06232017 weekend part i

Friday, June 23, 2017

entertainment theatre film fashion music design food puzzles

Weekend

COMEDY FEST Page 10

Iconic beauties Red carpet glamour at awards show Pages 14&15

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 23, 2017

life through a lens

Staying jazzed

T

his year’s successful instalment of “Jazz in Bloom” not only commemorated Father’s Day in a classy way, it also highlighted the different facets of a beloved genre of music.

Held last Sunday at the British Colonial Hilton under the theme ‘More Than a Concert’, the event, as every year, was produced by Bahamian singer Anuschka Wright to celebrate her passion for jazz music.

In addition to Ms Wright, performers included Kate Wyatt (piano), Adrian Vedady (bass), Kevin Dean (drums), Rodney Q Simpson (guitar), and Ralph Munnings (saxophone).

Featured guests were singers Osano Neely and Angel Reckley, and pianist Eric Boxerman. The event was hosted by J D Stewart.

“The world of jazz is a vast and varied spectrum of captivating music, and I try to present an interesting mix

of different jazz styles each,” said Ms Wright in a previous interview with Tribune Weekend.

“As we continue to produce the show we find ourselves fine-tuning the event both musically and in the production itself. This year, I’m working with the team to bring about an even more polished version of ‘Jazz in Bloom’; marrying all the things that worked from past events that I feel everyone will appreciate and enjoy.”

And while she is not certain whether the interest in jazz has grown locally, she hopes that the exposure from her concert series will create an awareness and appreciation for the genre.

“I’d like to see more young people jumping into the genre and really digging into the depth of the history. I’d like the growth in public awareness to help push local musicians to strive for more from their artistry in jazz and music in general,” said Ms Wright.

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Friday, June 23, 2017

Inside Weekend Interview 4 - 5 Cara Hunt talks to the Bahamas’ youngest deejay and newly minted Bahamian Icon Jasper “DJ Ovadose” Thomas

Dance 7 Courtney Celeste Spears presents ‘Art Sea’

Food 8 - 9 New Art Bistro offers a colourful oasis in downtown Nassau, plus Island Flare stages ‘Game of Thrones’ pop-up dinner

Entertainment 10 Caribbean Comedy Fest comes to Nassau

Theatre 11 Successful playwright Dario Erics Poitier returns with a new production

Fashion 12 - 13 The Bahamas gets an official ‘Fashion Week’, plus local designer presents bracelets for the ‘CURE’.

Belles of the ball 14 - 15 Aliv 2017 Bahamian Icon Awards

Design your lifestyle 17 Victoria Sarne on taking life’s lemons and making lemonade

Gardening 19 Jack Hardy talks summer fruits

Film 20 - 21 The fifth ‘Transformers’ movie reviewed, plus Downtown Abbey to hit the big screen

Literary Lives 22 - 25 John Fowles’ story of seduction

Forgotten Facts 25 Paul Aranha remembers Carl Brice’s Central Garage

Animals 27 Cruisin’ canines Part II, plus Pet of the Week

Cover Photo | Braxton Gardiner

My perfect Bahamian weekend Anishka Christie Human resources professional Q: Saturday breakfast or Sunday lunch?

“Of course Saturday breakfast.

It’s a pleasure to wake up to the aroma of some good ole Bahamian boil fish and yellow grits.”

Q: Wine, Kalik, rum or cocktail?

“I Love me some Robert Mondavi and Pinot Grigio, so definitely wine.”

Q: Beach or sofa?

“Snuggle up on my sofa with some jazz music any day.”

Q: What could you not do without?

“My cell phone. It’s like my American Express, never leave home without it!”

Q: Weekend away: where would you go?

“I travelled the world, but I left my heart in New York...

Broadway shows and great restaurants. Still my favourite getaway!”

Things 2 Do this weekend Saturday

• Get Fit With Smith Boot Camp Venue: Goodman’s Bay Time: 7am - 3pm A never before seen obstacle course to test your mental and physical endurance while having fun. Get your tickets by calling 804-6591 or 818-9718.

