I was a bit bummed that I didn’t, but then decided that it was not meant to be.

“When Miss World Bahamas came around, I decided at the very last minute to enter. I think I found my sponsor and completed my application three weeks before the deadline.

It was a last-minute decision because I had always been of the mindset that once I graduated from high school I would immediately go off to school.

That didn’t happen, but the year that

“...the year that I stayed home I was introduced to so much, including deciding to enter the pageant, so it just goes to show you that you don’t know what God has in store for you.”

I stayed home I was introduced to so much, including deciding to enter the pageant, so it just goes to show you that you don’t know what God has in store for you.”

Once she decided to enter Miss World, Nyah had to hit the ground running, finding the perfect wardrobe for all the events, including the all-important evening gown competition.

“I wanted a gown that was not a typical pageant colour,” she said of the Theodore Elyett design she chose – a sparkling turquoise, one-shoulder gown she wore for that segment of the competition.

“I wanted the dress to be elegant and dramatic and at the same time; reflect my personality,” she said.

Additionally, she worked with her own glam squad who helped her

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Friday, May 31, 2019

practice her walk, public speaking, assisted her in staying aware of current events and practice answering the make or break final question.

“Mentally, you just have to get into the game of competition. There are things that you can’t do or eat. I love food, so that was hard, and you had to work out consistently, but the hard work is worth it.”

Contestants were subjected to four intense days of boot camp, photography, videography and more, at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel and the Sandyport Beach Resort. The preparation period was comprised of 14-hour days of training, lectures and grooming. The subjects covered were: purpose and mission, self-esteem, effective public speaking, health and nutrition, living a limitless life, being an effective youth ambassador and handling media. Their training was filmed for a fourpart reality TV series called “Road to The Crown”, which was broadcast on Cable 12 TV. “Honestly, I had the dream team, she said.

Her efforts paid off and last Sunday evening during the finale at Atlantis. Nyah, competing in her first ever pageant, impressed the judges and wowed the audiences, both at the finale venue and those who were voting at home, to walk away with the coveted crown.

“I am very excited about the year ahead and being able to represent the Bahamas at the upcoming Miss World pageant in Thailand,” said Nyah.

The pageant takes place on Saturday, December 7.

“I love travelling and experiencing new cultures and so I am really excited about experiencing the Thai culture and the food, as well as competing. And I hope that I can do very well for the Bahamas.”

In addition to her training for the international pageant, Nyah intends to visit as many schools as she can to help young people realise their potential.

Her main platform during her reign, however, is to promote the ban on plastics that the government has indicated that they plan to implement by 2020.

“I will be working with the Bahamas Plastics Movement, BREEF and the Ministry of the Environment to encourage persons to stop using plastics bags. I plan to have a few events where I will be distributing mesh bags because I want people to get into the mindset of carrying those bags to the grocery store rather than using the plastic bags,” she explained.

Nyah said that she has definitely grown over the course of the competition, especially in her ability to interact with others.

“I had a fear of public speaking, but they helped me overcome it,” she noted. “The committee is like a family and from day one I felt so welcomed. It is going to be a fantastic year.”

Nyah is crowned Miss World Bahamas 2019.

(Photo/Terrel W Carey)

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Friday, May 31, 2019

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Friday, May 31, 2019

art

Unlocking your creative side

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

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hat started out as simple pottery painting sessions in 2014 has blossomed into a venture that wants to encourage Bahamians to be as creative as they want to.

The team at the Paint Your Own Pottery Studio (PYOP), now located at Palm Cay, has grown to include glass fusing, mosaics, board art, canvas painting, wet clay hand-building, wheel throwing, and more.

All ages are welcomed to visit and try their hand at a the various art forms offered. The studio can accommodate play groups, school field trips, church groups, corporate events, date and ladies’ nights. As PYOP is also a mobile art studio, the team is available to set up shop a client’s venue of choice.

“There have been so many memorable client experiences. For us, it is when a client comes in and they are so relaxed they share the stress/struggles they are enduring or when a mom/caregiver brings in a special needs child, and to see the light that shines from

within or just something as simple as seeing families and friends laugh, talk and bond while spending quality time together. Each class is unique in that we simplify each step to make the projects attainable for every client,” said Gia Singh, owner at PYOP. She said all of PYOP’s art mediums are offered as classes for those who need step by step instructions, but they are also available for walk-in projects. PYOP offers many designs and stencils to bring each customer’s project to life.

“Sometimes the first impression from patrons is that they are not artistic and cannot do the project. As we explain, their end project does not have to be an exact replica and we guide them step by step. They quickly come to see their designs taking shape and they are normally pleased with what they have created. Going forward we plan to stay on-trend with various art projects...that we think (our clients) will enjoy to create so that they can have memories that last a lifetime,” said Gia.

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019

fashion

Bahamian designer takes on Big Apple with classic glam

New collection inspired by Audrey Hepburn

By ALESHA CADET

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| Tribune Features writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

ahamian designer Anthea Bullard’s recent visit to New York City turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.

Not only was she chosen as the ‘Eye Candy of the Day’ on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’, but she got the opportunity to showcase her newest creations – inspired by Golden Age star Audrey Hepburn – in one of the fashion capitals of the world.

She describes the experience as “absolutely amazing” – working with new models, meeting new people and showing her Hardour Collection 2019 to a new audience. This opportunity that came about as a result of an invitation extended to her to by the organisers of The Islands Of The World Fashion Showcase in an effort to represent the Bahamas as a fashion hub.

As a child, Anthea spent countless hours cutting material, recreating and constructing clothing. She grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and she was determined to carve a path of her own.

In 2010, after having spent years learning the skills of entrepreneurship from her parents and studying fashion design at the Santa Monica College in Los Angeles, she launched her own label – The Hardour Collection. What started out small has now grown into a nationally recognised brand, with plans to expand globally.

Her latest collection features ready-to-wear and couture pieces for both men and women. She has also launched Hardour Décor, a line featuring home décor such as accent pillows and wine glasses.

Designer Anthea Bullard goes for the classic glam look.

“I am humbled and grateful to have seen my work on such a platform in NYC. I thank God constantly for my blessings and opportunities. My 2019 collection, that I call ‘Dynasty’, is inspired by Audrey Hepburn. It exudes old glamour with the gloves, hats, pearls, and a tad bit of sexiness with revealing, plunging neck lines and

sheers. The colour theme is black and white with patterns, mosaics and a lot of texture,” she said.

The Hardour Collection, she explained, is defined by luxury and elegance. Hardour creates masterpieces by using exotic fabrics from all over the world. It creates an experience with every design.

“From the guests at the showcase, I felt love. I was in awe with the positive responses that I received. The guests wanted all, from my business cards to photos, to finding out where can they purchase and when the next show is,” said Anthea.

While in New York, Anthea was an audience member for a live taping

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Friday, May 31, 2019

Anthea Bullard’s new ‘Dynasty’ collection features pieces inspired by the style of Hollywood’s Golden Age star Audrey Hepburn.

