11242023 WEEKEND

Friday, November 24, 2023

Weekend

food interview music gardening history fashion puzzles animals

Farm Queen crowned Pgs 08+09

Slay the crochet Hottest handmade fashions made with a yarn pg 07

02 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 24, 2023

entertainment

Hundreds of Bahamian models and actors receive callbacks from top scouts and agents

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lose to 400 Bahamian actors and models received the highly prized callbacks from top international scouts and agents at last weekend’s inaugural Cays Conference.

Held at Atlantis Paradise Island, the two-day red-carpet modelling and acting scouting and industry event saw aspiring models and actors from around the world gather in the Bahamas in hopes of getting discovered in paradise through talent showcases, workshops and other activities.

Registrants were given the opportunity to highlight their talent in front of a roster of 15 international talent agencies.

Hosted by Stephanie Nihon, founder of LFD Productions, and the Karen Lee Group, the event was especially monumental for Bahamian and Caribbean participants, given the underrepresentation of individuals from the region in the entertainment industry. Additionally, the Bahamas has not had a scouting event of this scale in almost a decade.

The weekend-long event hosted representatives from agencies The Society, Elite, CMM, BMG, Wilhelmina, Stewart Talent, J Pervis Talent, Ford Models, Nomad, Talent Direct Agency, A3 Artists and Luber Roklin Entertainment.

“We were blown away by the immense talent that was on display at the first ever Cays Conference,” said Stephanie, a former Elite model whose parents are Bahamian.

“The outpour of support that each individual gave to and received from their fellow peers as they showcased their abilities was inspiring, and the number of callbacks exceeded all expectations for our first year. It is clear that Bahamian and Caribbean talent deserves to be on the global stage, and I am very proud of my country.”

The event also included giveaways, a VIP Grey Goose and Bacardi Sponsored social mixer

and a red-carpet entry, with headlining sponsors including the Bahamas and the live-action children’s show “Goombay Kids”.

“The Cays’ inaugural search revealed the depth of talent that can be found throughout the islands of the Bahamas,” said Clarence Rolle, TV & Film Commissioner at the Ministry of Tourism.

“We have no doubt that the world’s arts and entertainment scene will be enriched by Bahamians for many years, and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation is proud to incorporate some of that talent into our promotional programme with our next brand ambassador.”

Kwok Chan, global director of Development at Ford Models, said: “Thrilled to have attended the Cay Conference this weekend.

“The event was well-organised and highly educational for aspiring talents. Stephanie’s commendable efforts in giving back to her community were truly uplifting. Looking forward to the next event!”

“I had an incredible experience this weekend at the Cays Conference – the talent was some of the best I’ve seen in a long while,” said Victoria Kress, senior theatrical agent at A3 Artists.

“The event itself was of the highest professional value and flawlessly executed, but what I was most touched by was the care and love the event staff had for every single person participating in the event and their dedication to helping others achieve their dreams. It was clear that this was a labour of love for all involved. I look forward to working more with many of the

talent I saw this weekend and am thankful for the opportunity to have met them in this wonderful environment.”

(Photos/Bahamas Set Life)

The Tribune | Weekend | 03

Friday, November 24, 2023

music

Monty Sweat to celebrate birthday with free concert

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

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AHAMIAN artist Monty Sweat is inviting the community to join him as he celebrates his birthday with a special free bashment concert.

The special celebration and concert are being presented by Strange Records as an uplifting event under the theme “What Are We Fighting For? Let’s Unite”, and will be held tomorrow at Zoar International Ministries located off Sequoia Street. ‘Bashment’ is another name for dancehall which is especially popular in the UK. There will be an array of musical performances including by the “Singing Bishop” Lawrence Rolle, Solo, Mr J, Landlord, Big Bruh, Unlimited Angel, Nagia and DJ Don. It all kicks off at 7.30pm.

Monty, who opted out of gang life many years ago to pick up a microphone and pursue a career in music to spread a positive message, said he is looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with his audience.

This is not the first time Monty has performed a concert to celebrate his birthday.

His Strange Record label first celebrated the artist’s big day under the theme “Be Your Brothers’ and Sisters’ Keeper” while also raising funds for the Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. They intended to make it an annual event, but then the pandemic hit.

“When COVID-19 came, the country went on lockdown, so it stopped our vision with all the curfews.

“Now, we finally realised it was time to pick up where the label had left off because it was overdue. Now after four years, Strange Records is delighted to present the event,” organisers said.

“Monty is inviting everyone to come out and celebrate with him while uniting in love. ‘ It is the artist’s hope is to create more music that inspires listeners to build one another up.

Having been a gang member for approximately three years and seeing how that lifestyle led to some

of his friends being killed and others being incarcerated, he realised this was not the kind of life he wanted to lead.

Monty knew he wanted to sing and write music as a means of giving hope, especially to the youth.

After graduating from D W Davis High School in 1997, he joined a group called Good Fellaz of Christ. It was at this point Monty decided to take his music career seriously.

