06082018 weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

art gardening entertainment film fashion music puzzles food

Weekend

HOT FOR SUMMER Page 13

An old-school romance From young love to the altar pages 14 & 15

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

society

Roasting ‘the host with the most’ Guests pay tribute to former MP David Wallace

By DEBORAH PRATT

T

he gala dinner ‘Roast and Toast’ held in honour of former Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini David Wallace proved to be a night of lambasting, lauding and lots of laughter.

Close to 250 guests, dressed in their finest attire, assembled at the Grand Lucayan Hotel in Grand Bahamas to show their love and appreciation for the man who has been dubbed the Bahamas’ ‘host with the most’.

The hotel’s Grand Ballroom was decorated for the occasion by Andrew Forbes and his design team from Crème De La Crème. He used hues of red and white, with a touch of black, highlighted by elegant, tall vases with red roses as the centrepiece on every table.

The hosts for the event, Wilbert Stubbs and Karen Ferguson-Bain, kept the guests entertained with charm and humour. The Cooling Waters group kicked off proceedings with a few of Mr Wallace’s favourite songs. The house band for the evening was Little Joe Cartwright and The Trouble Band.

Roasts and toasts were declared by family members of Mr Wallace’s, as well as by former classmates, work colleagues and politicians, who all swore not to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Prizes were given out to those who could answer questions asked by the hosts testing how well they knew the guest of honour.

As it was also Mr Wallace’s birthday, everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him and there was a cake for him to cut.

In his response to his roasters at the end of the evening, Mr Wallace, cracked a few of his own jokes. He also spoke about how he tried to get the roast’s committee to call off the event – which was initially intended to be a surprise – when he first found out about it, but in the end he appreciated the kind gesture and thanked the committee and all those who attended.

Bahamian entertainer Kirkland Bodie, better known as KB, capped off the evening singing some of his most popular hits.

David Walllace is flanked by family members, including (l-r) his sister, Maureen Wallace, daughters Cleoptra Russell and Davonia Archer, and Cheryl and Elvis Bartlett.

David Wallace poses with Michael Pintard, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, along with co-hosts Karen FergusonBain and Wilbert Stubbs, with his sister Maureen in the foreground.

Charmene Wallace, wife of first piece of cake while her brother Spencer and sister Tasha look on.

Kirkland “KB” Bodie on stage with Lil Joe and The Trouble Band.

Administrator Don Cornish is pictured with David Wallace, former High Rock MP Kenneth Russell and Greg Bonamy.

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Friday, June 8, 2018

Inside Weekend

My perfect Bahamian weekend Shana Edgecombe Creative consultant Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?

Interview 4-5 Contractor Emmett White talks about making life easier for wheelchair users and others with disabilities

Food 7 A family affair at Camy’s Favourites

Art 8 - 10 The Salus Project and Studio Café team up to assist cancer patients, plus Benjamin Ferguson Jr feels the call for creativity

Music 11 - 12 Toronto-based Bahamian rapper follows his dreams, plus Alia Coley celebrates ‘All the Fellas’

Fitness 13 Get hot for the Summer with the Bikini Body Slim Down

Weddings 14 - 15 High school sweethearts take the long road to the alter

Entertainment 17 - 18 The Sunday Cool Down returns to the Balmoral, plus Family Island kids get a creative outlet

Gardening 19 Jack Hardy on the juicy history of pineapples

Environment 20 The next nature of protectors

Film 21 ‘Ocean’s 8’ reviewed

Literary Lives 22 - 24 Sir Christopher Ondaatje on America’s first brand name author

Forgotten Facts 25 Preserving African roots in the Bahamas

Puzzles 26

Animals 27 A ‘Nugget’ of hope, plus the Pet of the Week

Cover | Terrel W Carey

“There is nothing like that Sunday lunch post-church and pre-nap.”

Q: Wine, rum, cocktail or Kalik?

“I like my apple cider shaken, not stirred.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“Beach, if I need to clear my mind or want a soundtrack of waves to get into a nap. It sounds like I nap a lot, but I actually don’t.”

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

“My eight-year-old Mac. It’s my inanimate object bestie and has travelled the world with me.”

Q: Weekend away, where would you go?

“New York City! The energy, the pace, the vibe speaks to me. And I can sport my rocker, edgy, boho style without strange looks.”

Things 2 Do this weekend Friday • Changing off the Guard Time: 11am Venue: Government House A tradition since 1958, the Changing of the Guard ceremony features the world-renowned Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band and Royal Bahamas Defence Force Guards.

• Trip Back in Time Time: 8pm Venue: Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts Jam Productions invites you to take a journey through the past years of theatre’s’s greatest hits. General admission is $25 and VIP is $35.

• Joss Stone Total World Tour Time: 9pm Venue: SLS Baha Mar Grammy Award-winning Joss Stone is bringing her Total World Tour to the Bahamas. For one night only, catch the chart-topping singer-songwriter for an intimate performance at the Bond Nightclub. Tickets start at $40.

Saturday

• Junkanoo Commandos Fun Run/ Walk

Time: 5am Start: Goodman’s Bay Join the Junkanoo Commandos for their annual fun run/walk. Starting at Goodman’s Bay, the route continues East onto West Bay Street, on to Arawak Cay and back to Goodman’s Bay Registration is $15 which includes a goodie bag.

• Marriage Seminar Time: 9am Venue: Five Porches of Deliverance Centre 2B1 Marriage Ministry presents its marriage seminar under the theme “Empowering and equipping marriages to declare God’s truth to the world.” The guest speaker is Dr Wayne Thompson. The cost is $100 per couple or $50 per person.

• Horticultural Society of the Bahamas Plant Sale Time: 9am Venue: 4th house on the left on Soursop Street off Camperdown There will be bargains galore at the annual plant sale.

• Nassau Fellowship Centre Cookout and Mini Fair Time: 12noon Venue: Nassau Fellowship Centre, Miami Street

Come and enjoy a nice family friendly environment There will be music, food and games. Steakout tickets are $12. Contact the church at 323-2647 for more information.

• Art Walk by Atlantis Time: 2pm - 10pm Venue: Marina Village, Atlantis Enjoy art, crafts and music by Bahamians. Sample locally grown and made products.

• Tapas N Jazz Time: 7pm Venue: Sapodilla Restaurant The Zonta Club of New Providence presents its annual Tapas N Jazz event, a fundraiser for the Ranfurly Home’s transition home and the workforce readiness programme.

Tickets are $120.

Sunday

• I’m Expecting III – Baby on Board Time: 1pm Venue: The Meeting Lounge, Carib Road “I’m Expecting” is an annual Terrell’s Room event for both mothers and mothers-to-be. Clothes in sizes newborn to 3T will be available for both boys and girls.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

interview After witnessing his sick mother’s struggle with getting in and out of her house, this contractor committed himself to helping others with disabilities when it came to making their homes more accessible. He tells Cara Hunt about the success of his new venture, ‘Project Wheelchair Ramp’.

Emmett White

E

mmett White is a third generation building contractor who is using his skills and his compassion to improve the lives of dozens of elderly and disabled Bahamians.

He is the owner of Emmett F White Associates, a full-service general contractor and home renovation company.

“We take pride in providing high quality construction and renovations services,” he told Tribune Weekend.

In addition to his business, Mr White also has a social media page where he discusses home renovations and construction issues and often appears on local talk shows to discuss the subject and offer building advice as well.

Just recently, Mr White launched a new charity arm of his company called Project Wheelchair Ramp, which provides custom ramps for persons who need their homes to become more accessible for them to enter.

Mr White explained that construction has always been in his blood.

“I am a third generation building contractor. My father, Felix White, was in the construction business and it was mandatory that I worked with him during the summers and I got a love for it and for working with my hands,” he said.

After high school, Mr White gained his certification and eventually founded his own construction company.

A few years ago, his mother, Rosena White, died and the experience of living through her illness and death prompted him to want to give back to other families.

“You need to have a heart.

You never know when something may happen to you, even if temporarily, and you will need that (handicapped) access.”

“When you realise that all you know is gone… it’s a wake-up call. It took me a few years to process her death and to even accept it. But her death inspired me to discover my purpose,” he said. “I did a lot of soul-searching to figure out how I could give back and then it became clear that the best and easiest way to do that was to use the talents and the materials that I already had.

“Before my mom passed, she was ill and I would have to lift her in and out of the house. I also had the opportunity to see several senior citizen homes and I realised that there was not a lot of access for them to get in the homes,

whether it be due to a wheelchair or a walker or just a physical condition, and so that is how Project Wheelchair got its start. I go to homes where ramps are needed and I will build concrete ramps for them free of charge, It is just something that is easy for me given that building is what I do for a living.

“The idea is to just do something that will make persons’ life easier It is about finding, knowing and using your purpose.”