Anthea Bullard on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’

of “The Wendy Williams Show”. Wearing one of her signature Hardour pieces, Anthea caught Wendy’s eye and took part in a short interview. Wendy told viewers as she spoke to the designer: This is Anthea, and she’s from the Bahamas and she’s today’s eye candy. Look, all I know is I see beautifulness.”

Wendy continued: “And so the real trip is that you are a designer and you made this dress. Talk about it Anthea.” Anthea went on to speak about her outfit which Wendy praised.

The experience was a thrilling one for Anthea.

“Oh my God, ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ was exceedingly exciting. She was shocked upon learning that I had in fact made the dress that I wore, making her ‘Eye Candy of the Day’ even more interesting. It was a mind-blowing experience and the feedback I received locally and internationally has been overwhelming. Wendy is a gorgeous woman with a beautiful personality and I thank her sincerely for having me,” she said.

But it was an experience she almost missed out on due to her crippling fear of public speaking “My fear was so bad that I contemplated turning down the interview on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’. I prayed and then told myself this fear will not stop me today, just do it. I did and now that I’ve overcome, being heard by millions. (So now) I’m like, when is the next show?”

Next up for Anthea is her first ever fashion showcase in Nassau on July 28 at Sapodilla.

“I am super excited for my entry into the Nassau market as I will be showcasing up to 40 pieces along with my décor line, including accent pillows and wine glasses. I anticipate this event to be a class act,” she said.

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Friday, May 31, 2019

music

Julien “Believe” and friends rock Chinese festival BEIJING – Julien “Believe” Thompson rocked the stage with Bahamian musicians at the Music Waves, Midi and Strawberry Music Festival 2019 held at The Rose Bud, Chaoyang International Cultural Exchange Centre in China this week.

Singers Freddie Munnings, Jr and Angel Reckley joined Julien for the set with Brick City Band members – Inspectors Julian Darville and Jackson Jeffer, and Corporals Treco Johnson and Chineko Andrews. The team of visiting musicians were conducting a number of live performances in Beijing through May 27.

Freddie Munnings, Jr, started things off and got the audience on their feet with a medley of Bahamian standards, including “Uncle Lou” and “Sloop John B” from the 1950s, and “Funky Nassau” from the 1970s, along with a number of golden oldies. This flowed seamlessly into Angel Reckley “getting funky” with more recent Bahamian and pop songs that got the crowd dancing in front of the stage and learning to “Hold Your Head” and “Move it to the Left”. Next came Julien “Believe”, who capped the night off with more lively tracks and even did a version of the his hit “Caribbean Slide” with Brazilian dancers.

By the end of the performance, people were out of their seats and dancing with the singers as the Brick City Band continued to impress with their instrumental prowess.

Also among the various international and Chinese musicians slated to perform at the festival were, from the Caribbean region, Trinidadian Akil “5Star Akil” Anthony Borneo, the Dominican Republic’s renowned musical group Sistema Temperado, and Jamaican reggae legend Junior Kelly.

Music Waves has been held 13 times since 2004, and has a potential broadcast and social media audience of millions of viewers.

After a lively set of classic Bahamian tracks and pop songs from the team of musicians, Julien ended with a medley of his “Junkanoo Pop” hits, and had the audience in a dance circle, teaching them a few steps. The entire studio audience, including a few children, also posed with the Bahamian performers for a few photos, showcasing the ability of music to help create friendships and encourage cultural exchange.

ERIC ROSE

PHOTOS/ERIC ROSE

Julien “Believe” Thompson

Angel Reckley

Freddie Munnings, Jr

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Friday, May 31, 2019

music

'Big Bruh' dreams big with new gospel music

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

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lthough his life was filled with music from an early age, Clifford “Big Bruh” Riley never really explored his own talent as a singer/songwriter until he was almost out of his teenage years.

“I love music, I know that it is my gift to the world,” the gospel singer told Tribune Weekend.

“As a child growing up my mother and me would listen to that old school music like Freddie Jackson, Luther Vandros, but I also listened to other types of music like the Wu Tang Clan and Naughty by Nature.”

When he hit 18, he said he realised that he wanted to pursue his passion on a full-time basis.

“I realised that music was my gift; it is the reason that I was put on this earth. Music is my way of being able to uplift hearts, minds and souls. I just love being able to encourage people.”

Clifford got his start in 1990 while he was employed at the Crystal Palace Hotel. There, he met three other talented young men and they formed the group Centerfold .

After Centerfold disbanded, Clifford and two other young men formed the band called Black Man Juice. The group opened up for such music icons like Notorious B.I.G, Funk Flex, OutKast and Missy Elliot at local shows.

The band also had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States On returning home, the group decided to release an album which they did with the help of two other musicians. Together, they formed what they called “The SOE Movement”, which stood for “Soldier of the Earth”. Their first single, “Lyrical Relaxation”, was released, climbed to number one on all of the radio stations here in the Bahamas.

“I realised that music was my gift; it is the reason that I was put on this earth.”

After some tension within the group, the band disbanded and Clifford knew it was time to launch a solo career.

It was then he felt in his heart that he needed to turn away from secular music and use his talents to praise God. “When people hear my music I want them to be able to immediately be able to see my spiritual side. I was created to make music. I may sing in different styles, but the music is about encouraging people when they are down,” he said.

Clifford has also performed with the Barak Movement was the only Bahamian ministry group to sing in front of

several international gospel recording artists like Byron Cage, Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary.

Some of his more popular songs include “Lover of My Soul”, “My Help” and “Situations Be Like That”.

One of his latest projects is the song “Yes, I Have a Dream.” He will also be releasing a full album soon.

The idea behind that particular song is to motivate people to follow their dreams, he said.

“We are all here for a purpose. The seed to be great is inside all of us, we are all just have different trees that grow depending on what our talent is.

There will be times when you are faced with disappointment, but you need to just keep on going.”

Clifford has been steadily building his brand, both at home and abroad.

He recently attended the Stellar Gospel Awards. The show honours the achievements of recording artists and composers and their contributions to the industry. It was a great networking event for him.

His music is also being played on gospel music stations throughout the United States, the Caribbean and South America.

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Friday, May 31, 2019

concert

Start the party for UEFA Championship final N

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

| Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

o matter who emerges as the winner, Bahamian soccer fans of both Liverpool and the Tottenham Spurs will have the chance enjoy a great party after the UEFA Championship final tomorrow.

A special final screening event presented by Heineken will be held at the National Beach Soccer Stadium beginning at 3pm. It will be followed by an after-party concert featuring the likes of Jah Cure, American rapper Plies and Stylo G. The game will be shown on two giant screens at stadium. Throughout the viewing there will be opportunities for patrons to win Heineken giveaways and prizes. There will also be food vendors and music by top Nassau DJs. The second part of the experience will be the concert party featuring the special guest artists.

“The concert was added to give a new and fresher element to the experience. Music is also a huge platform for Heineken and given the love the Bahamians have for music it made sense to marry the two platforms to create the ultimate Heineken experience,” said Adrian Wildgoose, Heineken brand manager.