He believed in himself and continued to pursue his passion for music even after the group separated.

His focus is gospel music, whether contemporary, reggae or rap-influenced.

Monty firmly believes that giving his life to Jesus Christ was the best decision he has ever made.

His first album, “Love and Unity”, was released in June 2006.

He performed in the United States, Jamaica and other islands of the Bahamas. He is now a professional musician and executive producer.

In his younger years, Monty never thought he would have make this far, but now he believes that he is a true example that change is possible.

His dream is to use his music and talents as an avenue to lead others to Christ.

He intends to continue sharing God’s message of love and unity through his music.

Monty has released project after project over the years in collaboration with a variety of different artists around the Caribbean.

He has also ministered on the same stage with gospel and secular artists such as DJ Nicholas, St Matthew, Monty G, Mr Lynx, Peter Runks, Landlord, Christian Massive, DJ Counsellor, Buju Banton, Richie Spice, Snatcha, Spanner Banner, and the list goes on.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 24, 2023

interview

Paulette Richardson This veteran educator understands the importance of creating interpersonal connections in order to influence people in a positive way. The BTVI course coordinator tells Cara Hunt about her latest venture: helping women discover their brilliance.

The Tribune | Weekend | 05

Friday, November 24, 2023

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aulette Richardson has always wanted to help young people become the best version of themselves.

It is why she became an educator and has helped shape young minds for the past three decades, and it’s why she is also passionate about women finding their true identity and value.

Last weekend, she hosted her first ever “Discover Your Brilliance and Dream Again” women’s symposium designed to help young women “discover the brilliance that lies within as a change agent.”

She firmly believes that change should not be left to chance.

“We had about 35 women attend the event,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Paulette said this was the perfect group size to facilitate an intimate discussion of the event’s key themes.

“Everyone was able to ask all the questions that they had without us having to reduce the number of questions,” she said.

Topics included being a change agent in the world, knowing your brand, and career wellness. Speakers included Bahamian motivational speaker Kim Welcome and Nigerian Bimpe Bamgbose Martins, whose nonprofit organisation Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership has been on a mission to inspire and equip the youth, especially the underserved, in pursuit and achievement of life goals.

Additionally, Trista Sue Kragh, president and founder of Agents For Change International, a global

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PAULETTE hosted her first ever ‘Discover Your Brilliance and Dream Again’ women’s symposium last weekend. leadership training and mentorship network, also spoke.

Paulette initially had the idea for the event at the beginning of the year and immediately started working on it.

She said it was important to host the event because she feels that women often are unaware of their true worth or the contributions that they can make to the world.

Paulette feels that the two biggest issues that women face are knowing their worth and identity and taking care of themselves.

“We have to understand who we are and that we have value and that we are

more than enough. We are so many things; mothers, wives, professionals, which all are valuable,” she said.

The second area of importance, she said, is self-care.

“As women, we are always so willing to give and give of ourselves, but what we have to remember is that you cannot give what you don’t have. You cannot give to anyone from an empty cup, and so we have to be sure that we are nurturing ourselves and not neglect ourselves,” she said.

Paulette said she is very passionate about spreading this message.

“I feel that I can be relatable to

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other women because I am just like everyone else. I don’t have a big title, but I have something that I can contribute to the world, and so does every other woman,” she said.

“We can all make a difference. I think sometimes women forget just how much of an influence they can truly be to other people. I am all about training and mentorship.”

Paulette used this same influence during her teaching career.

She has worked both in the classroom and in administration.

Currently, she is the professional development course coordinator at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

“I wanted to be a teacher because growing up. I had such awesome teachers and so I wanted to follow their footsteps and make a difference.

I think teaching is all about creating that personal connection and relationship with someone else,” she said.

“People will allow you to influence their lives when you have that relationship with them.”

While she has hosted several educational forums, seminars and other events, this event was the first its kind for her, but she said it definitely will not be the last.

Paulette said there already plans in place for a second installment in 2024.

Additionally, she is also planning to host a special series of events for young girls between the ages of 10 and 13 called the “Discover Your Brilliance Mentorship Academy”, which she is intending to start in January.

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06 | The Tribune | Weekend

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.

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H S A N Y N N H O R A E P S G N I N H R R D S U G A R

THE ALPHABEATER

TARGET Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

E YD C L D E I D

● 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?

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Verb forms ending in S permitted.

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The Tribune | Weekend | 07

Friday, November 24, 2023

fashion

Slay the crochet

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

C

rochet is a hot ticket among Bahamian designers and fashionistas at the moment.

For Larissa Smith, the creative process has become such a source of pride and joy that she wishes she had started crocheting much sooner.

Although she started creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn five years ago, she just recently launched her own brand called Croslay.

“I definitely love the way I can take a simple skein of yarn and create a beautiful piece for someone to wear,” the designer told Tribune Weekend.

“I’ve always wanted a brand. That’s something that’s always been on my mind from as long as I can remember.