Mr White said that he had no idea that the concept would take off as it did.

“I knew of one or two people to do the first ramps for and then I posted

that I had done it on Facebook and there was such a tremendous response and a great need. Originally, I thought that this would be something that I would only do in Nassau, but given the need, I decided that I wanted to take the initiative national and I have already partnered with a young building contractor named Jeremy Farrington based in Abaco. He contacted me and said that he wanted to volunteer with me on this project.

Right now we have a waiting list of about 30 to 40 persons,” he said.

Mr White explained that each ramp takes about two to three days of work

Friday, June 8, 2018

A wheelchair ramp constructed by Emmett White’s charitable venture.

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to create. The cost of each ramp varies on an individual basis.

“The way the process works is when we get the application, we come to the home and we do all of our measurements and then we will go ahead and design the best ramp for that particular need. We do concrete non-slip ramps with grips for wheelchairs and walkers, which is also a very important factor to consider because you don’t want the surface to be too slippery, especially when it gets wet in the rain,” he explained.

While his free services are limited to private homes, Mr White said that the need for access to public spaces is extremely important. While the Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act mandated that every building in the country which the public uses must be easily accessible to those who are blind, deaf, use a wheelchair or have other disabilities requiring particular accommodations by December 31, 2017, little progress has been made in this regard nationwide.

Mr White said that he would love to see a national policy that ensures there is a standard that businesses have to adhere to when it comes to making their buildings accessible.

“You have to remember that even if a person has a disability, or an older person who has difficulty with steps, they are still paying customers and should be given the opportunity to enter and exit your business.”

Mr White noted that unfortunately not enough thought has been given to access to public places for people who have challenges.

“I think that in a lot of cases, they (businesses) just wanted to be seen to be doing something that would suggest that they are handicapped accessible, without really thinking about the things you have to take into account, such as the height of doorways, the materials that you use, like I mentioned before, so that if you used something like tile, it can be very slippery even if its not wet, and even the angle of the slope that you use has to be considered carefully because even too high a step can put pressure on the knees etc. You don’t want people coming to your establishment and getting injured,” he said.

“And you also have to consider you never know when the tables will turn. You need to have a heart. You never know when something may happen to you, even if temporarily, and you will need that (handicapped) access.”

Although there is a waiting list, Mr White said is still happy to accommodate more those who require ramps. He said that in the near future, he is looking to launch more ideas to assist more people in the community.

“Project Wheelchair Ramp is only the beginning,” he said.

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

section

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Friday, June 8, 2018

food

It’s a family affair at Camy’s Favourites Wings platter

Cheese steak sandwich with mini pretzels

Grilled chicken cobb salad

Creamy shrimp Alfredo

Honey mustard chicken sandwich

By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

V

isiting Camy’s Favourites is like getting to experience family dinnertime, which is exactly the vision that Prodesta Moore had when she opened the new eatery last month.

“It took us about three months to design and open” she told Tribune Weekend. “It was a project that we had had for some time and when I saw the space (on University Drive), I was just drawn to the space. I told my family, ‘This is exactly what we have been looking for’.”

Camy’s Favourites is indeed a family affair. “Everyone in my family was involved in its creation,” said Prodesta.

“In our family we cook a lot and we do a lot of experimenting. In fact, my

oldest daughter is a chef in the United States. And that is how we came up with the idea for Camy’s Favourites, we wanted to share some of the things we love to eat as a family with our customers.

“We called the restaurant Camy’s Favourites because Camy is our youngest daughter and she is usually always the one who encourages us to experiment and present the food. It’s a family business in that my son helped with the business plan and partnership and my daughter, who is the chef, came and helped with some of the training, and of course in the kitchen I add my flair to the menu.”

In designing the menu, Prodesta said that she wanted to steer clear of many of the traditional lunch offerings such as peas n’ rice, baked chicken and hamburgers, which are usually staples of other takeaway restaurants.

“We really wanted to provide something different and we wanted it

to have more of a formal restaurant experience while still being really affordable,” she said.

Menu offerings include items such as chicken cobb salad, cracked chicken and waffles, and quesadillas, in both meat and vegetarian options.

“We also have several conch options such as lemon pepper conch and buffalo conch,” said Prodesta. “Guests can come in and dine or pick up food and we can also do platters for meetings or parties.”

“Since we opened, business has been picking up. The only real advertising we have done has been on social media, but we have had a great response and are beginning to get a lot of repeat customers. We can really see the growth.”

Camy’s Favourites is located on University Drive, formerly Thompson Boulevard, and is open for breakfast and lunch from 7am to 5.30pm.

Lemon pepper and buffalo cracked conch

Shrimp and grits

Vanilla waffles

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

art

A call to creativity

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

T

he natural hair movement, the plague of ‘sweethearting’, the strength of Bahamian mothers, and man’s eternal struggle are all topics that have inspired visual artist Benjamin Ferguson Jr, whose motto is ‘create or die’.

Since returning to his home island of Grand Bahama three years ago, Benjamin has done everything in his power to light a spark of creativity and mobilise the local art community.

He feels in New Providence and other islands, art is more appreciated and recognised than it currently is in Grand Bahama.

Benjamin has been pursuing a career in the arts for several years now, ever since graduating from the former College of the Bahamas with Bachelor of Education in Art and committing himself to a path of inspiring, educating and pushing young Bahamians beyond their creative limits.

Since returning to Grand Bahama after a three-year teaching stint in Eleuthera, Benjamin has become the vice president of the Grand Bahama Artists Association, was nominated for an Artist of The Year Elevation Award, has participated in several exhibitions, and executed an annual event called Art Fusion which features fine art, digital art, photography, poetry and a paint and sip event.

Additionally, he recently formed a group called Art Rush in a effort to foster a community of creatives on Grand Bahama.

As for his own work, he is proud to say he has seen a noticeable evolution in his technique.

“My work normally has human figures as the subject, which pushes me to capture skin tones. I’ve also added more colour to my work that makes it pop more. Of course the execution time of my work is now shorter, as I have definitely grown more confident in my craft. When it comes to my artwork, it is my desire that my audience becomes sensitised to the struggles and successes within and without all

‘Support the Puff’

‘Shellin’ ‘

‘Lighthouse’

‘Transcendence’

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Friday, June 8, 2018

‘Cultural Woes’ ‘Psychological Violence’

‘Na na na-na na’

‘Fort View’ of us, then make a change,” he told Tribune Weekend.

Benjamin wants to encourage to young artists to make their passion into a career, as in addition to being a source of potential income, it can also yield opportunities to travel, meet new and interesting people, and affect positive change in society.

“This of course goes hand in hand with hard work and some versatility at times. The art scene in Grand Bahama is a lot different from New Providence or those islands where it is more revered and appreciated, which means a global mindset is pivotal. Because art is universal, benefits are always present,” he said.

Describing one of his favourite acrylic paintings entitled “Cultural Woes”, Benjamin said it explores the social ill of ‘sweethearting’. The piece, he said, conveys a challenging moment in a man’s life where he questions his decisions – “he is bound to all but loyal to none.”

Another piece, “Support the Puff”, pays homage to the local movement by the same name which got global attention after a New Providence high school student was allegedly threatened with suspension due to her wearing her hair in an ‘afropuff’.

“In this piece, the colours seek to embody the various emotions that can be felt in those moments of pain,

insecurity, doubt and strength,” he said.

With a “Mother’s Strength”, Benjamin said he wanted to highlight the many mothers who sometimes wanted to give up, but find motivation when looking down at the hopeful eyes and innocent smile of their child.

Meanwhile, the piece called “Transcendence” shows that it is the destiny of man to drink from the cup of suffering and to be ensnared by the chains of hardship. Benjamin believes that when man is at a man’s lowest, he becomes open to the greatest change, and the awakened man that arises from the ashes then marches towards a new dawn.

“His path is the stairway of conquerors. His is the kingdom of ‘Transcendence’,” said the artist.

Benjamin said Bahamians can look forward to his first solo show later this year.

“It will be this October and I plan to exhibit in New Providence as well. I’m excited about it and it has been a long time coming. Additionally, I plan to expand in other art business endeavours,” he said.

For more information on the artist, visit www.benfergusonjr.com. Mr Ferguson can also be contacted via Facebook at Ben Ferguson Jr, and on Instagram at benfergusonjr.

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Friday, June 8, 2018

music

Collaborative exhibit to benefit cancer patients Thomas Hairston

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

S

ome of the Bahamas’ most prominent artists will come together to give expression to their different ideas on the serious topic of cancer, the way the disease affects families and its far-reaching impact on the community.

The “Paint for Hope” collaborative exhibition will be hosted by Studio Café and the Salus Art Gallery to the benefit of the Bahamas Cancer Society.

The exhibit will be held at the West Bay Street restaurant tomorrow night from 7pm9pm. Art lovers, music lovers and foodies are all invited to come out to support a worthy cause.

