By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
IT WAS a complete buzz of excitement as the American singer, songwriter and dancer Mya took the stage at the Bar Sol Atlantis Summer Concert Series.
With her signature blend of sultry vocals and captivating stage presence, the R&B sensation lit up the crowd, creating an unforgettable evening filled with love, celebration, and music.
As the cheers echoed into the night, it was clear that Mya had left a lasting impression on her Bahamian fans.
In an exclusive interview with Tribune Weekend following her electrifying performance, Mya shared her love for connecting with her audience and offered inspiring advice to young Bahamian women aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
“The performance, it was, oh my goodness. Well, I love to interact with the crowd and we had some folks to step in together and celebrate their anniversaries, birthdays, Virgo season in full effect. I love to see people enjoying themselves. That’s always the highlight for me, which is my whole purpose anyway. To bring fun, joy, inspiration to the elevation and memories,” she said.
With women leading the crowd last Saturday, singing Mya’s songs word for word, we asked what advice would she give to young Bahamian women who want to follow in her career footsteps.
“To young Bahamian women that want to follow my footsteps, in whatever field it is, I was very, very young when I started. It took a lot of discipline. And always remaining a student in life. You’re never too old or too perfect to learn. Even if it’s something that is skill set, it required me to learn many different things,” said Mya.
She said whatever field it is that you have set in your mind that you would like to pursue, do the work but also being very patient and take your time versus rushing to get to where you think you should be by a timeline.
Mya believes with everything - there is a process, and it is important to not only go through the process, but to also trust it.
“Trust the process. Obviously, prayer is everything. And making sure you’re aligned, not because others want you to do something, but because you’re doing it, because it brings you joy. And it will sustain you for a long time to find what resonates with your spirit. Follow that,” said Mya.
Mya’s performance was a part of the Bar Sol Summer concert series that kicked off this past May. Over the past months, the series has featured notable R&B artists like Ginuwine and Montell Jordan.
Jason Spencer, Atlantis’ VP of marketing and special events said with the opening of Bar Sol within the past year, the team thought it was the perfect venue to bring something different to its audience.
“We really took a look at how we can enhance entertainment there and bring in platinum-selling and famed celebrity acts through a series. And that’s pretty much where it birthed from. Bar Sol is a venue known for daily live entertainment. And we bring some of the best bands from the Bahamas to play for us daily. But from time to time, we’re now going to mix in some world-renowned music artists in this format,” said Mr Spencer.
As Atlantis Live is known to bring Grammy award winning performances to the shores of The Bahamas such as Janet Jackson, Maroon 5, Lizzo, Ashanti, Robin Thicke, and more, Mr Spencer said the Bar Sol Summer concert series was totally different and geared more towards an intimate setting.
“Kicking it off with Ginuwine then going to Montell Jordan, it just seemed like it made perfect sense to have Mya close out the series for us this summer. They all provide a nice R&B vibe, and an elevated, feel good experience. The turnout has been amazing. It’s very gratifying when we put a plan together and it really hits on all cylinders,” he said.
“And you can’t say that about a lot of things you do for a first time. But Bar Sol Summer Series definitely was the exception. And we are ecstatic that from the support we got from the residents, from our hotel guests, the buzz on social media and what it’s done for the property, we couldn’t ask for anything more.”
He said the beauty about Bar Sol and the concert series is taking an act like Mya, who you would normally see in a theatre or a concert setting, and putting the performance in a very small, intimate lounge setting.
“Being in that small area where the artist is so up close and personal, there’s no other concert type experience like that. It’s exciting to be a part of the team here, especially the entertainment and marketing team, which does an ecstatic and amazing job with such rich entertainment history. That timelessness is one of the key factors we look for with the artists. Can their music, or does their music take you to a special place? Mya is certainly one of those acts that does that. And I really think our Bahamian audience felt that as well,” said Jason.
He encouraged all readers to visit barsolatlantis.com to keep in touch with what is going on; whether it’s a concert series or the nightly entertainment available at the venue featuring some of the best Bahamian bands performing every night.
“We’re already in talks of planning something a little special toward the end of the year, around New Year’s Eve time, featuring Bar Sol in a similar fashion, and going into 2025 to expand the series,” said Jason.
fashion
Pretty and precious Bahamian jewellery maker launches breast cancer awareness collection
By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
AS October brings Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bahamian jewellery maker Allia M Dean is weaving a different kind of tribute into her work.