The idea to start my own business came from a place that loved to see people in authentic pieces.”

Larissa said she is an all-around creative person, as she not only dabbles in fashion, but is also an author and content creator as well.

“I love creating art in digital form through videos and pictures, but it wasn’t until the year of COVID-19 that my love for creating clothing bloomed.

Stuck inside along with everyone else, I decided to think of a new way I could express myself,” she said.

Seeing her very first customer wear a top she crocheted, Larissa said, was a delightful and rewarding experience.

“I couldn’t stop smiling. It made me so happy to see Croslay in the real world,” she said.

“Crochet wear in and of itself is pretty costly, but starting my brand, I realised that I cared more about people wearing my pieces than how much I made off of it.”

Her Croslay line, she said, offers almost anything wearable a person can think of, such as skirts, tops, bikinis, beach coverups, hats, scrunchies, even purses and blankets. While she is currently home-based business, she likes the idea of one day having a traditional storefront.

“The most requested pieces from my brand have been the ruffle hats, bucket hats and bikinis. Living in the Bahamas where it’s warm all season round, that’s definitely been a customer favourite,” she said.

As to the most popular crochet fashion trends this season, Larissa said it’s most definitely the coverups and the

mesh dresses.

“They are so versatile and can be worn anywhere depending on how you style them. I am looking to release more styles eventually, as there are so many looks you can create with yarn,” she said.

One of her most memorable client experiences was creating a custom bucket hat for Bahamian comedian Khingkloud. Larissa said she really enjoyed creating the piece for him.

“My plans for the rest of this year are to release the collections I’ve been putting together for a few months, and to participate in more pop-up shops around the island to grow the brand’s reach,” she said.

DESIGNS by Larissa Smith for Croslay.

“Yarn wear is slow fashion, which also means it will last a very long time with proper care, and I’ll always support sustainable clothing sources. We definitely hope you will too when you shop and support Croslay,” she said.

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 24, 2023

entertainment

What to stream this week: ‘Oppenheimer,’ the queen of rock n’ roll, and the real ‘Squid Game’

By The Associated Press — Celebrities competing on season 32 of “Dancing with the Stars” have had to jive, waltz and foxtrot their way through a number of themed episodes including Disney music, music video night and a Whitney Houston tribute.

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM — Are you and your home entertainment system prepared? After making nearly $950 million at the box office, Christopher Nolan’s threehour “Oppenheimer” is finally available to watch in your living room starting.

There’s a UHD streaming version available to purchase for $19.99, as well as 4K Ultra HD and Blu-Ray options with over three hours of extras, with everything overseen by Nolan.

— Adam Sandler plays a 74-year-old class lizard named “Leo” in the latest Netflix animation offering. Worried he’s wasted his life in a cage, Leo tries to plot his escape when a kid in the school is assigned to take him home.

But some mishaps ensue and he ends

up befriending some of the elementary school kids when they learn he can talk.

Sandler is joined by a strong comedic voice cast including Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Jo Koy and, of course, Rob Schneider.

— Good golly, Miss Molly, is Little Richard the uncrowned king of rock ‘n’ roll? The documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” directed by Lisa Cortés and streaming on Max, makes a solid case. His flamboyant and boundary pushing lyrics, style and music had a direct influence on famous acts to follow, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Mick Jagger and even filmmaker John Waters, who calls his own mustache a “twisted tribute” to Little Richard.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr NEW MUSIC TO STREAM — The music world lost a giant when Tina Turner, the undisputed “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” died in May. She left behind an incredible body of work, songs that only become more deeply felt with the passage of time. To celebrate the prolific artist, Rhino Records will release “Turner, Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll (A Collection of All Her Singles From 1975-2023)” on Black Friday – a massive collection of 55 tracks across five vinyl records and three CDs, and available on streaming platforms, too.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman NEW SERIES TO STREAM — Since “Fargo” began airing on FX as an anthology series, each season has featured an impressive roster of talent including Billy Bob Thornton, Chris Rock and Kirsten Dunst stepping into its quirky world of folksy Midwesterners mixed up in the law. “Fargo: Year 5” is no different. Juno Temple stars as a woman whose strange behaviour catches the attention of local authorities.

Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Richa Moorjani, Joe Keery, Lamorne Morris and Dave Foley also appear.

— When “Squid Game” premiered on Netflix in 2021, viewers were both captivated and terrified by the deadly child-like games featured in the story. On Wednesday, the streamer debuted a new 10-episode competition called “Squid Game: The Challenge.” In this version, real people – over 450 contestants – get the chance to take part in challenges inspired by the show — without the life-threatening consequences.

The winner leaves with $4.56 million.

— Margery Williams’ classic children’s book “The Velveteen Rabbit” comes to Apple TV+ in a new special featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter and Nicola Coughlan of “Bridgerton.” With a mix of liveaction and animation, it tells the tale of a young boy who receives a new toy for Christmas that introduces him to a magical world with lessons of friendship.