• Lazy Hazy Daze of Summer Venue: Pirate Republic Brewing Co Time: 6pm - 2 am Singers Nev’ AndriaLyric, The Truth 242 and Judah Tha Lion, and the Willis and the Illest reggae band will perform as guests. There will be specialty brewed beverages. Entry is $10 entry and tickets are $25 for all three concerts.

• Caribbean Comedy Fest Time: 7pm Venue: National Performing Arts Centre, Shirley Street SEE PAGE 10

• The Bahamas National Youth Choir presents ‘The Encore’ Venue: St Paul’s Catholic Church Hall Time: 7.30pm Tickets are $35 and include a silent auction. Call 393-3728 to reserve tickets.

• Drive in Movie Venue: Tailgater’s Sports Bar & Grill Time: 8pm - 11pm Enjoy “John Wick” starring Keanu Reeves, in addition to great food and cold drinks. The three large screens are brought to you by Pupstar Entertainment and Events. The $10 tickets come with a bag of popcorn.

• Ronnie Butler Live at Margaritaville Venue: Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Time: 9pm - 11pm The legendary Bahamian singer makes a live appearance at the

Paradise Island restaurant.

• Epic Forealz 5th Annual Birthday Celebration Time: 9.30pm Venue: Sharkeez Caribbean Hosted by Inhale Mee, the bash will feature music by the birthday boy Epic Forealz as well as DJ Riddla.

Admission is $10.

Sunday

• Family Game Night Fundraiser Venue: Adrastra Gardens Time: 5.30pm - 8pm The zoo is holding a fundraiser in honour of the Lory Parrot Aviary Building Fund. Bring the entire family out for some good oldfashioned, wholesome and interactive entertainment. Compete against other families to win the grand prize of four day passes to Aquaventure.

Admission is $20 for member teams and $30 for non-member teams.

Pre-register your team at events@ ardastra.com.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 23, 2017

interview June 2017 will forever be etched in Jasper Thomas’ mind as a most memorable time in his life. Yesterday, the 16-year-old graduated from high school, and last Saturday he won the Aliv 2017 Bahamian Icon Rising Star Award for his work as one of the youngest deejays in the country. He talks to Cara Hunt about what brought him to this point and where he sees himself in future.

Jasper “DJ Ovadose” Thomas

J

asper Thomas’ road to Bahamian Icon glory may have been a relatively short one so far, but it has been paved with hard work and determination.

“I have to say that this month is shaping up to be pretty amazing,” said the 16-year-old who goes by the name DJ Ovadose in his profession. “I mean, it’s been almost a week since I won the Icon and I am still on a high. I can’t believe it.

“I got into music at a very young age. I was about 11 and visiting my family in Florida and my uncle introduced me to a computer mixing programme and I was hooked. Eventually, I then mastered another

programme called Serato and I have been going ever since.”

From then to now Jasper has made quite a name for himself. At just 12 years of age he created his very own online radio station called ‘Ovadose Radio’, which garnered a huge following among his peers.

With his growing popularity, Jasper’s father, Ian Thomas, who is a marketing representative, introduced his son to a local radio programming director who saw something special in the young man and decided to take a chance and allow Jasper to apprentice with seasoned radio personalities.

As DJ Ovadose, Jasper was then given a two-hour

“A good deejay has to be able to read their crowd and channel the energy of the crowd. A lot of times people relate songs to memories, so as a deejay song selection is key.”

Friday, June 23, 2017

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mixed music segment, at which he excelled. These breaks afforded him new opportunities which he eagerly embraced.

The name Ovadose was a suggestion from Jasper’s brother, Jackson. He came up with the nickname because Jasper was “always listening to music and overdoing it”.

“I have had some memorable experiences,” said Jasper, pointing out two in particular.

One was when he was invited to be a guest deejay at Atlantis’ Club Crush for their 2014 New Year’s Eve party, and the other was when a fan paid for him to perform at an event in Antigua.

“The owner of the venue was so impressed that he wanted to hire to me to play the following weekend and I had to explain to him that I lived out of town,” he said.

Jasper said he is a fan of Caribbean music. “We are surrounded by great music like reggae and soca. I love the dance music, the ‘fist pump in the air’ music.”