Fresh off completing an intensive course in sand bead making from the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation, the artist has unveiled her latest Always By Allia M Dean collection, the “Pretty Precious and Pink Sand Collection”, a vibrant fusion of artistry and advocacy.
This new line of jewellery, inspired by the delicate pink sands of The Bahamas, goes beyond aesthetic appeal - as it serves as a heartfelt homage to those affected by breast cancer.
With each piece, Allia aims to not only adorn but also to spark conversations, foster collaborations, and raise awareness during this crucial month.
“This collection is special as I decided it will embody breast cancer awareness by donating part proceeds from sales to aid in breast cancer patient treatment here in The Bahamas. Breast Cancer is still rampant in our society with 48 per cent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Bahamas are under the age of 50 according to Komen Bahamas,” said Allia.
She said this grouping of women is near to her and falls within her target audience. The Pretty, Precious and Pink Sand collection showcases the beautiful pink sand of The Bahamas in jewellery and accessories for men, women and children for both casual and dressy occasions.
Allia told Tribune Weekend the collections are traditionally kept and launched under Fall and Winter themes. She said the name of the new collection depicts everything about the line.
“Pink sand is precious and pretty. The pieces are made to make all persons wearing them beautiful, mindful and aware of breast cancer in our society. Very often, complimented jewelry pieces spark conversation. We are deliberate about starting the conversation around breast cancer awareness and sand jewelry through the Pretty, Precious and Pink Collection,” said Allia.
“We have an array of pieces from statement business sets where pink sand is the focal and conch shell and pearls compliment the piece. There are also palm leaf-shaped pieces, cufflinks, studs earring and adjustable bracelets within the line.”
Allia said the brand relatively remains the same - handmade sustainable Bahamian jewellery and accessories architecturally inspired.
“We started with a waste management and sustainability focus, using local sea glass and recycled paper. Since launching our business, we are steadfast in our original mantra of advancing the handmade jewellery industry to the calibre of world renowned brands such as David Yurman
and Tiffany and Co, by increasing mentality of resource-fullness in the country with a minimalistic approach,” she said.
“Our brand is most known for our witty resourcefulness and elegant use and incorporation of local Bahamian products such as sea glass, seashells, shredded Bahamian money and coins in our designs. Our approach delineates strive to create modern and sustainable pieces of wearable art.”
When asked what initially drew her to the art of sand jewellery making, Allia said she has searched for years to learn how to make sand beads, and was excited about the class being offered this year by the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation.
She said: “I was confident that the pieces would sell. The process is a quite tedious one that lends to opportunities to create jobs with every step. The sand undergoes sourcing, sterilising and reforming with much curing time to reap the desired outcomes.
“I believe the processing itself is unique however being able to access our Pink Sand of the
this weekend in history
September 6
1901 US president William McKinley, a Republican and the 25th president of the United States, was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, dying eight days later.
1997 The funeral of Princess Diana was held, watched on television by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide.
Bahamas, as a Bahamian artist is most rewarding. Additionally there are truly no limits with what can be created with sand jewellery. This makes sand making fun and everlasting for me.”
In mastering this creative art, Allia said it is her hope to one day hire an in-house team to assist with the various processes of sand jewellery making, in effort to fully grasps the benefits the craft has to offer.
The ceremony included a performance by Elton John singing Candle in the Wind.
September 7
1996 American rapper and actor Tupac Shakur was shot and died six days later. His killer was unknown.
She added: “Moreover, having been in business 13 years now, I have not been successful in receiving a grant for the business and will strive for funding to assist with endeavour particularly. I have secured a number of certifications from BAIC and the classes are always engaging and fun. Having obtained this certification solidified my position and prospective, and confirmed my talent is indeed desirable and applicable both locally and internationally. I sold a piece right off of the final exam display.”
1979 The cable network ESPN debuted on American television, dedicated to sports.
September 8
2022 Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, with her eldest son becoming King Charles III.
1966 The first episode of Star Trek aired on US television.
1960 The Albert Hitchcock movie Psycho released in American cinemas.
Allia is looking forward to launching the Pretty Precious and Pink Sand Collection on September 28, 2024.
