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Friday, September 11, 2026
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Italian flavors meet Bahamian delight at Italian Dolce Gelato
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GRAND Bahama Urban Renewal Marching Band members were recipients of musical instruments courtesy of the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama.
Photo: DAVE MACKEY
Rotary gives young musicians a boost By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
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HE Rotary Club of Grand Bahama has concluded its “Unite for Good” year for 2025–2026 by investing in the future of Bahamian musicians. The club presented musical instruments to the Grand Bahama Urban Renewal Marching Band, which is part of an initiative spearheaded by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. During the donation event, Immediate Past President Dave Mackey, President Keldra Pinder, and fellow club members underscored the significance of music and the arts, which played a vital role throughout their year of fundraising and community service. Mr Mackey noted, “We started with music, and we are ending with music,” highlighting the thematic continuity of their efforts. The instruments were received by Assistant Commissioner of Police Alvardo Dames, alongside a number of police officials, including Assistant Superintendent Lee Capron and Band Director Sergeant 2773 Ravon Carey. They all expressed gratitude for the support. Mackey commended ASP Capron for his integral role in transforming the initiative from concept to reality. “He worked closely with me to identify exactly what the Band needed and helped us find the right supplier, ensuring we purchased the appropriate instruments for these young musicians,” said Mackey. He also praised the band’s leadership for nurturing the talents of its young members, emphasising that their success stems from diligent instruction, rehearsal, and encouragement.
Observing the band's rapid development, Mackey noted that members not only evolved musically but also grew in confidence and purpose. He remarked, “You are taking young people at different levels of musical ability and developing them into musicians who can perform together with confidence and pride.” This donation reflects Mackey’s focus on the Orange Economy during his Rotary tenure, as he advocates for the economic and social potential within the creative arts. A seasoned musician himself and formerly associated with T-Connection, the first Bahamian band nominated for a Grammy, Mackey shared how his personal experiences fueled his belief in the arts as both a passion and an economic opportunity. The Rotary year began with “A Celebration of the Arts,” uniting Bahamian musicians and artists to raise funds for service projects, generating over 90 per cent of the funding for various initiatives. These initiatives encompassed providing performing arts equipment to three schools, supporting Urban Renewal and the Falcon Boys Club, aiding senior homes, and facilitating healthcare projects, including free hearing tests at Rand Memorial Hospital in collaboration with Coakley International. The club also hosted the “Unite for Good” Art Exhibition at MOSAIC Art Hub to further support the local creative community. Mackey concluded that the Urban Renewal donation represents more than just the instruments, suggesting that they can uncover hidden talents in young individuals. ACP Dames and band directors expressed their heartfelt thanks for the Rotary Club's generous support, emphasising the profound impact of this investment in youth.
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contents This WEEK in Around da Islands Bahamian News, Features & Culture
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hot
GRAND BAHAMA NEWS Pg 4 — Marina demolition a step closer
this week
Pg 5 — Grand Lucayan silence fuels frustration Pgs 6 & 7 — Grand Bahama Shipyard prepares for mega dock milestone
Welcome...
…to Around da Islands, our weekly supplement, free with Friday’s Tribune. This week, we’re island hopping — and even making a quick trip across the Atlantic — with plenty to see, taste and discover. In Nassau, we stop by a new gelato shop and head to the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas for two exhibitions exploring migration, identity and the connections between Ireland, the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
NEW PROVIDENCE FEATURES Pgs 8 & 9 — NAGB opens new exhibitions: ‘Entangled Islands’ and ‘A Sum of Parts’
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Pgs 10 & 11 — Italian passion, Bahamian flavour Pg 12 — Island Brainwaves
EXUMA FEATURES
We also catch up with the National Youth Choir following its time in London, before heading to the Exumas, where Highbourne Cay is entering a new chapter with private residences and a $20m marina redevelopment. And in Grand Bahama, we bring you the latest on the Grand Lucayan, Port Lucaya Marina and a major milestone on the horizon for Grand Bahama Shipyard. From art and music to island living, new !avours and the developments shaping our communities, there’s plenty to explore in this week’s edition. Every week, Around da Islands, having partnered with Grand Bahama 242, highlights news, features and developments from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. And don’t forget, this is your supplement too! Send us your story ideas, features and tips – we can’t run then them all, but we’re committed to strong, fair representation from across the islands. So come along for the ride! From all of us here at The Tribune – The People’s Paper.
