10162020 WEEKEND

Friday, October 16, 2020

photography books gardening food history fashion puzzles animals

Weekend

PHOTOGRAPHER AMONG BEST IN WORLD Pages 08 + 09

World at his feet Bahamian entrepreneur aiming high

pg 10

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

photography

A Rose-Coloured Lens No oil needed here

B

eauty is all around us in the Bahamas, on land and in the sea. But many of us are too busy with everyday life to pause and really see and enjoy the astonishing sights that surround us. Veteran photographer ROLAND ROSE captures both the ordinary and extraordinary and puts it in frame for us so we can see our environment in a new light.

No oil needed here.

The first Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, the commander of the International Space Station, said: “From space, The Bahamas is the most beautiful place on Earth.� Why put our heritage in jeopardy with oil we do not need?

Friday, October 16, 2020

The Tribune | Weekend | 03

Friday, October 16, 2020

Weekend Inside

2 Photography

The beauty of The Bahamas from space

4-5 Interview

Childhood crafts turn into business opportunity during pandemic

My perfect Bahamian weekend

6 Puzzles

Kayla Culmer

7 Books

Miss Bahamas Teen

An A to Z of The Bahamas

8-9 Photography

Wedding photographer named among best in world

10 Fashion

Entrepreneur launches new shoe brand

11 Gardening Read the label!

12-13 Literary Lives

The seductive figurehead of the Harlem Renaissance

14 History

To fly by night

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15 Animals

Bring on the cerasee

16 Food

THIS WEEKEND IN HISTORY Friday, October 16 • In 1968, American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos sparked controversy at the Mexico City Olympics by giving “Black power” salutes during a victory ceremony after they’d won gold and bronze medals in the 200m race.

• In 1793, during the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, was beheaded.

• In 1962, the Cuban missile crisis began as President John F Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs had revealed the presence of missile bases in Cuba.

• In 1978, the College of Cardinals

of the Roman Catholic Church chose Cardinal Karol Wojtyla to be the new pope; he took the name John Paul II. • In 1995, a vast throng of Black men gathered in Washington, DC for the “Million Man March” led by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

Birthdays: Actor Angela Lansbury is 95. Actor Suzanne Somers is 74.

Producer-director David Zucker is 73.

Actor-director Tim Robbins is 62. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 58. Singer Wendy Wilson (Wilson Phillips) is 51. Singer John Mayer is 43. Tennis star Naomi Osaka is 23.

Saturday, October 17 • In 1933, Albert Einstein arrived in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany.

• In 1931, mobster Al Capone was convicted in Chicago of

Q. What will you be binge watching this weekend?

“I have been binge watching the Vampire Diares for the 100th time.”

to be quarantined with Gordon Ramsey for the obvious reason, his immaculate cooking.”

Q. What’s on your weekend menu?

“On the weekends during lockdowns I eat home-cooked meals like shepherd’s pie and chicken meals cooked by my mom.

During the morning, I usually eat cereal or omelets and durning the day I want granola bars and nutella with bread for snacks.

Q. What do you miss the most about having to practice social distancing?

“I miss being able to go to the beach to relax at any time I want to.”

Q. If you could be quarantined with any celebrity who would it be and why?

“If I could choose any celebrity, I would want

income tax evasion.

• In 1939, Frank Capra’s comedydrama “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” starring James Stewart as an idealistic junior US senator, had its premiere in the nation’s capital.

• In 1967, Puyi, the last emperor of China, died in Beijing at age 61.

• In 1979, Mother Teresa of India was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Birthdays: Actor Marsha Hunt is 103. Actor Michael McKean is 73.

Movie director Rob Marshall is 60.

Reggae singer Ziggy Marley is 52. Singer Wyclef Jean is 51. World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els is 51. Singer Chris Kirkpatrick (‘N Sync) is 49. Rapper Eminem is 48. Actor Felicity Jones is 37.

Sunday, October 18 • In 1944, Soviet troops invaded Czechoslovakia during World War II.

Q. If you could spend a weekend anywhere in the world not affected by COVID where would it be?

“COVID-free, I would definitely go to a place with different scenery like Europe to experience new things and a different culture.”

• In 1867, the United States took formal possession of Alaska from Russia.

• In 1892, the first long-distance telephone line between New York and Chicago was officially opened (it could only handle one call at a time).

• In 1898, the American flag was raised in Puerto Rico shortly before Spain formally relinquished control of the island to the US. • In 1968, the US Olympic Committee suspended Tommie Smith and John Carlos for giving a “Black power” salute as a protest during a victory ceremony in Mexico City.

Birthdays: College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka is 81. Actor Pam Dawber is 70. Martina Navratilova is 64. Boxer Thomas Hearns is 62.

Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is 60.

Rhythm-and-blues singer-actor NeYo is 41. Actor-model Freida Pinto is 36. Actor Zac Efron is 33.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 16, 2020

interview

Sophia Dixon When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sophia Dixon found a way to keep going by falling back on the skills she learned as a child. Cara Hunt talked to her about the crafting business she has built up - and the lessons she has learned during the lockdowns.

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ike many people, Sophia Dixon has found her finances affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the days of lockdown turned into weeks and then months, she knew that she would have to find a way to supplement her income to make ends meet.

Fortunately, for Sophia, the answer was right in the palm of hands.

The hotel worker fell back on a lifelong hobby and has created a new business that she hopes will sustain her as the country continues to feel the effects of companies having to remain closed due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Her business goes by the unusual name of LinksByLove.Sgg. “I named it that because everything I do is homemade and linked with my love,” she told Tribune Weekend.

She makes handbags, scarves, embroidered artwork and other craft items.

“I have been crafting and crocheting all of my life,” she said.

“I grew up in Jamaica and so growing up in my family we all learnt something on the side. The boys learnt carpentry and plumbing and the girls learned sewing and crafting.

“We would get what you call the crocus bag and fabric scrapes to make stuff like doll clothes and braided rugs.”

Sophia also had another love that of drawing and she loved to display her work with a twist.

“Rather than put my drawings up on the wall like that, I would actually draw my pictures and then embroider it and then put it on the wall like that so it would last.”

Years later, after moving to The Bahamas, she would find work in an Atlantis store while still dabbling in her hobby.