“The three artists make for a dynamic styled concert. Two of the artists have never performed in Nassau before. The energy they will bring will add an extra swagger to the experience and create those unmissable moments that patrons can enjoy with their friends in an experience that only Heineken can make happen.”

The UEFA Champions League is a major platform for Heineken globally.

Heineken has been a UEFA partner since 1994. Around the world, over 4.2 billion people enjoy the game.

The local viewing party is the brand’s way of bringing the global experience to the Bahamas.

“This is not the first time that Heineken has done this here in Nassau,

Jah Cure but this time promises to be the most exciting,” said Mr Wildgoose.

“This event is certainly Heineken’s kick-off to summer and will be worthwhile experience...Even if you are not a soccer fan, you will be able to enjoy

Stylo G the game because of the high calibre of talent that the teams will display, and of course the concert and DJs will create even more unmissable moments that patrons can share and enjoy with Heineken.”

Plies The next major experience for the Heineken brand will be “The Ultimate Heineken VIP Experience”. As the event nears, more details will be revealed about what is to come.

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Friday, May 31, 2019

environment

An encounter of the marine kind bLUE LAGOON ISLAND HELPS INSPIRE NEXT STEPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Teams Up With Kappa Alpha Psi

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group of 12th grade boys from RM Bailey Senior High School gained a greater appreciation for marine animals and the role Bahamians play in protecting their environment after recently spending a day at Blue Lagoon Island.

The young men are participants in the Guide Right programme sponsored by the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Each week, the fraternity men spend time with the students to provide mentorship and guidance as they prepare to transition from high school into college or the real world.

In order to provide a holistic programme, the fraternity enlists the support and generosity of corporate partners like Blue Lagoon Island to offer unique opportunities and exposure to experiences the young men might otherwise not get to do.

The 25 students and four fraternity chaperones spent the morning participating in Blue Lagoon Island’s Sea Camp, one of educational programmes offered by the company.

They took part in an island scavenger hunt that helped them to learn about the environment and then competed in a game that demonstrated the very real danger of overfishing in Bahamian waters.

For RM Bailey 12th grader Stanley Munnings, the entire Blue Lagoon

Island experience solidified his desire to study marine biology and demonstrated how internationally accredited attractions like Blue Lagoon Island offer far more than just vacation entertainment.

“With places like these that can actually bring tourists out and make people open their eyes to new things that we could be able to clean up the Bahamas to make it a better place to be able to conserve and save these animals,” he said.

The highlight for him and most of his classmates was the opportunity to do the Dolphin Encounter. He was surprised to see how high the dolphins can jump and witness for himself their intelligence.

Fellow student Jaleel Brown felt the same way. Unlike most of the group, he had been to Blue Lagoon Island before, but this was his first time interacting with the dolphins in their all natural habitat.

“I actually got to touch a dolphin.

And it feels like a hard-boiled egg. It actually has a rubbery substance when you touch the belly. It’s quite soft.

It has a weird feeling,” he laughed, adding that he felt that he and Shawn the dolphin shared a special bond. “He liked to splash me from time to time.

Out of everybody who went to touch him, I feel as though he connected with me more.”

Fraternity member Jerome Sawyer was excited by what such a unique field trip could mean for the group.

“I would hope that it’s an awakening. And when I say an awakening – to be able to co-exist at a facility like this with tourists and feel that you have a stake in it as a Bahamian. To know that these things exist in your country.

To understand the importance of the environment that we live in, to look after the things and the creatures and the places that we have. Because this is how we live. Tourism is our life,” he said.

With their next steps weighing heavily on their minds, a number of the young men were inspired by what they learned about the company and industry to enquire about job opportunities at Blue Lagoon Island.

“I was actually thinking that I was going to come back here and see if I could get a job here because I just like marine life,” said Jaleel. “I like dolphins, I like all types of sea creatures. I like sharks.”

Jerome expressed gratitude on behalf of the students and the fraternity for the opportunity provided by Blue Lagoon Island.

“I really have to say hats off to the folks here at Blue Lagoon Island for sponsoring this for us and for allowing these young men to experience this. It is so very vital that programmes like this are funded, are sponsored, are recognised, are facilitated by Bahamian companies because these men are future employees. These men one day are going to bring their families here. These men are one day going to promote this business. But more importantly, these young men have an appreciation for what this is.”

To encourage more Bahamians to visit the island and develop a greater appreciation for the marine environment and animals, Blue Lagoon Island offers specially discounted residents’ rates on all its programmes.

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Friday, May 31, 2019

celebrity The Weekend Fashion Report

amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS

With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

SPLIT

HIT

FAIL

HIT

Singer H.E.R.

Kendall Jenner ”Keeping Up With The Kardashians”

Rebel Wilson ”Isn’t It Romantic”

Pamela Anderson ”Baywatch”

Model Jasmine Tookes

Karin says: “OK, that royal blue really is Rebel’s colour.

It suits her to perfection. The dress is very simple, but still elegant and pretty. There is nothing too exciting going on here, but the bright colour of the gown kinda makes its own statement. And she actually does pull off the off-theshoulder look.”

Cara says: “This dress is the exact colour and neckline of my prom dress, so those two elements I like. I think she looks nice, even if I think the dress is a bit sedate and oldfashioned for her. But it’s still nice. The bright blue kinda saves it.”

Karin says: “I know the tattered look is on purpose, and sometimes that concept works. But here it just looks messy. It doesn’t help that the pale peach really washes her out. Also, that extremely dark eye make-up is just too harsh on her; it ages her.”

Cara says: “This dress looks like shredded tissue paper.

The colour is a bit too pale for her as well. The bottom half is just OK, but the stringy top is just not that attractive.

Still, compared to how she has looked in the past, this is probably not that bad.”

Karin says: “Simply stunning!

This Georges Chakra Couture gown is blinding like the sun.

I simply love the play of all the different yellows and soft whites. We haven’t seen a dress quite like this when when it comes to the smudged watercolour look. The asymmetrical cut is gorgeous as well.”

Cara says: “The ombre shimmer fabric on this dress is quite lovely. This is a style that we have seen before, but the colour and detail of the fabric makes it stand out. I like the one-shoulder effect and the fact that she didn’t overpower the look by pulling her hair back. It’s a hit for me.”

Karin says: “Yes, it looks a bit like she’s going to prom, but I love it! I love the combination of the froufy gown with the cool shades, and also the fact it’s ankle length and she’s chose to go with laced up booties. Her hair, looks glorious. It’s just a really cool and cute look.”

Cara says: “I love that bow necklace; it’s very cute. The dress is very frou-frou, but the fabric is pretty. However, it has very wedding cake top vibe going on. But she has the personality to match it, I guess. It’s fine, but I’m not crazy about it.”

Karin says: “Kendall never really wows me. The thing is, this dress is quite fab and the bright pink looks great on her, but we’ve seen this same style of dress on several celebrities in recent months. It’s just not original anymore. But I guess she does do the dress justice... being tall helps.”

Cara says: “The fit of this dress is just off and makes it look very unflattering for some reason. The colour is all right, very candy buffet.