“Those that have previewed the collection are excited and interested. We hope to garner great anticipation and collaboration with the launch this month. We are looking for increase
partnership and support from the business community with this launch. We would like to make an appeal to all that are interest by way of sponsorship or purchase tickets to the event or jewellery pieces to contact us directly at 1-242-468-0089 or via email alwaysbyalliamdean@gmail.com,” said Allia.
Aside from the official in-person launch on September 28, Allia is also anticipating her annual Always by Allia M Dean brand participation at Jollification 2024 this coming November. “ We will be in the jolly market area and can not wait to showcase the collection at that time as well,” she said.
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.
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
1 Stairs, 2 Bed, 3 The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, 4 Bath, 5 Matt, 6 The Doors, 7 Inspiral Carpets, 8 Windows, 9 Walls, 10 Knots Landing.
HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here?
In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in S permitted.
Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer
FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off. Solution tomorrow
THE ALPHABEATER
CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! Use the given letters and black squares below the grid to start. The grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down. Solution tomorrow
Yesterday’s Kakuro Answer
TV show: Renegade Nell
culture
Getting Creative
WHO will grace the cover of one Nassau’s newest publications will soon be revealed when The Creative Magazine officially launches in November.
“The Creative” magazine touts itself as a groundbreaking publication aims to spotlight the dynamic and vibrant creative industries within The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.
It is described as “vibrant tapestry that celebrates the cultural dynamism of The Bahamas and the Caribbean” by editor in chief Stepfen Sands.
“We are excited to bring our first issue to the public and introduce our readers to the vibrant world of creativity in the Caribbean,” he said.
The Creative Magazine team is excited to launch the publication they believe will fill a gap.
“While we’re keeping the cover story a surprise, we can assure you that it will feature an exceptional individual who embodies the spirit of creativity and innovation. To reveal the cover feature, we invite everyone to attend our magazine launch event in November.”
By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunmedaia.net
Cover stories, Mr Sands said, will be selected based on a combination of factors, including the individual’s impact on their field, their “innovative contributions, and their alignment with our magazine’s mission to showcase creativity in the Caribbean”.
“We aim to feature a diverse range of talented individuals who embody the spirit of creativity and inspire our audience,” he said.
The first issue will feature an array of content, including in-depth interviews with creatives such as Wendi Lewis, Shine Bahamas, Rika C, John Williams, Nishie LS, and Andrew “Drew” Gardiner. Additionally, it will include features on emerging talents, insightful articles on various artistic disciplines, and reviews of noteworthy projects and events.
“Our goal is to provide a comprehensive look at the creative landscape in The Bahamas and Caribbeank,” said Mr Sands.
Readers, he said, can expect a high-quality, visually stunning publication that celebrates the depth and diversity of creative talent in the region.
“We believe that The Creative Magazine will have a significant impact by shining a spotlight on the rich creative talent within the Caribbean. By celebrating local and regional artists and their
work, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for our creative industries, encourage collaboration, and inspire the next generation of creatives,” said Mr Sands.
“We envision The Creative Magazine growing into a leading platform for showcasing Caribbean creativity on both a regional and global scale. As we expand, we aim to build a strong community of creatives, increase our readership, and continue to highlight the diverse and dynamic talent within the Caribbean. Our long-term goal is to become a key resource for anyone interested in the creative arts and to support the ongoing development of our creative industries.”
The Creative Magazine will be a biannual publication, releasing two issues per year.
Mr Sands said the vision is to become an “indispensable beacon of inspiration, driving positive change and nurturing innovation across the Caribbean”.
“We aspire to engage not just readers, but active participants in the creative journey. As we evolve, we aim to foster a global network of Caribbean creatives who are united by their love for culture, art, and limitless possibilities.”
For more details, email thecrea8tve@gmail. com.
ART is meeting fashion at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) - with a mural courtesy of artist and paint mixologist Kristopher Ellis. The Fashion and Design Studio at the campus, which faces Old Trail Road, is now an eye catcher for passersby thanks to the mural featuring a processional of cartoonishly rendered tubes and buckets of paint, juxtaposed by showy silhouettes of haute couture and set against a summery floral backdrop.