Additionally, she found ways to supplement her income through selling things such as Avon and Bath Body Works to other female employees.

But she still dabbled in her love of crafting and creating pieces that wowed those who saw them.

“A lot of people would tell me how nice the stuff was and that I should consider selling them, and I had thought about taking part in the Atlantis art walk,” she said.

The art walk at the Marina Village is a way for local artisans to showcase their talents and allow visitors to the country to see their products and mingle with the artists.

“I did think about it but somehow I didn’t have the time to get all the stuff together to participate.”` Enter COVID-19 earlier this year and things took a different turn.

“I knew that people liked my products and since we were on lockdown I needed a way to earn income and I now have the time to really make them so I really started making products which fortunately people have been purchasing,” she said.

And since the lockdowns and things being shut down a lot longer than we expected, I am making a lot of products. Especially since we are nearing the holidays. I have a lot of people requesting Christmas items.”

She noted that one big item has been an unexpected big seller.

‘Right now we are in an ark and so we have to make the best of it. There are some good things that may happen. You may get to learn a new skill or cook a new dish, this is also a great time to get to know each other.’

Friday, October 16, 2020

“I always used to make handbags but that is one of the things that now people are really after.

It’s because my bags are cloth cross-bodied bags. That makes it very easy for ladies to just throw the basics in - their wallet phone, keys and then throw the bag over their shoulders and not to have to worry about them being in the way as they shop. The other thing they love about them is that they can just be thrown in the washer afterwards making them easy to sanitise.”

Crafting has helped Sonia in many ways during this stressful time.

“It is very relaxing to just create with your hands. It takes my mind off off things,” she said.

Additionally, she has tried to use this time to improve her crafting.

“I am a student of YouTube academy and have learnt so many different crafts and ways to do things while on YouTube.”

Sophia encourages people to consider crafting as a way to help combat the stress that comes with this period.

She says that it is important that people find ways to find the good that can come of this pandemic.

“I like to say that at this time we are like Noah in the ark. You see how long they had to be in the ark and they didn’t know what they would meet when the rain stopped or how long they would have to stay. So right now we are in an ark and so we have to make the best of it. There are some good things that may happen. You may get to learn a new skill or cook a new dish, this is also a great time to get to know each other, there are parents who don’t really know their children because you are so rushed in normal times, so now is the time to get together and talk over dinner, or play a board game at night.”

She added: “People can’t lose hope at this time.”

With Christmas approaching in a few weeks, Sophia encourages people to go all out and celebrate the holidays and the fact that they have survived a difficult year.

“And if you don’t have any Christmas spirit just call me,” she added, “I have enough for you.”

The Tribune | Weekend | 05

25 Moan about current name (5) 26 Pleasantly warm beer (4) 27 King lied about registered family having a barrel (9)

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

Saying; 23 ridicule 22 garment (5)Change.

● The Target uses words in the main body of Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1999 edition)

HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here? in making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. no plurals or verb forms ending in “s”.

TODAY’S TARGET Good 14; very good 21; excellent 28 (or more). Solution tomorrow

Yesterday’s call 0907 181 2585 Sudoku for Answer today’s target solution *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge.

BATTLESHIPS CRYPTIC PUZZLE Down 1 She’s entitled to prohibit one vessel (8) 2 A running battle? (8) 3 Simple? Yes, with a new form (4) 5 One car addict will be upset by it (4,8) 6 Consequently feet become tender (4) 7 Wine container under the counter (6) 8 The buck stops here (6) 11 A record entry? (12) 15 Rose paid for the drinks (5) 16 A place where waiters are forgotten? (5) 18 Drink to the end of the rooster? (8) 19 Supporter likely to maintain contact (8) 21 I’m unfortunately upset by highly spiced foreign food (6) 22 Was in form when phased out (6) 26 Neat way to reverse arms (4) 27 Regrets expressed for a trick (4)

Across 1 Big shock absorber (6) 4 Telltale weapon (8) 9 Most unusual form of arrest (6) 10 Weary far-out traveller (8) 12 They may be eaten slowly or bolted (4) 13 Pass through another station (5) 14 People in the running (4) 17 It’s a fault taking the path of less resistance (5,7) 20 If a soldier is, his mail must be (6,6) 23 A pain in the trachea (4) 24 Pale and pass out (5) 25 It sounds like heaven in the Inner Hebrides (4) 28 Literary supplement? (8) 29 Kind of colour worn by a man (6) 30 Poor ending it might make (8) 31 For him to laze is unusual (6)

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Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Onset, 4 Schemer, 8 Fir, 9 Bare bones, 10 Expiate, 11 Tasty, 13 Trivia, 15 Relief, 18 Bogus, 19 Careful, 21 In the buff, 23 Ire, 24 Ghostly, 25 Entry.

Down: 1 Offbeat, 2 Stripling, 3 Tibia, 4 Series, 5 Habitue, 6 Man, 7 Risky, 12 Skinflint, 14 Inspect, 16 Falsely, 17 Occupy, 18 Being, 20 Rifle, 22 Too.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Spent, 4 Letting, 8 Tot, 9 Ambulance, 10 Utensil, 11 Ashen, 13 Avouch, 15 Alight, 18 Loser, 19 Earshot, 21 Collapsed, 23 Ear, 24 Estonia, 25 Eased.

Down: 1 Satsuma, 2 Entre nous, 3 Tears, 4 Labels, 5 Tell all, 6 Ian, 7 Green, 12 High heels, 14 Certain, 16 Tutored, 17 Persia, 18 Lucre, 20 Ridge, 22 Lot.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Garrulous person (6) 4 Revival (8) 9 Opportune (6) 10 Get a move on (4,2,2) 12 Spoken (4) 13 Silly (5) 14 Ignoble (4) 17 Vulnerable point (8,4) 20 Give full particulars (2,4,6) 23 Space (4) 24 A rough-surfaced wool cloth (5) 25 Stratagem (4) 28 Official Chinese language (8) 29 West African country (6) 30 Hypocritical (3-5) 31 Indisposed (6)

Down 1 Exceed reasonable limits (2,3,3) 2 Fellow-feeling (8) 3 Competent (4) 5 Exposed to public view (3,2,3,4) 6 Catch sight of (4) 7 Yearbook (6) 8 Young cat (6) 11 From time to time (4,2,1,5) 15 Despondency (5) 16 Postpone (5) 18 Liable to error (8) 19 Cooperate (4,4) 21 Incite (6) 22 World’s third largest island (6) 26 Known facts (4) 27 Inform of danger (4)

FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.

