Weekend
By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
GET ready to eat, sip, and celebrate for a cause, because Paradise Plates is back on Saturday, September 27. And this year promises to be the most dazzling edition yet, taking place at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom, Paradise Island.
Hosted annually by Hands For Hunger, the highly anticipated fundraiser has earned its place as one of the most talkedabout events on the social calendar, where food, cocktails, music, and philanthropy all meet under one roof.
“Each year, Paradise Plates continues to grow, with new and exciting features that make the evening even more interactive and memorable,” said JJ Turnquest, communications, multimedia, and events manager at Hands For Hunger.
In 2023, Ms Turnquest said the team introduced a second experience with the Jazz Lounge, featuring the incredible Essence Band, alongside the Ballroom where DJ Ignite keeps the energy high, so patrons should get ready for more of that.
Paradise Plates returns bigger and bolder
“For 2025, we’re bringing even more surprises that align with our theme which is Moulin Rouge meets Cirque du Soleil. Guests will have to be there to see, feel, and immerse themselves in the magic of this unforgettable night,” she said. At the heart of the event are the island’s top chefs and mixologists, who turn Paradise Plates into a feast for the senses. Their role goes far beyond simply serving food and drinks, they are integral partners.
“For 2025, we’re bringing even more surprises that align with our theme which is Moulin Rouge meets Cirque du Soleil. Guests will have to be there to see, feel, and immerse themselves in the magic of this unforgettable night.”
that makes Paradise Plates so special.
But Paradise Plates is more than just a glamorous night out. At its core, it’s about fghting hunger and reducing food waste in The Bahamas.
“Hands for Hunger’s mission is to reduce food waste and end hunger in The Bahamas by providing consistent access to healthy, nutritious food for those who need it most.
“Our participating restaurants and beverage companies are not only part of the experience they’re also sponsors who generously donate their products, resources, staf, and time to help bring Paradise Plates to life. We truly couldn’t do it without them,” Ms Turnquest explained. Together, she said, food and drink becomes the heart of the event, creating an atmosphere of discovery, indulgence, and celebration
Paradise Plates is our most important annual fundraiser. The funds raised support all of our programs, making it possible for us to continue this vital work year after year. Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured directly translates into more meals, more families supported, and more children with the nourishment they need to thrive,” said Ms Turnquest.
The event’s popularity speaks for itself, with tickets selling out year after year. Ms Turnquest believes the unique mix of entertainment and impact is what keeps people coming back. “Paradise Plates has truly become the most anticipated event of the year. Beyond the cuisine and cocktails, it’s about connection. People come together to celebrate, have fun, and ‘party
with a purpose’, knowing that every ticket supports families in need,” she said.
And while Paradise Plates may be one unforgettable evening, the mission of Hands For Hunger extends well beyond the ballroom.
“Paradise Plates is one unforgettable night, but the work of Hands for Hunger continues every day. The fght against hunger doesn’t end after the event and neither does our mission. People can continue to make a diference by donating, volunteering, or becoming monthly supporters to ensure Bahamian families have consistent access to healthy food,” said Ms Turnquest.
Tickets for this year’s Paradise Plates are available online only at www. handsforhunger.org.
By CARA HUNT
Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
Five talented young Bahamian ladies are about to embark on the educational and cultural experience of a lifetime having recently all been awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarships. The fully funded scholarships allow recipients to pursue one-year master’s degrees at univerisites throughout the United Kingdom.
Tribune Weekend spoke with this year’s recipients at a reception held in their honour at the British High Comisssion where they excitedly discussed how they came to be selected and what they are looking forward to in the next year.
Felicia Burrows will be studying mental mental health in children and young people at the University of Edinburgh. She actually learned abut the programme from Dwaneisha McGregor who is a Chevening alumni.
She said: “I got interested and I started to do my research and
Chevening scholars head to UK
funny enough seven persons looked at me this year and told me that I should apply and Chevening is a leadership scholorship and I feel like I ft the criteria and I have been doing the work over the last 15 years to assert myself as a leader in the Bahamas and globally as well and so that is why I am here this evening.
“As a leader and a nation builder, I believe in coming back and building this nation and my platform is mental health in children and so I am coming back to help to mitigate
some of those crisis in terms of mental illness in The Bahamas and giving those young people the tools so that they can navigate in a diferent manner and succeed.”
Te'neil Francis will be studying international development: public policy and management (funded by BHM Construction) at the University of Manchester. She also learnt about Chevening from Dwaneisha McGregor - who happens to be her niece.