“Paint for Hope”, said organisers, is a marriage of local art, food and music, and offers guests a venue with a view of the sunset over the ocean. “It’s an event for the mind body and soul,” said Preston Hanna of the Salus Group.

But most importantly, it will bring awareness to the work the Cancer Society does while also giving back to those in need. Proceeds from artworks sold will be donated to the organisation.

“Many Bahamians affected by cancer and we decided to use this month to focus on this theme,” said Preston.

Given that the Salus Group is known for hosting art exhibitions that speak to various social issues in the Bahamas, Chef Shawn Newton, executive chef at Studio Café,

June Collie

Preston Hanna

“Even though this disease can be depressing at times, we also want to show that everyone should appreciate life...”

thought it would be a great idea for them to join forces.

After a multiple conversations, both entities agreed in the goal for hosting the event – to raise awareness of a cause that affects so many Bahamians.

“The Cancer Society was chosen as the beneficiary of the event because we wanted to show our appreciation to a charity that has stood for so much in our country amongst both men, women, and children, and that has gone beyond the call of duty to help those in need fight against this disease,” Chef Newton told Tribune Weekend.

Further, Chef Newton noted that both the Salus Group and Studio Café are known for their creativity in the art and culinary field respectively.

“Well first of all, Studio Café has been known as the restaurant that has a great history when it comes to music, art and food. We wanted to bring together an exhibition that (expressed) the whole idea of what the restaurant stood for,” he said.

Preston Hanna, Yutavia George, June Collie, Thomas Hairston, Kevvanna Hall, Tiffany Williams and Charlthorn Strachan are among the artists participating in the show.

The Salus Group has a large variety of artists working in many different mediums.

June Collie said: “The goal is to start a conversation about the challenges people with cancer and their family go through. Even though

this disease can be depressing at times, we also want to show that everyone should appreciate life, value their relationships, and re-focus on things that matter most to you.”

And when it comes to the kind of artwork guests can expect to see on display, “the possibilities are endless,” said Preston.

But one thing is for certain, there will be a multitude of different expressions relating to the theme of cancer, Yutavia George added.

“The artworks will represent the feelings and emotions that may be reflected in those people affected. As artists, we choose to be unapologetic concerning social topics. It’s our job to shed light on less common ideals. And to provide a platform for discussion of the current issues affecting our society,” she said.

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Friday, June 8, 2018

music

Celebrating ‘All the Fellas’ in time for Father’s Day

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A

LIA Coley believes Bahamian men need to be encouraged and uplifted more than they are, which is the reason why she is dedicating her newest single, “All the Fellas”, to the male population.

“All the Fellas” will be officially released in the coming weeks, close to Father’s Day, and will celebrate all striving, hard-working men while also giving them encouragement, she said.

Alia, a soulful performer, said she felt the need to write the song because good men, men making a positive impact, are not focused on enough.

“Whether he is just being an amazing husband, father or provider, I don’t believe that men receive enough recognition for their achievements and so I thought it fitting to create a song to

celebrate and acknowledge them,” she said.

“What I love most about the song is that men now have their own song just for them that is not dogging them out, so to speak, but saying thank you for all their support and efforts. Now, their significant other can get them on the dance floor and celebrate a good man. The message I would like for the listeners to receive is to always seize the opportunity to celebrate and uplift the men in their lives,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Alia discovered her gift for singing early in life and her talent was showcased on many occasions through school productions or just being put on the spot at the parties during her childhood years.

When she turned 13, she joined the Golden Gates Assembly Choir and was immediately selected to be one of the leading soloists. In 1991, she entered a talent show called “On Stage” and placed second. This allowed her the opportunity to advance and perform

at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York.

Alia considers her performance at the Apollo the defining moment in her decision to pursue singing as a career.

To enhance her skills and learn more about music, she attended the prestigious Berklee College Of Music.

Her first job upon graduating from college was on the “Caribe Show”, which was hosted at the former Crystal Palace Theatre in Nassau. She then began entering song competitions, which in turn inspired her to begin writing for commercials for companies like Furniture Plus, Royal Bank, Bahamas At Sunrise, Island FM, Battery And Tire Specialist, and many more.

She released her debut album in 2005 entitled “Feel My Heart”, which was well received.

In 2008, she travelled to Los Angeles to produce her sophomore album called “UnFadeable”. Her song “One More Try” caught the attention of one of the most famous soul singers of all time, Chaka Khan, who performed a

Alia Coley cover of the song featuring Asian artist Ai. Alia has been performing at numerous hotels throughout the Bahamas, including SuperClub Breezes, Atlantis and the Ocean Club, to name a few.

During a one such performance at Atlantis, she was given the opportunity to perform alongside the legendary Patti LaBelle and other big names including Nelly, Kelly Rowland, Boyz II Men, Ashanti, Yolanda Adams and Michael McDonald.

Alia is currently on a promotional media tour to promote “All the Fellas”.

In the near future, she is hopes to collaborate with other artists on some new music.

BTS first K-pop band to top Billboard album charts NEW YORK (AP) — K-pop has finally hit the top.

The South Korean boy band BTS is now the first K-pop group to reach No 1 on the Billboard top 200. “Love Yourself: Tear” sold 135,000 units for the week ending May 24, as tallied by Nielsen Music. According to Billboard, “Love Yourself: Tear” is also the first primarily foreign language album to top the charts since Il Divo’s “Ancora” in 2006.

The seven-member group, also known as the Bangtan Boys, has a devoted core of fans known as “the army” and its appeal has been likened to Beatlemania in the 1960s. BTS is at the heart of a global trend known as “Hallyu,” or “Korean Wave.” Their albums include “Dark & Wild” and “2 Kool 4 Skool.”

Known for their large social media presence, BTS were listed by Forbes as the most retweeted artist on Twitter in March 2016. Following that,

Twitter launched its first ever K-pop Twitter emoji featuring BTS in May of that year. In October 2016, Billboard placed BTS as number one on their Social 50 chart, making them the first Korean group to top the chart.

In May 2017, they won the Top Social Artist Award at the Billboard Music Awards, becoming the first Korean group to win a BBMA. In June 2017, Time magazine named the band one of the 25 most influential people on the internet.

On November 20, 2017 Guinness World Records revealed that BTS had earned a spot in their 2018 edition for “having the world’s most Twitter engagements for a music group”. That December, they were revealed to be the most tweeted about celebrity in 2017, being “liked or retweeted over half a billion times” worldwide, more than US President Donald Trump and Justin Bieber combined.

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Friday, June 8, 2018

music

‘From Nothing’ to the top Toronto-based Bahamian artist follows his dreams

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

fter giving up his dream of a professional football career, Bahamian Julian Waldron turned his attention to music. And so far, the decision has been paying off for him. Based in Toronto, Canada, Julian has been working with top producers, including some who have collaborated with big names in the industry like Fetty Wap and Ty Dolla $ign.

While getting his feet wet in the world of music has not been an easy task, the emerging hip hop artist says he firmly believes in the old adage that “experience is the best teacher”.

For his debut single, “From Nothing”, he worked worked with the Canadian DJ and production duo KYNGS and PDUB the Producer – who has written beats for songs by King Louie, Fetty Wap, Ty Dolla $ign.

The track, Julian told Tribune Weekend, was inspired by some of the trials and tribulations he faced before setting out to become a hip hop artist in his new home of Toronto.

“I started leisurely rapping at the very young age of six or seven. Being introduced to the genre by my older brother Edwin, who at the time would write little rhymes for me and got me my first performance. Shortly after, I put pen to paper after my parents separated. I needed something to focus my frustration on. I started rhyming as a gateway to shift my focus and not be consumed by what was going on around me,” he said.

“Music became my safe place. My master plan was to pursue football and my dream was to earn a football

HIP hop artist Julian Waldron

THE COVER art for the single ‘From Nothing’ scholarship, but music was always my passion. I used to get out of class for rapping with my friends. I rapped in the hallways, lunch breaks, any time.

I had my whole grade singing this one song I had written and it was such an incredible feeling.”

Giving his high school football career his all, Julian said he pursued it as far as he could. But when football did not work out for him, he decided to go back to the drawing board and put

pen to paper once more, giving vent to his frustration and anger through music.

“I started working with people who really believed in my music. My first songs, I jumped head first. I wanted to get people’s attention and let them know that I’m here. ‘Cuttas’, one of those first songs, was posted on Facebook and was really popular. It actually got thousands of views and really positive feedback. It was like a game of chess. I had to make the right moves with the goal of being successful. I continued to make new music but I never released it because I only want to release the best content. Now, I am at the point where I am sure of myself and my music. I released my debut single ‘From Nothing’, produced by industry greats KYNGS – Ashton Adams and Josh Polasz – and PDUB, who have really supported me throughout the whole process,” he said.

