09222017 weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

food design lifestyle books fashion travel gardening film music

Weekend

RED RIBBON BALL Page 10

Painting for life How art gave painter hope Interview, pages 4&5

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

life through a lens

Bring Dr. King story to life on stage

T

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

he love affair between the late Dr. Martin Luther King and the Bahamian people began when he retreated to this country for inspiration at a time when he was in his prime as a civil rights activist and world renown Baptist preacher. That love continues as his legacy lives on.

There’s so much about Dr. King that Bahamians can attest to which the rest of the world may not know. Dr. King is said to have written his legendary “I have a dream” speech on the beautiful island of Bimini - an event which is commemorated with a bronze bust of him sitting at the Bimini Craft Centre in Alice Town.

He returned to Bimini on another occasion to pen his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.

He was a giant of a man with a common touch, and he gladly took lodging with Nassauvians in the Over-the-Hill community, especially Hay Street.

It’s the unheard-of stories of Dr. King’s life that intrigued radio and television host Tavis Smiley, who took his time to compile them and create a theatrical production that will mark the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination next April.

Bahamians traveling to the United States next year should be sure to add this event to their calendars, as “Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience” will tour 40 cities.

The production focuses on the last year of King’s life, a time when he was reviled by some for expanding his critique of America beyond its racism to poverty issues and the Vietnam War. “I don’t want this anniversary to come and go without people finally coming to terms with wrestling with who Martin Luther King really was,” Smiley told reporters.

From the time Dr. King gave his powerful “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break the Silence” speech on April 4, 1967, his life became an incredibly difficult one, Smiley points out, with critiques coming from all sides over his anti-war stance. Polls at the time showed the majority of the country looking at him unfavorably.

“He has a headwind like nobody’s business, yet he stands in his truth, he never backs down,” Smiley said.

“Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience” is based on Smiley’s 2014 book of the same title. Smiley will narrate from his book, and will be accompanied by jazz pianist Marcus Roberts.

The production will travel to 40 cities still to be determined. It is set to kick off on January 15, the day of the national holiday named for King and his actual birthday, and run through April 4, the anniversary of the day he was fatally shot while standing on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968.

Smiley plans to showcase that history through a multimedia production, incorporating live music as well as screens showing videos and photos.

Smiley, who has idolized King since his childhood, is also no stranger to backing down.

An outspoken political commentator, he came under criticism, heavy at times, from some African-Americans over Have you taken a his willingness to critique President selection of photographs Barack Obama over whether he was that might make a Life doing enough for black people. through a lens feature He makes no apology for it. “He page? If so please was running for president, that’s his submit it to weekend@ job. My job is to critique him and tribunemedia.net for hold him accountable, to the best consideration interest of black people specifically and the country more broadly.”

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Friday, September 22, 2017

Inside Weekend Interview 4-5 Local artist Malcolm Rae explains how his passion for art helped him overcome his 12-year battle with cancer.

Food 7 Local caterer Alexandra MaillisLynch cooks the food which brings us all back round the table.

Design 8-9 Designer Allia M Dean lifts the lid on her new Always collection.

Lifestyle 10-11 Put the date in your diary for the fund-raising night of the year, the Red Ribbon Ball, a great new night out with Smok ‘n Word and plans for next year’s new Baha Festival.

Books 12 Alice McDermott’s stunning new novel, “The Ninth Hour”.

Fashion 13-15 Who hit the headlines at London Fashion Week along with the red carpet winners and losers at the Emmys.

Travel 16-18 Introducing out great new travel writer Ianthia who unlocks the secrets of Thailand.

Gardening 19 The lastest tips for our resident gardener, Jack Hardy.

Film 20-21 New release Kingsman falls short of the mark.

Literary Lives 22-24 The incredible life of leading barrister Desmond de Silva

Music 25 Face to face with Bahamian artist Patrice Murrell

Animals A special ‘thank you’ to Bahamas Humane Society patron Helen Hermanns

My perfect Bahamian weekend Illeana Harvey Henna Tattoo Artist Q. Saturday Brunch or Sunday lunch?

“Sunday brunch for me. On Saturdays, people love to get pampered, so I am usually busy doing henna tattoos all day. Sunday is my day to go out, enjoy brunch, and love myself.”

Q. Beach or sofa?

“Beach, definitely! I am a real nature person - the ocean really calms and inspires me.”

Q. Rum, wine, cocktail or Kalik?

“Kalik Platinum! I am a beer connoisseur and Kalik is one of the best in the world.”

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

“I cannot live without music. Songs with an upbeat tempo motivate me and lift my spirit. I love to dance; and without music, there would be no dance.”

Q. Weekend away, where would you go and why?

“Cuba - because of the rich heritage, the dancing and the general mood of the people. If it’s in the Bahamas, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga retreat with my son.”

Things 2 Do this weekend Friday

• Willis & The Illest Band Live Time: 9pm-12am Venue: Lukka Kairi The reggae band will perform a number of conscious roots reggae covers and their original music on stage.

• Fusion Fridays Time: 8pm Venue: Palm Cay At this week’s Fusion Fridays entertainment will be provided by the Xtra Band. Once there patrons are invited to try a glass of their favourite belvedere cocktail, verve clicquot rich, or a fusion of both.

• Salsa With Maydi Time: 8.30pm -11.30pm Venue: Harbour Front Coffee & Lounge If you are a salsa lover or beginning you are invited to come dance the

night away with Maydi and friends.

There will delicious tapas and cocktails offered.

or bottle tops for admission.

Dress code: Short shorts / casual/ sandals or barefoot.

Saturday

• Autumn Chess Classes Time: 12pm Venue: Trinity Methodist Church Chess classes are being offers for children from 7 - 16 years of age.

Classes are scheduled for Saturdays for 90 minutes from September to December 2017. This is great activity for children.

• Dear Future Me Venue: British Colonial Hilton Time: 7pm - 10pm Hosted by Beauty Beyond Feelings is an event both men and women would enjoy. It is expected to be fun, informative and memorable.

It will feature a discussion led by several panelist.

• Presidente Music Vibes Tour Time: 7pm Venue: National Soccer Stadium Presidente Beer is hosting one of the most exciting music tours featuring popular dancehall artist Konshens, and local acts such as Sammi Starr and Judah Tha Lion. Purchase a sixpack of Presidente Beer from any Jimmy’s location. Bring your receipt

Sunday • Keeping Up with The Boujees Stage Play Time: 4pm Venue: University of the Bahamas The team that brought you the Bahamian Icon nominated plays “Sarah’s Wedding” and “New Rules of Sex and Dating” are getting ready to bring you political satire and scandalous drama at it’s finest.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

interview

A life-saving passion

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

Y

our passion can save your life literally. Malcolm Rae discovered that as he approached his final days. The doctors could hardly recognize him from the man they had first started treating. His wife Dorothea had called family members and friends to say their last goodbyes. They were all expecting this renowned visual artist to finally lose his gruelling 12-year battle with cancer.

But instead of giving up on life, Malcolm found every reason to live. When he looked in the mirror he couldn’t believe the face staring back at him. Whoever it was, it didn’t look like the handsome man with flowing, blonde hair and a fiery passion for art who had spent decades capturing beautiful Bahamian scenes in watercolour.

“I had nothing else left,” he said. “The treatment took all my retirement money. Nothing tasted good; nothing felt good. I looked like a prisoner

from a concentration camp. My beautiful hair down my back was all gone. I have always been a beautiful young man. It pissed me off (to see myself like this) and I was ready to get my old self back.”

While staring in that mirror, Malcolm said to himself: “You are a very good artist. You are damn good! You have got at least 18 more good years of painting in you!”

At that moment, Malcolm decided to quit the medical treatment he was receiving and stay at home, using his love for art as his main source of therapy. That was on January 6 this year after his last chemotherapy treatment. That was supposed to have been the end of the road. It was assumed that Malcolm Rae had no more fight left. Nine months later, family, friends and even the doctors are simply amazed at the new lease on life that Malcolm found through his love for art.

“I found the strength and creative energy to pick up my paint brushes; a renewed commitment and passion for art drove me with an all-consuming

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Friday, September 22, 2017

PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA

sense of purpose to recover my confidence and sense of worth,” he said.

Malcolm celebrated his 76th birthday on Wednesday with a “Healthy Art Raffle” at his Monastery Park home.

The 73 paintings he created during this journey from January to June are documented in three phases.

The first collection of 35 paintings are called “Starting” - a collection of the work of a frail, painful artist with a will to live. He started out with not being able to even hold his beloved paint brushes. His wife had to tape the brush to his finger and with blurry vision, he poured his heart on to the canvas.