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I 27 N V E L F A F X I O N D M O K C T

THE ALPHABEATE

PA l Y i H l E t

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 Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

S O T T B B O N A

Friday, October 16, 2020

TARGET Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.

H 26 K P T G R S W F E W U P C H T H T

down: 1 Drench; 2 Unfamiliarity; 3 Large; 5 Recital; 6 Contemplation; 7 Yields; 8 Hefty; 13 Treason; 15 Pathos; 16 Fault; 17 League; 20 Patch.

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targEt thE alphapuzzlE cAn you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid Ex across: Jointure, Trump, loQuacity number represents a letter – or black Breakable, Rat,square.

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The Tribune | Weekend |07

Friday, October 16, 2020

books

An A to Z of The Bahamas

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

S a young child growing up, BahamianAmerican author Veronica McFall said the saddest part of her trips to The Bahamas was always the ride to the airport as her family headed back home to New Jersey.

The first time she brought her very own children to The Bahamas, Veronica wanted to show them everything she had experienced and learned about Nassau back in the day.

“I took them to the beaches, zoo, forts, restaurants, Paradise Island. I took them to meet Aunt Agnes – Mrs Agnes Young, who had a water pump in her yard and also used to sell icy cups and coconut tarts from her home. During our visit, Aunt Agnes let my kids indulge in the sweet icy treats and enjoy a coconut tart. She even let them pump the water from her well,” said Veronica.

These are memories and experiences she cherished and wanted her children to experience; all of the wonderful people in her home country, and a firsthand knowledge about the people and culture.

“My children are very close to their grandparents, we live two doors down from them. My father would spend a lot of time with my kids as he was a retiree and enjoyed babysitting when he had the time to do so,” said Veronica.

When her father passed away in 2006, the author wanted to find a way to honour his memory so she decided to put pen to paper and write a book about The Bahamas.

The new book “A Visit To The Bahamas From A to Z” written by Veronica and illustrated by RJ Jenkins is an alphabet adventure. The story opens as the younger brother in the story, Andrew, has to complete a paper about The Bahamas for a class, and he needs to get more facts.

He asks his older brother, Evan, for help. They contact their cousin, Vanessa, who lives in The Bahamas for help with obtaining facts for Andrew’s paper.

The boys, Vanessa, and their pet – Dato the Fact Cat - set out on an alphabet adventure to explore the history, people, culture, and islands of The Bahamas so that Andrew can complete his country report for Monday.

“Writing is a skill that I learned from my mother, Evangeline Williams. She kept a book on how to write letters for different occasions, which she shared with me to use when I had to write letters for different occasions,” said Veronica.

“My mom also read to me quite a bit when I was young. As a nurse-midwife, who trained and worked at Princess Margaret Hospital as well as at Rassin Hospital, now known as Doctors Hospital, my mom knew the importance of encouraging young children to be read to and spoken to on a regular basis to help with their language and sensory development.

“As a young person, I enjoyed reading a lot and was encouraged at home and at school to write. Writing is an art and a process, and I have enjoyed the challenge of writing, and researching for this book

project and look forward to creating a series of books based upon the characters and their adventures.”

She said the motivation for writing the book also stemmed from the the need to produce more children’s books about The Bahamas. Veronica felt it was important to create a travel book for children that featured children of colour because she wanted to encourage youth of colour, especially black children, to travel.

She said: “As a teen, I participated in the American Field Service (AFS) which is known for its travel and student exchange programs. My parents instilled a love of travel from a young age and AFS allowed me the opportunity to travel to Europe, live with a Spanish family and improve my Spanish language skills. I am still in touch with my Spanish VERONICA McFall family and still speak Spanish. My husband, Maurice, and I met on a college study group to Madrid, facts about Spain in the late 1980s. I have encouraged my own The Bahamas children to travel and learn another language beside English. Two of my children speak Mandarin and that she wish have been exchange students to China; my other she could have child studied Spanish and has been an exchange stuincluded, but dent to Spain. It is important to be a global citizen if she did, they and recognise that we are more alike than different.” would have As a kid, the author said she always loved Sesame a 100+ page Street and became interested in Spanish, and learned picture book. how to read because the show focused on learn“Thus far, ing letters of the alphabet and letter sounds. The young people alphabet format of the new book not only allows kids who have read to learn about The Bahamas though adventure, but the book enjoy also allows them to learn facts and letter sounds, and RJ Jenkins the adventure, vocabulary words which will expand their knowledge pictures, and story. base and spark their curiosity.

“This is my first published book and I am very glad Some of my young readers have written me thank you notes, as well as shared photos of themselves to see my project come to fruition. It would not have with the book in hand. One young fan has asked us been possible to complete this without the support to create an animated version of the story. Overall, and talent of RJ Jenkins who worked on the illustrait has enjoyed good reviews. Because of the quarantions for this book over the past three years. He is an tine, we had to be creative about our book release. art teacher at a boarding school in Maine, and has an eye for creating vibrant, colourful art. This is his We had a virtual book unveiling as I live in New first children’s book also. As a Bahamian, I am very Jersey and RJ lives in Maine. This was followed by proud to have our culture, history, national heroes, an in-person, outdoor, in-person, socially distanced and way of life captured in this book and shared (with personal protective equipment) book signing with others around the world. I am even more proud at the Readfield Library in Readfield, Maine. That because my mother really likes the book. was the first time RJ and I met in person in six years.