It premieres Wednesday.

— Besides her Emmy-winning role on “Ted Lasso,” Hannah Waddingham has an extensive musical theatre background. She showcases those talents in a Christmas special for Apple TV+ called “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.” The concert was taped in front of a live audience at the London Coliseum and features special guests.

— Alicia Rancilio NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY — Indie adventure Worldless, a collaboration among three European studios, is a blend of turn-based fighting and running-and-jumping exploration in a striking-looking “newborn universe.”

It’s out on Xbox X/S/One, PlayStation 5/4, Nintendo Switch and PC. – In Stars and Time, from California’s Armor Games, is more earthbound, with black-and-white graphics that evoke both anime and 1980s Mac games. But once the protagonists discover they’re trapped in a time loop, it zips off into a metaphysical mystery.

The journey begins on PlayStation 5/4, Nintendo Switch and PC. — Lou Kesten

The Tribune | Weekend | 11

Friday, November 24, 2023

music

Fill your holiday stocking with Cher, Ella Fitzgerald, Brandy, Andrea Bocelli and more

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer

features her daughter Sy’Rai, and “Feels Different.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — What is a holiday season without festive music? The classics are great, but the classics performed by some of the best performers across pop, R&B, rock, opera, soul and beyond? That’s a real reason to celebrate.

done before. There’s Cyndi Lauper on “Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart,” Stevie Wonder on “What Christmas Means to Me,” Darlene Love on “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home),” Michael Bublé on “Home,” and even the rapper Tyga on “Drop Top Sleigh Ride.”

There’s something for everyone, and then some.

Ella Fitzgerald, “Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas” Don’t bore us, get to the chorus — or in the case of this collectible vinyl release of “Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas,” give us the hits! Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960 holiday record is largely considered by critics to be one of the greatest of all time — so why not celebrate the best of the best on a new piece of wax? It’s not a bad gift idea, either.

Cher, “Christmas” Somehow, “Christmas” is Cher’s first holiday album — not that she hasn’t been asked to do one in the past. “I just didn’t want to do one,” she told the AP. “I didn’t know how I was going to make it a ‘Cher Christmas album.’” The secret, it turns out, was to get a bunch of A-list collaborators on her album, something she’s never

Brandy, “Christmas with Brandy” For those looking for a seductive holiday album: the search is over.

R&B great Brandy has released “Christmas with Brandy,” a collection of sultry — and in other moments, soulful — imaginations of Christmas classics and originals.

Like on “Christmas Gift,” which

Chicago, “Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits” Lifelong fans of the rock band with horns are familiar with Chicago’s extensive holiday discography: starting with 1998’s “Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album,” (reissued in 2003 as “Chicago Christmas: What’s It Gonna Be Santa” with six additional tracks), 2011’s “Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Three,” and 2019’s “Chicago XXXVII: Chicago Christmas.” But the only way to complete the collection — or begin your own, and with just the singles — is to check out “Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits,” which pulls from all those releases and is sold in festive red and green vinyl.

Andrea, Matteo and Virginia Bocelli, “A Family Christmas” Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli got the whole family together for a new, deluxe edition of their first album together, “A Family Christmas.” Andrea, his 26-year-old son Matteo and his 11-year-old daughter Virginia teamed up for the release, adding four new recordings to the collection: “Let It Snow,” “Silver Bells,”

“E’ Natale!” and “Winter Wonderland.” If you can listen to the famed tenor harmonize with his children and not shed a tear, you’re a stronger person than most.

Luther Vandross, “Luther Vandross Classic Christmas” Released nearly two decades after the R&B and soul giant’s death, “Luther Vandross Classic Christmas,” is a short but memorable modern day Christmas classic: a three-track EP built off the never before released “At Christmas Time,” “May Christmas Bring You Happiness,” and a special bonus a cappella mix of “At Christmas Time.” There’s no better time of the year to hear the velvet voice do what he does best.

12 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 24, 2023

Literary lives - Paul Robeson (1898 –1976)

A voice of the people PART TWO Sir Christopher Ondaatje continues to write about the American bass-baritone concert artist, stage and film actor, professional football player, and activist who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.

“Art is not to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be.”

– Paul Robeson According to democratic socialist writer Barry Finger, while the Hitler-Stalin pact was still in effect, Paul Robeson counselled American Blacks that they had no stake in the rivalry of European powers. Once Russia was attacked, he urged them to support the war effort, warning: “An allied defeat would make slaves of us all.”

Robeson participated in benefit concerts on behalf of the war effort. Subsequently, reprised his role as Othello at the Shubert Theatre in 1943 and became the first African-American to play the role with a white supporting cast on Broadway, for which he won the Donaldson Award for Best Actor in a play.

He toured North America with Othello until 1941, and addressed a meeting with Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis and team owners in a failed attempt to convince them to admit black players to Major League Baseball.

During this period, Robeson developed a sympathy for the Republic of China’s side in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Chinese activist Liu Liangmo taught Robeson the patriotic song “Chee Lai!” (Arise!) which Robeson premiered at a concert in Lewisohn Stadium, and recorded in English and Chinese for Keynote Records in 1941.