COVER Sara Dama
Pg 13 — Luxury living comes to Highbourne Cay
NEW PROVIDENCE FEATURES
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Pg 14 — Local wine enthusiasts sip and savour at Jimmy's monthly guided tastings
AROUND DA WORLD FEATURES Pg 15 — Bahamas National Youth Choir carries Bahamian Culture to the United Kingdom For advertising contact:
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The Tribune: tribads@tribunemedia.net Phone: 242.502.2394 Grand Bahama 242 News: 242newsbahamas@gmail.com Send story and feature suggestions to: Islands@tribunemedia.net
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Friday, September 11, 2026 around da Islands
Marina demolition a step closer
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net
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HE demolition of the Port Lucaya Marina, halted by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, could be a step closer to resuming after the GBPA confirmed that it has received the documentation required for a permit to be granted. Demolition began at the Port Lucaya Marina following an announcement in June that both
the marina and the Grand Bahama Yacht Club had been acquired by Bahama Waterways and its principals, Peter Hunt, proprietor of the Port Lucaya Marketplace, and business partner Shmuel Herschkowitz. The demolition was subsequently halted by a “Stop Work” order issued by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) just days after the announcement, raising concerns among vendors and shop owners at the Port Lucaya Marketplace who feared the
GRAND Bahama Port Authority officials have confirmed they received the required documentation in order for a permit to be granted.
Photos: BARBARA WALKIN
“GBPA remains committed to working constructively with the Developer to facilitate the continued progress of the Marketplace while ensuring compliance with the applicable regulatory framework.”
interruption could further affect businesses already dependent on activity within the popular tourism destination. Nakira Wilchcombe, vice president of Building and Development Services at the GBPA, confirmed to Around da Islands this week that the situation has since advanced. “The Building and Development Services (BDS) Department of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Ltd (GBPA) is in receipt of the required documentation to permit works to proceed,” Mrs Wilchcombe said. “Accordingly, we have
been in communication with the Developers.” Mrs Wilchcombe said the GBPA understands the concerns raised by the stop work order but stressed that its responsibility is to ensure that development takes place within the applicable regulatory and permitting framework. “GBPA recognises the concerns expressed by local vendors and shop owners and appreciates the importance of the Marketplace to their businesses and the wider community,” she said. “GBPA’s role is not to impede progress, but to ensure that development within the Port Area
proceeds in accordance with the applicable regulatory and permitting requirements.” According to Mrs Wilchcombe, the documentation requested by the GBPA was part of the normal process governing development within the Port Area. “In this instance, GBPA requested the information and documentation required from the Developer, consistent with the process applied to other developments within the Port Area,” she said. She added that once the necessary requirements were satisfied, the GBPA responded in a timely manner. “GBPA remains committed to working constructively with the Developer to facilitate the continued progress of the Marketplace while ensuring compliance with the applicable regulatory framework,” Mrs Wilchcombe said. She declined to provide any additional information regarding the project’s current status. Around da Islands also reached out to Peter Hunt for comment on the latest developments surrounding the marina project. Mr Hunt said the company had “no comment at this time”.
SINCE the May 2025 announcement that the Grand Lucayan Hotel was sold to Concord Wilshire Capital and a section of the property is being fenced off, there has been no word on the status of the property's redevelopment.