The second phase is called “Getting Better”, as he literally felt his health beginning to return to him with the completion of each painting.

The final collection is called “Nearly There” and shows an amazing progression as Malcolm poured his zest and fight for life into beautiful art pieces. Among the paintings is a self-portrait, for which Malcolm is most proud.

“I felt like I was fighting for my life through the paint. My memory was gone to hell; I could hardly see and hear,” he recalls.

Watercolours is Malcolm’s main medium, but he is not limited to this. He loves realism, pointillism and even combines watercolours and acrylics creating beautiful blues in some of his sea scenes. He is often inspired by the Bahamian ocean and although his memory may not have served him right at the time, he feels strongly that the ocean was the first image he painted after the last chemotherapy session.

The Rae family came to The Bahamas when Malcolm was 15-yearsold. He was born in England, and his father Richard Rae was sent to the Bahamas to serve as the Director of Public Works. His mother Peggy Rae worked at Chelsea Pottery and was heavily involved in promoting art, a passion which she shared with her son. Malcolm recalls seeing the likes of Brent Malone and Max Taylor pass through those halls, all the while fueling his own passion for art.

His love for the ocean comes through in his art as so many pieces beautifully capture the glory of the ocean which has kept people from all over the world flocking to the shores of The Bahamas. Before arriving here, Malcolm and his parents spent time in Trinidad, Greneda and other places in the region during his childhood. His father, in serving the British Government, took up posts in government throughout the

Healthy Art Raffle with Artist Malcolm Rae.

West Indies. He may have had no choice but to capture the ocean in his art as the highlights of his teenage years included swimming, diving, and courting beautiful island girls on the beach.

When he settled in The Bahamas, the place he would finally call home, he attended The Government High School, St. John’s College, and St. Andrews before heading off to the University of the West Indies to study medicine. But three years into the programme, he decided to return to New Providence and follow his passion instead - a passion that ended up saving his life. He worked at Dupuch Publications for several years before opening his own advertising firm, Rae Consultants. All the while, he never stopped painting. He even found his experience in digital art influenced some of his paintings.

This year every time that Malcolm finished a painting, he felt better. ay by day, he grew stronger. He began to see and hear better, and the finesse of the brush returned to his hands. He was so pleased with his work that he began to feel his body healing with the completion of every piece. It turned out to be the best kind of therapy for him as he has a new lease on life

and although nearly 80, this true survivor has high aspirations for his future.

“After 12 long years of illness, doctors and chemo, in January of 2017 while at death’s door I’d had enough and decided to use art to heal myself,” Malcolm recalls.

“Six months and 73 watercolours later - from early pieces where I could barely hold a brush - to my most recent self portrait with hair, I am now beginning to feel like my old, familiar, wonderful self again!”

Happy birthday greetings and warm smiles highlighted his night at the Healthy Art Raffle, and 68 paintings found new homes by the end of the evening. His favourite, a self-portrait, will remain hung on his wall as a reminder of the difficult battle he won by painting himself back to health.

Malcolm believes anyone facing illness and other tragedies in life should consider their passion as an option to save them and give them a new lease on life, like he has one that everyone had counted him out for. Malcolm and Dorothea are shortly heading off to Florida for a wedding, allowing them to spend time with family and friends, counting every day they have alive together as a blessing.

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

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Friday, September 22, 2017

food

Reconnecting with food to celebrate

BY FELICITY INGRAHAM

F

ood is a language intended to connect people and keep them together - it’s the language of love and one that Alexandra Maillis-Lynch speaks clearly every time she creates a dish. She has found people of varying cultures and backgrounds come together and understand each other better over a meal.

In this way food has become a tool that ultimately helps Alexandra fulfil a destiny she may not have even realised - contributing to the racial and cultural harmony the world so desperately needs.

Considering current levels of crime and other social ills affecting Bahamian society, Alexandra believes families need to return to the dining table immediately.

“In the western world, the way we eat is boring and it’s mostly fast food,” she said.

“The rest of the world eats and celebrates. We don’t celebrate food any more. We have thrown away one of our biggest connectors. No sitting at the table, no eating from a big pot in the field, no sharing food from one plate.”

Without the daily rituals of breaking bread together, she believes a family can grow apart and children miss important life lessons and opportunities for nurturing.

Alexandra wants to see Bahamians reignite their passion for family, food and fun and she also wants them to take another look at their food culture.

Too often, she finds Bahamians try to say certain dishes could never be infused into Bahamian cuisine, or “it’s not Bahamian”.

Her team at Events by Alexandra made a point of studying the history of Bahamian cuisine and found there are at least 11 different countries which have influenced what we currently call Bahamian food.

“Bahamian food has been evolving,” she said.

“Sometimes we are biopic or blind, saying that if it’s not what we have now, its not Bahamian. Yet we embrace jerk and curry for example, which are not Bahamian. We pretend as if we are not

Alexandra Maillis-Lynch CEO/Event Planner/Caterer of Events By Alexandra

influenced - play crazy - until it smacks us in the face.”

The Bahamas, she added, has always been a melting pot of culture and we should be open to embracing our food as such.

She has been catering for more than 25 years and can prepare a feast from almost any cuisine in the world.

Events by Alexandra has hosted country-themed parties for years including Indian, Greek, Lebanese, Haitian, Moroccan and Russian-inspired fetes. The food has been so ‘on point’ that even actual natives of the countries have commented on how well Alexan-

dra has interpreted their food and culture.

“You can’t understand people unless you understand their food,” she believes.

“I can taste a dish once and I am able to reproduce it. So, I was able to reproduce food from all over the world. Because of my background in political science and my extreme love of history, I would research food so much that I could get into the mind of the people and then cook their food.”

When Alexandra takes a catering job which calls for a particular cuisine, she not only looks at recipes from that country; she looks at the historical, cul-

tural and other influences that affect their way of life.

Her decades of experience has significantly helped her grow into the highly-rated caterer she is today. Catering for her had a “very difficult start”.

“I did a lot of free work - catering to charities for free,” she said.

“I didn’t go after traditional methods of marketing. I helped charities in order to establish myself. I did a lot of work with Queen’s College, the YWCA and Bahamas National Trust. I cooked and cooked and eventually people took notice, because my food is so different from anywhere on the island.”

Alexandra is a Bahamian who is proud of her Greek heritage. The Maillis family has made a great contribution to the country by sharing their culture and being active in so many community and social events.

Her heart is huge. She is still running operations at the Ranfurly Home for Children, her heartstring, apart from her beloved sons. Becoming a caterer is a far cry from her degree in political science and her days of studying law. Her first pregnancy changed her life. She decided family would be more important and switched her career to the one that satisfies her to this day.

“I cook with love,” she said, beaming.

Expect to see unique Bahamian-inspired dishes from her company, which is constantly coming up with new ideas to excite the palette of guests. Her conch n’ crab spring roll and steamed conch and baked crab Pattie are among her current popular favorites.

08 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

fashion

Allia’s Always reveals the diva within

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

S

ince launching five years ago, Allia M Dean’s Always jewellery accessory brand has grown in ways unimaginable.

The Bahamian woman consistently imagined the company becoming a household brand, however, the development from its beginning to now is incredible.

On Tuesday, October 10, Allia will launch her 2017 fall and winter collection under the theme “Bahamian Barcode”. The launch takes place at the Hillside House Gallery, Cumberland Street with a cocktail hour beginning at 5.30pm, showtime an hour later and shopping beginning at 7pm.

Admission is $25.

“The Bahamian Barcode event is a branch of our Pompey Series launched last year at International Culture Festival,” Allia told Tribune

Weekend.

“We dedicated our fall/winter collections to be based on thought provoking, reflective and moving topics. This platform will take into account where we are as a people and from whence we came. As displayed in the title of the show, Always has sought to exhibit what is it exactly that encompass being a Bahamian, taking into account much research and comparative analysis of past and present day. The show itself will be a phenomenal collaboration of wearable art, drama and permanence,” Allia told Tribune Weekend.

Since the ninth grade Allia enjoyed creating things. This was

the enthusiasm that led to a love for architecture and a firm passion for the environment, sustainability, waste management and resourcefulness. It was in February 2012 when she completed a Sea Glass

Friday, September 22, 2017

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PHOTOS/DELTON BARRETT

“I have encouraged my global family through displaying my talents and look forward to continued advancement coupled with more travel and exposure in the future.”

Jewellery Course at the Bahamas Agriculture Industrial Corporation (BAIC) and established an avenue to which she promoted resourcefulness; her very own jewellery accessory line now known as Always by Allia M Dean.