“I am the second Chevening scholar in my family,” she said.
“She recommended me and I went full fedged and applied and was very excited when I got accepted.
She explained she is very interested in international development and public policy and how government works.
“What it does and does not do and one of the ways in which I can get a hands-on experience is going to the place where our system was originally created.
Chevening ofers that opportunity, so not only do I get to go to university to get my masters but I also get to be immersed and
and educated in a similar system to The Bahamas so that when I come back I can implement and even look at some of the root causes of why we do the things that we do and how our system works and how our public policy and our policy makers make their decisions. So when I heard, one it is free, it was a great opportunity and it aligned so much with what I want to do and make my journey as seamless as possible going there and coming back.”
Alexis Lightbourne is thrilled for the opportunity to study environmental sustainability at the University of Edinburgh (funded by Charles Hayward Foundation).
A past scholar, Themonique Nottage, who is her sorority sister, recommended the programme to her.
She said: “She bigged up the programme – she knew that I always wanted to get a more cultural experience so she suggested this programme which is in the UK and I am really excited just to be immersed in the culture, experience the architecture because that is my background and just learn more
KYLIE Butler
TE’neil Francis
ASHLY Loibman
Alexis Lightbourne
FELICIA Burrows
interview
CHEVENING scholars
also born in London and I always wanted the opportunity to study there so this was the perfect opportunity for me to do that.
“When people ask the question why Chevening, I think why not Chevening? I think one of the things is to be reconnected to so many like-minded individuals who are doing so many amazing things in the world from sustainability to fnance to infrastructure. I think being a part of such a global platform they are helping people from all over the world so I would say why not?”
Ashley Loibman will attend King’s College London where she will study environment, politics and development. The award is funded by Blue Action Lab.
She heard about Chevening from a friend who works in the Ofce of the Prime Minister.
about it. I think this will present me amazing opportunities.The frst thing is that I am so excited that I do not have to pay for higher education and the University of Edinburgh is ranked top thirty globally and so being accepted into that school makes me have a whole diferent feeling and I am just grateful for the opportunity, God has smiled on me and I feel very blessed.”
Kylie Butler received funding to study fnance and data analytics at Birkbeck, University of London. Studying in London will be a full circle moment for her as it is where she was born.
“I am from Freeport, so one of the organisers told me about the programmes because she knew that I always wanted to study in London – fun fact I was
September 5
1972 – Palestinian terrorists attacked the Olympic Village in Munich, West Germany, during the Summer Olympic Games, taking hostages and eventually killing 11 members of the Israeli team.
1997 – Mother Teresa who was awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize for her charitable work with the poor, especially in India - died at the age of 87 in Calcutta.
September 6
1901 – Republican William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States (1897–1901), was shot by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, and died eight days later.
1997 – About a week after her death in a car accident, a funeral was held for Princess Diana and an estimated 2.5 billion watched the televised ceremony which included a performance by Elton John.
September 7
TUPAC Shakur
1979 – ESPN, a cable network dedicated to sports, debuted on American television.
1996 – American rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, one of the leading names in gansta rap was shot in Las Vegas. He died six days later.
“She knew that I was looking for a masters programme but had no funding and she was like have you heard about Chevening and I was like no, I have not, so that is how I heard about it initially and so then when I did my own research I saw the global reach you are connected to it has, we are talking future heads of agencies future prime ministers it was really an amazing opportunity and so I knew that I had to put my hat in the ring.
And when I think why Chevening, when I think about adjusting energy and securities in The Bahamas specifcally for small island developing states it has to come from a multi-lateral agreement. There is always this community collaboration that will be a part of it and so being able to broaden my professional network and live in the UK with Chevening scholars is a once in a lifetime chance and so I am very excited.”
First Fridays bringing life to Nassau cruise port
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
ON the frst Friday of every month, the Nassau Cruise Port transforms into more than a gateway for travellers. It has become a meeting place for Bahamians eager to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy the vibrant energy of downtown. And today will be no diferent as some of the best DJs around the island will set the vibes for what has been positioned as the ultimate happy hour gathering and kick of event to the weekend.
Today’s frst Friday event runs from 4pm-10pm. It will feature musical entertainment by DJ Kenny, DJ Tank, Xtra Large, DJ Extreme, Selecta Ty and Selecta 3D. There will be food and drinks special from participating entities including The Gallery and Wine Bar, The Island Post, Shore Break and Bamboo Shack. In addition to food and drink specials there will be games and giveaways. Entry is free until 6pm.