Robeson gave concerts for the China Aid Council and the United China Relief in Washington’s Uline Arena on April 24, 1941.

The booking of Constitution Hall was blocked by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Indignation was so great that Eleanor Roosevelt and Hu Shih, the Chinese Ambassador, became sponsors.

However, when the organisers offered tickets on generous terms to the National Negro Congress to fill the venue, both sponsors withdrew, objecting to the NNC’s Communist ties.

The song became the newly founded People’s Republic of China’s National Anthem after 1949.

Its Chinese lyricist, Tian Han, died in a Beijing prison in 1968, but Robeson continued to send royalties to his family.

Robeson met with Harry Truman after the

SINGER Paul Robeson holding a press conference after he had been on the witness stand for 20 minutes over alleged communist membership. lynching of four African-Americans in Georgia on July 25, 1946.

He admonished him by stating that he should enact legislation ending lynching.

Truman immediately ended the meeting, stating that the time was not right to propose anti-lynching legislation.

At about this time Robeson was outspoken about trade unionism, saying it was crucial to civil rights.

Robeson was later called before the Tenney Committee where he responded to questions about his affiliation with the Communist Party USA. He

responded that he was not a member.

Nevertheless, two organisations with which Robeson was intimately involved were placed on the Attorney General’s List of Subversive Organisations. He was summoned again before the United States Senate Committee, and when questioned he refused to answer, later stating: “Some brilliant and distinguished Americans are about to go to jail for the failure to answer that question and I am going to join them, if necessary.”

In 1929, Robeson was forced to go overseas to work because his performances in the US were cancelled at the FBI’s behest. A speech of his

The Tribune | Weekend | 13

Friday, November 24, 2023 was publicly reported as equating America with a Fascist state – a depiction which he flatly denied.

Nevertheless, the speech publicly attributed to him was a catalyst for his being seen as an enemy of Mainstream America.

Robeson travelled to Moscow in June 1949 to find Itzik Feiffer, whom he had met during World War II. Reluctant to lose Robeson as a propagandist for the Soviet Union, the Soviets brought Feiffer from prison to see him. Feiffer told him that Solomon Mikhoels, the director of the Moscow State Jewish Theatre had been murdered and that he would be too summarily executed. ater at the Paris Peace Congress Robeson said: “We in America do not forget that it was on the backs of white workers from Europe, and on the backs of millions of Blacks that the wealth of America was built. And we are resolved to share it equally.”

Robeson was blacklisted for saying this in the mainstream press within the U.S. Months later the State Department denied Robeson a passport and issued a “stop notice” at all ports.

When Robeson met State Department officials and asked why he was denied a passport he was told that “his frequent criticism of the treatment of blacks in the United States should not be aired in foreign countries”.

In December 1952, Robeson was awarded the International Stalin Prize by the Soviet Union.

Unable to travel to Moscow he accepted the award in New York. Robeson’s support of the Soviet Union stopped his return to the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement.

In 1956, Robeson was called before HUAC after he refused to sign an affidavit affirming that he was not a Communist. In his testimony, he invoked the Fifth Amendment, and refused to reveal his political affiliations and, asked why he had not remained in the Soviet Union, he replied: “Because my father was a slave and my people died to build the United States, and I am going to stay here, and have a part of it just like you …

Whether I am or not a Communist is irrelevant.

The question is whether American citizens, regardless of political beliefs or sympathies, may enjoy their constitutional rights.”

Due to the promulgation of Robeson’s political views, his recordings and films were removed from public distribution.

Robeson’s passport was finally restored to him in 1958 as a result of the US Supreme Court’s ruling that “a denial of a passport without process amounted to a violation of constitutionally protected liberty under the Fifth Amendment.

The year 1958 saw the publication of Robeson’s autobiography “Here I Stand” After his passport was renewed, he embarked on a world tour using London as his base.

In 1958, he gave concerts around the UK and starred in Tony Richardson’s Othello at Stratford-upon-Avon. In Moscow, he received a tumultuous ovation at the Luzhniki Stadium when he sang Russian and American songs. He then flew to Yalta with his wife Essie to spend time with Nikita Khrushchev.

On October 11, 1959, Robeson took part in a service at St Paul’s Cathedral – his first performance there. That year, on a trip to Moscow, Robeson experienced bouts of dizziness and heart problems and was hospitalised for two months.

PAUL Robeson as Othello, right, and Peggy Ashcroft as Desdemona at the Savoy theatre in London.

Essie was diagnosed with operable cancer.

In 1960, in what was his final concert performance in Great Britain, Robeson sang at the Royal Festival Hall. That October, mainly to raise money, Robeson embarked on a two-month concert tour of Australia and New Zealand. He became the first major artist to perform at the Sydney Opera House.

While in Australia he joined activists demanding that the Australian government provide the Aborigines citizenship and equal rights.