Recyclable and architecturally inspired, her pieces include handmade sea glass jewellery, recycled paper jewellery, hex nut jewellery, bridal jewellery and more. The business has helped her in completing her second degree, a Bachelors in Marketing from the University of the Bahamas.

“Always has been my gateway to unheard of opportunity and my voice in design communication on an international scale. I have encouraged my global family through displaying my talents and look forward to continued advancement coupled with more travel and exposure in the future,” said Allia.

At the upcoming show she is certain clients can expect to be blown away by the mesh of raw Bahamian resources on display. She believes her designs are clever in that they are representative of the “diva characteristic” underlining all Bahamian women. Also on display will be a male jewellery selection which embodies masculinity in the Bahamas.

So far, preparations are running smooth for the Always team, and Allia is looking forward to the positive and the critical reactions received regarding the collection itself on October 10.

Features at the show will also include live performances by Doyle Burrows, a number of musicians, dancers and an elite runway model show.

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| The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

charity

Countdown begins for Red Ribbon spectacular

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

W

HILE presenting one of the most glamorous nights the country has ever seen, The Bahamas AIDS Foundation is hoping to raise $100,000 when it rolls out the carpet for its 24th annual Red Ribbon Ball.

This event is the foundation’s premier fundraiser, contributing significantly to its ongoing mission to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in the community.

It is slated for November 4 at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom under the theme, “Lights.Camera.Action”. It begins at 8pm.

Guests will be treated to a luxurious evening inclusive of an exquisite fine dining experience, great music and prizes.

This year’s entertainment will feature local favourites such as Fred Ferguson’s Tingum Dem Band and as well as some surprise performers.

Lady Camille Barnett, president of the AIDS Foundation said the ball, which the foundation relies on heavily to support its efforts throughout the year, will be entertaining, animated and “a good time” for all those who attend.

Wild Flowers Events & Occasions is expected to adorn the ballroom in the “glory of Hollywood” while lighting will be provided by Zamar Productions.

John Bull has been a partner of Ball since the inception of the event and pledged its continued support for the foundation.

“For 24 years we have remain committed to the fight and share the vision of getting to zero,” said Inga Bowleg, director of business development at John Bull.

“The foundation is a remarkable organisation led by a team with a relentless passion for the cause. The founda-

Lady Camille Barnett, president of the AIDS Foundation at

tion invests a lot of time and resources into the planning of the Red Ribbon Ball not only to exceed expectations of patrons, but also to ensure the success of the primary fundraising initiative,” she said.

In addition to presenting a cheque of $10,000, John Bull will also extend another $10,000 in luxury goods to be featured in the raffle and silent auction.

While major breakthroughs and progress have been made in reducing the number of people who die or are infected with HIV/AIDS, due in large part to the work done by the AIDS Foundation, eradicating the disease will take an effort by the general public.

The upcoming Red Ribbon Ball will provide financial support to life-saving

work the foundation is doing, which includes education and increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS, support and advocacy for persons living with HIV/ AIDS, training and research to assist in the fight against the disease.

“We hope to shine the light on HIV/ AIDS, where we have come and where we want to go. The camera highlights our progress in terms of the reduction of mother to child transmission rate, the reduction of AIDS related death, the reduction of new cases, the increasing willingness of persons to be tested in public venues like Rawson Square and the University of the Bahamas.

Also highlighted is the excellent working relationship between the national HIV/AIDS program and the AIDS Foundation as well as the creation of the adolescents outreach program for those infected and affected by HIV/ AIDS,” said Lady Camille Barnett.

“One hundred percent proceeds from the ball go towards the fundraiser, so your support is encouraged if we are to achieve our goal, she said.

Partners of the ball include John Bull, Zamar, Commonwaleth Brewery, Wild Flowers, Pictet Bank, Cable Bahamas and Island Game.

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Friday, September 22, 2017

culture

New festival aims to become global event

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A

CELEBRATION of music, art and culture is what organisers are calling the Baha Festival slated for summer 2018.

The festival will highlight musicians and artist from around the world in a series of events that will focus on music, style, arts empowerment and lifestyle.

Organiser Stefphen Sands said one of the main goals is for Baha Festival to become a world renowned (annual) event featuring different genres of music, that would attract broad based international participation, expose artistic excellence and promote The Bahamas as a major tourist destination.

The festival also aims to encourage a sense of community pride and togetherness in or between different countries and music genres also providing a showcase for new ideas in music, art and fashion.

“The festival will stimulate travel to the country and the surrounding regions. This encourages the music community or industry to grow and

progress by attracting dollars in the form of tourism,” Mr Sands said.

In an effort to promote the festival brand ambassadors will be chosen from around the country to help spread the word.

“This is something fresh, out the box and can’t wait to launch officially to the public,” he said.

There will be a casting/audition for a TV host, brand ambassadors and festival coordinators scheduled for October 2017. A date and venue will be announced at a later time.

“Baha Fest is not just about

Smoke ‘n’ Word

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net FOUR MONTHS into its official opening, Wholey Smokes Bar and Lounge is quickly providing a new style of entertainment for the local market.

Just this past Tuesday, the company kicked off the beginning of its poetry night with a twist. Calling the occasion “Smoke ‘n’ Word,” the series organised by artists Christine Wilson and Jason Evans is expected to challenge the intellectual mind; whether through singing, speaking or anything the patron considers creative.

“If you want to hang, spit words,

sing, whatever your creative juices can deliver. Smoke ‘n’ Word is the place for you. Its a safe and beautiful environment filled with artists,” the organisers noted. Smoke ‘n’ Word will continue this and every Tuesday at the lounge located on Wholey Smokes Corner of Calvin Street, Soldier Road North, beginning 7.30pm. Admission costs $5.

Throughout the sessions, highlights will include various featured artists.

The hope is to inspire the next “ Bodine Johnson,” “ Ta Da,” “Kamilah Gibson,” or “De’angelo Whyms,” all Bahamian artists making a name for themselves in the country.

Performers in their respective fields of work, Jason and Christine

marketing great music and the Bahamas’ beauty. Having recognized that the abundant musical talent in the Bahamas needs serious support, the Baha Festival established the non-profit organization, Project Y Bahamas, under which the festival is managed. Absolutely all profits from the music festival will go towards Project Y Bahamas, whose goal is to raise funds to develop The Bahamas’ local musical talent, while at the same time establishing awareness for ecological matters,” he said.

An event of this magnitude takes

an extensive amount of planning already underway.

“Being the ‘new kid in town’, we must actively promote this new music festival. The world will be coming to our Bahama land, and a whole team is aggressively working on getting the word out about this small and pristine island which dares to invite big artists to celebrate the joy of their Caribbean life,” he said.

• For more information email bamaf242@gmail.com PHOTO/SHAWN HANNA

believes an event such as this is very beneficial to share with others. Both organisers are a part of the local TV show and stage production, ‘da spot 242’ where Jason is the founder.

“Our inspirations are our motivation. Not to sound cliché but the premise is, this is an event for artists by artists in an acoustic environment.

Be it visual or audio. We intend to see how the first quarter goes to determine in which direction Smoke ‘n’ Word will go. This is the first time Wholey Smokes is putting on an event like this but it’s not the first of its kind. Spoken Word and Speak Easy events are not new to the Bahamas,” Christine told Tribune Weekend.

She believes Smoke ‘n’ Word offers a space for artists to come and truly express themselves in movement, sound and visual.

For more information, readers are asked to email: wilsonchristine50@ gmail.com.

Smoke N’ Word held at Wholey Smokes. Christine ‘CRAB’ Wilson is pictured during her spoken word performance.

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

books

review

Cold case detectives on trail of serial killer

“T

he Scarred Woman” (Dutton), by Jussi Adler-Olsen Who is “The Scarred Woman”? That’s a question you’ll ask yourself as you read Jussi Adler-Olsen’s latest mystery.

Department Q, Copenhagen’s cold case squad led by Detective Carl Morck, has its hands full with a fresh murder that happens to resemble an unsolved killing from more than 10 years ago. In the new case, an elderly woman has been hit over the head in King’s Garden. Concurrent with the

Capturing the bygone era of immigrant Brooklyn

“THE Ninth Hour” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), by Alice McDermott Alice McDermott’s stunning new novel, “The Ninth Hour,” does for contemporary literature what “Call the Midwife” has done for public television. Both recall an earlier era when women in religious orders operated as de facto social service agencies, nursing the sick, clothing the poor and doing whatever they had to do to keep destitute families together.

The novel begins on a somber note.