Marketing operations specialist at the Nassau Cruise Port Antwonae Todd explained that the vision for First Fridays was to create “a signature community event that goes beyond cruising and tourism”.
The team at the port wanted to reiterate that Nassau Cruise Port is also a place for locals to gather. “Specifcally, First Fridays was a place where
people could unwind after the work week, enjoy great food and music, and reconnect with friends,” she told Tribune Weekend.
Since its relaunch earlier this year, the event has taken of. The crowd has been steady and the energy continues to build with every edition. Todd noted, the response has been positive from the happy hour revamp in January, they have seen a consistent crowd and growing excitement.
Locals she said look forward to it each month as the beginning of the weekend, and “a place for clean, grown fun”.
The event has helped reshape the way many see the cruise port. Instead of being viewed only as a transit point for visitors, it is being embraced as a social hub for locals as well.
“First Fridays has been one of the events that repositioned Nassau Cruise Port as more than just a transit point, but as a cultural and social destination. By blending food, music, and entertainment, the port has become a space where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate life, relax, and enjoy the company of others,” Todd said.
Entertainment and food play a central role in creating the atmosphere. The lineup is built with intention, giving the event its signature high-energy feel.
“The lineup is carefully curated to create an authentic, high-energy atmosphere. We collaborate with local DJs who
PM, afordable drink specials at each bar, and a rotating line-up of top local DJs, it is an experience that is both exciting and approachable - perfect for a grown corporate crowd looking to relax, connect, and enjoy the evening in style.”
For the Nassau Cruise Port team, the success of First Fridays has been more than a professional achievement. It has been a rewarding connection to the community.
“It is incredibly fulflling. As a team, our mission is not just to serve travellers but to create meaningful experiences for Bahamians. Seeing
the community embrace First Fridays validates that efort and motivates us to keep raising the bar. First Fridays has become a staple in Nassau’s social calendar, and it means we have created something that people claim as their own, and that is the best kind of success.”
know how to keep the crowd engaged and customise the music to suit our audience. Our food and beverage partners, the restaurants and bars that call Nassau Cruise Port home, ofer a variety of local favourites. These include Gallery & Wine Bar, The Island Post, Bamboo
Shack, and Shorebreak,” she said.
What also makes the experience stand out is its unique setting.
“What sets First Fridays apart is its one-of-a-kind setting on the waterfront, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the cruise port. With free entry before 6
Looking ahead, the event is expected to grow even stronger. First Fridays she said will continue to bring the community together for the remainder of the year, celebrating the vibrant energy of downtown Nassau. “We want it to stay as an event people plan around, whether they are locals or visiting the island. First Fridays has quickly become a must-attend experience since its beginnings as a weekly happy hour, bringing people together to connect with the city, the waterfront, and the wider Nassau community.”
NASSAU Cruise Port Friday Happy Hour
Disha Fraser
KRIS EBONY artistry brings COLOUR AND VIBES
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net
WHEN Kristin Garvey speaks about her creative journey, it’s not just about paint on canvas, it’s about experiences, relationships, and the joyful energy she wants to share through her art. The brand professionally known as Kris Ebony Artistry, the Bahamian painter has built a colourful space where bold palettes meet meaningful connections.
“I do not want my legacy as an artist to just be of a ‘woman who painted some pictures now and again,’ here and there,” she said. Instead, she would like to create experiences in-person, as well as online where she is able to both empower and be empowered by those she encounter, through building meaningful and mutually benefcial relationships. Simply put, Kristin wants to bring good vibes to the art space. Her work refects that vision with vibrant, balanced pieces that are bold without being overpowering. Even in her monochrome works,
Kristin ensures a striking contrast that makes the piece come alive. “My paintings refect the way I see life: it is cliché but I do strive to fnd beauty in everything as a means of working to keep a positive outlook on things. And truthfully, my personality is probably just as colourful as my art, ha-ha,” she explained. That dynamic personality shows up in her wide-ranging body of work, from large abstract paintings to handpainted home décor items. She credits her personal style as the inspiration behind the variety. “Honestly, surprisingly, I’m quite minimalistic
when it comes to my living and working spaces; I’m not a fan of clutter but I am a fan of colour in small doses,” she shared. This inspired her to create large scale abstract paintings and evolve into also creating hand-painted plant pots, wall plates and coaster sets.