“I didn’t know at the time this was going to be my debut single. It came ‘off air’ but it had so much meaning to me. It is one of my more personal songs because it reflects on my past

and where I am right now. It is about turning nothing into something.”

In the days before the single’s release, Julian said he would get chills just thinking about how his dreams were about to become a reality.

“All the feelings of being angry at the world, all of the frustration, I just kept having faith that things would work out. I never gave up. I had to do it for my country. I’ve always made sure that everyone knew who I was and what I represented. I’ve always done this for the Bahamas, the 242. I finally feel like I can shed some light on my home. I feel like this is it, the time is now to make things happen. Go chase the dream you are afraid of. If you aren’t scared, you aren’t dreaming big enough. ‘From Nothing’ is meant to motivate those who need a push or reminder of who they are, where they come from and where they can go,” he said.

When it came to shooting a music video for the single, Julian said he wanted to create a way for people to get to know him and build a relationship with as an artist. He said the video, just like the song, is letting people into his life; letting them a very personal side of Julian.

“My single has been released already. It is available on major platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and more. The reviews have been very supportive. Just seeing my name out there is a really cool thing to experience, along with the interviews and opportunities that have come my way,” he said.

“I had the chance to do an interview with a radio programme that airs in over 50 different countries, including the Bahamas. It is very humbling for me. I thank God for every opportunity that he has given me. My goal for 2018 is to go as hard as humanly possible and never give up. I want to bring as much exposure to the Bahamas as I can with every opportunity I get. I want the Bahamas to be recognised and talked about for its music scene, as well as the beautiful beaches and delicacies.”

For more information, visit Julian Waldron’s Facebook and Instagram pages. His music is also available on the website julianwaldron.com.

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, June 8, 2018

fitness

Hot for the Summer Dance your way to a better body

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

S

ticking to the same exercise routine can make one’s workout boring and uninspiring. The solution – turn your exercise regimen into a party of sorts, making it more fun and appealing so you can achieve the goals you have set yourself.

This is what Macumbla “Comby” Smith, an international personal trainer and founder of Caribbean Sweat Fitness, is encouraging people to do if they want to get their bodies fit for the Summer.

And since the official start of Summer isn’t until June 21, Comby said there is still time to get started.

The personal instructor is helping people achieve their summer fitness goals with the annual Bikini Summer Body Slim Down event held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Goodman’s Bay. It kicked off this this week and runs until June 27.

The event also features performances by local artists and participants will learn some of the hottest Caribbean dance moves.

It all culminates with a “fitness concert” where performers provide a live soundtrack for the exercise enthusiasts.

Comby told Tribune Weekend the event targets women, men and young adults who are interested in losing weight, toning muscles, decreasing waist size, and those seeking to start the journey to improve their overall health. It also targets soca and Junkanoo music lovers and people who like a party atmosphere.

“It’s never too late to get a start on your Summer body. You can lose up to 20lbs in the eight weeks of the

Macumbla “Comby” Smith is the life of the party at his annual Bikini Summer Body Slim Down.

programme. Others have lost a lot of inches and are now able to wear smaller sizes. The programme gives beginners an opportunity to start at the own pace make that lifestyle change,” he said.

Now that the temperatures are going up, it is easy to opt out of being physically active. However, Comby stresses that people should still find an activity that they enjoy, and one that also gives them a good burn.

“The outdoor beach workouts are perfect because it not only allows people to experience the soothing Summer breeze, but the environment

“It’s never too late to get a start on your Summer body.

You can lose up to 20lbs in the eight weeks of the programme.”

inspires people to want to wear bikinis, which motivates them to work hard on losing weight and creating that bikini body, he said.

Established in 2006, Caribbean Sweat Fitness, according to Comby, is a movement that uses Caribbean music, dance and culture to create a healthy lifestyle.

“We are a unique brand that operates under the pillars of family, fun and fitness, creating an atmosphere where entertainment becomes the catalyst for exercise,” he said.

“Our vision is to eliminate the word ‘exercise’ by transforming any atmosphere into one conducive to fitness and Caribbean-style entertainment.

Caribbean Sweat Fitness will become an international movement helping individuals to make a healthier lifestyle change.”

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

celebrity With Karin Herig and Cara Hunt

SPLIT

HIT

SPLIT

FAIL

HIT

Garcelle Beauvais ”The Magicians”

Kaley Cuoco ”The Big Bang Theory”

Sanaa Lathan ”Family Guy”

January Jones ”The Last Man on Earth”

Regina Hall ”Insecure”

Karin says: “I love a good pantsuit, but this one is a little uninspired, as is her hair, which sort of just hangs there.

The pistachio green colour, however, is lovely on her. I like the slightly cropped pants, but the the jacket should have been shorter and more fitted to match.”

Cara says: “It’s a very wearto-work, nothing special to see here kind of outfit, isn’t it.

And is it just me who thinks that the pants length is a bit awkward? Just a bit too short for me. I think the colour is nice. And although I like the shoes, I wouldn’t have been my choice for this outfit.

Karin says: “It’s a very cute look. I like the lips all over design, but not sure about the style...something about the one side being sleeve-less and the other having this huge ruffle. The pink tennis shoes are adorable though.”

Cara says: “Kudos to Kaley for wearing something a bit different. It’s a fun little look with lots of personality. Not sure that I would have worn the pink tennis with it, but to each his own I guess. The high ponytail is a great choice to go with the look.”

Karin says: “First off, I hate the belt. That elastic monstrosity surely came straight from the pits of 1980s’ fashion hell. Other than that, the dress looks pretty and is nice and breezy for the season.

I guess without a belt it could be in danger of looking like a caftan, but did it have to be that one?”

Cara says: “I have to say she looks super cute with this short hair; very fresh. So I am loving this breezy flowy summer dress, and I really need those shoes in my life; they are the perfect shoes.

But I have to say that I don’t particularly care for her choice of belt to be honest.”

Karin says: “Mess. It looks like she borrowed a Pink Ladies jacket from the set of ‘Grease’ and paired it her old nightie and stuck a sequined skirt on top, which matches exactly nothing in this ‘creative’ ensemble. I can’t believe this is the apparel Coach wants to sell.”

Cara says: “There are times when wearing a hodgepodge mix of styles can look intentional and actually be pulled off. Unfortunately, I don’t think this is one of those times. I don’t know, I think it’s a combination of the lingerie hem and the jacket that make me not like the overall look.”

Karin says: “I love the shortsand-a-jacket look if you have the legs to pull it off. Love the pattern, love the colour scheme. And while I like the red wine hue of her pumps, I wish she’d gone for some strappy sandals instead.”

Cara says: “Very fresh and summery. I like it. Those shorts are super short, but she still looks classy. I mean I would have gone a few inches longer, but hey, I’m not as adventurous as Regina apparently. The colour palette is really refreshing. She looks nice.”

PHOTOS/RICHARD SHOTWELL/INVISION/AP

The Weekend Fashion Report Step Up’s 2018 Inspiration Awards

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, June 8, 2018

entertainment

The ‘Sunday Cool Down’ returns to Balmoral

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

T

HE Tingum Dem will be back to cater to the “grown and sexy” folks who want to enjoy a good party when the Sunday Cool Down returns this weekend.

The Cool Down has been a monthly event held at the Balmoral Club and will make its comeback this Sunday.

The party goes down from 7pm to 11pm.

The event is hosted in partnership with the The Tingum Dem band, which is headed by Fred Ferguson. The band provides entertainment throughout the course of the evening.

Kelli Sands, administrator at the Balmoral Club, said the Sunday Cool Down was started with the vision of creating a venue for the mature crowd – “a safe, secure, comfortable environment where they could ‘cool down’ before the start of a long week.”

At Sunday Cool Down, organisers said, guests can expect to hear great live music provided along with DJ AI at the turntables, keeping the everyone dancing all night long.

“This is along with the relaxing atmosphere of the club and great food

Balmoral Club’s ‘Sunday Cool Down’ caters to the “grown and sexy” crowd.

and drinks has been making for a great night out for all those who attend,” she said.

Ms Sands said anyone over the age of 25 looking for something to do where they can feel safe, hear great music and experience service on a high level, is invited to attend.

The Tingum Dem band was initially formed to back the local artists performing during the Bahamas’ 30th Anniversary of Independence Concert.

The band consists of a number of top musicians who also play in other bands.

Beyond the Sunday Cool Down, the Balmoral Club is curating a series of parties that will cater to those “who like the white glove treatment when they attend events,” said Ms Sands.

To keep up with the Cool Down and other events, visit the Balmoral Club’s Facebook page.

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

entertainment

Family Island kids get creative outlet

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

E

leuthera, get ready for a Summer adventure like none other, as the Performing Arts Day Camp takes over St Patrick’s Parish Hall in Governor’s Harbour this July.