I don’t hate it, but I dislike it. But then we don’t really expect Kendall to be a style icon, even though she is a

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, May 31, 2019

film

Review: ‘Godzilla’ is back and doing just fine Godzilla | 131 mins. |

I

t’s been a bit since movie-goers had the chance to catch up with Godzilla, five years in fact, which in cinematic franchise time feels like at least a few decades. In other words, it’s understandable if you go into “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” a little rusty on just what went down in Tokyo and San Francisco back in 2014.

But “Godzilla: King of the Monsters “ is a sequel in the loosest possible sense that requires minimal recall from the audience, which is likely a good thing for those whose brains have been overloaded with “Game of Thrones,” ‘‘Avengers” and “Star Wars” minutiae and mythology. Worry not, Godzilla is here to provide some old-fashioned summer spectacle, no CliffsNotes required.

It’s a low bar, sure, but at least Godzilla is comfortable with its place in the blockbuster ecosystem.

The filmmakers have even helpfully shifted the focus to another family entirely for this instalment, from the inert Brodys (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen) to the Russells, a now-broken family of scientists who lived in San Francisco during the 2014 attack. There are a few holdovers though, mostly employees of Monarch, the secret multinational organisation that studies the titans, like Dr Serizawa (Ken Watanabe) and Dr Graham (Sally Hawkins), who are being accused of hiding Godzilla from world

governments who’d rather just destroy them all.

As far as the newcomers go, Dr Emma Russell (Vera Farmiga) also works for Monarch and has developed a machine called the Orca, which simulates the sounds of the various titans. She believes this can be used to help manage them. Emma lives with her 14-year-old daughter, Madison (”Stranger Things’” Millie Bobby Brown in her first major film role), who is precociously enchanted by her mother’s work and admires the primordial creatures.

Madison’s father Mark Russell (Kyle Chandler, whose intensity is at level 10 for most of the movie) is not really in the picture, having left after the San Francisco incident, but is drawn back in when Emma and Madison (and the Orca) are kidnapped by some militant eco-terrorists led by Jonah Alan (Charles Dance).

This group wants to use the titans, of which there are now “17 and counting” including a pretty dazzling Mothra and a less-enchanting three-headed “Monster Zero,” to help reset the planet and reverse climate change and overpopulation. There’s some convenient explanation of why the radiation from the titans actually helps revitalise vegetation, which, like many of the silly plot devices in this movie, you kind of just let slide. That said, anyone currently watching “Chernobyl” on HBO will likely be very stressed out about

‘Stranger Things’ star Millie Bobby Brown in her first big screen role, shown here with Vera Farmiga. the amount of radiation all the humans are likely absorbing just by being in proximity to all these creatures.

Michael Dougherty has taken the directing reins this time, from Gareth Edwards, and has done a fine job capturing the grandness of the titans, keeping the action coherent and balancing the human element thanks to a terrific cast that also includes O’Shea Jackson Jr and Thomas Middleditch.

His script is also pleasingly light and often funny, although Bradley Whitford’s Dr Stanton goes a little overboard trying to be the comic relief.

But even that is easy to give a pass to. “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” is turn-your-brain-off summer fun, and doesn’t need to be anything more than that.

LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019

pop culture

Name of 'Thrones': Parents name kids after show’s characters BALTIMORE (AP) — Five years ago, shortly after giving birth to twin girls, Lauren Kucharski knew that Arya was the right choice for her spirited daughter.

“We knew we wanted the name before she was born but didn’t know which twin to give it to until they were born. She came out fighting,” said Kucharski, a 38-year-old Timonium resident who is also an avid fan of the “Game of Thrones” series on HBO. Kucharski said she wanted to name her daughter after another strong female. (Arya’s twin is named after Maya Angelou.) The character Arya Stark stood out to Kucharski because of the heroine’s strong-willed nature and the fact that she doesn’t take no for an answer.

“She was able to carve her own way,” Kucharski said.

For fans of the popular series, it’s not enough to tune into HBO each Sunday (the TV series recently ended after eight seasons) or to reread the pages of the fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by author George RR Martin.

According to a names.org study, Arya was the most popular baby name from the show followed by Emilia (the actress who portrays Daenerys Targaryen), Khaleesi, Maisie (the actress who portrays Arya), Meera and Daenerys.

The findings, which were based on the most recent data from the US Social Security Administration, compared babies born in the year that the show debuted (2011) to babies born in 2017, the most recent data available.

This isn’t the first time that fans of shows and movies have decided to name their offspring after characters. The “Twilight” book and movie series spawned a generation of Bellas, Jacobs and Edwards. And tweens named Harry and Hermione were likely inspired by J K Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.

Both Arya and Khaleesi have become popular names for girls in recent years. (Photos/HBO) Naming a child after a character from a show or book is a natural occurrence, according to Robert J Thompson, a professor and founding director of the Bleier Centre for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University.

Thompson said that many of the Jays walking around were likely named after a character in “The Great Gatsby,” and there is a good chance that the Finns we know are because of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

Lukes and Lauras named during the 1980s were probably because of “General Hospital,” he said.

Thompson suspects that children with names of characters from popular shows are the result of two factors: their parents are die-hard fans, and those names have crept into popular culture.

“You hear a name and that reminds you that name exists,” he explained.

Thompson also points to the fact that the names in “Game of Thrones” are unusual and would attract parents who wanted their child to have a distinct name.

“They might be appealing for people who are tolling around for something other than Christopher and Rebecca.

‘Game of Thrones’ is filled with original names,” he said.

It helps that the show attracts double-digit millions of viewers an episode.

Kucharski and her husband, Matthew, watch the show each week with bated breath.

“It has many elements of surprise.

No character is really safe,” she explained. “Looking back, it was risky to name my daughter Arya. I’m still holding my breath for the last episode.”

Chrissie Perry, 32, was able to combine her love of “Game of Thrones” while honouring a family member when naming her five-month-old son Robert.

She named her son after her late grandfather and the “Game of Thrones” character Robb Stark, the King of the North.

“It wasn’t the main reason we named him Robert but we loved that it was also a Game of Thrones character

name,” the Federal Hill resident said.

“It wasn’t like I specifically said I need to name my kid after a Game of Thrones character. It was a strong classic name.”

Perry said that she likes the way this season has progressed. But she admits that she’s likely alone in that sentiment.

“I think everyone hates the season so far,” she said with a laugh. “I like the surprise and the twist that they are going with. I think this is kind of cool that they have this complete 180degree shift. It will be interesting to see how they will tie this together.”

The big twist she’s referencing has to do with the popular character Daenerys Targaryen.

“She was an amazing character for six seasons, and all of the sudden there is a shift in her character. . . . If you named your kid Daenerys, it was kind of a ‘whoops’ moment. You didn’t see that coming.”

JOHN-JOHN WILLIAMS IV The Baltimore Sun

N

ext weekend Gregory Town will be the place to be as the community celebrates the tradition of pineapple farming on Eleuthera and honours the growers for their outstanding contributions to the island’s welfare. Started in 1988, the Pineapple Festival will feature a pineapple eating contest, a pineapple cooking contest, old time crazy pineapple sports, and plaiting of the pineapple pole. There will be a non-stop pineapple party with live entertainment, native foods, and much more. The festival runs from Thursday, June 6, to Sunday, June 9, and you can call (242) 332-2142 for information.