A handsome young Irish immigrant named Jim has killed himself for what appears to be the most capricious of reasons. He was a man, we are told, who believed “that the hours of his life ... belonged to himself alone.” Later,

investigation, Rose, one of Morck’s colleagues, seems to have seriously gone off the rails. When we first meet her, she cannot remember the way to work on her scooter.

And if two cases (one cold and one hot) weren’t enough for Department Q to deal with, it seems that a maniac is intent on committing acts of vehicular homicide on a group of young, out-of-work women.

Is Rose the scarred woman? Is it a bland social servant who decides to go on a killing spree and researches the best way to carry out her murders by looking on the internet? Or could it be the elderly victim or even one of the unemployed young women?

Adler-Olsen clearly has a sense of humor. There are moments throughout the novel when Morck’s workmate, Assad, uses idioms imperfectly and Carl repeatedly corrects him.

Assad’s errors and Morck’s fixes add lightness and comedy to the otherwise murderous proceedings.

You’ll be desperate to figure out the identity of the scarred woman as the suspense drives toward a deadly and at times comical conclusion. Just remember, scars aren’t always only skin deep.

JONATHAN ELDERFIELD Associated Press

This image released by Dutton shows “The Scarred Woman,”

by Jussi Adler-Olsen.

DUTTON VIA AP

the lives of his widow, Annie, and their unborn daughter, Sally — and requiring a cover-up in their Brooklyn, New York, parish because the Catholic church at the time considered suicide a sin.

Most of the novel’s FARRAR, events occur during SalSTRAUS AND ly’s childhood and adoGIROUX VIA AP lescence, but it is narrated by her adult children, who are seeking, many years later, to understand their family’s tangled secret history. And though the book begins in a minor chord — “February 3 was a dark and dank day altogether ...” — the story is exhilarating, largely because of McDermott’s lyrical language and unforgettable characters. darker aspects of his personality will First and foremost are the nuns of emerge. the Little Nursing Sisters of the Sick In the meantime, his suicide drives Poor, who give Annie a job in the conthe plot forward, casting a shadow over vent laundry after Jim’s death and help This cover image released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux shows “The Ninth Hour,” a novel

by Alice McDermott.

her raise Sally. They are as fierce, funny, complicated and brave as any women in our fictional universe today.

“It would be a different Church if I were running it,” declares Sister St. Saviour on her way home from Jim’s burial in unconsecrated ground. Nor does Sister Lucy hold back when she spots a pregnant woman pushing a baby carriage down the street. “He might let her catch her breath before starting another child,” she harrumphs to Sister Jeanne about the woman’s absent husband. “He might think of her health instead of his pleasure.”

That woman turns out to be Liz Tierney, who becomes Annie’s best friend and whose rambunctious family life and lusty marriage serve as a comic foil to Annie’s more sorrowful widowhood.

As the novel progresses, their lives become intertwined.

Even though the action rarely strays beyond the convent and the women’s homes — in Brooklyn tenements and, later, a tumbledown house on Long Island — McDermott has created a haunting and vivid portrait of an Irish Catholic clan in early 20th century America.

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, September 22, 2017

fashion AP PHOTO/ALASTAIR GRANT

Tommy and Gigi figure it out for London

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

L

ondon Fashion Week has reached its giddy conclusion, the extravaganza more than meeting expectations with a string of shows, parties and presentations.

The theme seemed to be a frenzied search for fun and whimsy, a shade less serious and complicated than usual as designers looked forward to next spring and summer.

There were big shows by Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Versace and more intimate affairs by the up-and-coming designers London depends on for its fashion cred.

The first day was marred when a subway train was attacked on the outskirts of London, raising fears of more attacks, but the fashionistas stayed calm and partied on.

Designer Tommy Hilfiger and model Gigi Hadid staged a grungy rock affair for their show on the final night of the week. It was the pair’s third collaboration and featured early appearances by

Hadid’s siblings, Bella and Anwar.

The Tuesday show was presented at London’s legendary Roundhouse, where stars such as James Brown and Bob Dylan have performed over the years.

Concert-style merchandise stalls had pieces from the TOMMYNOW collection available to purchase around the venue.

The outfits included leather jackets with leopard print collars, worn with cropped denim shorts and beanie hats emblazoned with “Gigi Hadid” — a homage to band merchandise and an appeal to the model’s vast fan base.

Models also wore lanyards mimicking backstage passes printed with “Gigi” and cropped T-shirts also bearing the model’s name.

Patterns were checks or stripes, and oversize puffer jackets were worn open.

Hadid said she was happy the show was such a family affair.

“It is obviously a huge event, and I put a lot of pressure on myself as I’m a perfectionist, so to be able to look around and see my family is very grounding and keeps me calm,” she said.

Model Gigi Hadid wears a creation by designer Tommy Hilfiger at the Spring/Summer 2018 runway show in London, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017.

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

travel

Introducing Ianthia

H

ey there! It’s Ianthia and I’m a travel and lifestyle blogger who’s constantly looking for the next big adventure! I truly believe that to travel the world is to explore myself and tap into parts of my personality and being that need to be exposed, even to myself. Over the past three years I quit my job, started my business as a freelance writer, TV host and media consultant and full time traveller!

Travel has taken center stage in my life and has exposed me to new cultures, new food, new people and a new me. I’ve visited some of the most beautiful places in the world like Macau, China, Barcelona, Spain, San, Juan, Puerto Rico, Dubai, UAE, throughout several cities in Thailand like Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang

Mai, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Toronto, Canada, and have been exposed to some of the most rich and authentic cultures and people. Multiple trips throughout the United States and my own country, The Bahamas, proved that my passport is my new best friend and each new stamp in it, a tattoo on my heartThe more I travel, the more it becomes evident that there is so much of the world left to see, and I want to see it all! More importantly, the more I travel, the more I learn, grow and, really, become a better human being.

Yes, the Instagram photos are beautiful, but it’s the story behind each of them that make me want to leave my footprint on every part of the world.

It’s the story I write in each new city and country that spurs me to add a new chapter to this globetrotting memoir.

For almost three years, I’ve been

running my travel and lifestyle blog MiniSkirts and Microphones, and have amassed quite a following of readers who love keeping up with my adventures, getting travel tips and advice and checking off their bucket list items, through me.

From writing, “4 Important Lessons I’ve Learned Travelling the World,”“A Guide to the Ultimate Girls’ Trip,” writing about great travel locations and things to do and dishing on my favorite travel accessories, items and secrets, in this column, you’ll get my tips, tricks and advice for making travel fun and turning it into a lifestyle.

As a traveller, I get the opportunity to see the world through my eyes but bring my readers along for the ride through vibrant and vivid photos and stories that put them at the center of

the adventure. As a travel writer, not only have I been given the opportunity to tell these amazing stories, but I influence, inspire and incite others to travel as well.

Not only have I grown a list of followers who read, watch, relate and engage, I’m developing a tribe of people who trust me to tell them the truth, who look to me for what’s new, what’s next and what’s happening now! I hope you too would join my tribe and get in on the fun.

Check out my new travel articles right here in The Weekend!

• In the meantime follow me on all social media; you can find me using @iamianthia. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and website and see what’s new on there www.ianthia-smith.com. See you soon!

The Tribune | Weekend | 17

Friday, September 22, 2017

travel

Takeoff To Thailand there’s no competition

IANTHIA SMITH Travel Blogger

T

hey don’t call Thailand the “Land of Smiles” for nothing. And I think I saw them all; toothless, welcoming, strained, tired and reluctant; smiles come a dime a dozen in this exotic paradise in Southeast Asia.

It’s early March and here I am, a Bahamian thousands of miles away from home, in a foreign country ready to explore, learn and eat some new food. I’d had my heart set on a trip to Thailand for quite some time before actually making the journey. The intricate photos of the temples were enchanting and the blue hues of the popular beaches prompted me to check out the competition.

But truth be told, Thailand isn’t competing with anyone.

It’s just simply beautiful all on its own and rightfully holding down its spot as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

I fought myself for days trying to find the words to write to sum up this travel experience. But I soon realised that when something is so organically good,

you just leave it alone and keep the fluff away.

Thailand was indeed the best vacation I’ve had so far. It was chock full of amazing days spent on beaches made popular by Leonardo DiCaprio, nights filled with dancing and partying like they did in the Hang Over Two movie and soaking in the culture, authentic Thai food in abundance, meeting the kindest, friendliest people, treating myself to tailor made suits; and to think, I went to Thailand for just $500!