And while he does not have any particular artists he admires, he said he is a fan of several well-known deejays, including DJ Puffy, DJ Khaled, DJ Reem and Chromatic.

“What do I think makes a good deejay...I think you have to be humble and obedient to your audience and to your colleagues in the profession. You have to be able to give good constructive advice and be willing to listen to it as well,” he said.

“A good deejay has to be able to read their crowd and channel the energy of the crowd. A lot of times people relate songs to memories, so as a deejay song selection is key.”

Jasper said he has worked very hard to create a brand and an image that he can be proud of by staying clean, avoiding negative vibes and staying focused and dedicated.

They are all skills he acquired while being homeschooled – an experience which he said has helped mould him into the young man he is today.

“Being home-schooled

has just helped me so much with time management and learning how to prioritise my time and how to be consistent and independent, and that has definitely helped me develop my brand,” he said.

It has also helped him complete his high school studies a year early, hence yesterday’s graduation.

Jasper will soon be heading off to Florida to take a radio broadcast course at the Miami Media School.

His plan is to eventually start his own online radio station, and in five to ten years he said he sees himself giving motivational speeches and mentoring kids.

“I want to remain relevant to kids,” he said.

For now he is still basking in his Bahamian Icon Rising Star Award which was sponsored

by Scotiabank.

Addis Huyler, founder of the awards, said: “We often ask young persons what they want to be when they grow up.

Our rising stars have chosen to answer the question what do they want to be now. These outstanding young persons have excelled tremendously in various areas despite being under 21 and have charted a course to being thought leaders and change makers in our communities.”

Jasper said he could not believe that he was considered for the honour.

“I was super surprised when I heard that I had been nominated. And on the night of the show I was just really nervous.

I really didn’t know if I would win or not. It was amazing when they called my name and I just couldn’t believe it was me on that stage. It is a great honour, and while I feel that I have worked hard, I also feel very humbled by it,” the teen said.

And what does being a Bahamian Icon mean to him?

“I think an icon is a person who has made and is making a positive impact on other individuals, and who dares to be different...who dares to be a legend in what they are doing.”

“I think an icon is a person who has made and is making a positive impact on other individuals, and who dares to be different... who dares to be a legend in what they are doing.”

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Friday, June 23, 2017

dance

Courtney Celeste Spears presents ‘Art Sea’

By DANIELLE BARNES

P

rofessional dancer Courtney Celeste Spears’ love for dance and her Bahamian heritage will come together in Art Sea this weekend, a workshop dedicated to helping budding dancers refine their talent and recognise the endless possibilities a career in professional dance can afford them.

When she was young, Courtney, like most little girls, dreamt of being a ballerina and dancing on the world’s stage one day, but for her the dream came true.

The dancer, a Bahamian-American who fully embraces her island roots, took her first dance lesson at the age of three and has been performing ever since.

In 2015, she was invited to join the prestigious and world-renowned Ailey II dance company in New York City.

Another dream of hers was to one day lead a dance workshop here in the Bahamas, but she always put those plans on the back burner, until a performance at Atlantis made her realise that there was no better time than now to make it a reality.

“Last September I had the pleasure of performing here,” she said. “I got to perform at Atlantis (and) we did a workshop for kids. It was just so amazing to see dance in that type of capacity here on the island. The kids were just kind of mesmerised by us; they had so many questions and they were just so amazed to see professional artists and dancers doing what they love. It was when I performed there that I realised we need to keep this moment (and) we need to keep this kind of energy about dance going.”

From there, the idea of hosting a dance convention grew and Courtney came up with the name Art Sea which incorporates her passion for dance and her love for the Bahamas.

“My whole idea of Art Sea is kind of this idea of bridging land and sea. The distance of an island like Nassau kind of creates this gap in the dance world and I

“Dance is already here. It’s already embedded in the culture and running in our blood. I want Bahamian dancers to know that talent or passion can take you places and it doesn’t stop Courtney Celeste Spears, an Ailey II here.” dancer of Bahamian descent

want to be that bridge that can connect these young dancers here on this island to all the vast possibilities of having a dance career.”

Courtney’s love for dancing emerged at a young age after her mother enrolled her in dance school in the hopes that she would gain appreciation for something besides her family’s love for baseball.