As the lengthy mural transitions from colourscape to colourscape, the imagery is anchored by large expressionist portraits that carry the viewer on an odyssey of emotions. These moody portraits draw the viewer in with striking detail and then explode into colourful patterns of surreal imagery. Also prominently displayed is an elegantly perched tropical bird, draped in flowers that unravel into threads which are then cut by giant scissors painted with silver metallic paint. The mural is a beautifully unhinged blend
of surrealism and modern expressionism.
“There’s a lot of abstract art and some surrealism. It’s an art form,” said Kristopher. Coming from an artistic family, Kristopher said he has been an artist all his life but began creating murals in 2015 – thanks to Uncle Bud’s Bar, where he had his first opportunity to paint a mural.
The mural concept is that of fashion head of department and international fashion designer Apryl Burrows. It creates imagery that speaks to the programme’s offerings, aspirations and tools of the trade.
“The mural represents our creative community: the imagery includes tools and design techniques used daily in the fashion and garment industry and the colour schemes used are to inspire creatives when designing garments, textiles and surface prints. It also represents the future of the department, which would include more art disciplines,” said Ms Burrows.
Ms Burrows believes that as a creative department, the building where creative ideas come to life should be easily recognisable on campus.
“The mural represents our creative community: the imagery includes tools and design techniques used daily in the fashion and garment industry and the colour schemes used are to inspire creatives when designing garments, textiles and surface prints. It also represents the future of the department, which would include more art disciplines.”
“Our fashion trades students are excited and proud of the mural and what it represents. They are inspired by the colours, patterns, composition of the piece and especially that there is a public expression of them,” she added.
She said: “We have a voice, a point of view that can be quite different from other departments and this mural is a reminder that we are different, and in a wonderfully fantastic way.
“Creatives possess a versatility that allows us to transfer skills from one artistic discipline to another. From apparel to accessories, to fine art and furniture design, we have vast options - some yet to be discovered. BTVI is the hub of creative education in The Bahamas and we are extremely proud of that.”
Joining Ms Burrows as instructors in BTVI’s fashion design programme are Kathy Pinder, John Lewis, Kevin Evans and Myrlande Julien, all who are respected fashion designers.
Kristopher began work on the mural in September last year. With a full-time job, he was only able to work on the project during his off days. He collaborated with visual artist Kaja Jones, owner of Hippy Painters.
“Because I love this, I’d give any off day or free time to do what I love. My mind is always here. As long as I’ve been doing murals, this one holds a special place for me because of the amount of art and being the first building on the campus to have such artwork.
This is the biggest contribution I have given to a community in terms of art. I am honoured
to have been chosen,” he said.
The artist who creates drawings, airbrushing, graffiti, vinyl painting, screen painting, visual arts, canvas painting and is a junkanooer, said he hopes the mural evokes creativity for creatives at BTVI.
A mural inspi r ation
MIXOLOGIST Kristopher Ellis
“You can pull motivation from nature, just looking at flowers and birds. Junkanoo, in itself trains me to be more than one-dimensional,” said Kristopher.
On the western side of the mural is a tribute to BTVI board member Ann Rolle, who passed away in May. Her name is enshrined within the artwork.
“When I found out about her passing, I was really touched and felt compelled to do something in her honour. She was pushing for the mural. From my understanding, she was an advocate for the mural.
I put all the themes together and will dedicate this section to her - which includes daisies and hibiscus - because she didn’t get to see it. I appreciated her support,” said Kristopher.
hits Inagua
The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) hosted the finale of the 2024 Goombay Summer Festival series in Matthew Town, Inagua, on August 30, at Salty Fest Village. Food, fanfare, and favourite performers kept the music going at this southernmost birdwatchers paradise of the Bahamas chain. Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper, and Minister of State for Aviation & MP for Mayaguana, Inagua and Crooked Island Basil McIntosh gave remarks. Also in attendance were Deputy Director General of Tourism and Director of Aviation Dr Kenneth Romer, MOTIA Acting Permanent Secretary Lisa Adderley Anderson, and other officials.
Photos: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS
Leave the leaves
Good day gardeners, how does your garden grow?
There is lots of leaf on palms, plants and trees, and lots of colour around in the garden during the month of September.
Did you know that it is beneficial to leave leaf debris in a garden, instead of raking it up? The typical fashion and trend is to take up yard debris and leaf litter. I have seen this done to extremes where the soil level was decreasing so badly that an immediate change of tack was warranted.