“I want readers to see and marvel at the beauty of We worked on the illustrations and content virtuthe people, landscape, flora, and fauna of The Bahaally during the three years we collaborated. I have mas. It is really a wonder of the world - especially also been fortunate enough to have an outdoor, inwhen you see images of the Bahamas from space – person, socially distanced (with PPE) book signing at the beautiful emerald green water, is not often seen the Bahama Breeze in Wayne, NJ.” in many other parts of the world, and the image is She added: “Virtual platforms have made it easy to unique. We share a drawing, the image of the archiconnect with persons who are interested in learning pelago in the opening pages of the book because we more about the book, and we have adapted to this want readers to see The Bahamas from a different perspective. Most times, tourists approach the islands new reality pretty well and will continue to engage readers using online venues.” by boat or plane; in this book we wanted to share an The book is now available online at www.knowlunusual introduction and approach to the country edgeiscapital.com. Currently, limited quantities are from the perspective of outer space,” said Veronica. available at Dollars and Sense in the Madeira ShopAfter spending 14 years researching and refining the content, Veronica said there are so many other ping Plaza in Palmdale, Nassau.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 16, 2020

fashion

Dripster footwear brand launches

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

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AHAMIAN footwear designer Elvis Hanna wants to follow in the footsteps of legendary Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace.

Elvin is the founder of footwear brand Dripster, based on Bahamian culture “with some extra seasoning”.

He admits his dreams are ambitious, however he has a plan that includes fully establishing a brand with universal appeal and creating a local factory.

Most people know Elvis from The Gospel Boys, a gospel duo that started in 2010. In 2015, he went on an East Coast tour of America which involved reaching out to communities and sharing the message of hope to the hopeless. In 2017, he

franchised Twin Brothers for about a year and then went into music as a solo artist, making ten years in the genre of gospel rap.

All of these feats have been instrumental in preparing Elvis for his latest venture in designing footwear.

“In 2019, I ventured into fashion design. I vividly remember coming out of Dominos one day in a pair of Nikes and getting complimented for my style and the sneakers I had on.

I’ve always been a person that could look at a pair of shoes and intuitively know if they would look good on me.

This is what inspired me to venture into this industry and produce Dripster. I wanted something that is authentically Bahamian, representative of myself and a brand through which I could inspire and show love

ELVIN C. HANNA, Store Owner

to people through my products,” he told Tribune Weekend.

Dripster, which was officially launched last month, can be described as a universal language; a brand that can be worn by people from all walks of life, whether a child or an adult.

“When picking a name for my brand, I wanted something unique that could be applicable to everyone.

Well, everyone deserves to be a dripster; a name inspired by my mom.

Dripster features sneakers/tennis shoes that are all designed by me.”

His inspiration for designs he said ultimately comes from God – who he considers the world’s greatest artist “who wants us to look and feel good too”.

“My designs are also inspired by people - producing what people would want to wear in this modern era. I love incorporating bright colours into my designs - anything that

would make people look down and stare,” he said.

The design process is lengthy.

Elvis’ greatest concern during this process not only emphasises style but also quality.

“First and foremost, I find the sole of the shoe I’ve envisioned and then explore and select unique materials to actually make the shoes. Once these selections have been made, I sketch the shoe design onto the computer and decide what colours I want. To achieve a certain colour, I sometimes mix multiple colours together to get the desired look.

My agent then finds a factory that could assemble the shoes for me at a reasonable price. When the factory is done, a sample is sent to make sure that it is exactly how I want it. I ensure that the colours are vibrant, the inside of the shoe is comfortable, the size is accurate, and the print of the name is properly done. Once the shoe has my approval, I let my agent know how much I want, get the quotes, and begin the process of shipping.”

The future of Dripster includes Elvis having his very own factory in The Bahamas and inspiring other designers to go after their dreams.

He said: “I want to open local stores in the airport and in areas like Downtown that are accessible to tourists, selling my products at a reasonable price. This venture could even open employment opportunities for Bahamians. I aspire to put The Bahamas on the map in the avenue of design. Yes, people admire this country for sun, sand, and sea.

I believe that we can also be known for the brands we produce.

“Despite living in a relatively small nation, we should not box ourselves in and not do what we envision. So much creativity lies dormant here because we are sometimes afraid to branch out. Bahamian products could be worn across the world and we could become an epicenter of fashion and design. Versace is my role model, and if he can branch out globally from his original start in Italy… so can I and so can individuals across The Bahamas.”

For more information, contact dripstershoes@gmail.com or 242-429-5767.

The Tribune | Weekend | 11

Friday, October 16, 2020

gardening

Please, read the label!

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common issue that I have been seeing and hearing of lately is that of pesticide misuse, coupled with claims that “it didn’t work”. I am going to lay this one squarely at one cause: not following label directions. Reading the label on any pesticide, fertilizer, fungicide, or garden product in general is essential. There is no other way to put it. If there is a product that you’ve used successfully in the past but this time around, it “didn’t work”, there can be several variables as to why, one of them being that the product has been changed or adjusted, or label directions may have changed or been adjusted, since the last time it was purchased. It is always said with the use of pesticides, do not trust your memory, things change.

The most important word on a pesticide label is one of three words: Caution, Warning, or Danger.

One of these words is on every single product that contains a pesticide. These words are referred to as “signal words” and they are used to indicate the acute toxicity of the product to humans, based on one or more potential routes of exposure (absorption, inhalation, etcetera). Here is a breakdown of the three signal words: Caution – pesticides that are least harmful to humans, Warning – more toxic than those with a Caution label, and Danger – very poisonous or irritating and should be used with extreme care because they can severely burn your skin or eyes. Most pesticides with the Danger signal word are restricted-use pesticides

and are not typically available to the general public (typically, in more strictly regulated markets than ours). Locally, I am quite shocked at some of the pesticides that are pushed onto consumers. I will not call names, but there is some toxic stuff out there, and I beg you to use care and consideration when selecting pesticides, even from some “reputable” sources. Check the signal word before purchasing, and I really suggest staying away from ones with the signal word Danger on the label! Other words that must and will always appear on pesticide labels is “keep out of reach of children”, this one ought to be selfexplanatory. Active ingredients will also be listed, along with inert ingredients. Active ingredients are those that are responsible for the control of the target pests. Inert ingredients are those that are added to increase the effectiveness, adherence, dilution and so on.

Another important section of pesticide labels is the section on Environmental Hazards. This section will state whether something is harmful to aquatic life, bees, endangered plants or animals, wetlands, etcetera. This can also relate to the timing of application, for example if a target crop is in flower, and the product directly or through its residue is harmful to bees, then it is certainly not the time to apply, as likely the bees will be visiting those flowers and then carry the residues back to the hive and acute toxicity can cause the hive to collapse.