When most people think of pineapples, they think of Hawaii. For years the islands provided mainland USA with pineapples, but these days the fruits are grown almost solely for home consumption. Central America, particularly Nicaragua, is now the world’s main pineapple producing area. The Hawaiian pineapple industry left a large carbon footprint and the fruit that was exported fresh instead of being canned had to be picked long before ripeness. As with most fruits, pineapples taste best when eaten ripe in the location where they grow; if you take a trip to Eleuthera for the Pineapple Festival you will be convinced of this. The only pineapples that taste better than Eleuthera pineapples are those you grow yourself.

The Bahamas has the perfect climate for growing pineapples. Unfortunately, it does not, by and large, have the perfect soil. Pineapple plants need soil with at least a neutral pH factor and preferably a little acidic. Areas of red soil called laterite are suitable for raising pineapples but these tend to occur in patches. Home-grown pineapples have to be raised in containers but that is not too much of a problem.

Pineapples are bromeliads, which are some of the toughest plants around. Many bromeliads are epiphytic and cling to trees while others grow in the ground. Several ground bromeliads, including pineapples, have roots that serve to keep the plant anchored and upright while the real nutrition is absorbed through long spiny leaves, not the roots.

As with most bromeliads, flowering in pineapples occurs when the slowgrowing plant reaches maturity. The development from flower to fruit takes another four months and altogether the process can take from one year to two years Pineapple growers are patient.

You want to grow your own pineapples? Go and buy some from the store.

Remove the crown at the top of the fruit. Some experts say you can twist the leafy crown off but I have never

Pineapple party

Jack Hardy celebrates the sweetest of the bromeliad fruits. managed that. I prefer to cut away the top two inches of the fruit and then trim the flesh away to leave a bare stalk below the greenery. Keep your cutaway crowns somewhere in the light but away from direct sunlight for at least two weeks. The lower leaves will die and the upper ones will not look happy. When the two weeks are up, pull off the dead leaves and plant your crown in a container.

It is recommended that each crown be grown in a four-gallon pot. Add potting mix or potting soil to the container until it is about two-thirds full and plant your crown in the middle so the stalk is in the soil and the leaves just touch the soil. Why two-thirds full? When the crown grows into a large plant the lower leaves will be supported by the rim of pot and when flowering fruiting occurs the plant will remain upright. Even better, use a fivegallon paint drum and half fill it with mix before planting the crown. Don’t forget to drill drainage holes in the drum first.

Pineapples like to be kept fairly moist so water them two or three times a week. Buy some Miracle-Gro Miracid and mix it according to instructions. Spray your pineapple every two weeks with a light application of Miracid. Slow growing plants like bromeliads need a little feeding often.

Spray onto the insides of the leaves for it is here that the pineapple plant absorbs nutrients.

When the plant flowers a stalk-like stem called a peduncle is formed and holds the fruit aloft when it forms out of the flower mass. Ripeness occurs while the pineapple is still green but has touches of yellow or orange on the outside bumps.

Bromeliads propagate by producing pups – new plants – from the bottom of the parent plant. Your pineapple plant will do the same but now the pups are called ratoons or slips. Remove these and plant them for the next crop. Good news: pineapples grown from pups take only a year to 18 months to produce fruit.

Many gardeners on Abaco are growing pineapples this way but they mostly grow Sugar Loaf pineapples that are quite small – 2-4 lbs – and are tapered at the top but are ranked as the sweetest in the world. The flesh is white, not

yellow, and instead of pups several growths called sets are produced just below the developing fruit.

The sets should be picked off when they reach about two inches in length. When they are planted your crop will be ready in 12 to 16 months. Ask your nursery about providing Sugar Loaf sets.

If you grow one or two pineapples you will come to the conclusion that there is too much work involved for what you get in the end. If, however, you plant plenty and spread them throughout the year you will find pineapples immensely rewarding.

And tasty.

The Tribune | Weekend |19

gardening

Friday, May 31, 2019

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019

literary lives

An extreme experience

Part I

Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about a turbulent camping safari in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

I

hadn’t been back to Sri Lanka for 12 years. However, enticed

by Lalith Seneviratne – a friend and wildlife author – I convinced my wife to embark on just one more tenting adventure in the jungles of Sri Lanka, and to cross the country diagonally (something seldom done), risking the October monsoons. It was a mistake – but a thrilling one.

We left Nova Scotia early last October, flew to London, and then enjoyed the comforts of Air Lanka – arriving in Colombo on October 8. The rains were not expected to hit us until the end of the month. But we were wrong.

After three nights “resting up” in Tangalle on the southeast coast, we were driven to the Kumana National Park. Kumana is located at the southernmost corner of the Eastern Province and is by far the most picturesque area of the dry zone coastline of the island. The park is separated from the more famous Yala National Park by the flowing waters of the Kumbukkan River. One of the most splendid parts of the Kumana Park is a 500-acre mangrove swamp – host to thousands of migrating birds who rest and breed in the swamp: Painted storks, grey herons, spotted-billed pelicans, spoonbills, white ibis, Eastern purple herons, pond herons, night herons, Indian darters; as well as resident Indian water hens, purple coots, pheasant-tailed jacanas, black-winged stilts, whistling teal, and little grebes. The lagoons in the swamp attract sandpipers, plovers, ducks and waders during the northeast monsoon.

An elephant in the South Kumana National Park Our drive along the winding waterlogged road to the campsite was a herald of things to come. It had been raining, and raining hard. There was no disguising it. The roads were sometimes impassable, and the camp damp and uncomfortable. However, the Pereras were very professional and they made the camp as comfortable for us as they possibly could. Four spacious tents sprawled by the river. Sheet covers and ground sheets covered the muddy ground, and we carefully put our possessions and clothes into teapoys and hoped for the best. It rained hard that first night so it wasn’t difficult to wake at 5am and have our much-needed cup of coffee. One of the camping difficulties was making our way to the camp toilet – a makeshift tenting cover over a deep hole. We had to pick our way with a flashlight over “guy” ropes and muddy poles – a

difficult and hazardous experience knowing that leopards lurked in the darkness.

We set off for our first game drive before 6am. It was overcast and wet.

But we were enthusiastic as we piled into the open Toyota jeep – setting off into the jungles looking for game.

It didn’t take us long before we came across a sloth bear digging under a log for termites and insects. It is the only bear species found on the island and is a dangerous animal – charging humans whenever disturbed. In the dry season it feeds more on berries, flowers, honey, and the jungle fruit of the palm, mora, kon, thimbiri, and damba trees. The sloth bear is more feared by jungle villagers than any other animal.

A brown fish owl exposed itself, and spotted deer and a lone black elephant loitered in the marshy plain. Shirley Perera (Christopher Perera’s father) joined us on this and subsequent game

drives. A former wildlife director, he is extremely knowledgeable on fauna and flora and explained that the dark elephant was the lowest of the three elephant castes. I had no idea that there was such a caste system. He told us that the senior lighter coloured elephants had five toes rather than four – an extraordinary statistic.