She attempted to explain what dance means to her, but remained at a loss for words, simply saying that it is a “connection or a passion that only God can describe.”

“I don’t know how you know you love something or want to do something for the rest of your life at the age of three or four, but I always knew I

wanted to do it.”

Courtney trained at her local dance studio until a teacher recognised her strong passion for the art. She enrolled in the Baltimore School of Arts and soon after graduated summa cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA in Dance programme with a minor in Communications and Media Studies.

“I’m still growing. I have so much to see for myself, but at the same time I got to a point where I felt like I could no longer continue to climb my own ladder to success without giving back to people on their way up there too,” she said.

Art Sea’s objective is to provide students with the tools to build their self-confidence and give them the boost

they need in pursuing a professional dance career.

“Dance is already here. It’s already embedded in the culture and running in our blood. I want Bahamian dancers to know that talent or passion can take you places and it doesn’t stop here,” said Courtney.

Participants will engage in four genres of dance, including ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop.

Working with Courtney will be dancers Larissa Gerske, Shannen O’Neill, Courtney Ross and Gabriel Hyman. Special guest and former dancer Renee Robinson will also be joining the workshop. She will also bring along a college consultant, Tracy Miller, and a physical therapist, Dr Sheyi Ojofeitimi.

Courtney said it is an honour to have such a quality group of professionals work alongside her this weekend.

A final performance showcase will allow the young artists to display what they learned during the programme.

While Art Sea is being launched in the Bahamas, Courtney sees it as being a consistent outlet for young dancers all over the Caribbean. She hopes to create opportunities for young dancers that are not always available for them.

“I want dancers to understand that the world is just there waiting for them to take opportunities and seize them. I think half is battle is just knowing that you can do something,” she said.

Art Sea will be held June 24-25 at the British Colonial Hilton for dancers ages eight to 23. Registration is closed online. Those interested in the programme can show up no later than 7.30am on Saturday to register for an increased rate of $200.

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 23, 2017

food PHOTOS/TERREL W CAREY

A feast for kings

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

T

HE BAHAMAS National Trust Retreat on Village Road was transformed into the ultimate venue for a ‘Game of Thrones’ inspired pop-up dinner last Saturday.

With torches placed along the pathway and GOT themes playing from the loudspeakers in the gardens, the “Feast of The Seven Kingdoms” theme was well depicted by the Island Flare organisers.

“We had archery that people shot for prizes. We set up a huge medieval brass basin to smoke the fish and a very large leg of beef being carved in the dining room. The dining area

was set up as a old medieval pub with benches with lanterns and driftwood.

The main dining was set up and designed like a king’s feast – with large candle stands, mahogany chairs – and the food was presented on burnt boards and cut trees,” said Chef Jamall Petty of Island Flare.

The menu included rustic Old World bread with olives, nuts, hog plum jam, homemade cheese on burnt boards; forest pottage with crab, field veggies and cracked mushrooms; honeyed flatbread; a ‘beef steamship’ with horseradish cream and onion, cardamom jam and tamarind; slow roasted wild boar with sage with whole grain mustard; herb roasted fowl with olive juniper berries; ‘medieval conch’ and artichoke quiche; stone ground corn hominy with blue cheese and fennel; sugar banana, figs and coconut bread pudding, and more.

For Chef Petty, hosting pop-up dinner events at least four times a year has become the norm. Whenever he scouts a venue, he said, his first thought goes into imagining what kind of menu and entertainment will help make the space come alive.

“The forest look became the perfect backdrop for a feast that we thought to build a bit of storytelling into. ‘Game of Thrones’ gave us a story to build on and weave into the garden,” said Chef Petty.

Above all, Chef Petty said the goal of the pop-up dinner was to raise money to help an aspiring high school chef to Johnson and Wales University’s Career Exploration Summer programme which allows students to immerse themselves in all different aspects of being a professional chef.

“Island Flare, a Caribbean brand of culinary entertainment, all started with

an interview cooking TV show and a culinary competition for high school students who aspire to a career in culinary. It was launched for students to have an opportunity to win a scholarship or prize to help them cultivate their gifts. I am the founder of Island Flare. My advice to them is to pursue your passion because you become most successful whenever you commit yourself to whatever stirs your passion,” said Chef Petty.