By removing the leaf litter, the process of the debris breaking down into finer and finer particles is removed, and as in the case of the extreme example I have noted, the soil can be essentially dead, with zero microbial action or life in it.
A sterile yard denies the addition of nutrients over time, and a garden soil without earthworms and critters is void of life. As I write this, I am looking at what used to be a three or four-foot long section of a coconut
palm trunk that is now completely degraded and there is only about eight inches of what would be hard to guess was palm trunk sticking up through leaf debris. I mention the coconut palm trunk because when they get cut down for whatever reasons, I cut them into sections and put them in a cool, shady location so that when it rains and the fibers get saturated, out pop wood ear mushrooms that are a delicious addition to a soup, stir fry, or stew as well as being beneficial to human health.
Earthworms may be one of the greatest benefits to a garden soil and they help to create a soil that is active and alive, often due to areas being left in the natural state and not raking up every last leaf. Earthworm castings is a product on shelves that is offered for sale to provide some of the benefits of the earthworm for gardens that are void of them. If a few earthworms can be found, whether through a grower or a friend’s garden, transport a handful of them into a dead garden and the results will speak for themselves.
An active soil, one with high microbial activity, airspace, drainage, and the circle of life within it is a high-quality garden soil.
It is always a good time to consider enriching soil that is used for quick growth, short life cycle plants, and with the vegetable growing season almost, and in some cases, already upon us, it is the perfect time to do it now! In lieu of leaving leaf litter on the surface of the garden, for those that insist on having it cleaned up by raking or other means, once the debris is gathered up, place it into a bin of sorts for composting and allow it to contribute to the health of the garden rather than being toted away. We must nurture our garden soil, provide for it, allow it to thrive and be a healthy, living, active ecosystem of its own. In essence, the goal is to replicate a forest floor where life takes on its own pace and for all things, the cycles of regeneration and decomposition contribute and benefit the entire ecosystem. Chemical lawn treatments will kill earthworms. Leaf debris will help to promote them. Earthworms are our friends, as are all the bugs and critters in the garden, well, except for those stink bugs, I dislike those
critters. Yes, even the caterpillars that will do everything they can to get at your tender, fresh vegetable crops are beneficial as bird food and beautiful as butterflies.
Management, tolerance, and awareness of the life cycles in the garden lead to promoting a healthy garden, and it all starts and ends in the soil. As always, I wish you happy gardening.
‘Rebel Ridge’ is a frst-rate drama
By MARK KENNEDY | AP Entertainment Writer
“Rebel Ridge” opens with a shot of a lanky, muscular stranger riding into a small, corrupt Southern town — a scene we’ve all seen plenty of times. Except this stranger isn’t in a truck or on a horse. He’s on a bicycle.
It’s one of many ways that writer-director Jeremy Saulnier both honors and has fun with movie conventions on his way to making clearly one of the best things on Netflix.
The tight, taut and tension-filled “Rebel Ridge” is the story of a former Marine who arrives in Shelby Springs, Louisiana, to post his cousin’s bond and gets sucked into taking on its shady law enforcement department.
The last time a relative came to help his cousin from the clutches of less-thanideal small town Southern legal system it was a comedy with Joe Pesci and a hero named Vinny. If you ever needed a hint that this isn’t that movie, the opening sequence is scored to Iron Maiden.
The movie stars Aaron Pierre as our former Marine, Terry Richmond, a man with mad martial arts and survival skills (he catches fish with his bare hands), and, on the opposite side, Don Johnson as the courtly but deadly chief of police, as venal as Richmond is noble. Both seem absolutely to adore their gun-slinging, testosterone-filled roles.
Saulnier — who dealt with frontier justice and lawlessness in his previous “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room” — has given this action-thriller loads of social context: racism, opioid addiction, the cash bail
system, small-town funding and militarized cops.
Like its leading man, “Rebel Ridge” is a lean, muscular movie with few over-the-top special effects, save for Pierre’s spectacular eyes. It’s a triumph of small-budget, naturalistic filmmaking, where cars on a gravel road kick up choking clouds of dust and arm bones crack when pressure is applied.