Back at camp we had string hoppers – a traditional Sri Lankan dish – consisting of rice flour pressed into noodle form and then steamed. It is one of my favourite dishes and is always accompanied by several curries. The Pereras’ camp cook was a man with unique culinary talents. On the afternoon game drive we climbed Buwath Gala – an ancient rock outcrop that contains the remains of a small dagoba. The view of the South Kumana Park from the high rock monastery was spectacular.

On the next morning’s game drive we witnessed something quite

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, May 31, 2019

remarkable. I had heard of wildlife trackers being able to speak to wild elephants, sometimes with disastrous consequences, but I had never witnessed anyone being able to do it. So when a large bull elephant aggressively blocked our jeep it was a disturbing event. However, Shirley Perera, sitting next to me in the open seats behind the driver, calmly and with authority spoke to the elephant and appeared to reason with him. We were speechless.

The elephant was only inches from the front of the jeep.

“Good morning. How are you? Why are you blocking our way? Don’t you see that we are trying to go along this road? Be a good fellow. Why don’t you step backwards and let us pass?”

Perera tried to persuade the stubborn elephant to move out of the way for five or more minutes. And then we witnessed – the first time I had ever seen anything like it – the elephant taking first one step backwards, then two steps, then three and four for about fifteen yards. Then, continuing to back up, the elephant actually backed into the jungle at the side of the road. An amazing sight. Our jeep slowly moved forward, with Perera turning to the elephant and saying, “Thank you very much. You are a good fellow. Have a good day.” The event was even more remarkable because Perera constantly used his right arm – simulating a small elephant trunk.

We worked hard on our game drive.

The roads were muddy and it was tough slogging. We got some good photographs of a striped neck mongoose, and in the late morning we saw a large male leopard moving briskly away from us apparently in a hurry.

We sensed that he knew something we didn’t – and very soon the heavens opened to a heavy downpour. We returned to camp – jubilant that we had seen our first leopard.

Rain! We were plagued by rain, but consoled ourselves with the excellent food given to us by the camp cook: fish curry, coconut sambol, roti, poppadoms, basmati rice. There was always lots to eat – and usually followed by delicious buffalo curd and “kitul pani” – honey from the kitul palm.

These rains in the middle of October were persistent. It was quite unpleasant. We wondered if they were the start of the northeast monsoon. If so, they could continue for three months – not the best weather for a jungle safari. It didn’t matter. We were doing what we loved best – camping and looking for wildlife and adventure. Painted storks

Pelicans and cormorants in the Gal Oya Reservoir

The Ondaatjes camping in the Kumana National Park

Sir Christopher under a banyan tree

The Xtreme Nature Tours dishes are always delicious.

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

huddled in prayer – looking down in shallow lagoons of water in the sodden plains. Only the darkness forced us to stop our game drives after which we returned to camp for more superb food and more opportunity to exchange wildlife tales.

On our fourth and last day in Kumana we found an old territorial leopard resting in a sandy glade. He was about twelve years old and had been seen several times before in the park. I had trouble focussing my new Lumix 300 camera which had a powerful 600 mm lens but did not allow for twigs or branches interrupting the accurate focus of the subject. It is a terrific camera but requires intelligent computer knowledge to use it properly.

I somehow managed to find an accommodating setting.

We left Kumana on our final morning at 5.30am. Unusually, it was a bright sunny day. The birds seemed to welcome the change in the weather and we saw pied kingfishers, adjutant storks, crested hawk eagles, serpent eagles, and a black necked stork.

We temporarily bid our farewells to the Perera family (as we planned to meet them again in Wilpattu on the northwest coast) and started our long journey to the Gal Oya Lodge at Rathugala, in the foothills of the Mahakonda Mountain Range.

The Gal Oya Lodge is a relatively new wildlife destination – owned and operated by Tim Edwards – the son of Jim Edwards, the former owner of Tiger Tops in Nepal. I hadn’t seen any of the Edwards family for 23 years. What a surprise! The Lodge – a unique out of the way boutique hotel is situated near an ancient abode of the Veddha people – almost hidden in mountains scattered with caves where the original hunter-gatherers lived, who have now moved down to lower elevations and integrated into the agricultural society. However they still retain some of their customs and traces of their language. Foothills of the mountain range are covered in acres of aralu, bulu, and nellie medicinal forests – a veritable “jungle pharmacy” reputed to have been planted by the early Sri Lankan kings.

Gal Oya Lodge is about an hour’s drive from the Gal Oya Reservoir – the largest freshwater body of water (about 25,900 hectares) on the island.

The Lodge is an eco-friendly, comfortable development similar to lodges one might find in the British Isles.

It is very different from any others I have seen in Sri Lanka. The owners

Friday, May 31, 2019

The Gal Oya National Park

A Wilpattu leopard have created bird walks and journeys to archaeological sites – particularly to Rajagala, where it is believed that relics of Arahat Mahinda who brought Buddhism to the island are enshrined.

There are also boat safaris on the Gal Oya Reservoir where, if you are lucky, you will see elephants swimming between the reservoir islands, and see a multitude of birds roosting in the dead carcasses of century-old drowned trees protruding into the sky. We took many, many photographs of fish eagles, cormorants, egrets, and white-bellied sea eagles.

We only stayed three nights at Gal Oya – resting from our Kumana camping experience and luxuriating in dry beds and enjoying hot water.

We then drove northwest towards Anuradhapura where we stayed for two nights at the Ulagalla Walawwa – originally owned and built by an old Sinhala chieftain family. Walawwas are manor houses that date back to the Portuguese and Dutch eras on the island. The Ulagalla Walawwa is only a few miles south of Anuradhapura, and during the worst part of the Sri Lankan civil war in 1985, Anuradhapura became a military town and the Walawwa was taken over by the

army as an army headquarters in this strategically important part of the country. It is the gateway to the North.

The Walawwa was bought by the current owners Uga Escapes in 2007, and they have done a masterful job in renovating the old building. We had another two nights in this very pleasant hideaway before our next “extreme experience” in Wilpattu.

NEXT WEEK: A turbulent camping safari in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

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

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

Friday, May 31, 2019

books

New releases hitting shelves this week • Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark Sharing never-before-heard stories ranging from their struggles with depression, eating disorders, and addiction, Karen and Georgia irreverently recount their biggest mistakes and deepest fears, reflecting on the formative life events that shaped them into two of the most followed voices in the nation.

“In Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered”, the authors focus on the importance of self-advocating and valuing personal safety over being ‘nice’ or ‘helpful.’ They delve into their own pasts, true crime stories, and beyond to discuss meaningful cultural and societal issues with fierce empathy and unapologetic.

• Before the Broken Star by Emily R King

Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.

Her journey takes her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Markham may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her astonishing destiny.

• The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg

Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species—formerly extinct—roam free.

Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful “princesses” engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her

programming including, for the first time… love.

But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana’s memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty—and what it truly means to be human.

• Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawai-

ian Cowboys, the World’s Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West In August 1908, three unknown riders arrived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, their hats adorned with wildflowers, to compete in the world’s greatest rodeo.

Steer-roping virtuoso Ikua Purdy and his cousins Jack Low and Archie Ka’au’a had travelled 4,200 miles from Hawaii, of all places, to test themselves against the toughest riders in the West.

Dismissed by whites, who considered themselves the only true cowboys, the native Hawaiians would astonish the country, returning home champions— and American legends.

An unforgettable human drama set against the rough-knuckled frontier, David Wolman and Julian Smith’s Aloha Rodeo unspools the fascinating and little-known true story of the Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo, whose 1908 adventure upended the conventional history of the American West.

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019

books

Best-selling author hopes to usher in new era of Bahamian publishing

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

B

| Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

ahamian economic strategist Dr Showalter Johnson, who has sold millions of copies of his best-selling book on US President Donald Trump, is now gearing up for the launch of his very own publishing house.

Dr Johnson is a governmental adviser, managing director of the Global Village Group of companies, CEO of the Billionaire Round Table and The Commonwealth Embassy.

He has nearly two decades of experience as a consultant for corporate organisations, Fortune 500 companies, religious organisations and foreign governments.

Now, he is launching Global Village Publishing on June 15 at Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

“We have been publishing best-sellers for some time now, but feel that the time is right to launch Global Publishing to the world,” Dr Johnson said.

Some of the best-sellers Dr Johnson is referring to include his book “The Contrarian – The Secrets God told me about Donald Trump”, “The Seers Realm of the Kingdom”, and “The Kingdom Commonwealth: 7 Secrets to Efficient Business and Economic Growth”.

“The Contrarian” was written before the US presidential election in 2016. In the book, Dr Johnson talks about how he predicted President Trump’s win.

He writes predominantly about influence, faith, money and government.

The book sold millions of copies worldwide, topping sales of any Bahamian author in history.

The publishing house has also released romance novels, business help books, self-development guides and books on politics. The inspiration to launch Global Publishing came from Dr Johnson’s love to write, educate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Dr Showalter Johnson “Here at Global Publishing we want to turn entrepreneurs’ strategies into business models. We want to help entrepreneurs share their stories of hardship, the ups and downs, as a way to monetise their income and inspire others,” he said.

Ambassador Sidney Collie told Tribune Weekend he applauds Dr Johnson for his efforts to empower entrepreneurs worldwide.

“I participated in the Billionaire Round Table that Dr Johnson had first hosted which was successful in Nassau several years ago. I think Dr Johnson, a native born Acklins man, has risen over the ranks throughout the years.

He is biblical based man and highly regarded and I believe is trying to position himself and work on the global stage as well as bring recognition to The Bahamas,” he said.

Dr Johnson is the only Bahamian to be presented to the US House of Representatives, in Charleston, North Carolina, where he was recognised for his book “The Contrarian”; for the Lenders Auction, a digital platform; for his venture capital funding initiatives, and for his efforts in raising up entrepreneurs globally.

Republican Samuel Rivers announced Dr Johnson to the US House of Representatives. In light of

his accomplishments, he was awarded the keys to city and two days were proclaimed in his honour.

In another first, Dr Johnson is the only Bahamian to receive the prestigious World Civility Award for his philanthropic service to mankind. He shares this platform with people like Dr Kenneth Kaunda, former politician and first president of Zambia, Africa.

The top 10 books on Apple’s iBooks

iBook charts for week ending May 26, 2019

1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 2. Howard Stern Comes Again by Howard Stern 3. A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell 4. Echo Burning by Lee Child 5. Unfreedom of the Press by Mark R Levin 6. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin 7. Cari Mora by Thomas Harris 8. Leaving Time (with bonus novella

Larger Than Life) by Jodi Picoult 9. Educated by Tara Westover 10. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren Associated Press

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, May 31, 2019

history

The legendary Blind Blake Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha

O

ne of my fond memories of Nassau International Airport was arriving from Miami and having to go through Immigration/ Customs several times a day. The nice part of this was listening to Blind Blake and his ‘boys’ in the Arrivals area, playing and singing his signature songs of the Bahamas.

The tunes on the ten records were among those more popular with visitors who, for nearly twenty years, listened to Blake play and sing on the terrace at the Royal Victoria Hotel.

His band was called “The Royal Victoria Hotel Calypsos”. My favourite tunes were “J P Morgan” (which George Symonette changed to “R T Symonette”) and “Love, Love Alone”, explaining the abdication of King Edward VIII, but there was a soothing, old-world beat to Blind Blake’s music.

As good as he was, one man doth not an orchestra make. Blake was the solo vocalist and banjo, the guitarplayers were Dudley Butler, Chatfield Ward (who also played the maracas) and Freddie Lewis (solo), George Wilson was on the bass fiddle and, at times, Lou Adams played the trumpet.

Blake’s real name was Blake Alfonso Higgs. He was born in Mathew Town, Inagua, in 1915, and lost his sight in 1934, but undaunted, ruled the musical world of Nassau from the 1930s through the 1960s. Blake died in 1985.

The Beach Boys made “Sloop John B” famous, from their “Pet Sounds” album, but that version had its genesis in “The John B Sail”, sung by Blake and every other Bahamian vocalist of the time. The real “John B” was an

old sponger boat, whose crew and captain were in the habit of making merry, whenever they were in port. This is how I remember the words:

We came on the Sloop John B My grandfather and me Around Nassau town we did roam.

Been drinkin’ all night Got into a fight I feel so break up So hoist up the John B sail See how the mainsail set Send for the Captain asho’ Let me go home, I wanna go home, I feel so break up I wanna go home The first mate he got drunk And break up the Cap’n’s trunk The constable had to come and take him away Sheriff Johnstone Why don’tcha leave me alone, I feel so break up, I wanna go home

Blind Blake was best known for his years at the Royal Victoria Hotel, but he performed at Blackbeard’s Tavern, Dirty Dicks and many other Bahamian clubs and hotels, as well as in several American cities. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor invited him to perform “Love, Love Alone” at Government House and gave him a standing ovation. He really was a living legend.

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

An album of ten 78-rpm records in the author’s collection.

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 What was written is enclosed (6) 4 Kind of bank one might find in a wood (8) 9 A small adjustment required for wool producers (6) 10 Saw, perhaps, but angry and pretended not to see (5-3) 12 Point to a tree from the window (4) 13 Finally dig in (5) 14 She takes me back to mother (4) 17 A company offer of a certain kind? (4,8) 20 Maintains a connection with what a fisherman does (5,3,4) 23 Offhand and breezy (4) 24 It may turn out fatally attractive to wild ducks (5) 25 Fabric left in the weave (4) 28 Wild yarn strangely taken to heart (8) 29 The doctor got up, looking surly (6) 30 But he’s an odd sort to get tanned (8) 31 Secret agent takes shelter inside, being tired (6)

1

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Yesterday’s Easy Solution

Down 1 Doesn’t push on, yet Across: 1 Midge, 4 Trumpet, achieves one’s 8 Now, 9 Round trip, 10 Figment, end (5,3) 11 Risky, 13 Leaden, 15 Volume, 18 Clear, 19 At large, 21 Up 2 It didn’t take single against, 23 Own, 24 Speaker, boarders (5,3) 25 Swell.