An example that I came across lately of a highly effective product being incorrectly used has to do with an attempt to control snails eating vegetable plants. It (the pesticide) was applied in such a way that it reduced its efficacy. Not only is it a waste of money, time, product, and effort, it can be dangerous to not read the product label. It is not dangerous in this example as the active ingredient, iron phosphate, is not toxic (the signal word on the product is Caution). The product in question is branded as Sluggo, it is used to control (notice, not eradicate) slugs and snails. This is a pest specific product, it targets only snails and slugs, and it is not harmful to any other garden pests. The active ingredient, iron phosphate, is a compound that combines phosphorous with iron, and it is formulated as a granule (as compared to a dust, liquid, etcetera). The product in this case goes to work when it is ingested by the target pest. Hence it typically being referred to as “bait”. It is designed to be spread at a specific rate of 1 pound (lb) per 1000 square feet (measured as 10’ x 100’, 20’ x 50’, 40’ x 25’ and so on). This means that there are only a very few granules per square foot (12” x 12”) when applied according to label directions. In the example of misuse, the product was mounded around the plant being affected. One key point to pest control came to mind for me, and that is to protect the boundary for several feet or even several meters around the plants being affected in a home garden for example. In this case it was mounded around the plant, which meant that the snails and slugs were still able to get to the plant (underneath, over, around, it is amazing their capabilities to get to their desired food source), instead of being “baited” long before they could get close. Thus, it seemed that the product “did not work”. But, had it been applied according to label directions, its efficiency and impact increases to the maximum efficiency.

I do not have enough space here to go further, I will discuss some effects of over application later, as it may be surprising at some its effects, maybe next time! Until then, and as we go into the vegetable (food) growing season, please, at all times and every time, read the label and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS as they are laid out, not as one might choose to interpret them. There are very valid reasons for the specificity of the directions, lots of research and testing, and not only will it maximize the effectiveness of the product (and the money spent on it) to follow the directions, it may also help to protect you or your family from the same chemical when those vegetable plants make it to your table. Happy gardening!

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 16, 2020

literary lives

Nora Holt (1885-1974) Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the American singer, composer and music critic who composed more than 200 works of music and was associated with the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance and the co-founder of the National Association of Negro musicians.

“The name Nora Holt glimmers through histories of the Harlem Renaissance: as a guest at the era’s legendary parties, including the one given in honour of the publication of Langston Hughes’s ‘The Weary Blues’, as a principal in the period’s most tabloid-ready scandals, and as the model for Lasca Sartoris, the seductress of Carl Van Vechten’s notorious novel ‘Nigger Heaven’” Cherry A Wall Professor of History Rutgers University, US Nora Holt was born Lena or Lora Douglas in Kansas City in 1885 to Calvin Douglas, an African Methodist Episcopal Church Minister, and Gracie Brown Douglas. Her mother encouraged her to start piano lessons when she was four, giving her an early taste of music. Later, she played the organ in St Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City.

Her father, on the board of trustees for Western University, wrote the words for the school song “O Western U”. The young Nora wrote the music for the song but destroyed the score in an authorship dispute with her music professor who only helped with some of the harmonies.

She graduated from Western University at Quindaro, Kansas, in 1917 with a degree in music, and the following year earned a master’s degree in music composition at the Chicago Musical College – the first African-American to earn a Master’s degree in the United States. Her thesis composition at the Chicago Musical College was an orchestral work called Rhapsody on Negro Themes.

From 1917 to 1921, Holt contributed music criticism and was an influential reviewer of classical music for the Chicago Defender and the New York Amsterdam News. She published and edited a journal Music and Poetry for a brief period in 1921 and was the co-founder of the two most important organisations of black classical musicians in America, the Chicago Music Association and the National Association of Negro Musicians.

She was married five times. At the age of 15, she married a musician called Sky James, then two years later married politician Philip Scroggins, followed not long afterwards a banker named Bruce Jones. In 1916, she married her fourth husband, elderly hotel owner George Holt, taking his name and changing her first name to Nora. Holt’s wealth and connections opened up opportunities for her. When Holt died in 1921, Nora inherited his fortune.

Holt moved to New York after George Holt’s death and became an important part of the Harlem Renaissance. She was briefly married to Joseph Ray, the tycoon Charles Schwab’s wealthy African-American assistant in 1923. They moved to Pennsylvania, but their marriage ended after nineteen months in a bitter and highly publicised divorce. She changed her name from Ray back to Holt and kept if for the rest of her life.

The 1920s, and even the 1930s, were a period of experimentation and self-invention. She was tall and glamorous, and performed a repertoire of bawdy tunes – some of which she wrote herself.

She was free spirited, and known for her signature song: “My daddy rocks me with one steady roll, There’s no slippin’ when he once takes hold.”

She sometimes danced in the nude at the parties she hosted or attended with leading writers and thinkers of the era. She was wild and shameless and known as a wealthy socialite, composer, and performer. Holt travelled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Before leaving the United States in 1926, Holt placed her nearly 200 works of orchestral and chamber music in storage.

These and other possessions were stolen during her travels which lasted for 12 years. Only two

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, October 16, 2020

compositions, “The Sandman” and “Negro Dances” were preserved.

Holt sailed for Paris in the wake of Josephine Baker, Bricktop (Ada Smith), and Florence Mills. The Negro vogue had crossed the Atlantic, became Le Tumulte Noir in France, and would soon spread throughout Europe and beyond.

With her glamorous looks and striking voice, Holt quickly created a sensation. She made her debut at the Les Nuits du Prado in Paris in October 1926.

She was now a full-on blonde, and keenly aware of the effect she had on her audiences.

“These French are too excitable to be stable ...

The little music hall ‘Prado’ goes on well. It is quite chic, no dancing and only French people. Imagine them liking me and they don’t know a word I am singing or what it’s all about. The real truth is, I’m selling my hair and personality. So far so good.

I am not greatly enthused. It’s a lark for me you know.”

Nora Holt Letter to the novelist Carl Van Vechten (author, critic and photographer) Holt slipped easily from a classically trained musician to nightclub cabarets. She headlined shows in Monte Carlo and Berlin and returned to Paris several times. In 1929, she performed at a much publicised engagement at the Café de Paris in London.