For some reason I was on Expedia late one night and randomly plugged in flights to the exotic destination; I figured it was time to bring this dream trip to life! So when I saw the $511 price tag, I simply couldn’t resist.

After 25 hours of flying from Nassau, to New York, to Shanghai, China, I finally landed in Phuket, Thailand. It was about 1am and I craned my neck, trying to sneak a peek at anything I could as our cab whizzed by buildings and street signs and temples. It was so dark, my tired efforts to sightsee were fruitless.

I soon arrived at the B-Lay Tong Continued on page 18

18 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

Continued from page 17 Hotel, this chill, laid back and artsy hotel, my home for the majority of my stay.

Phuket stole my heart almost immediately! The bustling island with beaches blanketing the coastline reminded me so much of home. The vibrant colors that made my eyes dance, the humid weather (though some days frustrating), the chill, laid back, relaxed vibe were a welcomed familiarity. Each day I woke up to fresh air, birds chirping and the waves crashing against themselves, just outside the hotel.

The B-Lay Tong sits directly opposite the famous Patong Beach, which is tourist central! That location put me smack dab in the center of all the activity and fun and very close to Bangla Street; the busy, market like arena, filled with souvenirs, bars, artwork, restaurants, nightclubs… and of course a million tailors trying to sell you a custom made suit. I caved in and got two suits made. I spent the first five days in Phuket, sunbathing and finding my way through the maze of clubs and restaurants that make up Bangla Street.

Halfway through the trip, I was excited to head into the big city to get a dose of the glamor-filled life. Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is definitely a city to see! It’s so modern and fresh with its huge highways, non-stop traffic, fashion forward styles, elaborate and beautiful temples and carries a buzz that constantly blankets the landscape.

I hopped a plane to the city famous for its insanely large shopping malls and spent the next five days there. As soon as I landed, I was quickly jolted out of my laid back mood and tossed into the city life! Bangkok is super busy! You could literally sit in traffic for hours any time of the day. The partying is insane and I found an area similar to Bangla Street and attempted to party the night away at a nightclub, until I realised I’m no longer a 20-year-old spring chicken with mounds of energy.

I eventually wandered over to a lounge and bar for spring rolls, drinks and live music.

My 31-year-old body quietly thanked me!

One of the things on my must do list was visiting the famous Bangkok Floating Market. It was absolutely amazing wading on the water in my own canoe, as I sailed by other tourists and vendors; stopping periodically to shop and sip. I loved that I got to experience one of the most popular cities in the world!

You cannot go to Thailand and not see

Bangkok!

The money in Thailand stretches so far and getting around is easy. From Bangkok, I hopped another flight to see a third city! In researching my trip to Thailand, I knew I had to see the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)! The photos of the all white temple, adorned with crystals, silver and other shiny material was so enchanting, to this day I can’t find the words to describe it; nothing but magical, comes to mind.

What also makes Thailand magical is its mountainous landscapes, caves and emerald hued bodies of water perfect for tours and excursions.

Before I even got there, the list was already set, so when I ran into the cutest tour operator I made her my best friend and used her to book all of my tours.

The day tours to the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island were nothing short of dreamy played out like a movie scene. From being picked up in a tour bus full of other eager tourists, to boarding speedboats and sailboats, passing breathtaking views along the way. I sailed between some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, on some of the most beautiful bodies of water, constantly squinting my eyes, certain I was seeing Leonardo DiCaprio in the

distance. He was nowhere in sight. Still, I canoed through dark caves, fed monkeys on the beach, mounted the famous long tail boats and brought the Instagram photos and videos I’d been stalking, to life.

And if you love big, exotic animals, then Thailand is the place for you. I didn’t know how brave I was until I found myself in a cage with six tigers!

Tiger Kingdom Phuket is not for the faint of heart nor the scared.

The trainers, though, were really helpful at showing us the ropes for handling the tigers and keeping us calm.

The photo ops are absolutely incredible and when you walk out of those cages, it feels like you can conquer the world.

The tigers were a great experience, but in planning my trip to Thailand, there was one animal I dreamed of meeting. I absolutely love elephants and there was no way I was going all the way to Thailand and not meet my spirit animal. I went elephant trekking, fed the cuddly giants and even helped to give one a shower!

Thailand is known for its amazing food and culinary landscape and boy did I eat! The food in Thailand is so good and so cheap, it has to be a sin! From the roadside vendors pushing

their carts down the street, to open face restaurants enticing you to come in.

This is when I fell in love with Malin Plaza. It’s a nighttime food market that has dozens of food vendors set up slicing, dicing, cooking, sautéing, grilling, frying and making your food fresh and right in front of your eyes! I ate from just about everywhere that caught my attention and was offering something I’d never eaten before.

If you’re ever in Phuket be sure to find your way to this food market and submerge yourself in the Thai food culture; it’s just as intense, diverse and delicious as it sounds. I loved the fact that I could dine on what tasted like gourmet meals each night, and only spend $3, drink included.

I had crocodile (three times), squid, chicken, fish, ribs, the best pad thai, amazing combination rice, banana cakes, fresh squeezed pomegrante juice, spring rolls and some of the best squid ink pasta ever!! The fresh fruit stalls set up throughout the market add so much color and sweet aromas! Food markets are one of my favorite parts of travelling and this one is on the list of favorite!

The Thai currency is a beautiful thing too. Not only visually but making the conversion from USD, could take you from a few hundred dollars to rolling in Thai Baht in no time! The exchange rate is 33:1, so one US (or Bahamian) dollar is worth 33 Baht! For just $1,000 you could literally live like a king or queen in Thailand getting back $34,360 Baht! The money stretched like elastic!

There’s just so much to do and see in Thailand that one trip simply isn’t enough.

It’s one of those trips that stays with you long after you’ve returned home, unpacked your bags and caught up on sleep. And this is why I love travel, not only does it let you see the world, but it also adds to some of life’s most precious memories and experiences.

I’m still dreaming of my Thailand vacation with so many good memories and thoughts. I constantly scroll through the thousands of photos in my phone, camera and GoPro daily just reminiscing on the great time I had! Thailand is definitely a place I have to redo…and if I’m lucky enough to snag more $500 tickets, it might happen sooner than later!

• Keep up with my travel adventures by visiting my website www.ianthia-smith.comand following me on Instagram and Twitter @iamianthia.

The Tribune | Weekend | 19

Friday, September 22, 2017

gardening

Autumn catch up Jack Hardy and the secret to successful strawberries

I

t seems that every year at this time there is a hiatus when the establishment of hardy crops like tomatoes and cabbages is well under way and yet it is a little too early for lettuce and peas. The first week of autumn allows us to catch up on works in progress.

One of them is the nurturing of strawberry plants through to cooler days. Strawberries are perennials that live for four to five years but in the meantime produce stolons, long strands that bear juvenile plants. These can be rooted while still attached to the parent plant. Once the stolon dries up the juvenile plants produced should be fully independent and ready to produce fruits during the winter and spring months.

The secret to successful strawberries is to bed the plants in potting mix in one-gallon pots and use Miracle-Gro Miracid as the main fertilizer. Strawberry plants love acid soil and the addition of flowers of sulphur to the mix would also be helpful. I mix two tablespoons of Miracid with one gallon of water and use that to replenish a spray bottle for weekly applications to my strawberries (and pineapples).

I moved my strawberries into shade during July but still lost about one quarter of my plants. Even in shade the heat was substantial. With all the new plants from stolons, however, the total number more than doubled. I expect to move the plants back into full sun towards the end of October.

At the same time I will also move my Sugar Loaf pineapple plants to full sun.

During July some of the ripening fruits were scorched by the sun so they too were moved into shade. All of the pineapple fruits produced on plants grown from slips have long been eaten. They

were planted last year in September and took 10 to 11 months to produce ripe fruits. The plants grown from pups or ratoons took a full year to ripe fruit but generally had larger fruits.

The old plants will die but in the meantime will produce pups for next year. The slips taken from below the fruits have been planted in one-gallon pots and have rooted well. During October or November I will transfer the plants to 3-gallon pots, quite large enough for individual pineapple plants.

Pineapples are also acid soil lovers and enjoy their weekly dose of Miracid sprayed onto the inside leaves.

I have four new pineapple plants, a gift from a friend (who received strawberry plants in appreciation). These are not Sugar Loaf but are from ratoons produced by raising the crowns of store-bought pineapples, a process that takes two years. The ratoons will take one year to fruit. When you buy a pineapple from the store it does not bear a varietal name so the plants are called ‘Maxwell’ after the largest supermarket in Marsh Harbour. The fruits are much larger than those of Sugar Loaf.