By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net
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ORE than a year after the government announced the sale of the Grand Lucayan Hotel property to Concord Wilshire Capital, residents of Grand Bahama find themselves waiting for clarity about the redevelopment that was promised. Back in May 2025, the announcement stirred hope among locals that the hotel, once a major contributor to the island’s tourism economy, would soon be operational again. However, more than a year later, that hope has dimmed, and frustration is boiling over as residents, tourism workers, and frequent visitors express concerns about the lack of communication regarding the redevelopment process. Wellington Forbes, a veteran taxi driver who has dedicated decades to the hospitality industry, voiced his disappointment. “After the announcement in May last year, I was really looking forward to some concrete action at the hotel, but now another year has passed, and we’re still in the same position. When can we trust their word?” he lamented. Forbes highlighted the importance of the hotel’s operation not just for tourists but for the many Grand Bahamians whose livelihoods hinge on a thriving tourism sector. The Grand Lucayan has long been the focus of various redevelopment efforts, with its fate inextricably linked to the island’s economic revival. In May 2025, the government and Concord Wilshire Capital signed an $827 million Heads of Agreement meant to kickstart this
Photo: BARBARA WALKIN
transformation, and the hotel was sold for $120 million. At that time, then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper expressed optimism over the sale, characterizing it as a turning point for a property that had become emblematic of the island’s prolonged economic struggles. However, as time has progressed, scepticism about the progress has emerged, especially among those offering services directly tied to tourism. A straw vendor from Port Lucaya, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her disillusionment with the process. “When I first heard the announcement, I was hopeful. But as the months roll by, my trust in their commitment to redevelop the hotel has diminished,” she said. She pointed out that the resilience of Grand Bahamians has led those in power to underestimate the urgency of the situation. Her message to the government was straightforward: “At least communicate with the people. The silence is more painful than anything.” Despite the growing unrest, there have been indications of potential activity on the Grand Lucayan property. In April, CTL Maritime, a
subsidiary of the MSC Group, announced that it was starting to prepare for demolition works on part of the resort. They indicated that this initial phase would include site preparation and the controlled removal of selected structures within the development scope, collaborating with Bahamian contractor Island Site Development (ISD). However, to date, there’s been no confirmation that demolition has actually commenced, leaving residents questioning the timeline and commitment to redevelopment. Around da Islands attempted to reach ISD for additional information but was unable to connect via listed phone numbers. Efforts to contact newly appointed Minister of Tourism Glenys Hanna-Martin for an update on the Grand Lucayan project also went unanswered, further deepening the sense of uncertainty. The uncertainty surrounding the hotel’s future extends beyond local residents to frequent visitors. Kay Rosenburgh from Canada, who has historically visited Grand Bahama multiple times each year, expressed her disappointment over the limited accommodation options available. “I’ve had to cut down on my visits to my favourite
destination because there’s simply not enough places to stay,” she lamented. A frequent traveller to the island with her late husband, Rosenburgh remarked on the appeal of Grand Bahama’s tranquillity and the welcoming nature of its residents. “I long to see Port Lucaya
bustling with life again,” she added, emphasising the importance of restoration efforts not just for the hotel itself but for the overall appeal of the island. Adding to the concerns surrounding the Grand Lucayan redevelopment are unresolved payment issues impacting
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both former and current senior workers associated with the hotel. Union representative Lionel Morley highlighted the government’s shortcomings in addressing arrangements with senior management regarding outstanding payments. Morley revealed that discussions have been sought with government officials concerning issues like severance payments and unpaid vacation days, but meaningful resolutions have yet to surface. The ongoing uncertainty and lack of communication regarding the Grand Lucayan Hotel’s redevelopment continue to weigh heavily on the community of Grand Bahama, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and decisive action from the government to restore faith and stimulate the local economy.
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LINDA TURNQUEST Chief Financial Officer, Grand Bahama Shipyard.