“She had a gift for drama. Before she performed ‘The Man I Love’, she would aver, ‘I knew Mr Gershwin’. This was probably true, as Gershwin was a regular at Carl Van Vechten’s New York parties. Holt also liked to recount the night at the Café de Paris when the Prince of Wales showed up with his future wife, the divorcée Wallis Simpson.

In Holt’s telling the Prince came to the stage at the end of the set to congratulate her.”

Cherry A Wall Professor of History Rutgers University, US In November 1932, Holt left for Shanghai to fulfil an eight-month engagement at one of the exclusive English nightclubs. In fact, she would spend the next eight years performing in Shanghai – which was known as the “Paris of the East”. It drew its fame from of its dazzling nightlife.

“It was a segregated city: the fancy hotels, theatres, elegant shops, cabarets, and golf course were reserved for whites only. The masses of Chinese lived in desperate poverty. But for the international elite, Shanghai in the thirties was wide-open: drugs were legal, prostitution flourished and gambling was widespread. Jazz was the music of choice in the European quarter ... by 1934, the number of Black musicians in Shanghai was greater than the number of Black jazz musicians in Paris. Black

CECIL Beaton photograph of North Holt entertainers were allowed to work in the Bund, the city’s European compound.”

Cherry A Wall Professor of History Rutgers University, US Holt was a fixture of Shanghai nightlife from 1932 to 1937, when the Japanese invaded China.

In 1938, Holt returned to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, where she reinvented herself again. She taught music for several years and also ran a beauty shop where she promised to bring “Hollywood service to West Side business and society matrons”. Hers was the first Blackowned business in the historic Vermont-Jefferson district of Los Angeles. She became involved with the Los Angeles school board.

In 1942, she moved back to Harlem and became an editor and music critic for the Black-oriented publication Amsterdam News. She chastised Black New Yorkers for not supporting concerts by Black musicians, and promoted the careers of a whole new generation of performers including Martina Arroyo, Leontyne Price, and William Warfield. In 1945, she began the annual America Negro Artists Festival on radio station WNYC, and in 1950 served as pPresident of the New York City branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians.

From 1953 to 1964, she was the producer and musical director of a weekly programme, “Nora Holt’s Concert Showcase”, on Harlem’s WLIB radio station. One of the most prestigious honours she received in her lifetime was her election to the Music Critics Circle of New York in 1965.

Nora Holt lived on for another 20 years. She was a main supporter of Car Van Vechten’s efforts

NORA Holt with Carl Van Vechten to establish the James Johnson Collection at Yale University. The letters she wrote to Van Vechten, a patron of the Harlem Renaissance, both before she left the United States, while she was away, and when she returned, are the primary source of information about her extraordinary life.

“She was a free woman who lived life as she chose, and somehow managed never to pay the price such freedom usually incurred. She maintained the respect of her peers in the small but rarefied world of African-Americans in classical music, while enjoying the prerequisites of show business success on three continents. By staying on the move, Nora Holt succeeded in two unlikely careers: she was a woman who became both a Negro composer and a jazz-age goddess.”

Cherry A Hall Professor of History Rutgers University, US Nora Holt died on January 25, 1974, in Los Angeles. She was 89 years old.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. The author acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; from Cherry A. Wall, Professor of History, Rutgers University; from letters to Carl van Vechten from Nora Holt; from The Harlem Renaissance: A Historical Dictionary for the Era (1984) by Bruce Kellner; and from Remember Me to Harlem: The Letters of Langston Hughes and Carl Van Vechten (2001)

by Emily Bernard.

14 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 16, 2020

history

To fly by night

Forgotten facts | Paul C Aranha

“N

ight flying over charted country, by the aid of instruments and radio guidance, can still be a lonely business but, to fly in unbroken darkness, without even the cold companionship of a pair of earphones, or the knowledge that, somewhere ahead, are lights and life and a well-marked airport, is something more than just lonely. It is, at times, unreal, to the point where the existence of other people seems not even a reasonable probability. The hills, the forests, the rocks, and the plains are one with the darkness and the darkness is infinite. The earth is no more your planet than is a distant star – if a star is shining; the plane is your planet, and you are its sole occupant.”

Beryl Markham West with the Wind (1942) Beryl Markham (1902-1986) was born in England but raised in Kenya, where she learned to fly. Not only was she one of the first bush pilots, she was the first person to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean, from east to west. Her description of night flying in Africa, in the 1930s, reminds me of night flying in he Bahamas. Modern aircraft and aids-tonavigation take away most of the risks encountered

by Mrs. Markham, but not all.

Most Out Island airstrips are closed between sunset and sunrise and all night flying must be under Instrument Flying Rules (IFR) but when somebody was sick or injured, the hospital would send a plane, and a nurse, to bring the patient to Nassau.

At Trans Island Airways, we had one pilot on night duty, to fly at short notice, to wherever. A few airstrips had runway lighting, but we almost never had to go to those. Most of our flights were to places where the might be no lights at all, certainly not along the runway.

Before the advent of the GPS, the pilot had to find the island and then find the runway, usually without the aid of any navigation aids. There is a VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) with DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) and Radar, but the range of these nav aids was controlled by the curvature of the earth and the altitude o the plane.

My first flight for the hospital was in December 1964, to pick up a heart-attack patient. I had been promoted to Captain a few weeks before and all the senior Captains wanted to go home to their families.

The destination, Andros Town, was only 30 miles away – flying time 15 minutes each way. Everything went well and the patient sat in the rear seat of Bahamas Airways’ Aero Commander. I had expected him to be lying down, but that would have been bad for him. He grunted and groaned non-stop and I was so worried about him that kept the engines at METO

(Maximum Except Take Off) power, all the way to Nassau, reducing the flight time to 10 minutes.

It was in the 1970s that I started a job that included such I went to places like Abaco, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Long Island, Mayaguana, Mores Island and Ragged Island.

One pitch-dark night, at Mangrove Cay, Andros, I could see the lighted runway, long before I got there.

They had parked cars at each end of the runway and my approach for landing toward the west went very smoothly – until just before touch-down, when I was blinded by the headlights. I aborted the landing and made a second approach, this time toward the east, but the same thing happened.