I have moved my tomato plants from their seed trays to one-gallon pots.

This is not an essential practice but I prefer my plants to be 18” to 24” tall

by the time I transplant them into the ground or into 5-gallon containers. If there are any residual nematodes in the garden soil the larger plants will bear a substantial harvest before succumbing to an attack on their roots. They should be ready for the final transplant in mid-October, perhaps sooner. Although the effects of Hurricane Irma were minimal on Abaco it was a comfort to have my new season tomato plants in small pots that could have been protected in a worse situation.

But not, of course, in the devastation that occurred in the southerly islands.

I have used mostly BushSteak hybrid tomatoes for my first sowing of the year, a variety that is supposed to be determinate but in our climate is definitely indeterminate and long producing. The second wave is mostly heirlooms and cherry tomatoes. I do not perform a double potting with the cherry tomatoes because the plants are more vigorous and quicker growing.

I am very encouraged by the new season peppers. Some of them – sown in July – are already flowering and producing young fruits. Habanero hot peppers love warm weather and look especially healthy. The bell peppers are not quite as photogenic but I am pleased with their progress. Every year

I grow Thai peppers but find very little use for them. The Caribbean peppers – Bird, Scotch Bonnet, Goat, Wiri-Wiri and Finger – are pretty well established in Bahamian cuisine and are sufficient unto the day.

I generally do not get around to writing about herbs until just about all the major vegetables have been covered.

That may give the impression that herbs are an afterthought but that is far from the truth. My herbs play a major part in my gardens and I like to establish them early. A visit to your favourite nursery will give you a head start on the season with your essential herbs in seedling or juvenile form. These quickly become established either in the ground or in pots.

If you are sowing herb seeds – or seeds like carrots, lettuce and beets that need precise spacing – remember the old trick of pressing the bottom of a milk crate into the ground to leave a grid pattern. The grid allows you to space your seeds evenly and exactly.

I also use the technique for planting corn. Farmers will laugh but we back yard gardeners do not like to waste seeds and effort.

• For questions and comments email j.hardy@coralwave.com

20 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

film GILES KEYTE/TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX VIA AP

review

Even Elton John in feathers and rhinestone can’t save the Kingsman

This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows, from left, Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, and Pedro Pascal in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.”

KINGSMAN THE GOLDEN CIRCLE RUNNING TIME: 141 MINS

I

n the first film about a secret spy group known as Kingsman, we learned they are well-dressed, courtly and perfectly groomed.

But by the second film, there’s a decidedly ungentlemanly whiff about them — of desperation.

“Kingsman: The Golden Circle” comes three years after the first leg in the Matthew Vaughn-directed franchise — and it bodes poorly for the expected third. This sequel is an overlong, laboured affair that lacks the fizz of its predecessor. Even an insane cameo by Elton John — in his full feather and rhinestone glory — can’t save it.

For anyone needing a refresher, the Kingsman movies are based on a series of comic books by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons that centers on British upper crust spies who combine a fondness for bespoke tailoring with the lethality of James Bond.

They hang out in a Saville Row tailor shop, sip tea, are fitted for 007-like gadgets and save the world in secret.

The first film introduced the working class Eggsy (Taron Egerton) as a potential recruit who is championed

by Kingsman leader Colin Firth, despite the younger man’s crudeness and ill-breeding. He proved his mettle by foiling a diabolical plan hatched by a billionaire internet entrepreneur played by Samuel L. Jackson, whose weird lisp outlasted its welcome.

The charm of the first film was

This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Mark Strong, left, and Halle Berry in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.”

the way it straddled the line between celebrating spy movies and mocking them. It had a winking, self-aware humour. Plus, the action sequences were absolutely stunning, with cameras doing 360-degree turns, cool slo-mos and acrobatic fight choreography. The humor has worn off by the second, even if the camerawork is still spectacular. The music is very good, too, from the use of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” to making John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” into a stirring anthem.

In the sequel , the Kingsman headquarters is under attack and survivors are forced to flee to their distant American cousins — Statesman, a similar spy agency hidden in a Kentucky whiskey brewery. Firth is back and sorely missed as the Kingsman

leader. The trouble is we watched him die in the first film and having him resurrected seems weak.

The solid Egerton and the always excellent Mark Strong are back as Kingsmen, and Julianne Moore takes over from Jackson as the evil mastermind, a drug kingpin with a love for old-fashioned diners. She proves deliciously campy in her controlled ferocity. Cross her and you’ll end up in a meat grinder. Your successor will likely munch on you in a hamburger, yum.

On the Yankee side, Channing Tatum has obviously been cynically added for pure eye candy appeal and he misses most of the movie, anyway.

A subdued Halle Berry seems to be in another project entirely, one quiet and introspective.

Jeff Bridges, as the leader of the American team, may have signed on simply to be able to sample the free bourbon. Pedro Pascal, in a cowboy hat and mustache, plays his part as a misogynistic spy like he’s a member of “Anchorman.” Speaking of casting, why are there so many dogs in this film? Like, WAY too many dogs — puppies, old dogs, stuffed and even robotic.

If the first film drew its magic from a “My Fair Lady”-like attempt by Firth to prove breeding doesn’t determine gallantness, the sequel lacks a central idea. The British-American divide in spy styles is soon abandoned and a sometimes overly heavy debate over the war on drugs drags the film in a darker direction.

Elton John adds some much-needed light as a hostage forced to entertain his captors, who use two ferocious robot dogs called Bennie and Jet (get it?). His “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” gets used perfectly — during a cool fight sequence.

But overall this sequel suffers from sequel-itis — a big-budget movie that rushes from Italian mountains to Cambodian rain forests but has lost the spark of its predecessor. The best moments are actually when it pays homage to the first film. The worst are when it takes itself too seriously, the trap of the very spy films it was designed to mock.

But let’s be gentlemanly: For a film series that cherishes the proverb “manners maketh man,” let’s just say “rotten luck, old sport. Better luck next time.”

“Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” a Twentieth Century Fox release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America “for violence and language.”

MARK KENNEDY Associated Press

The Tribune | Weekend | 21

Friday, September 22, 2017

film MELINDA SUE GORDON/FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES VIA AP

review

‘Battle of the Sexes’ serves up a tootimely story BATTLE OF THE SEXES RUNNING TIME: 121 MINS

C

an an inspirational movie also be a drag?

That’s the distinct feeling one can’t shake walking out of “Battle of the Sexes,” a fictionalized rendering of the 1973 tennis match between 29-year-old Billie Jean King and 55-year-old hustler Bobby Riggs and the circumstances surrounding it.

At stake is the opportunity for women in tennis to even get equal pay consideration, the reputation of a player who could have just stayed in her lane and the perceptions of society at large and, perhaps most importantly, the men in power.

“I’m going to be the best,” says Emma Stone playing Billie Jean.

“That way I can really change things.”

Fast forward 44 years: We’re still here, aren’t we?

“Battle of the Sexes,” directed by the “Little Miss Sunshine” team Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris and written by Simon Beaufoy (”Slumdog Millionaire”), is on the whole a fairly standard, if unexceptional film that has two major things going for it: Emma Stone and timeliness.

The story begins by establishing Billie Jean as the best female player in the world — celebrated and adored everywhere she goes — but still not worthy of even half of the prize money top male tennis players were getting in 1972.

A well-cast Stone, fresh off her Oscar win for playing an aspiring actress in “La La Land,” transforms into the quiet, driven and sharp tennis pro

Emma Stone in a scene from “Battle of the Sexes.”

Emma Stone, left, and Steve Carell in a scene from “Battle of the Sexes.”

Steve Carell, left, and Emma Stone in a scene from “Battle of the Sexes.”

with the help of a dye job and wire rim glasses.

After trying logic on Association of Tennis Professionals head Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman, who smiles sweetly as he spouts sexist fictions), she and eight other female players boycott the tournament and form their own with the help of Gladys Heldman (a chainsmokin’, fast-talkin’, no-nonsense doer played by a fabulously styled Sarah Silverman) and a Virginia Slims sponsorship.

It’s in this climate that Bobby Riggs (played with great panache by Steve Carell), a bored, washed up pro with a wealthy wife (Elizabeth Shue) and a gambling problem proposes a male vs. female tennis match with him playing the self-titled “male chauvinist pig” and the woman as the “hairy-legged feminist.” Billie Jean says no at first, but after Bobby crushes Aussie tennis

champ Margaret Court, she decides she has to play in order to redeem her sport.

Behind all of this, the movie attempts to take on the personal lives of the key players — Bobby’s gambling, failing marriage and strained relationship with his grown son, and Billie Jean’s struggle with her own marriage to a man (Austin Stowell) and a fledgling affair with a woman, Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough).