Photos courtesy of Grand Bahama Shipyard
Grand Bahama Shipyard prepares for mega dock milestone By BARBARA WAKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net
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LREADY offering the largest floating dock in the Western Hemisphere, Grand Bahama Shipyard is preparing to put its Mega Dock into service, making the facility capable of servicing every size of cruise ship currently afloat. What began as an idea discussed at a community meeting in 1999 has evolved into one of Grand Bahama’s most significant industrial and maritime enterprises and a testament to the ability of a small
island economy to compete on the international stage. Linda Turnquest, chief financial officer of Grand Bahama Shipyard, recently appeared as a guest on Da Riddim radio talk show with host David Wallace and reflected on the company’s remarkable journey. She recalled being among those in the audience at a 1999 town meeting at Freeport High School where the proposed ship-repair yard was presented to the Grand Bahama community. At the time, the project was known as the Freeport Ship Care Facility. Residents raised questions about its environmental impact, the protection of surrounding waters
and the employment opportunities it would create for Bahamians. Ms Turnquest said she could hardly have imagined that more than two decades later she would be sitting at the executive table of the very shipyard whose beginnings she witnessed. She described the transformation as extraordinary. The shipyard began on a greenfield site at a time when, as she put it, the only thing many Bahamians knew about a shipyard was how to spell the word. Yet through investment, hard work and the development of specialised skills, the operation grew into an internationally recognised ship-repair facility. The journey was far from easy. Grand Bahama Shipyard endured Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, followed by the global recession in 2008. During the recession, employees from the CEO down accepted pay reductions for a period to help the company survive. Then came Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
THE SHIPYARD's latest group of apprentices, who spent three months at the Engineering College in the UK.
Ms Turnquest stressed that the issue is not a lack of qualified Bahamians. Bahamians are represented throughout the organisation, from the apprenticeship programme through executive management. “The challenge,” she explained, “is the sheer number of specialised workers required when a major ship enters the yard.” A single project can require hundreds of workers with specific skills within a limited period. If 300 pipe workers are needed, for example, and only 100 are available locally, the company must find the additional workers elsewhere. That means bringing in foreign workers for short-term assignments THE FIRST of two new docks arrived on January 1, 2026. The shipyard is now preparing to receive its while continuing to employ second dock later this year. and develop Bahamian talent. The economic significance of Grand Bahama “On January 1, 2026, the shipyard’s service and will become the largest Shipyard extends beyond its direct new 2XL Dock, located at the East floating dock in the world.” workforce. End, entered service,” she said. She said the company anticipates The original 1999 discussions recAccording to Ms Turnquest, the the Mega Dock entering service in ognised that bringing large numbers dock is the largest floating dock in the September, with the first ship potenof workers to Grand Bahama would Western Hemisphere and can accomtially arriving later in the month. create demand for housing, food, modate approximately 90 percent of Beyond its infrastructure, Grand accommodation, transportation, recrecruise ships. ation and other services. That impact Bahama Shipyard remains a signifiThe shipyard is now preparing to remains important to the island’s cant employer on the island. place its new Mega Dock into service. economy. “The company currently employs Built in China and transported to From a greenfield site in 1999 to an approximately 750 people, with about Grand Bahama in four sections, the internationally recognised ship-repair 55 percent being Bahamian,” Ms dock was assembled and welded at operation, and now towards what Turnquest said. the shipyard. the company describes as the world’s The question of Bahamian employMs Turnquest said: “The Mega largest floating dock, Grand Bahama ment, however, remains a complex Dock will be capable of accommoShipyard’s history is one of repeated dating every cruise ship currently in one. reinvention.