I flashed my landing light on and off, as I flew over the runway, several times, hoping that they would turn off the lights, but that did not happen. I did not want to leave a sick man at Andros, so I used a different tactic. I aimed my approach at the lights at the far end of the runway and waited until I had passed the lights at the near end of the runway, before touching down and steering for the headlights. That flight convinced me that I preferred complete darkness.

The runway at Staniel Cay is short and narrow and unlit. It used to be shorter and narrower but, on one August Monday bank holiday, when much of the runway was unusable, I made three flights to take holidaymakers, headed for Black Point, on neighbouring Great Guana Cay, so I was, fortunately, fully aware of where to land.

Around midnight, I was on my way to Staniel, to pick up an unconscious man and the plane landed before the patient arrived from Black Point. When he arrived, it looked as if rigor mortis had already set in.

I had barely got back into bed, when the hospital called for a flight to Little Whale Cay. A man had been injured in a boating accident. The nurse was the same male nurse who had accompanied me to Staniel Cay. He reported that my ‘rigor mortis’ patient was conscious and sitting up in bed. He had just been drunk!

Finding Little Whale, just over 30 miles from Nassau, was no challenge, but their landing strip,

stretching from one side of the very small island to the other, is always a challenge.

There’s an adage that says, “The three most useless things in aviation are runway behind you, altitude above you, and fuel not in your tanks.”

With only 2,200 feet of runway, If the pilot leaves unused runway behind him, he and the plane will end up in the sea.

We took off just after sunset, to fly some 230 miles to Ragged Island, where a government employee had suffered a heart attack, expecting to land 1 hour and 45 minutes later.

Shortly after nightfall, we were cruising at 9,500 feet, high enough to navigate by Nassau’s VOR, for the first 100 miles. After that, it would be much like Beryl Markham described. In front of us, we could see bolts of lightning., which we needed to avoid, so a turn had to be made. I chose to turn left, because there was land in that direction (the Exumas and Long Island) and we started a slow descent, planning to get lower than the clouds. While still descending, there was lightning in front of us, so I turned right. This zigzagging went on for about half an hour and, to borrow words from Mrs. Markham became ‘a lonely business, in unbroken darkness, without even the companionship of an air traffic controller’. It was obvious that the flight would take much longer than planned and we would have to land at Georgetown, on the way home, for fuel.

The last part of the flight was at 500 feet and, to make sure I didn’t go west of Ragged Island (towards Cuba), I flew a course that would take me east of Ragged Island, towards Long Island, so I could follow the Jumentos Cays to Duncan Town.

By this time, we had left the bad weather behind us and a light appeared right in front of us. It turned out to be on a yacht, at anchor in the Jumentos Cays and I followed that chain of cays to Ragged Island.

There was only ONE light on Ragged Island, a red light at the top of BTC’s radio tower. We passed over the village and landed, but nobody came. I took off again, circled the village and landed again.

A short time later, a car came and blinded us with its headlights, but did not come near us. So, I walked towards to lights and identified myself and asked why he had not brought the patient; because he had to be sure that it was the hospital plane. I said something like “Who else is going to land here, at this hour’.

He replied that “plenty planes does land here in the night”, an obvious reference to drug smugglers.

He went back and returned with the heart attack patient, who got out of the car, picked up his big, heavy suitcase and walked to the plane.

We headed for Georgetown and circled the town several times, to make sure everyone saw us, before landing. Everyone had seen us, and the Customs Officer was first on the scene, followed by the fueltruck driver, then a policeman, all of whom were happy with my explanation.

As for the heart attack, one of the officials ‘sucked his teeth’ and said “He ain’t had no heart attack. He suppose’ to appear in front of the Commissioner, on Monday, on a drug charge”. I never heard whether he made a successful escape.

The Tribune | Weekend | 15

Friday, October 16, 2020

animals

Bring on the cerasee

By KIM ARANHA Animal Matters

S

ome years ago, the dog population of The Bahamas suffered a pandemic of its own.

A violent attack of distemper ripped its way across the island of New Providence causing many animals to die.

The animal community took very responsible steps to contain the outbreak to New Providence and over all we were successful because of a very proactive response and copious testing.

The Bahamas Humane Society was swamped with cases. The canine patients would be treated in their cars with technician in PPE who could be seen working in the parking lot monitoring the flow of iv’s to the suffering furry friend in the back seat of their concerned owner’s car.

Distemper is a canine airborne disease that is highly contagious in dogs.

It is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae (the same family of the viruses that causes measles, mumps, and bronchiolitis in humans). The disease is contracted predominantly via inhalation. Morbidity and mortality vary greatly among unvaccinated populations.

In domestic dogs, while the acute generalised form of distemper has a high mortality rate, disease duration and severity depends mainly on the animal’s age and immune status and virulence of the infecting strain of the virus. Despite extensive vaccination in many regions, it remains a major disease of dogs, and was the leading cause of infectious disease death in dogs, prior to a vaccine becoming available.

Sound familiar?

This time, it is the human race having to battle the rigors of a merciless virus.

During the height of the distemper outbreak the Bahamas Humane Society was giving their resident dog population cerasee in their water

MOMORDICA_CHARANTIA and the results we amazing. Many of those infected began to show signs of improvement in a surprisingly short period of time.

A friend of mine who has quite a few potcakes on her large property, where they are isolated from other dogs, had three of her pets contract the disease - she immediately put all of her fur family on cerasee - of the three who had contracted the disease, two survived, and one passed away. The rest of the group remained unaffected.

Interestingly enough, dogs do not seam to mind the taste of cerasee, I guess the bitter taste is not objectionable as it is to most humans.

What is cerasee, also known as Butter Melon and so many names around the world? A vine that grows wild all over The Bahamas that has been used as a cure for many ills over hundreds of years. All my life I

have heard cerasee recommended as a cure for the flu, and so many other conditions, a well-known “fix all” in The Bahamas!

When COVID began to make itself know, during what we like to refer to as the first wave, our shelter manager immediately commented on how the two viruses had similarities - and how similar precautions were necessary to stay ahead of the game and COVID-free.

It was then that he told me that he was taking cerasee tea himself a couple of times a week to maintain a strong immune system, and therefore, hopefully, resistance to the virus. We, at the Bahamas Humane Society, have recommended that all our staff follow this advice. It certainly can’t do anybody any harm.