“My hope is to to build on this event until it becomes a culinary entertainment event that visitors travel to the country to experience our flavours.

We want to also be able to give more to our young upcoming chefs through scholarships where persons like Jeroa Strachan, an 11th grade student, was the recipient of the career exploration programme meat JWU, all expenses paid,” said Chef Petty.

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Friday, June 23, 2017

food PHOTOS/TERREL W CAREY

Art Bistro Salad with spinach, croutons, onions, blue cheese, sweet pepper and nuts.

Honey glazed salmon burger

An artsy respite

By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

T

he Art Bistro @ BayParl finds itself in the perfect location. Situated on Parliament Street, it is close enough to the businesses and shops of Bay Street while still providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown with it’s colourful art inspired décor, Junkanoo accents and local music.

James M Thompson Jr, the president of Fe Limited which trades as the Art Bistro @ BayParl, explained that the location was key to opening the new restaurant.

“We are really in a strategic location downtown, very close to the Supreme Court and near a lot of the Bay Street businesses, and really this is the first time that a café like this has opened in this area which provides the general public, both locals and visitors, with fresh tasty nutritious meals,” he said.

“Even though we have a fixed menu we can provide patrons with healthy variations of that menu.”

The restaurant opened its doors on April 1 and has been serving a steady stream of clients for breakfast and lunch ever since. Guests have the options of calling in and ordering for pick-up or sitting in the quaint setting

Chicken mango chutney wrap

Art by Moya Strachan

Trinidadian doubles

with it’s orange and green furniture.

“We are an art inspired cafe,” Mr Thompson said, “and that is why we chose these colours, because they mimic Bahamian art.”

The café’s walls are also dotted with the work of local artists. This serves a two-fold purpose – its décor but also as a mini gallery.

“All of the paintings that are on display are for sale. So this is also our small way of providing artists with a space to showcase their work,” he added.

Currently all of the paintings on display are by Moya Strachan.

The restaurant is equally passionate about providing a venue for local musical artists as well.

Only Bahamian music is played through the speakers, and since its opening, the Jazz Cats have

performed every Saturday afternoon.

The bistro is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 5pm. Breakfast offerings include traditional oatmeal, scrambled eggs, omelettes, seafood with yellow grits, French toast, pancakes, waffles and fresh fruit.

Pastries and juices are also for sale.

The lunchtime menu offers the popular chicken mango chutney wrap, a honey glazed salmon burger and the Art Bistro salad.

Some dishes are named after and inspired by local Bahamian artists and musicians, such as the Jackson Burnside Omelette, the Amos Turkey Club and The Blind Blake Black Bean Veggie Burger.

On Thursdays and Fridays, they mix things up by serving Trinidadian specials such as roti and doubles.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 23, 2017

entertainment

Taking comedy to ‘Another Level’ International acts to perform on Nassau stage

“We are an entertainment company that is designed to try and bring a different level of entertainment in the Bahamas, hence the comedy show. Our aim is to bring different acts and different kind of shows to see how best we can entertain.”

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

K

ICKING off an exciting series of events to take place this year, Another Level Entertainment in collaboration with Ladies in Motion will present ‘The Caribbean Comedy Fest’ at the Centre for Performing Arts, Shirley Street, tomorrow night.

Another Level Entertainment has made quite a mark on the Bahamian entertainment scene in recent years, having hosted popular events such as the Botanical Gardens concerts featuring music stars Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley and Friends, and the Singing Melody.

At these events, performers gave it their all, leaving audiences calling out for more. Bahamian bands like Willis and The Illest and The Tingum Dem Band opened for the international superstars.

Supporters agree that the promoters continue to live up to the company’s name by offering entertainment on another level.

And now it is time for the promotion company to shake things up a bit, switching gears from music to comedy.

Tomorrow night’s event starts at 8pm and will feature well-known comedic acts such as New York’s Majah Hype, Canadian Frankie “Trixx” Agyemang, and Miss B. The host for the event will be Bahamian comedian Demetrius, ‘The Karaoke King’.