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Ms Turnquest recalled being given a key to the shipyard gate because she was the executive living closest to the facility. When she arrived after the all-clear, she discovered that the gate itself was gone. The devastation was overwhelming, but the company rebuilt. Remarkably, that same year Grand Bahama Shipyard achieved what Ms Turnquest described as one of the most significant milestones in its history: becoming the number-one cruise-ship repair facility in the world. Of approximately 65 cruise ships undergoing major refurbishment work during the period cited in the interview, Grand Bahama Shipyard handled 21. The nearest competitor handled five. The shipyard faced perhaps its greatest physical challenge in 2019. On April 1, the company lost its largest dock in an accident. Five months later, on September 1, Hurricane Dorian destroyed its smallest dock. “Together, the losses represented approximately two-thirds of the shipyard’s assets,” Ms Turnquest said. The question was no longer simply how the company would rebuild. It was whether it could survive. “It did,” she said. Ms Turnquest said the company’s shareholders continued to support the shipyard, and employees were retained because of the belief that the business could recover. Then, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought another unprecedented challenge. With the cruise industry effectively brought to a standstill, the outlook appeared especially bleak for a company closely associated with cruise-ship repair. Instead, the shipyard found a way to grow. The pandemic forced the shipyard into what Ms Turnquest described as “survival mode”. The market was tight, resources were limited and the entire organisation had to work together, but she said the experience ultimately strengthened the company’s ability to operate efficiently and adapt to changing demands within the maritime industry. She said: “By 2022, the shipyard had moved beyond survival. The following year marked the beginning of another defining chapter.” In November 2023, shareholders launched what the company calls its Transformation Project, investing in new docks to replace those lost in 2019. The transformation is now reshaping the physical and commercial capabilities of Grand Bahama Shipyard.
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Friday, September 11, 2026 around da Islands
around da Islands Friday, September 11, 2026
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Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
NAGB opens new exhibitions:
‘Entangled Islands’ and ‘A Sum of Parts’
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HE National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) will host two new exhibitions this month, Entangled Islands and A Sum of Parts. Entangled Islands is a travelling exhibition exploring the long history of Irish interaction with the Caribbean, from Ireland’s role in the transatlantic world of slavery and abolition to colonial rule, anti-colonial movements and modern expressions of Caribbean identity.
The exhibition highlights stories of connection and solidarity while also confronting Ireland’s participation in brutality and imperialism. A Sum of Parts explores the migratory history of people to and within The Bahamas, examining how successive waves of migration have shaped and diversified Bahamian culture. The exhibition also considers humanity often overlooked amid cultural hegemony and discrimination. Last evening, the gallery hosted an advance viewing and reception.
In attendance were Leslia Miller-Brice, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage; Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; John Concannon, non-resident Irish Ambassador to The Bahamas; Maelynn Ford, Executive Director of the NAGB; Jodi Minnis-Rolle, Curatorial Director of the NAGB; Dr Catherine Healy, Historian-in-Residence at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum; and Kaitlyn “KaitRock” Sardin, an Irish dancer.
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Italian passion, Bahamian flavour By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
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OR the past 20 years, Sara Dama has combined the passion of her homeland with the flavours of the island she now calls home. Her latest business, Italian Dolce Gelato, opens today, serving traditional Italian homemade gelato infused with Bahamian favourites such as soursop, guava, mango and banana, along with a wide variety of traditional flavours.
Sara explained that gelato is different from ice cream in that it has less air and fat and is served at a warmer temperature, allowing it to retain more flavour. “You can taste it better on your palate, the flavour, without it being a frozen treat, and it is healthier than ice cream. It has much more substance. Let’s say you have 8oz of gelato and 8oz of ice cream, you will get more gelato because of the reduced air that is incorporated.” She explained that gelato is something Italians are very passionate about — so much so that she attended Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy.