As well-intentioned as it is, this background is all very thinly drawn and suspiciously Hollywood-ized.

“Battle of the Sexes” revels in the “can you believe men said/did/thought this” factor at the expense of much of the storytelling and character development. It’s not that that’s not effective — seeing a male television announcer co-host the match with Rosie Casals (Natalie Morales) with

his hand placed firmly on her shoulder made me shudder — there’s just a nagging sense that it could have been better. In the end there’s a lot to balk at and quote, but not a lot of illumination.

Bobby is also painted out to be a fool and a jokester, whose sexism is a desperate gimmick and not necessarily evil — or maybe the movie is shrewd enough to distinguish between a guy doing a bit and the real insidiousness of the ones perpetuating the divide behind the scenes.

The final showdown is thrilling, but to what end? From there on out women were thought of and compensated equally?

It’s hard not to think of “A League of Their Own” (a far superior film), and these seminal moments in female sports that are somehow both revolutionary and meaningless. But there is a worthy lesson in “Battle of the Sexes” and some hope therein for these still unequal times. Nine women at the top of their game risked everything to fight for equality. There is power in numbers and unity, you just have to be willing to lose it all and ruffle some feathers along the way.

“Battle of the Sexes,” a Fox Searchlight release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for “for some sexual content and partial nudity.”

LINDSEY BAHR Associated Press

22 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

literary lives - Desmond de Silva

Advocate of adventure Sir Christopher Ondaatje tells us about an extraordinary memoir by one of the most prominent lawyers alive today.

D

esmond de Silva was born in the colony of Ceylon in the early months of WWII, the only son of a barrister and grandson of a Minister in the War Council set up by Britain. Ceylon faced an onslaught of the, up till then, victorious Japanese forces. His life in retrospect, as seen through these episodic memoirs, has a “Boys Own” quality.

After the Japanese entered the war in 1941, Ceylon was in the front line. Winston Churchill appointed Lord Louis Mountbatten (as he was then known) as Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Command which was based at Peradeniya, just outside Kandy. Because Desmond’s grandfather George E. de Silva was a member of the Ceylon War Council, the regularity of visits by Mountbatten to his grandfather’s home led to Desmond calling him “Uncle Dickie”. Four decades later, he was to marry Mountbatten’s great niece, Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia.

These memoirs deal with an oft forgotten fact that by April 1942, by reason of the Imperial Japanese forces overrunning the rubber producing countries in SE Asia, Ceylon was the only reliable source of rubber for the Allies. If Ceylon had fallen to the Japanese, the possible impact on the Allied invasion of Europe would have been enormous. Artificial rubber was in its infancy and needed oil in any event.

It was a colonial boyhood with visits to the family rubber and tea estates in the highlands of Ceylon, swimming in gin clear waters of rock pools formed by estate waterfalls with shooting

Desmond de Silva

Friday, September 22, 2017

parties and visits from celebrities such as Laurence Olivier and his wife Vivien Leigh, Gregory Peck, William Holden and other great screen stars who came to Ceylon to act in films, often with a WWII background. The young de Silva was sent to Dulwich College Prep. School in 1951, returning later to Ceylon and entering Trinity College, Kandy. He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1984, and entered the famous chambers of the Rt. Hon. Sir Dingle Foot, Q.C., which due to Foot’s being Solicitor General was then under the leadership of Noel Gratiaen, Q.C., the former Attorney General of Ceylon.

With over 50 years practice in the courts of England and the Commonwealth, he carved out a unique reputation as a great defence counsel earning the sobriquet “The Scarlet Pimpernel”. However, his greatest legal achievement will perhaps be the role he played in 2002 in the arrest and bringing to justice for war crimes the first head of state to be convicted of war crimes since Grand Admiral Doenitz in the Nuremberg trials in 1946.

Julian Fellowes, the well-known author of Gosford Park and Downton Abbey, has said of Sir Desmond: “His determination to bring Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, to trial is just one example of why Desmond belongs in the history books. Being then the only British Q.C. to have been appointed by the United Nations as Chief Prosecutor of an international war crimes tribunal, he managed to bring about the arrest of Taylor whose conviction in 2012 for war crimes and crimes against humanity was the first of its kind since the Nuremberg trials in 1946 when Grand Admiral Doenitz, who had succeeded Hitler, was tried and convicted.”

Having secured the arrest of Charles Taylor and his transfer to Freetown, Sierra Leone, de Silva, for reasons of regional security, then had Taylor transferred to The Hague for trial.

Once that was accomplished, in 2006 de Silva retired as Chief Prosecutor, leaving his successor to conduct the trial and bring out the evidence of a war that was all about “blood diamonds” and Taylor’s involvement in a decade-long savage civil war to secure the diamond wealth of Sierra Leone. It was a trial in which the international super model Naomi Campbell gave evidence together with the actress Mia Farrow.

These episodic memoirs include excerpts from his diaries. One entry for Continued on page 24

The Tribune | Weekend | 23

24 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017

Forgotten facts Paul C Aranha Continued from page 23 the 9th June 2003 is most revealing in that it gives an insight into steps taken to prevent an invasion of Sierra Leone by Taylor’s forces after the Special Court for Sierra Leone was set up.

Desmond de Silva’s adventurous life has involved being shot at, imprisoned, with an attempted poisoning thrown in for good measure. The other side of the coin is that he saved a future Commonwealth head of government from execution, became the Queen’s Counsel of choice for footballers, jockeys and other sporting celebrities facing serious criminal trials, inherited a magic island Taprobane in Sri Lanka, married a royal princess, was knighted by The Queen under a Labour Government and appointed a Privy Councillor under a Conservative one.

Madam, Where Are Your Mangoes? is a fascinating biography of a fascinating man – who has produced a revealing portrait of Britain’s post-war social, political and cultural landscapes, and is a testament to the importance of the rule of law in society.

And what of the unique title Madam, Where Are Your Mangoes?

As the author explained to me, the intriguing title owes its exotic origin to when the author, then only 28 and junior to the bon vivant Noel Gratiaen, Q.C., unwittingly took rooms in a West African brothel some 50 years ago when they were in Freetown on a capital case. Having spent some time at the bar drinking brandy among revealingly dressed ladies of the night, one of them approached the portly Q.C. and politely offered some mangoes when the author and his leader were crossing a compound at midnight to get to their rooms.

A few minutes later the author, disturbed by sounds in the corridor outside, was, on opening his bedroom door, confronted by the spectacle of the eminent Q.C. towering over the naked to the waist prostitute, plaintively wailing, “But madam, where are your mangoes?”

For all those who are even vaguely interested in the British Empire and colonies in the years after 1939 and the beginning of the Second World War, this sometimes hilarious, often buoyant, occasionally disturbing, but always enthralling autobiography is compulsory reading. Desmond de Silva’s extraordinary achievements are intermittently beyond belief. We are lucky to have this account of a remarkable career in a remarkable era.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is an adventurer and writer resident in the Bahamas. A Sri Lankan-born Canadian-Englishman, he is the author of several books, including “The Last Colonial”.

Siblings unrivalled in their island paradise

I

n a previous article I wrote about Marion Carstairs, known to family and friends as Joe, who came to the Bahamas in the 1930s, bought Whale Cay and built a vast estate that would not be outshone by any 21st Century Out Island development. She was known as a ‘Standard Oil heiress’.

Over the years Miss Carstairs bought and sold quite a few of the cays in the Berry Islands, including the neighbouring Bird Cay. Her brother, Francis Francis, who spent World War II in London as commanding officer of the Air Transport Auxiliary’s ferry base at White Waltham Airfield. Francis promised himself that, if he survived, he would buy an island and build his own little paradise. He bought Bird Cay, built his dream and raised two children, my wife Kim and her brother, Craig.

Sister and brother, meaning Carstairs and Francis, as different as chalk and cheese, lived next-door to each other, on their neighbouring private islands, and each of them made far-reaching contributions to the people of the Bahamas.

Frank Francis was ‘the perfect

English gentleman’, quiet and reserved. Had a movie been made of his life, David Niven would have been the automatic choice for the starring role. Joe Carstairs was the other side of a very different coin, flamboyant and forceful. Joe was a living adventure movie. No actress could play Kim’s Aunt Joe. Joe entertained the Duke of Windsor. Frank’s house guests included the King and Queen of Belgium. Kim remembers Rock Hudson as a regular visitor on Whale Cay. He would arrive with a bevy of starlets, well-suited to Joe’s inclinations, and find distractions pre-arranged by his hostess. Joe’s name appears in every biography of Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992).