This is the third year Spring Arts is hosting the event which seeks to give youngsters a creative outlet and boost their confidence.

Malikah Pinder, the woman behind Spring Arts, is known for her portrayal of characters like Frozen’s Queen Elsa and the Little Mermaid Ariel. She is also the owner of the wedding songwriting company called I Do Lyrics and the creator of various stage plays and game shows which have been held on the island of Eleuthera.

“I’ve always had a love for the arts and God gave me the business name Spring Arts on the first day of Spring in 2017, because it was time for everything that was inside of me to spring forth and be known to the world. The company now provides entertainment events, singing telegrams, vocal coaching, voice acting, audio recordings and advertisements and jingles,” Malikah told Tribune Weekend.

This summer, from July 2 to July 6, from 9am to 1pm daily, the Spring Arts camp will welcome kids and teenagers ages eight to 14. Volunteers from both Nassau and Eleuthera will assist with activities, among them preparing for a closing musical production.

“Every year I write a play and on the first day of camp we host auditions and distribute roles. For the rest of the week we play games, do improvisation sessions, which is in performing arts a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation. We sing, learn new songs, go on scavenger hunts, and practice for their end production, which is always a hit.

But this isn’t just a fun space, it’s also an opportunity for mentorship. We are big on affirming children while they are in

our care, letting them know that they can do anything. They are amazingly talented and they just need a platform to show off those talents to the world,” said Malikah.

She believes consistency is always rewarded, and finds this has been borne by the increasing support she has seen for her business various ventures. This is also why she is hoping for an even greater turnout at the camp’s final production on Saturday, July 7, at St Patrick’s Hall.

“People are already looking forward to it. You don’t have to have a child participating; everyone should come just because the children need the support of the community. I was definitely nervous to begin something like this, because first off, I’d never done something like it before, and secondly, no one else was really doing anything like it on Eleuthera. So I didn’t really have any template to follow. However, it came off as a huge success and I take pleasure in hosting it every year,” said Malikah.

She went further to say that Eleuthera, in her view, is lacking in the area of the performing arts, and she hopes with camps like this they can remedy the problem to some extent.

“When I sit and listen to what the kids have to offer and the ideas they put forth, I am completely amazed... and I see how necessary this platform is for them. But as I’ve mentioned earlier, this isn’t just a place to come and have fun, and it’s not even just a platform for them to release their talents; it is also a place where they receive affirmation and are reminded of their worth.

I believe their being on the stage, performing and operating with their God-given abilities, definitely boosts their confidence, and they walk away better and more fearless,” she said.

“When I was their age, I would have loved to participate in something like this, and I know that I could have used the boost of confidence, too. I think of this camp as a planting of seeds in their young minds, and I feel they will walk away with lessons they won’t soon forget.”

Malikah Pinder in character as Queen Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen”.

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, June 8, 2018

gardening

The juicy history of pineapples They are synonymous with Hawaii, but few know that some of the original stock used to establish that island nation’s billion dollar pineapple industry actually came from the Bahamas, says Jack Hardy.

P

ineapples are probably the most distinctive of all commercial fruits, immediately recognisable by both shape and taste. The first Europeans to enjoy the unique taste of pineapple were Columbus and crew on the island of Guadeloupe in 1493. They took pineapple plants back to Spain – the first bromeliads ever introduced to Europe – and the fruits were immediate hits. Everybody loved pineapples and everyone wanted them.

The English, in particular, grew them in hot houses with notable success and houses were decorated with carved or forged replicas of pineapples. They represented welcome and hospitality and appeared above door lintels as well as being the ideal shape for iron door knockers.

Pineapples originated in a region of South America shared by Paraguay and southern Brazil. They spread – no doubt through barter – all the way through South and Central America and were enjoyed by both Incas and Aztecs. Pineapples probably reached the Caribbean by the southern route, through Venezuela. They were easy to

Wayne Bethel’s pineapple plantation in Marsh Harbour, Abaco care for and easy to propagate using sets, crowns and suckers.

Bromeliads in general like acid soils and the pineapple plants thrived in the volcanic soil of many Caribbean islands. The Bahamas had the perfect climate for their growth but the wrong alkaline soil. It was possible, however, to grow pineapples in areas that had red laterite soil that is neutral and balanced and occurs mainly in Eleuthera, Cat Island and Long Island.

Pineapple fruits deteriorate very quickly after being cut from the mother plant. The demand from the United State was overwhelming and both the Bahamas and Cuba were in a position to benefit by supplying pineapples to the New York market. The trade began over 250 years ago and was immensely profitable. A ship could leave Nassau laden with Eleuthera pineapples and arrive in New York with nine-tenths of its cargo rotten – and still make a killing.

The US wanted its own pineapples, but Florida – like the Bahamas – was alkaline territory. At the beginning of the 20th century a pineapple industry was established in the volcanic soil of the Hawaiian Islands. The cost of transporting fresh pineapples from Hawaii to the US mainland by Dole and Del Monte was onerous but made

profitable by the large production of canned pineapple fruit and juice.

During the 20th century, when you thought Hawaii, you thought pineapples. Some of the original stock used to establish the Hawaiian pineapple industry – the Pernambuco or Eleuthera – came from the Bahamas.

Have you noticed that pineapples are cheaper now than they were 10, 20 or even 50 years ago? The distance of Hawaii from the US mainland made fresh pineapples expensive, but they are now grown for the US and European markets in Costa Rica. Hawaii no longer exports pineapples and provides solely for its local market.

There are four main types of pineapple: Smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish, Queen and Abacaxi. The popular small but sweet local Sugarloaf comes from the Abacaxi strain, as does the Eleuthera pineapple.

I mentioned earlier that pineapples are ridiculously easy to grow from vegetative growth, ratoons from the roots, suckers from between the leaves, and slips from immediately below the fruit.

A crown from a supermarket (Costa Rican) fruit will take close to two years to produce but will supply sets and suckers that subsequently will give fruit in about a year or less. Sets and slips from Sugarloaf pineapples will

reliably produce new fruits in a year.

Unless you have a patch of laterite soil in your yard you will have to grow your pineapples in three to four gallon containers, using the finest potting mix.

Weekly applications of a mild solution of Miracle-Gro Miracid will take care of the soil acidity, making sure you spray the insides of the leaves where the plant extracts its nutrients.

Because pineapples are bromeliads, they appreciate being shaded. I grow my pineapples open to the sun from summer round to Easter, then I move the plants into a shaded area. The direct summer sun tends to scald ripening fruits.

Be careful what you get into. My good friend Wayne Bethel in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, started growing a few Sugarloaf pineapples in his yard a couple of years ago, then planted the resultant slips to grow dozens, then hundreds, and now has well over a thousand healthy and productive pineapple plants.

Eleuthera is still the main centre for local production of pineapples. As you read this the 30th annual Pineapple Festival at Gregory Town will have just passed.

• For questions and comment, e-mail gardenerjack@coralwave.com

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

environment

A hope for the future Next generation of environmental stewards selected

A

fter a highly competitive application process with candidates applying from Inagua to Grand Bahama, four young Bahamians have been selected to participate in the BESS Programme, an experience offered by the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and the Cape Eleuthera Island School.

The scholars will spend a 100-day semester at the Island School and a four-month internship at BREEF or another conservation organisation.

The selected scholars for the 2018/19 BESS Programme are Carlton Taylor from Exuma, Katelyn Cambridge from Harbour Island, and Crashonda Garvey and Stacy Pinder, both from Grand Bahama.

Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, BREEF’s executive director, said: “These young people truly are the next generation of environmental stewards, and they are our hope for the future.

Special thanks to all the partners, donors and sponsors whose support makes these opportunities possible. “ Chris Maxey, founder and headmaster of the Cape Eleuthera Island School, added: “We look forward to these young people joining us on the Island School journey and becoming the future leaders effecting change in the Bahamas.”

Carlton Taylor is a certified bee keeper and the media officer on St Andrews Anglican’s Eco Schools Committee.

“It is a dream of mine to use my gift for public speaking and passion for promoting conservation efforts to one day become either a University

Carlton Taylor

Crashonda Garvey Professor of Ecology, or a documentary broadcaster like David Attenborough,” he said.

Katelyn Cambridge’s many leadership roles include EcoClub president, Science Club president, Student Council president and prefect at

Stacy Pinder the Harbour Island All Age School.

Loving the ocean, she is also an avid sailor. After college, she would like to return to the Bahamas to lead a research team.

“I believe that with my level of leadership, my high level of interest in the Bahamas and my passion for the ocean I can help with the sustainable development of the Bahamas,” she said.

Crashonda Garvey, from Alpha Omega Christian School, said: “My eyes for environmental passion can see that the earth is suffering from negative impacts created by humans …I want to be part of the solution to protect the Bahamas and the animals on land and sea.”