“Through creating these pieces, I found out that I wasn’t alone in this particular niche of people and therefore my community began to grow. That has to be one of my favourite things about creating; the fact that I’m able to meet like-minded art enthusiasts,” said Kristin.
For her, art is deeply tied to her identity as a Bahamian. “To me, art is my love language, and to the Bahamas - my art is a love letter,” she said. Her paintings often feature oceanic scenes inspired by her childhood in Grand Bahama, where fshing trips and scarab boats left a lasting impression.
“With that being said, you’ll notice that a lot of my paintings are centred around oceanic scenes, from my
fsh scaling painting to my swimming pigs, Mahi Mahi and stingrays; I am lured to the coasts and so is my art.
My more feminine side is expressed through my dancing ballerina, famingo and hibiscus paintings, but it is all inspired by and crafted with The Bahamas at heart,” said Kristin.
The artist enjoys both commissioned projects and free-fowing creations.
While her personal pieces are guided by “a vibe,” she fnds great joy in capturing a client’s vision.
“Bringing someone’s vision to life is always exciting because it fosters growth through challenge. It is rewarding both personally and professionally as I always go the extra mile to ensure that what I create is what they envisioned,” she said.
This, she said, encourages her to push her skills beyond whatever boundary she has already set for herself, and in the end - learn something new through the journey.
“Bringing someone’s vision to life is always exciting because it fosters growth through challenge.”
Marv Lamar Photography
Looking ahead, Kristin wants her artistry to spark creativity in others.
“We all have a creative side to us that we may or may not have tapped into before, and that creative side doesn’t always have to be a traditional form of art. I will forever encourage others to take a moment to lean into the part of themselves that speaks when everything else surrounding them is quiet; that’s where the creative is hidden,” she said. Exciting projects are already in motion, as Kristin is working on expanding her oferings through art prints and art-printed items that will be both budget and eco-friendly.
“I’m also working on creating and hosting a mini series of painting workshops that are a twist on popular ‘Sip and Paint’ sessions, with hopes of expanding my art community here in Nassau. My hope is that Kris Ebony Artistry continues to be more than art on a wall; it’s about sparking creativity, joy, and connection,” she revealed. With her bold colours, coastal inspirations, and ever-growing vision, Kristin is ecstatic about her upcoming projects, as well as the opportunity to grow her community of supporters even further. Readers are encouraged to join Kristin along her creative art journey and connect with her on socials at krisebonyartistry.
gardening
Roses and resilience
Good day, gardeners. Every so often, a plant story reaches beyond the garden and reminds us of what resilience truly means. One such story is that of the Peggy Martin rose, also called the Katrina Rose.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana in 2005, a single climbing rose survived two weeks under saltwater and storm debris. When its gardener returned, almost everything was lost, yet this one rose pushed out new growth. It became a symbol of hope and endurance — proof that sometimes, the least likely survivors carry the strongest spirit.
Roses in The Bahamas are typically not tested by weeks of foodwater, except for some areas in the worst-case scenarios. Instead, they endure a climate that rarely gives them rest. High humidity, relentless warmth, and only the slightest cooling at night put them under pressure.
And still, many endure — reminding us of the same quiet strength that made the Peggy Martin rose a symbol of survival.
Over the next several weeks, gardeners will notice our evenings cooling ever so slightly. For us, that means night temperatures may dip from the summer average of around 77–78°F into the low to mid-70s.
Historical records for Nassau show this pattern year after year — September’s mean minimum at about 77°F, falling to 74°F by November. That may not seem like much of a change, but for roses, those few degrees can bring a shift in garden health.
This subtle cooling, paired with lingering humidity, creates the perfect environment for black spot, one of the most common fungal problems that roses will meet. Black spot appears as dark blotches on the leaves, often with a yellow halo, and if ignored it can cause
leaves to drop, weakening the plant. The fungus thrives when nights are just cool enough for dew to sit on foliage longer but still warm enough during the day for spores to spread. For those of you that are lucky enough to have roses, as they
are increasingly difcult to fnd in our region, a few simple practices can help keep them strong:
• Give them space: Roses need airfow. Avoid crowding to help leaves dry quickly after dew or rain.
at the base where spores will recycle.
• Choose resistant cultivars:
Some modern roses show good tolerance to black spot, and just as the Peggy Martin rose proved unexpectedly tough, certain cultivars may surprise you in our conditions.
The bigger lesson, though, is that gardening is always about adaptation. Roses may not have the cool evenings of temperate climates here, but they still fnd ways to endure.