“There’s no such thing as a backward human being. There is only a society which says they are backward.”

– Paul Robeson In London, after his Australia and New Zealand tour, Robeson expressed a desire to return to the United States, to participate in the civil rights movement. His wife argued that he would not be safe there and they would be unable to make any money. In 1961 the Robesons again travelled to Moscow.

Due to an uncharacteristic wild party in Moscow, Robeson locked himself in his hotel room and attempted suicide by cutting his wrists. He was in a depressed state and his son said that his father’s condition was brought on by accumulated government pressure and exhaustion. He stayed at the Barvikha Sanatorium for some weeks but returned to London in September 1961.

Three days after arriving he again became suicidal and was admitted to the Priory Hospital.

There he underwent electroconvulsive treatment and was given heavy doses of drugs for nearly two years, with accompanying psychotherapy. Both British and American intelligence services were aware of Robeson’s suicidal state of mind and feared that his death would be used for Communist propaganda. This necessitated continued surveillance and prompted further recommendations that

PAUL Robeson waving to the crowd at a rally against nuclear armament organised by the British Peace Committee, Trafalgar Square, London. he again be denied a passport.

In August 1963, Robeson was transferred to the Buch Clinic in East Berlin where, despite less medication, he took time to recover. In December, he returned to the US and for the remainder of his life lived mainly in seclusion. Double pneumonia and a kidney blockage in 1965 nearly killed him.

After Essie died in 1965, Robeson moved in with his son’s family in New York. He was rarely seen strolling near his apartment on Jumel Place. In 1968, he moved to his sister’s home in Philadelphia.

At a Carnegie Hall tribute in 1973 to mark his 75th birthday, he was unable to attend but sent a message: “Though I have not been able to be active for several years, I want you to know that I am the same Paul, dedicated as ever to the worldwide cause of humanity for freedom, peace and brotherhood.”

On February 23, 1976, following complications of a stroke, Robeson died in Philadelphia at the age of seventy-seven. He lay in state in Harlem, and his funeral was held at his brother Ben’s former parish, Mother Zion AME Zion Church.

Bishop J. Clinton Hoggard performed the eulogy.

His twelve pall brearers included Harry Belafonte. He was interred at the Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.

Biographer Martin Duberman said of news media notices of Robesons’ death: “The white American press ignored the continuing inability of white America to tolerate a Black maverick who refused to bend … and downplayed the racist component central to his persecution.

They gingerly tipped their hat to him as a great American, while the black American press opined that his life … would always be a challenge to white and Black America.”

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia.

14 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 24, 2023

history

A plethora of handbooks

T

he Bahamas Handbook, published in 1926 by Mary Mosley, is one of my treasured possessions. My copy used to belong to my father. The Tribune Handbook, published in 1924 by Sir Etienne Dupuch, is another.

Finding a copy was expensive but very rewarding.

The year 1960 saw the birth of Etienne Dupuch Jr’s Bahamas Handbook and Businessman’s Annual, published more-or-less annually.

Thanks to the publisher and his son, Etienne III, I was able to put together a collection of each published edition, from which much of this article is taken.

At the dawn of the 20h century, the people of New Providence were poor and the houses in most settlements were made of thatch, and living in a “board” (wooden) house was a sign of social advancement.

Most peasants went barefoot, six days a week, and shoes were a luxury worn only with Sunday-goto-meeting clothes. Business was conducted on a small scale and most of the people lived on the produce of their own land. It was said that no Bay Street businessman could produce £200 in cash.

Government, too, was poor and could not afford to hire labourers (males at one shilling and females at 6 pence a day), so prisoners were used to build and repair roads, waving to any friends who walked by, while they worked.

The highly populated area of New Providence was bordered by Fowler Street in the East, Nassau Street in the West and Wulff Road in the South. The areas known as Englerston, Mason’s Addition, Sears Addition, Shirley Heights, Palmdale and Twynam Avenue were bush, variously used to grow sisal, pineapples or tomatoes.

Two miles east of Rawson Square (opposite today’s Nassau Yacht Club) was (and still is) the phosphorescent lake known as the Lake of Fire (now called Waterloo

and no longer phosBecause E J Harry phorescent). It was MacPherson regularly unknown to most Nasdrove his car there, sauvians because it was the eastern end of so far from town. the island is called Apart from Adelaide, McPherson’s Bend. He Carmichael and Gamhad a beautiful car and bier, very few people a beautiful daughter. lived west of Fort There was never a Charlotte. Apart from Western Road. LeavFox Hill, very few ing downtown, Bay PAUL C people live east of Fort Street became West ARANHA Montagu.