The Queen of Whale Cay, the biography of Joe Carstairs, by Kate Summerscale, paints an intriguing picture of the former driver of raceboats, who, when her engine had broken down and she and her mechanic were trying desperately to get back into the race, was distracted by a man who had rowed over in his dinghy and tried to make polite conversation. Joe told the man to f *** off

and, being well brought-up, the King of England did what he was told.

When she was not insulting royalty, Joe Carstairs was developing her island, providing much-needed jobs for countless Bahamians, particularly the people of north Andros, who could easily reach the Berry Islands by dinghy.

It seems that ‘everybody’ from north Andros knew Miss Carstairs and Mr Francis and nearly everybody had worked for one or both, at various times.

Well-known Bahamian businessman, the late Frank Hanna, never stopped singing the praises of Sir Francis Francis. Even though Kim unfailingly pointed out that her father was not a Sir, Frank Hanna went to his grave ‘knowing’ that, for him, his patron was Sir Francis. Kim has stunning old 16mm movies, taken by her mother, of Kim, Craig and a young Frank Hanna learning to water-ski at Bird Cay, in the 1960s.

• E-mail comments and responses to islandairman@gmail.com

The Tribune | Weekend | 25

Friday, September 22, 2017

music

Chasing her dreams

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

S

INCE her outstanding performance during the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival (BJC) back in May, Bahamian artist Patrice Murrell has been solidifying her place in the local entertainment industry while also setting her sights on international success.

Patrice’s drive hinges on her vision to see the music she writes, produces and performs impact people all over the globe.

And one way she has been seeking to capture the ears of listeners near and far is by increasing her visibility locally.

“Since the competition (BJC) I have had the opportunity to travel and perform for numerous concerts, regattas, festivals and most recently had the opportunity to perform as the opening act for The Miss Bahamas World Pageant which was broadcast across the globe. I have also been in the studio working on new material which I am eager to share with everyone,” she said.

Up next Patrice will join a slew of talented local acts for the upcoming Unplugged 2 - a benefit concert next month that will raise funds for the Nat William Music & Film Production Scholarship Fund.

“I’m honoured to have been asked to perform for two incredible charitable events. The second is the Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race For the Cure which is very dear to my heart, having lost my mother to cancer recently. I feel passionate about cancer, research and education,” she said.

On a mission to inspire all Bahamians to go after their dreams, Patrice blazed on to the local music scene with chart-topping hits which have solidified her as one of the hottest recording artists and entertainers to emerge from The Bahamas.

Although she has years of world-class performances under her belt, she only entered the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Music Masters competition this year competition capturing top prizes with her singles “Come 2 Wave” and “Your Ting”. The songs are a fusion of soca, electronic dance music, indigenous Junkanoo and rake n’ scrape.

ing; all which celebrate the Bahamian spirit.

She is currently working on several new singles which will be released soon.

“Over the next few Bahamian artist Patrice Murrell months we will be looking to release at They are on high rotation among local least one song. WhenDJs and radio stations. ever I write or release music it is always “I was blessed to have both of my my intention to inspire and uplift. It songs make it to the finals and take is important for people to get a small home cash prizes. Although I did not glimpse of who I am and my journey. win, the exposure I got was invaluable My music is always intended to make and now I have so many new fans that people feel good and live life to the love and support my music,” she told fullest,” the artist told Tribune WeekTribune Weekend. end.

A captivating performer, Patrice is While obtaining a Bachelor’s of known for her powerful vocals and Science in Finance and Accounting engaging stage presence. She describes at Palm Beach Atlantic University, her music as fun, sexy, and liberat- she hosted a television show on PBS.

Patrice has performed at numerous award shows, competed and won several talent competitions locally and abroad.

In addition to all of her accomplishments in the entertainment arena, Patrice also holds a Master’s of Science in Business Management (MBA) and other professional certifications.

Patrice dedicates all of her time and energy to perfecting her crafts as a full-time musician, actress and model. She considers her journey and accomplishments a testament to all that can be achieved with dedication, hard work, drive and passion.

During her career Patrice has graced the stage with legendary acts and music icons including Michael Jackson, Bryan McKnight, Donnie McClurklin, and Bebe and Cece Winans. She has performed throughout the Caribbean, the United States and Europe.

26 | The Tribune | Weekend

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The Tribune | Weekend | 27

Friday, September 22, 2017

animals

Helen Hermanns: An artist with talent and heart

S

ome four or five years ago I was contacted by a lady called Helen Hermanns, a totally new name to me and my curiosity was immediately piqued: I was wondering what did this very persistent lady have in mind?

She was tremendously concerned about the condition of the Surrey horses in New Providence, and, in fact, all of the horses in the Bahamas. She knew what she was talking about and was very straight forward indeed as to what she was concerned about. She wanted to see the horses receive better care, she wanted to provide supplies to assist and she wanted to see improvement. In fact, she echoed my thoughts exactly.

As I got to know Helen a little bit more, I saw this was one lady who put her heart into everything she believed in, and very importantly, also put her money where her mouth was. She has shown us time and time again, that she cares, really, really cares. We have received generous donations of funds and items, all given with no fuss nor fireworks, just given quietly to the Bahamas Humane Society with love and passion.

Helen was an international dressage competitor… She represented Canada in many events. It gave her great pleasure to pursue excellence; she enjoyed the union between horse and rider. She frequently compares the discipline of a dressage rider with the discipline of a painter.

Helen loves to paint horses, her passion is for horses, she loves to observe the magnificence of the horse, and paint them, as she sees them. She does not like to take commissions because she enjoys the freedom of painting what she sees, without any restrictions or demands. She says:

Feline like adopting?

By The Bahamas Humane Society

PET OF THE WEEK

G

eorge... well, not really. I just look a lot like George; he wasn’t around to be photographed! I’m about a year old and I’m excited to tell you that all adult adoption cats will be FREE this Saturday and Sunday. Sunday, you say?

Yes, one of our staff members is so eager to see us all adopted, she’s going to work very hard Sunday afternoon from noon to 4pm to see we all find good homes. Won’t you please come in and meet us? Most of us are very sociable and would love to curl up with you and watch your favourite show. If you’re interested, please come in this weekend to meet us, or call 323-5138 for more information!

Adoption hours are 11am.to 4pm.

Monday to Friday, Saturday 10am to 4pm and, this Sunday, only, noon to 4pm. See you soon!

• The BHS Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 27 at 6 pm at the shelter in Chippingham. All are invited to attend, but only current members will be eligible to vote.

The next Thrift Shop Jewellery Sale will be held Saturday, October 14, 10 am to 2 pm.on the Thrift Shop patio.

A winter polo match

“The notion of having no limits, no boundaries, makes it more satisfying for me to do big. I want to draw the viewer into the mystery. Every painting has a story, which should unfold through contact with it.”

Her principle medium, for her artworks, is oils on canvas or board. Her work is extremely compelling to look at and I think we would all like to have canvases of hers on our walls. I quote from her website because I feel

I could not say it any better. “A line of ears on tossing heads. The rumps of a hitch moving away from the viewer.

The hooves of polo ponies cutting into a snow-clad pitch. There are events, actions and gestures - the drama of horse life unfolding in jingling, thundering, snorting excitement. Another scene rests on the serene backs of grazing herds in a dewy glade. A third shows a knowing glance between mare and foal. We are offered happenstance

PATRICIA VAZQUEZ

Animal matters Kim Aranha

and left to fill in the blanks with our own imaginations.”

Every time Helen has an art show, her work always sells well, she will contact the BHS and very generously sends us a cheque representing a percentage of the sales. How I wish that we could have more faithful and caring people out there who would make gestures such as this without having to beg and coerce them. Helen is a wonderful example of generosity in action, and the consistency of dedication of her beliefs.

Many of her paintings are in collections all around the world, Helen lives in King Township, in Canada, with her husband and three daughters and an assortment of cherished dogs and horses.

It was a very lucky day for the Bahamas Humane Society when Helen Hermanns decided she did not like what she saw in the Bahamas and that she wanted to be part of the change as she reached out to help us.

Many people assist the BHS when they come to visit our country. They will come to the shelter, look around, say kind things and make a donation, but usually that is the last we hear of them. Helen has had show after show and never once does she forget us and the work we do. It is indeed a wonderful thing to have such a good and faithful friend of the Society. The animals that the BHS cares for (especially the horses) are very grateful for her tenacity of purpose, determination, and faithful devoted caring.

Helen in her Studio

28 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, September 22, 2017