I personally take it to maintain my resistance as I am the designated shopper/errant runner of the house.

pet of the week

Worried Lesley

By THE BAHAMAS HUMANE SOCIETY

Lesley’s looking a little worried.

She’s been at the Bahamas Humane Society for several months now and she’s not quite sure why no one has adopted her yet. She’s sweet and friendly and gets along well with other dogs. She knows that you’re feeling stressed with all the coronavirus changes and thinks maybe she can help you destress. Do you need a comfort canine in your home?

One who will keep you company

PHOTO of Lesley with BHS staff member Linda Gill-Aranha by Patricia Vazquez.

It really doesn’t taste that bad if you use some honey and then swallow it down quick, licking the remaining honey off the spoon!

When I went on cerasee I took half a cup (four ounces) every day for ten days and I am now taking it every second day to maintain the level of protection.

There is no medical proof that cerasee is a deterrent or a cure, it most certainly is not advised to use it as an alternative to prescribed medication from your doctor.

I would also strongly suggest that if you are on prescription medication, pregnant, or have preexisting conditions, that you check with your doctor that there are no counter-indications, some natural medications can nullify the benefits of prescription drugs.

Bush medicine has always held a very prominent spot in Bahamian culture and as the scientist look more at the natural cures we grew up with they are beginning to learn that our Granny’s were not wrong.

I am no doctor, nor am I a naturopath but I swear by my cerasee, I drive my friends crazy trying to get them to overlook the nasty bitter taste and to give it a go, especially those who have been diagnosed as positive with Covid 19.

What is there to lose?

The more forward we go in medicine, the more the experts are appreciating natural cures for both humans and animals.

Bring on the cerasee is my new COVID motto.

when you need it most? One to see you through the lockdowns? Then come and meet two-year-old Lesley.

She might just be the match for you!

Call 323-5138 for more information.

Lesley looks forward to shaking your paw.

• The BHS Thrift Shop will be experimenting with curbside (Wed/ Thurs/Fri), or you can check out the Facebook page for more items!

Saturdays, of course, are closed with the lockdowns, but donations are still being gratefully accepted during the week. Without your help, we would be unable to support the shelter. Thank you. Stay safe.

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, October 16, 2020

food

Food Fest - a big miss in 2020

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

A

S THE weeks of lockdowns and curfews passed, the International Culture Wine and Food Festival (ICWFF) team members came to realise that Food Fest was not going to be a reality this year.

This weekend would have marked the 25th annual event - an occasion that began on UN Flag Day 1995 as a way of bringing different cultures in The Bahamas together through food, entertainment and more.

The festival has grown over the years. When the local team assumed responsibility for the festival in 2009, after a year’s hiatus, gate receipts jumped and the festival has grown year-on-year ever since, according to organisers.

Moreover, the team noted that in the past two years, the festival has experienced new growth from enterprising millennials who are Bahamianborn descendants from other countries.

“It is the largest, most popular festival on the events calendar and people may not see each other all year, but they are sure to make an appearance at the food festival as it is fondly referred to,” said ICWFF chairman Janet Johnson.

Ms Johnson said at the onset of the global pandemic, she and her team canvassed the websites of festivals they follow, namely the South Beach Food Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, to see what they were doing.

“We held a series of Zoom meetings with ICWFF country representatives to discuss the matter and we tossed around various options but those plans were soon nixed when the competent authority’s emergency order declared that all regattas, festivals, Junkanoo and other events were to be cancelled for the year 2020. There was collective sadness but an absolute understanding of the need to mitigate the risk and do all we can to encourage adherence to the guidelines and protocols,” said Ms Johnson.

Before the coronavirus put the world at a stop, Ms Johnson said they were already in the discussion stages for some changes for this year’s festival. Team members were looking at whether to downsize and revert to the original layout and accommodate everyone in what is now called the international section of the festival grounds.

“The International Cultural Wine and Food Festival is a cashless event and sales are negotiated in Festival Dollars. This year, we were looking to go digital. We considered that this would help sales and also help to clear the long lines at the gates a lot faster from pre-sales. The festival has always focused on trying to make it easier for booth holders to do business. They welcomed the changes and the festival’s leadership on this initiative.

Further, the beauty of the festival is that it showcases international performances and native acts. Member countries donate this to the festival and the performing acts are a great crowd pleaser.

The Bahamas section has found it challenging to be able get an artist to donate their performance or to find a sponsor. The festival has stepped in to assist with concerts in the Bahamas section because we are the host country but ICWFF is an international festival and every participating country, host or otherwise, has to pull their weight,” said Ms Johnson.

Starting today, Ms Johnson said members of the organisation will be posting “looking back” photos on the ICWFF social media Facebook page, as well as asking for reminiscences from attendees using #ICFLookingBack.

“As soon as we made the decision (to cancel), or rather it was made for us, we posted (the cancellation) on the website and social media. Many regular attendees expressed sadness that the ‘Food Fest’ would not happen. One American tourist, who discovered the event on a vacation trip here in 2019, had planned her dates for 2020 around the event – she contacted us asking for 2021 dates so she could book her travel for that year instead.”

Sheila Bethel (vice chair and marketing) and I are both a part of EXPO2020 Dubai, the World’s Fair. This was postponed but they are still going to maintain their 2020 branding and we may do so as well to mark ICWFF’s 25th anniversary after all.

The world has changed and we have changed and

so if we are able to host ICWFF in 2021 we will certainly approach it with humility and a different outlook,” said Ms Johnson.

She said the team has discussed a new look and feel, and they will be implementing a digital platform. They will also be going after companies and vendors that they feel will add value to the festival. They will mitigate the long lines and make it more convenient and more enjoyable by adding fun attractions for kids and the young at heart.

“The festival is due for an overhaul after ten years. We need to look at everything but especially sponsorships. This event is highly successful in terms of its theming and the highly desirable patrons it attracts that ought to be of interest to advertisers. It’s also an incubator where businesses can come and stress test new products and get the public’s feedback in realtime. As a food festival, restaurants can use the platform to try new recipes and promote their fare. It’s an event for introducing a new concept as the Kraven team found.

Aliv found it ideal for reaching their burgeoning customer base, customers are loyal to brands that support the events that they like,” said Ms Johnson.