Bay Street – all the FORGOTTEN FACTS Roads were made way to Clifton. The of crushed coral rock, portion from Gambier untarred and gleaming to Clifton was all bush, while. passing a very small, seldom-travThe island was virtually circled elled side road with a fresh-water by a road (roads) but, beyond the well on the corner that led to the settled areas it was merely a bridle beach at Lyford Cay. path, used by villagers to bring By 1960, Nassau, with a steady their produce to market – by foot, influx of tourists, had become or in donkey carts. a bustling metropolis, its stores Every morning, at daybreak, the and supermarkets bulging with ladies of Fox Hill set out by foot merchandise from the United and walked to the market on Bay Kingdom, countries on the Street, carrying their produce in European continent and other baskets, balanced on their heads. marketplaces of the world.

Along the Eastern Road, there Gone were the thatch huts and were three large estates – Sans many of the board houses.

Souci, Camperdown and Winton – The shorelines were home to where cattle and sheep were bred elegant surfside villas, often hidden for market. behind tall walls of stone. Over the To prevent livestock from strayhill, the drab wooden huts were ing, gates were built across the getting fresh coats of paint and, main road. Those gates had to steadily, being replaced by sturdier opened (then closed) by anyone structures. driving to or from the east end of Contrary to what is oft repeated, the island. the island of New Providence is

only 18.7 miles long. Back then it had a population of some 50,000 people. Though it was always common to refer to the entire island as Nassau, the real city occupied less than one square mile.

Nassau catered to visitors, though the word tourist was not yet commonplace.

The Development Board was hard at work, boosting the growing industry, attracting people of wealth and dignity, who delighted in the slow pace of horse-drawn carriages.

It was a place where doors and windows were seldom locked and, on a hot summer’s night, it was safe to sleep on the porch. Any woman could walk, alone in any part of the island, day or night, without fear of being harmed.

Though people had little, they were happy, peaceful, friendly and contented. Crime was not common and serious crime almost unknown.

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The Tribune | Weekend | 15

Friday, November 24, 2023

animals Animal matters Kim Aranha

A dog and his garden

New coffee table book details rescue’s adventures; benefits the BHS

N

othing much surprises me nowadays. I am used to pretty much anything occurring. After all, as many of you know, I receive direct communications from the Rainbow Bridge and my boy “Chiefie” weaves a magical tale of what goes on in animal heaven between all the different dogs under the careful eye of St Francis who offers guidance.

So, when I came upon a lovely book written by a dog about his garden and the art that resides within, why would I be surprised?

He does admit that it was somewhat co-authored by his mum, Dawn Davies, but I have no doubt that BooBoo was in charge from start to finish, and that this book is most reliably from his viewpoint.

The book is called “Dilly Dally All the Day”.

I have been to see Boo-Boo (Boo to his friends) and he assured me that it is 100 percent accurate presentation of his thoughts and opinions.

This magnificent 88-page hardback book is full of glorious, glossy colour photographs taken masterfully by Dr Douglas Barkey, and Boo-Boo is in a tremendous number of the pictures.

His mum, Dawn, is in a few, but it really is all about Boo and his garden.

She has the job of ensuring maintenance of said garden, but Boo does his daily tours of inspection and then delivers the instructions to Dawn in the quiet hours of their home in the evenings.

I was honoured to be asked to write the foreword to this innovative book.

The Bahamas Humane Society is blessed by the generous gesture of Boo-Boo and his mother to donate all proceeds from the sales (not profits, not part proceeds, but every penny) to us. This will be of extraordinary help

ABOVE: Boo-Boo running through his garden.

RIGHT: Boo-Boo with his mum, Dawn Davies. as we are besieged by so many unwanted homeless cats and dogs.

It should be noted that even though this book is written by a dog, his four feline siblings are at the forefront frequently and receive their share of the limelight.

It is a delightful window into the many facets of Bahamian folklore and is presented in a cheeky, delightful (sometimes tongue-incheek) manner that only a Bahamian street dog can muster.

His days on the street and his heroic rescue are all well documented before he embarks (pun intended) on his tour of a splendid garden with more art and artefacts that I even believed possible.

The magic is that when you are in Boo-Boo’s special place you do not feel overcome by the existence of all these pieces that are so artfully placed.

This enchanting book is available around the island, strategically placed in various businesses: The Island Store, Fab Finds, Contempory Art Bahamas, Logos, Bahamas Arts & Handicrafts,

PET OF THE WEEK

Doongalik Studios, and is available from the publisher herself by emailing dawndavies43@gmail.com.

As the days progress and Christmas draws closer, there will be, no doubt, other locations which will carry this book to help promote sales to assist the BHS. The dedication shown in the preparation of this book reflects the faithful commitment of animal lovers. The lengths everybody went to: Andrew Parker upgrading his personal computer in order to be able to do the graphic design for Boo’s book at home in his free time at no charge; the pure determination to make this a

successful and entertaining vehicle celebrating the lives of animals. Bravo to all involved!

Boo was a rescue; picked up off the streets of Nassau, and he and his mummy are great supporters of the Bahamas Humane Society. Boo wants to see less suffering until there is none.

The BHS is so excited by this very generous gift, having read the book cover to cover, I think it is absolutely delightful and will make a marvelous Christmas present and the perfect hostess gift.