“We are an entertainment company that is designed to try and bring a different level of entertainment in the Bahamas, hence the comedy show. Our aim is to bring different

Majah Hype as his character ‘Di Rass’

Canadian comedian Trixx

acts and different kind of shows to see how best we can entertain. We wanted to branch off, whether through stage plays or comedy shows, we just don’t want to only being known for concerts,” said a representative of Another Level Entertainment.

Sharing his excitement about performing in the Bahamas with his more than 300,000 followers on social media fans – all while using voices of his popular characters Di Rass, Grandpa James and Sister Sandrine – Majah Hype said: “It’s going down. Let me tell you something, I gonna have a good time in the Bahamas. I never been to the Bahamas but I coming on June 24. I am going to have a good time, you don’t want to miss it, trust me.”

Frankie “Trixx” Agyemang added:

“Bahamas, me and my brother Majah Hype are coming to your city with a bag of laughs.”

Another Level Comedy Fest organisers are certain that guests will experience a night of belly-aching laughter.

“Majah Hype is actually on a tour which stops in the Bahamas this Saturday. He has a lot of new characters that are out that he is sure to bring to the stage. Those Bahamians that were on the recent Beres Hammond Love and Harmony cruise are familiar with him as well because he was the featured comedian for that event. Trixx is also a very funny comedian and is well known to the Bahamian public. Miss B is also a funny lady,” said the promoter.

The organisation believes there is a vibrant entertainment scene here in

Bahamian comedian Demetrius will host ‘The Caribbean Comedy Fest’ the Bahamas that has the potential to expand even further if people choose to work together and collaborate for the greater good.

“We have a few other events lined up that we are trying to package now.

We want people to get ready and just stay tuned. We are not in position to launch them as yet, but we are planning a few surprises we want to bring to the market,” said Another Level’s representative.

p C

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Friday, June 23, 2017

theatre

A comedic play with a twist Writer Dario Erics Poitier returns with a new production

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

T

HE team behind the hit plays “Christmas at the ER” and “Flight 242” is back with a brand new production called “Boy Das

Ya Mar”.

The comedy by DEP Productions will hit the stage of the National Centre for the Performing Arts July 7 - 8 and promises to be another success with audiences.

Written and directed by Dario Erics Poitier, “Boy Das Ya Mar” revolves around the relationship between a young man, his mother and his sisters.

“The storyline is one that many Bahamians can relate to,” Mr Poitier told Tribune Weekend, as the play depicts the sacrifice this Bahamian mother makes to send her son off to school in hopes of him completing his studies and getting a decent job.

“The plan was for him to do just that and come back to put his younger sister through college. Sam, the main character moved to the United States, fell in love with an American girl, got hired as an engineer in Miami, Florida, and is now raking in the money, but refuses to pay off the many loans his mother took to assist him,” Mr Poitier explained.

“She is about to lose the house in which she also re-mortgaged to help her son through school. She is now up in age and stressed out with medical issues and the one son who can help her does everything but that.”

Meanwhile, Sam’s sister strongly dislikes the American girlfriend who she believes is only with their brother

because of his money and Bahamian accent. All hell breaks loose when Sam and his fiancée visit the Bahamas.

Mr Poitier said this particular stage play is written as a comedy, but at the same time has “a soft emotional touch to it”.

“There is a twist to the story that no one will see coming. You have to be there to witness it. As with all of my productions, you will not be let down,” the playwright said.

Growing up, Mr Poitier always knew that he wanted to tell stories, but he was ashamed of this passion because he did not know how to use it in the small local art and film industry.

“I also knew that my talent did not match my personality. I’m more reserved and quiet, and this talent is so out there. Even though I transitioned from small skit writing into major stage plays during ‘A Wedding in Nassau’ in 2013, I still did not fully accept my call.

It was not until early 2016 that I decided to stop running from what I felt God created me to do. I now walk in purpose and can clearly say that DEP Productions is here to take the stage and eventually film in the Bahamas to an unparalleled level. I enjoy making people laugh. You have to grasp the audience’s attention right away and I intend to do just that. Laughter is good for the soul and it is my gift not just to the Bahamas but the world at large,” said Mr Poitier.