The Peggy Martin rose shows us that even through hardship, beauty and strength can return. So, as you watch your roses in the coming weeks, be mindful of the risks, but also take heart in their resilience. In the end, the plants that persist become more than just part of the garden — they become symbols of survival and hope. As always, I wish you happy gardening.
• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at Fox Hill Nursery on Bernard Road. You can contact him with any questions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@gmail. com.
• Water wisely: Water in the morning, not evening, so leaves dry before the night sets in.
• Remove infected leaves: Pick of and discard spotted leaves — do not leave them
, Ricky MacH & Sean Sears
, Ricky MacH with Sponsor and Gallerist
Butterfy soars on opening night
By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
Emerging artist Ricky MacH had a successful opening night for his "The Butterfy of Imagination" art exhibition where he sold artwork and stirred conversation among the attendees. His paintings, which all follow an expressive narrative, can also
be subjectively interpreted by each viewer. For example, a piece sold on opening night titled "Three..., Not of A Kind" is described by the artist as a depiction of resistance by entities within their environments.
He said: “Although these entities all fnd sustenance within the constraints that are out of their control, they still view each other as an issue as opposed to accepting each other and integrating in harmony. Because of this resistance, no union is found.”
Viewers and patrons had diferent takes on that piece and on the series overall. For example, Maria and Debbie concluded the entire series could be interpreted as an individual viewer's life story. Dominic added that the use of Ricky MacH's brush, fnger and knife technique added depths of feeling that he could directly relate to. These diferent takes all add to the fact that each of his expressionist paintings allow viewers to subject their own consciousness upon them - an artistic mirror.
The solo exhibition will be available for public viewing at Native Arts and Crafts Elizabeth on Bay until its closing night on Thursday, September 25, at 6pm.
ARTISTS
ARTIST
ARTIST, Ricky MacH
By MARK KENNEDY
AP Entertainment Writer
There are four words in the title of the latest entry in the "Conjuring" universe, but only one sounds good. It's the word "last".
"The Conjuring: Last Rites" seems to fnally nail the cofn shut on this part of the franchise, saying goodbye to a series that revels in timeless scary stuf — swing sets that mysteriously move, creaky foors, battery toys that suddenly turn on and doorknobs that rattle. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, guys.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite to play renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, facing an "evil unlike anything they've ever encountered". That evil? It lives in the Pennsylvania suburbs of 1986, of course.
"Last Rites" — part of a universe that includes "The Nun" and "Annabelle" franchises — is a decent enough fnal cinematic prayer for this franchise, combining the personal story of the Warrens and their daughter, Judy, with a new paranormal possession that's created a freaked-out family. It culminates in hope, love and a wedding. But frst, demons and projectile vomiting.
Returning screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick — aided by "The Nun II" scribes
'The Conjuring: Last Rites' ends the franchise with a mix of scares and sentiment
Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing — have crafted, with returning director Michael Chaves, the franchise's signature alchemy: saccharine family hugging and laughter combined with ankle-level blood pools. The evil thing this
time is a full-length wooden-framed mirror with carvings of three children. It's given as a gift to a girl's confrmation — a mirror, really? — and soon makes family members levitate, yanks telephone cords (the movie's younger viewers might laugh at a time when phones had cords) and turns dolls creepy.
The time period gives the flmmakers great songs — Howard Jones' "Things Can Only Get Better", David Bowie's "Let's Dance" and The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" — as well as a mention or two of the flm "Ghostbusters," used to mock the Warrens. There are also big shoulder pads, clip-on ties and huge, round glasses.
We start in 1964, where the young newlywed Warrens are investigating their frst case — that possessed darn mirror again — but excuse themselves when a pregnant Lorraine Warren's water breaks and Judy is born.
Fast-forward to the 1980s and the couple have sworn of investigating any more paranormal activities on account of Ed's ify heart. Plus, Judy, (a nifty Mia Tomlinson) who seems to have inherited her parents' ability to sense evil, has a boyfriend. "Our family is not like other families," dad warns her potential suitor.
This gives the moviemakers a chance to make a wedding dress shopping experience a truly frightening experience — if it wasn't already — and
a garbage disposal explodes in blood. "The Conjuring" has always taken pedestrian things and tried to turn them creepy but maybe jumped the shark last time with a possessed water bed.
The death of a recurring character connects the Warrens and the story of the poor Pennsylvania family with their horrible mirror. "It found us," says dad, ominously.