new providence Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Sara works with local produce vendors to source fresh, ripe fruit, which she said produces the strongest flavours. Gelato was one of the things she missed most when she left Italy and moved to Nassau. “I met my ex-husband in Italy and he told me that he lived in paradise, so then I wanted to find out what the paradise was, and when I came here 20 years ago, I was craving the same food as I had back home.” Unable to find the foods she wanted, she decided to make her own and eventually began sharing them with Bahamians. Initially, she began making pastries, which led to her opening her own bakery. “We supplied Starbucks for about five years, so that was our first adventure in food,” she said. She later opened a gelato store downtown near the port, which she operated for several years before closing following the COVID-19 pandemic. Sara remained in the business after the downtown store closed, selling wholesale gelato to more than 20 vendors, including businesses in Abaco. “I was looking for a bigger location to support my wholesale business and then this space in the Oasis Fresh Store came along, and they have been fantastic and very accommodating. I think our partnership will be very good for both of us, and I really look forward to the opportunity to be out front again.” In addition to gelato, she will offer homemade, freshly baked goods and treats such as gelato pops, brioche with gelato, tiramisu, biscotti, Nutella tarts and banana bread, with plans to expand the menu over time. “My family growing up, we had the tradition of making our bread, our pasta and our cakes, but I am a self-taught chef. I was a private chef for someone during COVID. I am very flexible and I always adapt to necessity.” Sara said she is excited to share the items with new customers, describing them as crafted with Italian passion and made for moments that matter. She said she is passionate about the food she creates because it is an extension of herself, her culture and her love of The Bahamas. “I want this to be a place where you bring your family and your friends and create memories and experiences. People remember when they had their first ice cream and who they had it with, like a parent or grandparent. No one remembers their first salad.” Italian Dolce Gelato officially opens today inside Oasis Fresh Store in Lyford Commerce Park. The store will be open from 1pm to 6pm, with the first 50 customers receiving a free small gelato cone or cup. Regular opening hours will be 10am to 6pm.
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CRYPTOQUOTE AXYDLBAAXR is L O N G F E L L O W One letter stands for another. In this example, A is used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.
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
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Yesterday’s Sudoku Answer
MICRO CROSSWORD
CHALLENGER
Yesterday’s Answers
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HIRTY-FIVE miles southeast of Nassau, where the Exuma chain begins, Highbourne Cay is entering its next chapter with a limited collection of private residences and estate parcels now available for purchase. The 500-plus-acre private cay, long favoured among seasoned yachtsmen, will feature nine planned villas and 10 estate lots dispersed across the island’s landscape. Work begins this fall and will include a new Beach Club, with a pool bar, racquet courts and an indoor-outdoor fitness centre, alongside a $20m marina redevelopment with floating docks built for larger vessels and upgraded shore power. A limited number of slips are now available for purchase exclusively by Highbourne owners. Renovations to the restaurant and general store, a new welcome centre and island-wide improvements are also planned. Highbourne will remain open to day visitors and overnight guests as the development takes shape. “Highbourne holds a special place in my heart. For years, it has been a place my family returns to disconnect and spend time together,” said Mark Holowesko, Highbourne co-owner and CEO of Holowesko Partners. “As we look to Highbourne’s next chapter, our priority is to protect what has
Luxury living comes to Highbourne Cay always made this island so special: its natural beauty and sense of place that families like ours have treasured for generations.” Architecture will be by Olson Kundig, with interiors by Studio Valle de Valle and landscape design by Raymond Jungles, Inc. The buildings are designed to engage the terrain, frame ocean views and capture prevailing breezes, while the interiors will take their cues from the textures of island life. Landscape planting will draw entirely from native species, chosen to strengthen the ecosystem rather than alter it. Conservation on the island will continue to be led by Bahamian naturalist Elijah Sands, who has documented more than 300 species of plants and wildlife across Highbourne and its surrounding waters. His work spans the island’s diverse ecosystems, from coral reefs and seagrass meadows to mangrove forests, coastal scrubland and globally rare living stromatolites.
His ongoing work to remove invasive species and protect native habitats across the island is central to Highbourne’s approach to conservation. The nine planned four-bedroom villas, starting at $18m, will occupy approximately two to three acres each. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and openair showers are among the planned features, with interiors pairing sun-washed woods, textured stone and natural fibres. Delivered fully furnished and managed by Highbourne, the villas are intended to offer the privacy of a secluded island home with turnkey convenience. The 10 estate lots, starting at $12m, span approximately 10 to 20 acres, each with
direct access to roughly 430 feet of untouched beach frontage. Owners will be able to build on their own terms and timeline, with no requirement to develop following purchase. Highbourne will also
offer optional construction management. Upon completion, all villas and select estates will be eligible for Highbourne’s rental programme, with property management and guest services handled on island.