The script is spare — allowing for some homespun poetry like “You know the thing about a pissing contest? Everybody gets piss on their boots” — and without an ounce of fat. So if a bottle of coconut water is brought up in one scene, it’s going be used in another. There are interesting camera angles, like the backseat of a speeding car or a tense cell phone call inside an old-fashioned phone booth.
There’s also great use of dramatic underscoring by
Brooke and Will Blair, who build discordant waves that grow slack, only to reappear like a shark. The score — including “Wayfaring Stranger” by Neko Case or “Right Brigade” by Bad Brains — are heard only on car radios or headphones or playing in restaurants. Distant thunder sounds often.
Our ex-Marine — described by one officer as “unarmed but considered dangerous” — forges an unlikely ally in a court clerk, played winningly by AnnaSophia Robb, and there’s a plumb role for James Cromwell, too.
“Rebel Ridge” has whiffs of all kinds of other movies, from “First Blood” to spaghetti Westerns, while the script even humanises the bad guys — “Just because you was right doesn’t make us wrong,” the chief says to our hero.
There’s a conspiracy at the heart of the town and you
likely won’t be able to turn off the movie before finding out if one well-trained stranger can save the day, as things gloriously escalate.
“It’s gotten out of hand. Real soup sandwich,” says our hero. That’s not what ended up on your TV screen,
though — it’s the very opposite of a mess.
What to stream this weekend entertainment
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM
— AP Film Writer Jake Coyle
NEW MUSIC TO STREAM
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SHOWS TO STREAM
animals
Animal matters
Kim Aranha
All about snails
Have you ever given any thought to the snail that you see slithering across your walkway? Are you one of those people who intentionally tread on that snail (that sickening crunch sound) or are you like me and you move Mr Snail from harm’s way?
Yes, I know they eat leaves in our garden, and I agree that it is not necessarily a good thing and, alas, they do not turn into beautiful butterflies like the other muncher of all green leaves!
So I wonder why were snails put on earth? From experience and seven years of writing this column, I am learning that all creatures have a purpose on Earth, none of us are here by accident.
In The Bahamas, there appear to be few types of snails: the Amber Snail appears to be the one inhabiting our gardens.
Let us not forget that there are a significant amount of snails in the sea, our beloved conch is a sea snail! More about that in another article.
I live near the bush and at certain times of the year I have a large “army” of visiting snails, they are on every walkway, and I walk gingerly down the path picking them up and tossing them into the bush where I assume they will have an unending supply of plant life.
A land snail is any of the numerous species that live on land, a snail is a Gastropoda, and they reproduce very quickly.
Snails have a very interesting love life: most of these gastropod mollusks are hermaphrodites so that a single snail may have male and female reproductive organs. However,
By The Bahamas Humane Society
PET OF THE WEEK
Invite a God into your home!
Zeus is about four years old,and very popular with the dog walkers, Zeus is housebroken and would love a home where he can snuggle up on the sofa with you and then go for a long walk along the beach (or somewhere). Zeus walks well with other dogs but isn’t so keen on cats. If you’ve been looking for the perfect pet, this god’s for you! Come into the Bahamas Humane Society to meet him or call 325-6742 for more information. Zeus looks forward to meeting you!
The BHS Thrift Shop is open and ready to sell you all kinds of wonderful things! Books, clothing, housewares, giftware, art, and much more! Wed/Thurs/Fri 11am-3pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Bring your bag!
most snails make their babies the old-fashioned way, even though they do not need to, I guess they are just as romantic as the rest of us!
The fact that they can “self fertilise” certainly ensures that they are not going to be extinct any time soon.
Snails lay their eggs in moist soil or hidden crevices to protect them from predators. The eggs are small,
round, and translucent, resembling tiny beads. They require a damp environment to hatch. The snail lays the eggs in a safe environment that must be damp. The number of eggs laid can vary from as few as 30 to as many as 120. The eggs are very delicate, small, gelatinous sacs. Depending on the snail, it takes between two to four weeks for the eggs to hatch. They are born with soft transparent shells that gradually harden as
the baby snail grows up. Life is not easy for the baby snail as there are predators who want to eat them and finding suitable food is not an easy task. A snail is considered a mature adult when the shell has hardened and has stopped growing. Alas (for the snail) snails are an essential food for many wild animals.