The Bahamas Humane Society Fashion Show, kindly organised by Cole’s of Nassau, is next week Tuesday, and “Dilly Dally All the Day” will be for sale at the luncheon.

I know that quite a few of my readers will be at that event. If you want to help us, buying the book would be a great assistance because that is money goes directly to us to continue to do our work.

The book has already received good reviews from those who have read it.

It gives you a chance to exhale, and enjoy looking at lovely photographs of an amazing garden lovingly curated by Dawn.

Every piece of art, each sculpture, has a purpose, a message, a meaning, Boo scampers around like the king of his newfound castle and we are but his adoring subjects enjoying his marvelous new life as a happy boy with a home and tons of love to give.

Please add this delightful publication to your Christmas wish list. You will thank me when you see how much others enjoy it. To little Boo-Boo, may you have the best Christmas ever.

Big-hearted Brock

By The Bahamas Humane Society Four-year-old Brock knows there has to be more to life than hanging out at the Bahamas Humane Society.

Brock has a loving, happy personality and he enjoys getting out and about for the BHS’s Wednesday and Saturday dog walks.

He’d really love to have a home to call his own, one that will appreciate his loving nature and give him lots of love in return.

Brock’s good with other dogs, not so much with cats. Do you have a heart for Brock?

If so, come to the BHS to meet him or call 325-6742 for more information. Brock looks forward to meeting you!

• The BHS 2023 raffle tickets are now available.

Tickets are $5 each or get a book of 21 for $100. You can get yours from any board member, the BHS, or Fox Hill Nursery. The grand prize is $10,000 in groceries from Super Value, but there are many other great prizes to be won as well. Thank you to all our prize donors!

16 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, November 24, 2023

music

Seeking 1,000 fans Rashad Germain jumps in ‘The Deep End’ with new song and campaign

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

B

AHAMIAN recording artist Rashad Germain has been quiet for some time, but now’s he back and making noise with the release of his newest single, “The Deep End”.

A collaboration with Jayme Chanté, the song aims to galvanise as much support as possible for his musical projects. The single is simultaneously being launched with his “The 1000 Campaign”.

The goal of the campaign is to sell a total of 1,000 copies of his upcoming “The Imperial Island” album by end of 2024.

Rashad intends on accomplishing this task by releasing songs like “The Deep End” from the project throughout the year and utilising social media in creative ways to build a new and bigger audience.

“If you do music, especially independently, you’ve probably come across the theory that all you need is 1,000 true fans or supporters to have a real career in music or to have your music make a real impact. I wanted to test this theory with the release of my album,” Rashad said.

And music lovers are already showing interest.

“I’ve already started taking preorders ahead of the album’s April 2024 release date, and the support has been through the roof, with people even spending upwards to $100 on a $10 project,” he told Tribune Weekend.

Rashad, who is trying to make a comeback to music after a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been

spending a great deal of time in the studio and writing songs.

He has also been busy coming up with new and creative ideas to get his music heard by more people.

“I feel really strongly about the music on this project and did not want it to not get the kind of recognition that I feel it deserves. Most artists in Nassau that don’t do traditional Bahamian music don’t really make much, if anything, from their music.

I wanted to try something different to show not just myself, but my peers in the local music scene, that something like this might just be possible,” he said.

So far, Rashad said, the campaign has been working effectively to give his music the exposure he desires.

“It is going better than I thought it would in this early stage. I’ve been doing music for a long time and throughout the years I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from associates, strangers and people closest to me.

“I underestimated how much people actually like the music I make, because I thought I would just have a small handful of people that support when I launched the pre-order sales on Bandcamp in October.

“But out of the gate I was in the high double digits with people spending $20 to $100 on a project that’s only $10,” he said.

“The Deep End” is a “pseudo love song”, said the artist, that uses the themes of beach and water as innuendos. He said it was made specifically with women in mind.

“The entire album is inspired by

Nassau. Different aspects of the Nassau experience from my perspective are used to write a lot of the songs on this album. ‘The Deep End’ isn’t any different, because it’s based on the kind of interactions you would have with women down here in Nassau,” he said.

“Outside of the actual verses on the song, the thing I really love about this record was the production. I went to my producer PC of the HD Boyz with an idea for the beat, and he more than delivered. I told him I wanted something that sounded like nighttime parked on one of our beaches, and he gave me just that. I spent weeks just listening to the actual beat before I ever tried to record anything on it,” he said.

And the collaboration with Jayme Chanté just added another level to the track.

“It was a great experience (working with Jayme). She’s been one of my favourite Bahamian artists for a while now, so I was really excited to collab with her on this single. The energy that was in the studio the night she came to do her verse was one of the highlights of recording this album,” he said.

Rashad encourages people to stay tuned for more releases over the coming months.

“I plan to release records every month leading up to the release of the full album to build anticipation and awareness for the campaign. So people can stay on the lookout for more music, social media content, and probably even an event over the next few months,” he said.