She has worked alongside of Save the Bays in their Youth Environment Ambassador programme. She is also in the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Core.

Stacy Pinder, deputy head boy and a participant of St George’s Marine Science programme, is already a certified rescue diver. His love for all things underwater has led to many hours working at the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) in Grand Bahama.

He has a keen interest in marine mammals and fell in love with our marine environment at St George’s.

Katelyn Cambridge “Marine science is much more than just swimming, I learned about marine and aquatic life and scuba diving which opened my mind to a world that is turning into a career that I want to pursue: marine ecology,” he said.

These four scholars will begin their journey this Fall, gaining hands-on experience and forging life-long relationships in the BESS Programme.

Since 2008, 41 young Bahamians have benefitted from this educational experience, with most scholars going on to pursue related tertiary studies or now employed in the field.

The very first stewardship scholar, Alexio Brown, has come full circle and is now an environmental educator at BREEF. “The BESS Programme has been a gateway to invaluable experiences, knowledge and connections with scientists in the environment. It has really shaped my career path and my studies in natural resource and environmental management. Now I am confident that I am able to make significant contributions to the environmental field in the Bahamas,” he said.

For information about the programme, e-mail breef@breef.org.

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, June 8, 2018

film

review

By-thenumbers ‘Ocean’s 8’ covers familiar territory OCEAN’S 8 RUNNING TIME: 110 MINS

S

(l-r) Sarah Paulson, Sandra Bullock and Rihanna in a scene from “Ocean’s 8.” (Barry Wetcher/Warner Bros. via AP)

teven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven” remake is a hard movie to live up to. Its starry charm was backed by a breezy and deceptively dense script full of memorable characters, dizzyingly complex logistics and lively filmmaking that Soderbergh himself couldn’t even recreate in the two sequels. But it is undeniable that even the near-perfect “Eleven” was missing something pretty major: Women. You know, besides Julia Roberts, that blackjack dealer and the one exotic dancer.

So why not, 17 years later, fix that egregious oversight by gathering up a few Oscar and Emmy winners and nominees, a Grammy-winner and a Anne Hathaway, left, and Helena Bonham Carter (Barry Wetcher/Warner buzzy comedienne to keep that Ocean’s Bros. via AP) franchise going and acknowledge the other half of the human population? you happen to have left jail in full hair, steal it and divide the earnings accordIf only “Ocean’s 8 “ was as a fresh and ingly (a cool $16.5 million each). makeup and cocktail dress. smart as that first one. (Hint: It’s not for The team includes Lou (Cate BlanDon’t expect this level of class or lack of star charisma or talent.) chett), who dresses like a glam rocker gender commentary from the rest of the Sandra Bullock anchors the cast as and spends her time watering down well film, however. “Ocean’s 8” suffers from Debbie Ocean, the never-before-menvodka for profit; Rose Weil (Helena a bit of tonal whiplash. Half the time it Bonham Carter), a kooky past-hertioned sister of George Clooney’s Danny seems to be veering into grotesque “Sex prime fashion designer desperate for Ocean, who has taken up the family and the City” worship of brands and a comeback; a jeweler in a rut, Amita business to varying degrees of success celebrity.

(Mindy Kaling); Nine Ball (Rihanna), (we meet her in a parole hearing) and Debbie’s plan is to steal a $150 million a hacker in dreadlocks; Constance prefers to work without “hims.” ‘‘Hers,” diamond necklace. In order to do so, (Awkwafina), a pickpocket; and Tammy she later explains, can go unnoticed. she and her assembled team of savants (Sarah Paulson), a suburban mom who And indeed, Debbie uses what have to first infiltrate the orbit of a vapid can’t quite quit her white collar crime could be a handicap very much to her celeb, Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaways. advantage in a rollicking shoplifting way), and convince her to wear said While Blanchett and Bullock are spree at Bergdorf’s. It helps, of course, predictably solid in their roles and get when you look like Sandra Bullock and necklace to the Met Gala, where they’ll

at least a few memorable moments of worthy banter, it’s Hathaway who really steals the film with a wickedly on-point satiric turn a spoiled star. It is Hathaway’s Miranda Priestly moment, and could have only been made better had she gone full-meta and played a character named “Anne Hathaway.”

The celebrity skewering is first-rate, but, for the most part, if you’ve seen Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven,” you’ve basically seen “Ocean’s 8” too. Director and co-writer Gary Ross (”The Hunger Games”) follows familiar story beats and attempts, unsuccessfully, to ape Soderbergh’s filmmaking style. And his glimpse inside the Met Gala makes that famously glamorous event look awfully pedestrian.

It also doesn’t help that the stakes never seem all that real in “Ocean’s 8,”and when they do finally get an adversary, in a detective played by James Corden, it’s more for laughs.

There was a danger to “Ocean’s Eleven” and a thrill in seeing that team succeed. Here, none of the women seem to have any fallibility at all, and you never find yourself doubting whether or not they can pull it off.

That’s kind of the overall problem of “Ocean’s 8.” It’s all predicated on the fact that women are often underestimated. But in making that point, it’s also somehow underestimated the audience who still should be entitled to a smart, fun heist, no matter who is pulling it off.

LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

literary lives – jacqueline susann

America’s first brand name novelist Sir Christopher Ondaatje exposes the extraordinary self-promoting life of the American writer and actress who became the first author to have three consecutive novels on The New York Times best-seller list.

Susann first found literary success in 1963 with a book about the madcap adventures of her poodle Josephine.

J

acqueline Susann was born in 1918 in Philadelphia, the granddaughter of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania. Her father was a painter of society portraits and sophisticated nudes, and a philanderer. He boasted that he could have had all the women whose portraits he had painted – plus all their mothers and daughters. It was no idle boast, and his daughter, a devoted single child, learned the facts of life when she was four years old when she disturbed her father’s intimate involvement with one of his sitters in his studio. She remained incurably curious about sex throughout her life.

“A bright schoolgirl with a mind of her own, ‘Jackie’ decided against college ... and found freedom in New York where she could breathe. She arrived there at 18 years old in 1936 and gravitated straight to Broadway and café society. The Stork Club, Copacabana, El Morocco, and the 21 Club called irresistibly to her. But stardom as an actress and cover fame as a model eluded her. She was tall, had wonderful

Jacqueline Susann (1918 - 1974) legs, a lion’s mane of black hair, but her ‘pores’ were too big ... nor could she sing. And as a fashion model, there was the boobs and waistline problem. Diet pills, which she popped by the bottlefull, handled the weight, but not those imperfections of shape. Jackie had lots of bit parts ... but never achieved the celebrity she craved ... Of course she tried the casting couch – any couch. To use one of her phrases, she was a love machine. One of her friends suggested she should instal a revolving door and a cloakroom checkout service assistant outside her bedroom. Jackie slept with anyone who might help, even after her

marriage in 1939 to the complaisant press agent Irving Mansfield.”

Despite persistent stories of infidelity by Susann, she and Mansfield were devoted to each other and remained married until she died in 1974. They had one son, Guy Hildy Mansfield, who was diagnosed as autistic when he was three years old and had to be institutionalised. Despite their eventual roller coaster life they never missed a week visiting their son.

Jacqueline Susann’s stage and television career was spasmodic. She initially received a small role in Clare Boothe Luce’s “The Women” in 1936, and

then appeared on Broadway in “The Girl from Wyoming” (1938), “My Fair Ladies” (1941), “Banjo Eyes” (1941), “Blossom Time” (1943), “Jackpot” (1944), and “A Lady Says Yes” (1945).

She wrote a play, “Lovely Me”, which appeared on Broadway in 1946, and another, “Cock of the Walk”, which was never produced. Susann eventually did appear on Broadway when she was a well-known author in “The Madwoman of Chaillot” in 1970.

Her television appearances were similarly spasmodic: “The Morey Amsterdam Show” (1948-1950), “Jacqueline Susann’s Open Door” (1951), and three other small parts for CBS specials between 1950 and 1956. She also appeared in NBC’s panel show “This is Show Business” produced

by Mansfield. She did commercials and became the spokesperson for the Schiffi Lace and Embroidery Institute in 1955, and started writing and producing commercials. However, the fame and recognition she craved eluded her.

In 1962, when she was 44 years old, Jacqueline Susann was diagnosed as having breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. While she was

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

Friday, June 8, 2018

Susann with her husband, publicist and manager Irving Mansfield

Susann’s ‘Valley of Dolls’ dominated the best-seller lists. recuperating, as the story goes, she begged God for another 10 years of life, and that if she was given these years she would make herself the bestselling writer in the world. With her fatal diagnosis she also had an urgent need to make money so that her son would be properly looked after for the rest of his life.