There's too much reliance on thunderstorms, quick cuts of grinning monsters, a slow buildup to the climactic fnal battle that drags in parts — how many delicate moving music boxes can we enjoy watching? — and Ed Warren should probably by now have committed to memory the correct Catholic prayer passages to banish a demon (Ed, man, get of book).
But you'd be a demon to not give Ed and Lorraine Warren their victory lap. At a time in horror when movies combine race commentary,explore politics or go full-out stabby-stabby, they were the ones who celebrated creaking foorboards and ticking grandfather clocks. It's time to go but it's also time to cheer this husband-and-wife team with the creepiest basement in the world.
"The Conjuring: Last Rites," a New Line Cinema release in theaters Friday, is rated R for "bloody/violent content and terror." Running time: 135 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
VERA Farmiga in a scene from "The Conjuring: Last Rights." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
A SCENE from "The Conjuring: Last Rights." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
STEVE Coulter in a scene from "The Conjuring: Last Rights." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
PATRICK WILSON, left, and Vera Farmiga in a scene from "The Conjuring: Last Rights." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP) Giles Keyte
Bahamas meets Barbados
Internationally-renowned multidisciplinary artist and assistant professor in sculpture at the University of Tampa Kendra Frorup recently showcased her work in the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (Carifesta)
XV Regional Visual Arts Exhibition at the Norman Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados, as part of The Bahamas’ delegation.
Her work attracted a lot of attention at the exhibition’s opening, on August 23. The only other Bahamian in the exhibition was award-winning photographer and poet Eric Rose, whose work arrived later for showing due to shipping.
Mrs Frorup is also a Fulbright Scholar and has exhibited her work throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean region.
Photos: Eric Rose/BIS
KENDRA FRORUP, artist and assistant professor in sculpture
entertainment
What to Stream: 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'The Paper,' and MTV Video Music Awards
Afollow-up TV comedy of "The Ofce" called "The Paper" and the buddy live action comedy "Lilo & Stitch" are some of the new television, flms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming oferings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists: Mark Rufalo starring in the new cat-and-mouse thriller "Task," and David Byrne releases a new album, "Who Is the Sky?"
NEW MOVIES
— "Friendship," Andrew DeYoung's auspicious debut feature, makes its streaming debut tomorrow on HBO Max, a day after debuting on HBO. The movie tackles modern masculinity and male loneliness with biting satire and humor, taking detours into horror and the surreal. My review said we see Tim Robinson at his awkward best and Paul Rudd at his charismatic best in this quirky look at bromances.
— The live-action "Lilo & Stitch," which in just 17 days made more domestically than the live-action "The Little Mermaid" did in its entire run, has popped up on Disney+. It's the tale of a six-year-old lonely native girl in Hawaii who befriends an alien outcast. In my review, I was unhappy that the original 2002 animated story had been swamped by weird temporal portals, a Jet Ski chase and an overwrought conclusion. Audiences focked to the movie, which is the year's biggest
hit with more than $1 billion earned at the box ofce.
— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy
NEW MUSIC
— Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is in no way slowing down. On Friday, the 73-year-old idiosyncratic artist will release a new album, "Who Is the Sky?", a collection of avant-garde pop for fans of his band and beyond. There's a real joy here.
— There are glam rock icons and then there is Marc Bolan, a pioneer of the 70s movement with his visionary band T Rex, a larger-than-life fgure now celebrated in a new documentary. "AngelHeaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T Rex" hits streaming on Friday. Expect rare footage and to be
overwhelmed by a strong desire to purchase sequined pants.
— It is that time of year again: The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are right around the corner. The three-hour show will broadcast live on CBS and available to stream on Paramount+ on Sunday at 8pm Eastern and 5pm Pacifc, live from the UBS Arena just outside New York City. Lady Gaga leads the nominations, so get ready for some "Mayhem".
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SERIES
— "The Ofce" follow-up called "The Paper" makes its anticipated debut on Peacock this week. On the show, the documentary crew that once flmed the staf of Dunder Miflin paper company in Scranton,
Penn, has now begun following the staf of a small newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. To their surprise, one of the accountants who works on staf is none other than Oscar Martinez, a crossover character from 'The Ofce" played by Oscar Nunez. Domhnall Gleeson ("The Patient") and Sabrina Impacciatore ("White Lotus" season 2) also star. All ten episodes are now streaming.
— Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo star in a new series about their "NCIS" characters called, "NCIS: Tony & Ziva," on Paramount+. The show picks up ten years after de Pablo left "NCIS" with Tony and Ziva — or Tiva as fans call them — living in France and co-parenting their daughter. When they become the target of a conspiracy, the former agents go on the run. This is the sixth spinof in the "NCIS" universe and a departure from the procedural format its known for. "Tony & Ziva" is more of a mixed bag with action, drama, romance and comedy.
— Mark Rufalo and Tom Pelphrey star in a new cat-andmouse thriller for HBO called "Task." Rufalo plays an FBI agent in Pennsylvania assigned to lead a task force investigating violent robberies. The show is from the creator of the stellar "Mare of Easttown." It premiered Thursday and streams on Max.
— Alicia Rancilio
THIS combination of images shows promotional art for "NCIS: Tony & Ziva," left, "Task," center, and "The Paper."
animals
A letter to Sampson Cay
By KIM ARANHA
Dear Sampson Cay,
My very frst memory of you was before I was married, but after I had met my husband, we had a small Bertram and zipped all over in The Bahamas in that little boat. She was called the Flipper ll, and we brought Flipper ll more than once to tie up at your dock.
I remember the frst time I saw you thinking that I had ended up in “heaven on Earth”. You were so laid back, Small and intimate, your one long table for meals where everybody ate together, a bar with a cheerful bartender. You brought people together as no large resort ever could.
You were surrounded by water whose colours man cannot duplicate. You were a gem, nestled out of the way in a string of islands as near perfection as possible.
When I frst met you, I took a walk around your paths, turning corners not knowing what to expect: I came upon the greatest surprise of all! There in the perfect, limpid, translucent water lay a mermaid with her beautiful little naked babies frolicking in the shallows beside a seaplane… I tell you, had to blink more than once to realise that this spectacular scene was Rosie Mitchell
playing with her and Marcus’s children. I don’t remember how many little ones there were but they were round, laughing, and beautiful, cherubs playing in their mother’s arms. A scene that Botticelli would have happily painted had he existed in The Bahamas in the 1980s. I will never forget that image for as long as I live. It is my safe place, the memory of that moment.
Fast forward, we were married, bigger boat, kids, we still would come to visit you. At the dinners, within your walls, we made lifelong friends, we would swim in your shallows and walk around. exploring every treasure, you had in store for us.
One night, one of my babies wouldn’t settle so I carried him onto the dock and walked him around in the moon light to settle. I came upon two men fshing of the end of the dock. It was very quiet and I was bare footed, I think I scared them, I realise I must have looked like a ghost, long trailing blond hair in a diaphanous white night gown soothing a baby in my arms, walking the dock in the light of a full moon. Another scene that a renaissance painter might like to have a go at painting.
The good Sampson Cay memories stack up, and the beauty and the serenity and the richness of nature all come to mind vividly… and now…what are they doing to you?
open water. Alas, defenceless they will be when the big mighty metal machines come in to dredge all of that away to make way for a channel for enormous yachts to come in polluting the environment in so many ways.
Has there really been a thorough environmental analysis made by a totally unbiased and independent group?
Look I understand all the arguments about moving forward, and living in the 21st century, but The Bahamas is completely losing its value as an environmental paradise. We are rapidly becoming the waterpark capital of the world. Small cays, one after another are being destroyed and built on to resemble wannabe Disney world theme parks.
Are they really going to turn you into the host of a big fancy resort just “plonked” down where man should only tiptoe? Say it isn’t so.
I am hearing painful reports of dredging a channel through our precious rich seabed. Sea grass that is home to young conch and baby turtles, barracuda, and a host of other baby marine life. That is the day care center of the sea, the small and defenceless hide there until they are big enough to venture out into the
PET OF THE WEEK
Whatever happened to those wonderful advertisements for the out islands boasting that you would have the time to watch a conch walk along the beach. You are lucky if you even see a conch, or a shell, or a starfsh. We appear to have got ourselves caught up in some race to be the biggest, the most entertaining, the fashiest of all destinations. no longer does The Bahamas market pristine clear waters, now we will market the tallest slide, or the most colourful playground… There will still be places where you will see turtles and sharks (if they haven’t been run of by the unnatural display of pigs swimming in the sea), because they will be artifcially enticed with food.
What has happened to this bravely determined little nation who stood up to world powers and demanded recognition of how important the environment is and how fragile it is and how damaging the ecosystem can have such a devastating and lasting efect on small island nations?
Dear beautiful Sampson Cay, I will mourn you, and your beauty. Your memory will remain with me as long as I live, and the image of your mermaid with her babies frolicking in the shallows remains dear to me. Forever.