One of the benefits of snails to the ecosystem is that birds, and frogs like to eat them. Though that is pretty unfortunate for the snail, it certainly keeps the birds and frogs happy. (in England the hedgehogs enjoy snails for lunch as well). Of course, not to be forgotten is the famous French dish “escargots” which is snails cooked with garlic and spices. Escargots are considered a great delicacy the world over, though I must confess, I am a bit of a wimp and have never eaten them.
The slime “trail” that a snail leaves behind is very beneficial and contributes to soil structure by binding small particles together, helping the soil to retain moisture after a rainfall and gives access to airflow to the soil. They really are little gardeners who are greatly maligned because in order to stay “on the job” they have to feed themselves and they do that by chomping down on our plants.
The shell is a very interesting and essential feature. It is essentially the snail’s house which he carries around on his back, the existence of that shell ensures that the snail itself maintains body moisture and serves as protection against predators.
We tend to think that the snail moves extremely slowly, but if you stop and watch one of them making their way across the hood of a car or along a walkway, they actually move quite briskly in spite of the load they carry on their back.
I know that they are super annoying, but I do feel that it is important to remember that every creature that makes up our ecosystem is essential to the master plan, and if we set ourselves on a mission to eradicate them with poison or bait we will be causing the unbalance of nature which has a trickle down effect. Not to mention that many snail baits are extremely toxic, I know of more than one dog who has been poisoned and died because of snail bait in the garden.
PHOTO OF ZEUS BY JUDY YOUNG.
Photo: Charles J Sharp
events
Paint ’n Scoop
By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunmedaia.net
IT was an evening of art therapy and sweet treats as two creative entrepreneurs joined their talents to offer a date night experience downtown.
Eager art enthusiasts with a sweet tooth were throughly engaged in the Paint ‘n Scoop event spearheaded by Dr Sophia Rolle, owner of the Villa Gemella Art Gallery, and attorney Doneth Cartwright, owner of Tipsy Scoop Bahamas.
The duo dubbed the event a “refreshing”experience as they seek to bring something new to Nassau’s social scene.
During the event, participants painted a replica of one of Tipsy Scoop’s signature ice cream treats. Not only were the attendees painting scoops, but they were also indulging in them too.
“Come for the Paint, Stay for a Tipsy Scoop is a delightful fusion of creativity and indulgence, a unique concept that is perfect for a fun and unique outing,” Dr Rolle told Tribune Weekend.
“Imagine stepping into an art studio filled with colorful canvases and an array of paint supplies, ready to unleash your inner artist. As you immerse yourself in the creative process of painting your masterpiece, the experience takes on an unexpected yet delightful twist with the introduction of Tipsy Scoop. This innovative treat combines the best of both worlds: artisanal ice cream infused with a boozy kick. Each scoop offers a burst of flavor, enhanced by the subtle warmth of your favorite spirits, ensuring a satisfying indulgence. Whether you are crafting a vibrant sunset or an abstract wonder, the combination of art and Tipsy Scoop ice cream elevates the experience, making it not just an outing but a memorable event.”
While sip ‘n paint events have been a hit for some time now, the two owners - who are also friendshave found a way to make it unique to their brand.
“This event is unique because participants got two experiences in one. Further, they were able to sip on wine, while they painted, plus be treated to the rum-infused ice cream at the mixology event.
For individuals who do not drink alcohol, they were able to have a soft drink at the gallery, and sorbet or regular ice cream at Tipsy Scoop. The uniqueness really came in the “two-for-one-price package”, and the intimacy of each of the venues that was afforded the patrons,” said Dr Rolle.
The friends and business owners hope to add extra life and light to the
social scene downtown Nassau, once it goes dark.
“We expect to tweak a few little things, but overall, we both considered it a successful and fun event,” Dr Rolle said.
“Because our spaces are limited in how many people can participate during a given session, we appeal to small groups of 10-15 people at a time. It is essential that our guests come away feeling that they have
just had the most unforgettable time of their lives in an intimate, safe, and welcoming setting. We know many small office groups will seek a new experience with the fast holiday season approaching. We welcome you and ask that you book at least two weeks before your scheduled outing. Because of the nature of both businesses, we appreciate the lead time needed to prepare adequately for our guests. For now, we will host this wonderful treat twice per month. We will assess the experience, tweak it where necessary, and perhaps make it a staple every Friday evening.”