Susann turned to writing with a vengeance and produced a sciencefiction novel, “The Stars Scream”, but it was only published posthumously as “Yargo” in 1979. In 1962, however, after encouragement by the showman and producer Billy Rose, she adapted letters she had written about her poodle, Josephine, into book form.

“Every Night, Josephine!” (1963) – published by Bernard Geis Associates

about the dog’s mad cap adventures – amazingly, over the next 10 years, sold 35,000 hard cover copies, and over 1.7 million paperbacks. She had found her metier embarking on a gruelling personal book tour which further enhanced book sales. She was starting to be noticed.

“Valley of the Dolls”, also published

by Bernard Geis Associates in 1966, about three young women who become involved with “dolls”, a euphemism that Susann coined about amphetamines and barbiturates, became an immediate best-seller and was reportedly based on real life celebrities Judy Garland, Dean Martin and Ethel Merman. Despite negative reviews, but aided by Susann and her husband’s masterful publicity campaign, “Valley

Susann and her husband walk her famous poodle Josephine in Central Park.

of the Dolls” became a commercial phenomenon.

On May 8, 1966, its ninth week on The New York Times best-seller list, it reached No 1 and remained there for 28 consecutive weeks. After a total of 65 weeks on the list the book became the best selling novel of 1966. By the time of Susann’s death it had entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling novel in publishing history, with more than 17 million copies sold. By 2016 it had sold more than 31 million copies.

“Wisely, in ‘Valley of the Dolls’, she wrote about what she knew best: Manhattan show business and, above all, pills. She was a long-time unrepentant prescription junkie. She took ‘trunks’ (Lithium by choice) to get through the days; amphetamines (Preludin) to clear the day’s hurdles and suppress the appetite; and to get to sleep at night, lots of barbiturates, or ‘barbies’ (hence ‘dolls’). Jackie’s first thought was to call her novel ‘The Pink Dolls’. The eventual title was a private joke ... the author’s favoured form of ‘doll’ was the suppository.”

Jacqueline Susann’s views on writing were basically primitive. She had a definite view that novelists should not care about literature, which should be left to the essayists. It took a great deal of editing to bring her writing up to a publishing level. She didn’t care about literary criticisms. She knew she could tell a story and that her audience would lap it up. She had made it at last. People did finally turn around in 21 and El Morocco and say, “Hey, there’s Jacqueline Susann.” But her fame was as fleeting as her remission from cancer.

There were three more novels, written under increasing pressure: “The Love Machine” in 1969, published by Simon & Schuster; “Once is Not Enough”, published by William Morrow, and “Dolores”, also published by William Morrow. They were all best-sellers but nothing to equal “Valley of the Dolls”, which was boosted by the 1967 film of the same name starring Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke, Sharon Tate and Susan Hayward. The film, too, received scathing reviews but was a commercial success, becoming the highest grossing film of the year with $44.4 million at the domestic box office. Susann, aging and drawn with sickness, made a cameo Continues on page 24

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018

Susann (far right) appears as a reporter in a cameo role in the movie version of ‘Valley of the Dolls’.

Continued from page 23 appearance in the film as a reporter at the scene of one of the principal’s suicide. She hated the film.

Jacqueline Susann enjoyed the fame and financial success that her books brought her. She was a tireless promoter and often appeared on TV talk shows. “The Love Machine” spent 32 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, and film rights were sold to Columbia Pictures for a then record 1.5 million. “Once is Not Enough” also, despite appalling book reviews, held its position on The New York Times bestseller list for 36 weeks, eight of which were at No 1. It became the second highest selling novel of 1973 and was made into a film in 1975. Again, the film was not a critical favourite but grossed 15.7 million in its first year.

Susann is now acknowledged as being the first “brand name” novelist.

With her husband Irving Mansfield they revolutionised book promotion.

She toured extensively making appearances at bookstores and countless

Susann with iconic artist Andy Warhol TV and radio shows. She made sure her books were advertised on the entertainment pages of major newspapers, and lavished attention on all

A poster for the film version of Susann’s ‘Valley of the Dolls’, starring Sharon Tate, Patty Duke and Barbara Parkins. booksellers and bookstore clerks. She treated books, once a gentleman’s profession, as nothing more than a new brand of detergent or deodorant.

Plagued by a persistent cough, and worried about her upcoming book tour for “Once is Not Enough”, Susann checked herself into the Doctors Hospital on January 11, 1973. Test results revealed a modular lesion in her right lung, and she was transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital for a bronchoscopy and biopsy. On January 18 she received a diagnosis of lung cancer and immediately began cobalt treatments and daily chemotherapy injections. Despite the gruelling treatment, Susann’s cancer spread, and she entered Doctors Hospital for the last time in August 1974.

After lapsing in and out of a coma she died on September 21 1974. She was 56 years old. It is rumoured that her final words to her husband were: “Hey, doll, let’s get the hell out of here.”

NEXT WEEK: The wizard behind ‘The Wonderful World of Oz’.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of “The Last Colonial”. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia and from “Lives of The Novelists” (2011) by John Sutherland.

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, June 8, 2018

history

Bahamianology – Preserving African roots Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha

W

hen my cousin, Lady Hall, sent me an article from a blog called ‘Bahamianology’ (that I had never heard of) I was so captivated by their article ‘Her Majesty Queen Ophelia, Queen of the South Crowned in Nassau 1884’ that I signed up for a subscription and have already received another of their regular offerings. Anyone who likes Bahamian history might consider visiting this blog, because there are dozens of interesting things to read: bahamianology.com.

Bahamianology pointed out that, for hundreds of years, Africa had many royal families who ruled their tribal nations. Traditionally, each tribe had its own royal leader, usually a king, but some, especially in West Africa, chose to have a queen. This did not surprise me. But I never knew that the African

tribes on New Providence had their own royal family, as reported in the attached newspaper clipping, dated September 9, 1884, and reporting the coronation of Ophelia Rutherford as Queen of the South.

The queen was chosen by the Young Men’s Co-Operative Society, whose members were of Yoruba, Egba and some other, connected tribes, for governing the young men of those tribes.

She was the ‘Wise One’ who could settle disputes and keep African traditions alive in the hearts of the people of Adelaide, Carmichael, Grant’s Town and Fox Hill. Queen Ophelia was to mentor a new generation of young African Bahamian boys who had never seen Africa. And using her wisdom and knowledge, the Queen of the South was to guide this new generation into manhood.

By 1884, 50 years after Emancipation, African societies in the Bahamas were struggling to maintain some semblance of their African identities, their native traditions and their customs. The members of the African

societies had come to Bahamas as captured Africans, liberated by ships of the Royal Navy from slave ships bound for various parts of the non-British Americas. The wise old generation of these tribes were dying. Now a new A Yoruba sculpture of a head of a generation of African Bahamians, queen from the 12th century. with English names like Lightbourn, Rutherford and Wood, speaking the The meeting was then called to English language, but knowing nothing order, a prayer being offered by the of their pasts, were trying to hold on secretary, John Ashford. A speech was to some traditions in honour of their given by her private secretary, and the ancestors.

At half past 11 o’clock, the advisors, secretary of the Ebo Association. companions, and members assembled Precisely at 1pm, she was crowned at the Hall of the Yoruba Friendly by the president. A royal salute of Society. The Life Guard and the Band 20 guns was fired, and the national of the Grant’s Town Friendly Society anthem played again by the band. were in attendance.

From the hall a procession proAt half-past 12 o’clock the queen ceeded to the royal banquet, led by appeared at the hall, accompanied a band and followed by Her Majesty

by Mr President (G W Wood), the with the president, and the Life Guard queen’s private secretary (Samuel C behind them. Then followed her comLightbourn), and three of her companions, her advisors and her subjects. panions. Royal salute was fired by the

Life Guard, and the national anthem • For questions and comments, was played as she entered the hall and ascended the throne. e-mail islandairman@gmail.com

This weekend in world history June 8 • 632 AD – A few months after a farewell pilgrimage, Islamic prophet Muhammad dies in Medina. He had suffered for several days with head pain and weakness. His tomb had previously been the home of his wife Aisha. It is now enclosed within AlMasjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina in Saudi Arabia.

• 1870 – Charles Dickens, author of “Oliver Twist”, “A Christmas Carol” and “Great Expectations”, dies in Gad’s Hill Place, England, after suffering a stroke.

June 9 • 68 AD – Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide, asking his secretary Epaphroditos to slit his throat

to evade a Senate-imposed death by flogging • 1549 – The Book of Common Prayer is adopted by the Church of England. It is a product of the English Reformation following the break with Rome.

June 10 • 1692 – Bridget Bishop, the first colonist to be tried in the Salem witch trials, is hanged after being found guilty of the practice of witchcraft.

• 1935 – In New York City, two recovering alcoholics, one a New York broker and the other an Ohio physician, found Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-step rehabilitation programme based on psychological techniques to overcome alcohol addiction.