3 New-made Down: 1 Mindful, 2 Downgrade, cheese (4) 3 Eerie, 4 Trusty, 5 Undergo, 5 Its recipient will have a lot 6 Par, 7 Tipsy, 12 Square one, on his plate (5,7) 14 Earmark, 16 Eternal, 6 Too wrapped up in financial 17 Garner, 18 Clubs, 20 Lotus, 22 Age. solvency (4) 7 Toss a coin with me for profit (6) 8 Understand butter may mean increase in Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution weight (3,3) 11 Enormous assets not Across: 1 Facet, 4 Riddled, declared? (6,6) 8 Run, 9 Lightning conductor, 15 What the film’s about (5) 10 Mourner, 11 Nests, 13 Notice, 16 Carries on fighting for 15 George, 19 Trinket, 21 Like a pay (5) shot, 23 Obi, 24 Sedated, 18 Boring, unusual rites have 25 Wells Fargo. nothing on me (8) Down: 1 Foreman, 3 Talon, 4 Regard, 5 Detente, 6 Lei, 19 The relay can be 7 Degas, 12 Strike oil, rough (8) 14 Coolant, 16 Entails, 17 Etched, 21 V-sign shows one is not in 18 Falls, 20 In tow, 22 Kid. agreement (6) 22 Become short of time and leave the sketch unfinished (4,2) 26 District partly covered by car each day (4) 27 Thin metal blade (4) Down Across 1 Furtive (8) 1 Reason (6) 6 7 8 2 Vague (8) 4 Relating to sound (8) 3 Sea’s ebb and flow (4) 9 Personify (6) 5 Military 10 Tepid (8) tribunal (5-7) 12 Interval of 6 Accustomed (4) calm (4) 14 7 Deeply sad (6) 13 Agreement of 16 aims (5) 8 Pretty (6) 14 To grind (4) 11 Off the record (12) 17 Shaky 18 19 institution (5,2,5) 15 Be suitable for (5) 20 Explain inaccurately (12) 16 Beautify (5) 23 Jettison (4) 18 The universe (8) 25 24 To equal or 19 Eventually (2,6) surpass (5) 21 Repugnant (6) 27 25 Get on (4) 22 Be about to 28 Decide against (8) happen (6) 29 Remunerative (6) 26 Attract (4) 30 Askance (8) 27 Stop functioning (4) 31 Recoil in pain (6)

EASY PUZZLE

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, May 31, 2019

animals

So much love!

Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

L

ove, amore, amour. Words in different languages that mean the same thing – love.

A simple four-letter word that means so much, and yet so little. Thrown out frequently at the bottom of a hastily scrawled note, the heart symbol plastered everywhere, “I love New York...Paris...Geneva...

Padova...London.” Light fluffy love: “I love orchids, I love chocolate mousse”.

When we talk about love, it conjures up a different feeling or mental picture for each of us. A mother to her baby, a father for his child, grandparents to their grandkids, lovers at the start of a turbulent adventure, quiet love of years of union between kindred spirits, the meeting of a soulmate, old love, new love, remembered love, forgotten love…. So many different loves, yet one word to describe them all.

Are we humans the only species that love? My dogs certainly love their food and treats. Buddy loves swimming in the pool. Do they love us? We certainly love them, but what is an animal able to feel in the realm of love? I am not sure that this has ever been

Swans often mate for life.

properly researched, and even it were researched, what could they really find out about love?

Try to analyse and understand love in humans, who can verbalise, and at the end of the day you realise that we don’t have a clue. The French have a lovely saying: “Le Coeur a des raisons, que la raison ne connait point”, meaning “the heart has reasons that reason does not understand.” So with that being the case in humans, how can we assume to understand what animals may or may not feel towards us, or towards each other?

Recently in a small, enchanting town nestled in Northern Italy against a backdrop of breath-taking mountains, a tragic killing took place with dire consequences.

In a small lake in the park of Recoaro Terme, a beautiful male swan was murdered, beaten to death by a human, who by the time this went to press had not been identified. The two swans lived in a lake in a small community. They were the oldest couple of all the swans in the park, and had recently started to build a new nest, the

female getting ready to lay her eggs. It was felt that perhaps the male, who is more protective when his mate is “with eggs”, may have shown some hostility and a passerby hit him and killed him, needlessly.

The male’s body was taken away for forensic examination, and the female was left alone with her half constructed nest. The people who saw her those next few days said how sad she was; she refused to eat and was brokenhearted. A couple of days later she was found lifeless, no sign of violence or struggle. It is thought that she committed suicide as she had no desire to live with the mate she loved.

Love? Yes, I think so. The bond between the two swans was so strong, so unbreakable, than even death couldn’t separate them and she followed her love to his grave, mourning her mate to such a extent that she went to her death peacefully and willingly.

Makes us think, doesn’t it? Just how much they do understand, just how much they feel. I believe that the fact that animals cannot verbalise their feelings in a way that the average human being can understand puts them at a great disadvantage. In the old days a person who could not talk was dumb and treated as an idiot, even though they might have had a high level of intelligence.

Though swans are famous for being faithful to their mates for life, some do find new mates and do not live out their lives alone. Actually, I read online that if a male finds a younger female after his mate’s death, she joins him in his territory. If the male finds an older female, they move to her territory. However, if the female loses her mate when young, well, she finds a young male relatively quickly and easily, sound familiar?

There are quite a few animals who mate for life: the beaver, wolves, french angelfish, gibbons, the skunk, albatross, penguins, barn owls and bald eagles are all monogamous, and mate for life, but some of them do find new mates if one of the couple dies. I have refrained from putting humans in the list for obvious reasons!

Back to animal love: I believe that our companion animals love us, miss us and enjoy time with us, but because they can’t say “I love you”, some of us will never believe it. Look into their eyes when you are together with your pet, look and tell me what you see. If you don’t see love, then maybe you are just a little blind.

(Photo/Patricia Vazquez)

Remarkable Randy

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

G

ood day! I’m Randy, I’m a one-year-old cat and I’m here to ask you a few questions about the Bahamas Humane Society. Ready?

Did you know the BHS is Nassau’s oldest charity? It’s not a government-run entity. It’s a no-kill shelter, funded by donations, memberships, fundraising, and their Thrift Shop. They need your support to stay open!

Did you know two weekends ago, the BHS held an adopta-thon and adopted out 101 animals in three days? That sounds impressive, I know, but since then more than 40 more animals have been surrendered.

The BHS needs your help to be able to keep open.

Did you know that all adoption animals are spayed and neutered? That way they won’t be bringing more animals onto New Providence. You can have your pet spayed or neutered, too! Call the BHS at 323-5138 to book an appointment.

And, while you’re at it, come and meet me! I’m looking for a home of my own and yours might just be perfect!

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2019