Love
A frequent visitor when we were young.
"Are those more dogs over there waiting to be adopted?"
Madison does look a little worried that they might be adopted before her, but this lovely threeyear-old really hopes that won’t be the case. Shelter life is a bit stressful but walks help make everything better. Madison is friendly with people and other dogs and could likely grow accustomed to cats. Have you been looking for a lovable dog to add to your family? Madison might just be the one for you. Come into The Bahamas Humane Society to meet her or call 323-5138 for more information. Madison looks forward to meeting you.
• Planning ahead - the BHS Thrift Shop will be holding a half-price jewelry sale on Saturday, September 13 from 10am to 2pm. Come and check out the extensive selection.
Lighting up history
The Collins cigar debuts at Aroma
By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
THE story of the Collins cigar did not begin in a factory. Instead, as director of The National Museum of the Bahamas Don Cornish explains, it began in the archives of the National Museum. Conceived as a narrative device, the blend was designed to evoke the scents and stories of The Bahamas - from spicy notes reminiscent of native botanicals to the aged, woody character echoing historic buildings; it is a curated artifact, designed to be an extension of the museum’s mission.
That mission took centre stage at Aroma, the launch event staged on the newly unveiled Great Deck of the historic Collins House. Guests were invited to step into what Cornish called “a modern reimagining of a classic Bahamian verandah - a space where history breathes and conversation fows as smoothly as the champagne”. It was designed to be an event with “sophisticated intimacy” at its core; where golden hour light washes across the deck, voices mingled in warm conversation, glasses clinked gently, and the rich scent of Collins cigars flling the air. Aroma was not another party, but a sensory journey.
At the heart of this journey is the Collins itself. Even before the frst puf, Cornish insisted the cigar should reveal its story.
“Before they even taste it, we want them to smell its story.”
The construction, he said, is intended to be fawless, the draw smooth, and the smoke creamy. Then, as the favours unfurl, notes of wood, spice, and subtle sweetness emerge.
“This is not just any cigar; this is a meticulously crafted product worthy of its Bahamian name.”
That name is itself layered with meaning. It honours Ralph Collins, the original owner of Collins House, but it also speaks to the resilience and beauty of The Bahamas Cornish shared with attendees at the recent event.
“The story of this property - wiped out by a hurricane in 1929 and rebuilt - mirrors the enduring spirit of our people. The Great Deck and the Collins cigar are two halves of the same story. You are quite literally enjoying a product named ‘Collins’ on a structure made of Bahamian wood, on the grounds of the historic Collins House,” he said.
Pairings add another dimension to the experience. For Cornish, it is never only about favour.
“A truly memorable pairing is about synergy and story,” he explains. He describes how an aged Bahamian rum can elevate the cedar notes of the cigar, creating a completely new favour on the palate. Yet it is also about the atmosphere - about laughter, the quality of conversation, and the way the setting frames the experience. As he puts it, “A memorable pairing engages all the senses and connects the experience to a moment in time. It becomes a memory, not just a meal.”
Cornish also believes cigar culture has the potential to enhance the wider Bahamian lifestyle. “We already excel in creating welcoming, relaxed atmospheres. Cigar culture adds a layer of contemplative luxury and communal bonding.”
Cornish said he sees it as a shared ritual, one that slows people down and invites conversation. This cultural layer, he added, positions Nassau not only as a place for sand and sea, but also as “a hub for discerning adults seeking sophisticated leisure.” In doing so, it helps build out new opportunities in tourism, retail, and agriculture, strengthening the orange economy.
“It’s not about solitary smoking; it’s a shared ritual, much like sharing a meal or a story.
“It enhances our orange economy by creating new niches within tourism, retail, and agriculture, all rooted in a premium, authentic experience.”
Yet aroma is not the end of the story. Cornish frames it instead as a beginning. “Aroma is merely the frst spark,” he said.
The Great Deck will serve as a venue for a range of cultural oferings - jazz concerts, literary nights, and other gatherings designed to celebrate Bahamian creativity. Beyond Nassau, the museum intends to spotlight traditions across the islands, from Androsian craftwork to Cat Island’s rake and scrape music and Abaconian boat-building.
“The National Museum is no longer just a repository for artifacts; it is becoming a living, breathing crucible for cultural expression, and Aroma is the frst, fragrant hint of what is to come.”
In launching the Collins cigar through such a carefully staged event, the museum and its partners have done more than introduce a new product. They have created a moment that fuses luxury, history, and heritage into one experience.