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Local wine enthusiasts sip and savour at Jimmy's monthly guided tastings
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IMMY’S Wines & Spirits’ monthly Guided Wine Tastings are attracting both familiar faces and newcomers looking to discover new wines and learn more about pairing them with food. The latest tasting, held on August 20 at Jimmy’s Lyford Cay store, drew 43 guests, including regular participants, first-time attendees and wine lovers who travelled from Paradise Island for the event. “It is always rewarding to see our regular guests returning, while also welcoming people who are experiencing a Jimmy’s tasting for the first time,” said Susan Warren, wine specialist and trainer at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits. “The enthusiasm for learning about wine and discovering something new is what makes these evenings so enjoyable.” Guests were guided through four wines selected for the evening: Ruffino Prosecco Brut, Pas Du Cerf Club Rosé from Provence, Meiomi Chardonnay and La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Each wine was accompanied by a specially selected food pairing, allowing guests to experience how different foods can enhance the flavours, aromas and characteristics of the wines. “The guided format gives guests more than simply an opportunity to sample wines,” Ms Warren said. “Our Jimmy’s wine specialists provide information about the wines being tasted, including their characteristics and how they can best be enjoyed, while the food pairings offer a practical demonstration of the principles behind successful wine and food combinations.”
PICTURED are some of the guests at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits' monthly Guided Wine Tastings, held in August at Jimmy’s Lyford Cay store, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of 43 guests, with many more unable to attend due to the limited space. The evening brought together regular participants, first-time guests and even wine lovers who travelled from Paradise Island to take part.
Photo: JWS for Barefoot Marketing For many guests, the experience continued beyond the tasting. Ms Warren said sales on the evening exceeded expectations, with attendees purchasing bottles of newly discovered favourites to enjoy at home or over the weekend. “We were pleased that among our guests were visitors from Warwick hotel, who purchased wine to enjoy during a beach outing the following day!” Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits hosts paid tastings monthly at its East Bay and Lyford Cay locations, along with free quarterly tastings at select locations in Nassau, Freeport, Abaco and Exuma. The events feature a range of wines and spirits, giving guests an opportunity to sample selections from Jimmy’s expanding portfolio while learning from the company’s wine team, which Ms Warren has been training for several years. The next Guided Wine Tasting is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at Jimmy’s East Bay store. With the monthly tastings regularly reaching capacity, guests are encouraged to reserve tickets early. Details on upcoming tastings, wine selections and tickets are available through Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Bahamas National Youth Choir carries Bahamian Culture to the United Kingdom
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HE Bahamas National Youth Choir is preparing for a 2027 tour of India after representing the country in the United Kingdom this summer as part of the 53rd Independence celebrations. The choir performed at the official Independence anniversary cultural celebration and cake-cutting ceremony at The Peninsula London on July 4. The event was hosted by High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Paul Andy Gomez and Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Leslia Miller-Brice, and was attended by diplomats, members of the Bahamian diaspora and other invited guests. The choir also took Bahamian folk and spiritual music beyond the formal celebrations, performing in public spaces in Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon after securing the required insurance and public performance licence.
In Oxford, the choristers performed in Bonn Square. They also performed in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Organisers said the tour gave the young performers an opportunity to experience British history and culture, meet people from different backgrounds and reflect on their own Bahamian identity and heritage. The Bahamas National Youth Choir has performed in 25 languages and at venues including St Peter’s Basilica and Notre Dame Cathedral. It is now preparing for its next international trip to India in 2027. To help finance the tour and other cultural exchange opportunities, the choir has launched its 2026 fundraising raffle. The raffle carries a $10,000 grand prize along with additional prizes, with proceeds going towards the choir’s international travel.
Photo credit: Donald Knowles
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