The cast for “Boy Das Ya Mar” includes Conrad Knowles, Tamara Marie Simms, Charae Sands, La’Keisha Ferguson, Shaquinta Skippins, Brandee Rolle, Armand Williams, Roosvelt Archer, Cravon Seitaram, and Mr Poitier, who plays the role of the pastor.

“The entire cast have all pulled their weight. They literally ran behind me to start rehearsing for this event.

They believed in me before I was done revising the script. I can clearly state that they all know their role and are playing their part. This entire production has been like a puzzle. I can now see everything being put together.

God is definitely in the midst. I wish to publicly thank Aliv for believing in my vision. They have powered us for the success of this production. I would also like to thank Conrad Knowles who has brought a wealth of stage knowledge

The cast of “Boy Das Ya Mar”

to the scene and everyone who has assisted us, especially my pastor, Apostle Raymond Wells. I am grateful,” said Mr Poitier.

For the playwright, the experience of preparing and rehearsing for the show has been a truly been one. He believes with every play that he produces the process gets easier and he learns valuable lessons for future projects.

“I always believed in working in the spirit of excellence. The Bible says whatsoever your hand finds to do, do

it with all you heart as if unto God and not man. I believe this and I practice this. Also, when your name is attached to something you will do whatever it takes to ensure that it succeeds. I just want to make people laugh. I believe that God has given me a rare gift not just to write but to make people laugh.

If I can be that one ounce of hope to stop someone from hurting or committing suicide, I believe that I would have served my purpose,” said Mr Poitier.

12| The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, June 23, 2017

fashion

Bahamas gets an official ‘Fashion Week’

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

F

or three days this Fall, the Bahamas will become the region’s “epicentre of fashion, art and entertainment” when the Bahamas Fashion Week kicks off in October.

BFW is the brainchild of Joe Stubbs, who after being hired to work as a wardrobe stylist during the Islands of the World Fashion Showcase (founded

by Owen Bethel) became inspired to present a similar event that focuses on local talent.

BFW takes place October 26-28 and strives to offer a platform for emerging and established designers to connect while creating a domestic awareness of fashion designers and artists from

the Bahamas. In addition, BFW will provide a platform to celebrate the true essence of designers and the culture of fashion and art within the Bahamas while also engaging members of the international community, Mr Stubbs told Tribune Weekend.

This year, a total of 10 local and international designers will be revealing brand new collections.

Bahamian designers will get Designer Joe Stubbs first preference once minimum requirements are met, and remaining slots will be offered to international counterparts.

There will also be a major emphasis on developing and mentoring, as Mr Stubbs said BFW has allotted two fashion showcase opportunities for emerging designers.

The emerging designers programme is an ongoing initiative sponsored by the Department of Youth within the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture that focuses on discovering and supporting new fashion designers.

“We anticipate exposure to a minimum of 2,000 local and international persons and 80 plus media impressions.

The level of exposure is next to none, as it is our plan to solicit international buyers and major manufacturing companies to assist designers in getting their clothing into stores,” Mr Stubbs said. He said an event like this is long overdue for the Bahamas.

“The fashion industry is valued at over three trillion dollars annually.

Considering almost every country has an existing fashion week which offers a platform for their residents to showcase their creative talents as well as a major opportunity to bring in additional revenue to the country, the question shouldn’t be, ‘Why do I think we need it?’, but rather, ‘What do we need to do to create a world-class event to rival others?’

“BFW presents an area of untapped opportunities not only for our fashion and arts industry, but also for the country at large as we are tapping into a target demographic that has never been explored. This event will create opportunities for both tourists and Bahamians to interact together

in ways that surpasses the commercial interactions most foreigners experience with citizens of the Bahamas. This is a chance to infuse tourism with Bahamian culture and fashion, while allowing Bahamians and visitors the ability to experience the creative talents of Bahamians and international designers in our very own oasis,” he added.

Mr Stubbs said his vision for BFW is to “inspire through the medium of arts, promote culture through design showcase, and unite fashion’s key creators, communicators and consumers.”