A 1892 lithograph shows a fanciful representation of the Salem witch trials.

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.

i l D f r Y TarGeT THe aLPH

Yesterday’s solution: GHosT (across) TroLL (down)

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

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

H o o i l D f r Y

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Each grid usesonce only. Each must contain the represents a letter centre and there must be at words in letternumber – or black square.

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Today’s TarGeT Expand, Quietus.

Good 11 very good 17; excellent 22 down: 0333 Nomad, Ejected, *SP: Spoke – Helpline 202 3390 (or more). solution tomorrow.

Conjured, Zips,

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Across 1 Where to find alternating current (5,5) 6 A direction to lower a boat (4) 10 Is of a capital disposition (5) 11 River rose, possibly, to fill it? (9) 12 Hurrying from the sunlight (8) 13 Foreign tongue somewhat rich in dialects (5) 15 Criticises a levy, we hear (7) 17 Feeling produced when 5 Down is put out (7) 19 Mad Hatter’s menaces (7) 21 A conclusive flourish of notes (7) 22 Gather courage (5) 24 Coast downwind (3,5) 27 Capital investments at party time (5,4) 28 After a drink half the band provides dance music (5) 29 It’s not well done back in Tipperary (4) 30 They take orders from anybody (10)

Down 1 It is in fact a skilled job (4) 2 Defect in animal offender (9) 3 Inclined to sound fast (5) 4 Where archaeological interest is shattered (2,5) 5 Flag officers? (7) 7 Base-hearted entertainer (5) 8 Time of occupation (7,3) 9 A child will be if his parents are late (8) 14 Appears wet, perhaps, but may be salvaged (5,5) 16 Nutty biscuits (8) 18 He knows nothing amusing or out of place (9) 20 Product of a fruitful harem? (7) 21 It holds its fire (7) 23 Superior kind of cut (5) 25 By the sound of it, gather a crowd (5) 26 Doesn’t allow sections to be played (4)

Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Bootleg, 5 Hosta, 8 To the good, 9 Fox, 10 Slip, 12 Uncouple, 14 Brazen, 15 Heyday, 17 Spacious, 18 Glum, 21 Few, 22 Hard-nosed, 24 Layer, 25 Wrestle.

Down: 1 Butts, 2 Out, 3 Lies, 4 Ground, 5 Hydrogen, 6 Softpedal, 7 Anxiety, 11 In a bad way, 13 Decipher, 14 Bashful, 16 Burrow, 19 Midge, 20 Ante, 23 Set.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Rattled, 5 Tessa, 8 Gibraltar, 9 Ado, 10 Yaps, 12 Reticent, 14 Static, 15 Curate, 17 Eyesight, 18 Mend, 21 Oar, 22 Elevation, 24 Tress, 25 Drowned.

Down: 1 Rugby, 2 Tab, 3 Loan, 4 Duties, 5 Terminus, 6 Stalemate, 7 Apostle, 11 Plane tree, 13 Tidiness, 14 Step out, 16 Thread, 19 Dined, 20 Faro, 23 Inn.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 La Scala, Milan for example (5,5) 6 A swindle (4) 10 Father’s brother (5) 11 Thrifty (9) 12 Capital of Hungary (8) 13 A gemstone (5) 15 Literary culture (7) 17 Arousing suspicion (7) 19 Of the heart (7) 21 Of exceptional quality (7) 22 To shape (5) 24 Designed to absorb sound (8) 27 Unofficial news channel (9) 28 To long (5) 29 Masticate (4) 30 Writing materials (10)

Down 1 Musical work (4) 2 Chance meeting (9) 3 Scene of struggle (5) 4 Lie heavy on (7) 5 Saw (7) 7 Leap over (5) 8 Spirited (10) 9 Country of southern Africa (8) 14 Sorcery (5,5) 16 Wicked person (8) 18 Begin (9) 20 Ancient fighting vehicle (7) 21 Express objection (7) 23 Practice (5) 25 Authoritative statement (3-2) 26 Sole (4)

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Governing, Ably, Perks, Tofu, Bungalows, Dime, Stockist, Gnashed, Bulbs.

Extra letter clues

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

full solution

0907 181 2558

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, June 8, 2018

animals

A little ‘Nugget’ of hope

L

ast February the BAARK angels were alerted by Bahamas Humane Society shelter manager Percy Grant that there was a definite animal population problem on Little Farmers Cay in the Exuma chain.

Little Farmers Cay is nestled in the most beautiful waters in the world, according to astronaut Scott Kelly – the Exuma Cays. It’s a small cay with few resources.

In fact, up until recently, they had virtually no resources at all. Just a few passing pleasure boats who would stop and buy some fish or conch, that is, until the Turtle Protection Act came into effect, and that very bill that some of them almost certainly complained about, brought them their small but successful tourist attraction: The Turtle Encounter. It is a small operation, but has a good success rate, and through careful feeding of the turtles, who are no longer caught and killed, they can guarantee the tourist will swim with turtles, or view them from the boat.

Because they feed the turtles every edible scrap imaginable, they have a very clean dump, and alas, the few feral dogs find slim pickings to feed off.

Enter the wonderful world of BAARK and those strong and determined women behind it – Laura Kimble and Lissa McCombe, both former Bahamas Humane Society board members who dedicate almost all their free time to organising and conducting spay and neuter clinics around the islands when and where needed.

The residents of Little Farmers Cay contacted the BHS back in February because they were experiencing problems with a “wild” (stray) dog population in the dump and bushes. They were scavenging because, as stated previously, all scraps at Little Farmers

PET OF THE WEEK

A conqueror of hearts

By The Bahamas Humane Society

“D

on’t let the name confuse you! I may be Attila, but I’m no Hun. In fact, I’m a girl. Like my sister Allysent, I’ve grown up at the Bahamas Humane Society, and also like her, I’m looking forward to finding out more about the world. A home of my own, with a yard, and maybe a friend or two would be awesome. I’m almost a year and a half old, so I’m past most of those puppy behaviours and I’m a potcake so I’m smart and trainable.

Do you have a place for me at your place? If so, come on in to meet me, or call 323-5138 for more information. The BHS is a no-kill shelter so there’s no rush for me to leave, but with over 300 adoption animals at the shelter, I would love to move on so someone else can move in! Adoption hours are 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

Treats are welcome any time.See you soon!”

PATRICIA VAZQUEZ

Animal matters Kim Aranha

Nugget, who was found starving and suffering with mange in the Exumas, is on her way to rehab in Colorado.

Cay go to the turtles. One animal’s fortune is the next animal’s misfortune. The residents wanted the dogs “eliminated”. Hmmm … really?

At the time of the call to the BHS, BAARK was on Staniel Cay doing a cat spay clinic, so they were unable to accommodate Little Farmers Cay, but true to their reputation, they started planning a special spay and neuter

clinic for the small four-mile long, quarter mile wide island.

They committed to help them, although at the time they were being asked eliminate the canine population.

There was the fear that if BAARK couldn’t assist, the residents might use poison on the offending population.

Of course at first there was significant resistance to the spay/neuter clinic

approach, but gradually the residents were willing to give it a try, provided BAARK would return in six months to assess the situation.

Another problem was that the dogs were so hungry that they were eating the turtle eggs and baby turtles.

This of course was devastating to the Turtle Encounter business, not to mention, environmentally damaging.

Fast forward through a bunch of obstacles to the weekend of the clinic.

They found that there were far less dogs on the cay than they had been led to believe. There were approximately 25 dogs to the 50 inhabitants.

Whilst BAARK was on the island they spayed 19 females and neutered two males. They also homed two dogs.

Little Nugget was part of the peripheral damage of success, small and alone she could not find food and had been terribly beaten up by the other bigger dogs in the dump pack. She had mange and was simply starving.

They were able to catch her, sedate her, clean her and spay her.

She was first fostered on Norman’s Cay, and then flown to Georgetown to a second foster, on a private plane by yet another angel. Just recently I have heard that the Soul Dogs Rehabilitation Centre in Denver, Colorado have agreed to take little Nugget of the Exumas.

This will be a perfect place for her to develop and heal. It will take a long time to overcome the horrors of her early life but the wonderful people at the Soul Dogs Rehabilitation Centre have the resources and patience to help this little soul lift her head up high and wag her tail as fast and as furiously as any other potcake that any of us have ever known and loved.

On June 10, she will start her trip to rehabilitation. It has been a long road for Nugget and the people who lost their heart to her, but this little girl is but one of many animals rescued and helped during the course of a year by various Bahamas based rescue organisations. If you would like to get involved contact us at the BHS and we can provide a list of contacts for you to choose from.

A big bark an cheer for little Nugget who is on her way to a wonderful life.

God Bless the dedication of people like Lissa McCombe and Laura Kimble; a serious and big shout out to them both!

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 8, 2018