“I envision Bahamas Fashion Week becoming a staple week of events within our country’s national calendar, as it lends to our number one industry, which is tourism. I see BFW becoming the nation’s leading producer, marketer and partner to the international fashion community. These areas consist of an industry fashion week, designer’s connection to in-store retail, international exposure and recognition, and designer discovery and mentorship. BFW will become the gateway to innovation, current trends and style while spotlighting our beautiful country and its local talent,” he said.

The executive team of BFW is planning to have its first event in the coming months in the lead-up to the October showcase. For more information, visit www.bahamasfashionweek. net or Bahamas Fashion Week on Facebook and Instagram.

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, June 23, 2017

fashion

Jewels for the ‘CURE’ Bracelet collection honours breast cancer victims and survivors

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

I

n an effort to raise awareness and do her bit in helping find a cure for breast cancer, Bahamian designer Jewel Smith has created a bracelet collection that will pay tribute to victims and survivors of the disease.

The CURE Bracelet line is an initiative near and dear to Jewel’s heart, as one of her friends lost her battle with breast cancer and a close relative’s has also been impacted by the disease.

Jewel wanted to honour those affected by breast cancer while also giving backing in a practical way.

This was the inspiration of her cancer awareness-raising jewellery collection.

“A few years ago I learned that a friend and former co-worker passed away from breast cancer. Learning this truly frightened me, as I had always thought cancer, breast cancer, was a disease that older persons have. My friend on the other hand was a young woman in her early 30s. My aunt had also been affected by this disease, but she was a much older women and thankfully she has survived and has always shown great strength and resilience. She’s a wonderful example for myself, my family and our community, as well being a former politician,” she said.

But instead of “walking around being afraid” after she learned that someone so close in age to her had succumbed to cancer, Jewel said she wanted to create something to fight this epidemic in the Bahamas, “to get involved with something that was bigger than me; for a cause that’s bigger

The ‘Survivor’ bracelet

“A few years ago I learned that a friend and former co-worker passed away from breast cancer.

Learning this truly frightened me, as I had always thought cancer, breast cancer, was a disease that older persons have.” than me, using my creativity,” she said.

“So I reached out to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas, as I love what they are doing to help educate our citizens, and provide a facility where affected persons can seek help in our community.”

The CURE Bracelets are created with precious stones and pendants made of sterling silver or gold. For every bracelet that is bought through the crowd-funding campaign, a sum of $25 will be donated to support the work of the Cancer Society.

The ‘Sorority’ bracelet “This has truly been a labour of love and baptism by fire as I learned and I built this collection. There were and still are days I work 18 to 20 hours a day perfecting this collection and building all elements of this business.

Creating the CURE collection has taken over two years – from sketching, to the CAD design, to the plastic moulds, a step that took many attempts to create exactly what I wanted,” she said.

“To create our Bahamian conch shell I ended up having to send an actual conch shell so that every element was captured in the design. And it was worth it, because the final product is beautiful.”

Jewel told Tribune Weekend that her intention was to create timeless pieces of jewellery that can be worn any and everywhere.

“Growing up I was not a pearl kinda gal, but my mother has always worn pearls since I was a child to present day. So creating the bracelet with pearls was hands down the best choice.

Pearls are a girl’s best friend. Then for the pendents we created the ‘Survivor’ pendant, also known as the ‘Sylvia Scriven pendant. This pendent was created to honour your loved one who has survived cancer and have their name engraved. Then like my friend who passed, I wanted to create a pendent to honour her life. I recall her hugs; it’s something that has stuck with me.

Her hugs were always so warm, always felt comforting and safe. So I wanted to create a pendant with wings – wings

The ‘Fallen Angel’ bracelet like an angel. So the ‘Fallen Angel’ pendant, also known as the Cindi Smith pendant, is the largest pendant in the collection to honour our fallen angels who have passed on and have their names engraved on this pendant to remember them,” she said.

Jewel said this is only the beginning of the CURE collection, and she pledges her continued support of the Cancer Society.

“Each year there will be additions to the CURE collection. I also want to expand on my Sorority bracelets to include more colours for other sororities as well. I admire the sisterhood that they all share and the fact that they are very big on charitable giving is very inspiring. So it’s important to include this organisation of women in this initiative as well,” she said.

For more information, contact info@curebracelet.net.