12062021 WEEKEND

Friday, December 3, 2021

books interview gardening history community art puzzles animals

Weekend

Seamstress to the stars Page 04+05

Carving master Artist John Beadle lets nature speak for itself

pgs 08 + 09

02| The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, December 3, 2021

books

“In Memory of Them” Yesterday’s heroes shaped two generations

A

eulogy is the closest written record for people to remember you if you have not written an autobiography.

The newly launched collector’s book, “In Memory of Them”, shares a glimpse of 67 outstanding individuals and residents of the Bahamas through eulogies and tributes that were written by Dr Reginald W Eldon.

These short eulogies of “Them” had transpired over Dr Eldon’s 44 years of service in the Methodist Church. Centered around family members and friends who played an important role in his life, there are tales of adventures, hardships, pain and joy; told in an intriguing manner that keeps you reading.

“It takes a very special gifted individual to get to the heart and soul of a deceased person,” said Susan L Roberts in the book’s Forward. “He writes with passion and has a masterly talent for expressing his feelings and emotions. Reg filed the eulogies and tributes he has given…so that we can benefit, and reflect, as we read his collection.”

“In Memory Of Them”” was launched on the 100th Remembrance Sunday in November 2021 at Ebenezer Methodist Church. A tribute from former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, who is also an author, states: “It is so important that we record and tell our stories which together are the stories of the people…a nation. I believe that this book will not only memorialize some very interesting Bahamians but also that we will draw inspiration from it to sweeten our own lives.”

Inherently, Bahamians when they meet someone they tend to ask, “Who are your people?

Where are you from?” “In Memory Of Them” features people from all walks of life connected by marriage, professional lives, church or other ways.

Two individuals who lived past their centenarian year were Nelly Weech (1911-2013) and Sir Durward Knowles (1917-2018).

DR Reginald W Eldon presented his newly released collector’s book, ‘In Memory of Them’, during a courtesy call to Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith Nelly Isabel Weech, “The Current Woman from Abaco”, died at the age of 102. She had joined the Symonette-Eldon family in The Current when she married widower Ferris Weech who was the brother-in-law of Dr Eldon’s mother Ruth.

Sir Durward Knowles was a Bahamian icon and Olympic medalist who died three months after his 100th birthday. Although his life is welldocumented, Dr Eldon managed to offer a new perspective on his life, focusing on his philanthropic spirit.

Other well-known figures include A R Jack Knowles (1915-2002), one of the founders of the Family Guardian Insurance Company, and Margaret, Lady Symonette (Sir Roland’s Wife; 1915-2002). Perhaps not as well-known but impactful were women like Rhoda C. Symonette (1922-2002), Merle Gibson (1915-2003), and Fredricka Rosetta Symonette (1905-1997).

Lady Symonette was a Canadian nurse who was widowed. Sir Roland Symonette became enamoured with her when they first met, and they married. She played a large role in his life, championed many causes in the Bahamas, and was a matriarch to her family. There are endearing stories told by her sons Craig and Brent that are included in her eulogy.

Sir Roland’s niece, Rhoda C Symonette, sister to Ruth Eldon née Symonette (1924-1985) and aunt to the author, played a significant role. She understood her nephew when he performed funerals for the neighbour’s pets as a young boy and encouraged him to work with youth and continue his journey into Ministry. Later in his adult life, his friend Vanny Johnson gave Eldon the title “Minister of Funerals.”

“Them” also includes many the offspring.

Merle Gibson (1915-2003) who was born in Savannah Sound was the mother of former Queen’s College principal Andrea Gibson, who was the first female and first person of colour in that role.

Merle passed away at the age of 88.

Meanwhile, Fredricka Rosetta Symonette (1905-1997), who died at the age of 92, is the earliest born person featured in the book. She was affectionately known as Miss Freddie and

Dr Reginald Eldon with Sir Arthur and Lady Foulkes provided care for the Methodist ministers serving in South Eleuthera. Fredericka’s nephew is John Gomez, CEO of Cable Bahamas.

Some younger people in the book include Terence C A Bethel (1958-2020), who was an accountant and worked with youth and gave service to his community. His promising political career was cut short in his 58th year.

Another is Joseph Robison (1959-2005), who established the Ashé dance troupe that travelled throughout the Caribbean. He was an advocate for HIV/AIDS education in the 1980s; he died at age 47. There is also a story of a mother who lost two of her children: Theotis Johnson (1977-2005) and Margo Gibbs (1970-2018).

“I had the privilege of officiating at the funerals of two of Mrs Agnes Johnson’s adult children,” said Dr Eldon. “Her son Theotis, 28, and 13 years later her daughter Margo Gibbs, 48. I will never forget her pain.”

Dr Eldon shared that he too had moments where he shed, sometimes crying his way through hours of preparation of a eulogy for a family member or close friend, right up to the time he was due to speak at the pulpit. He would then gain his composure and deliver their eulogy.

Long-time friend Philippa Brown-Papadopoulo, who has read Dr Eldon’s book, emailed him this message: “Your talent for eloquent expression shines like a lighthouse…Like a magnet to steel, I am drawn to each memoir and my heart is filled.

Your voice, its tenor and cadence, come through loud and clear in my mind bringing back wonderful, difficult, but precious memories.”

“In Memory Of Them” honours 67 individuals who will now be remembered for their contributions to their families, church, community and country. The majority were born in the early part of the 20th century, with most living to see an independent Bahamas. They experienced the adversities of World Wars I and II, economic hardships, and hurricanes, yet tenaciously led by example. These were the heroes whose ideals of character, ethics, hard work, service and gratitude helped mold and shape two generations.

“In Memory of Them” can be ordered by emailing Dr Reginald Eldon at regweldon@gmail.com.

The Tribune | Weekend |03

Friday, December 3, 2021

Weekend Inside

PAPA SMURF MY PERFECT BAHAMIAN CHRISTMAS AIMS TO NAKITA CASH TAKE RAKE N’ CEO OF THE CASH EMPIRE SCRAPE TO “My dream Christmas Q: What’s your favourite present is to receive a billion Christmas movie?

THE WORLD dollars so I can live my dreams “ ‘Home Alone’, because it

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

T

brings back a lot of childhood memories. I watched it a lot when I was a child.”

his year has wrought many Q: Real tree or artificial tree? changes in many people’s “I love a real Christmas tree lives. For rapper Alvin because you can smell the ’Papa’ Smurf’ Simms, this wonderful pine and it makes change took on the form home feel and smell amazing.” of him switching music genres.

The Grand Bahamian artist said his Q: Rum cake or fruit cake? recent crossover into rake n’ scrape was “I love rum cake because a calculated decision yet one determined it looks delicious. Fruit cake by fate, and one that he believes will has too much stuff in it.” prove to be an impactful one.

To date, he has released two rake Q: What’s your dream n’ scrap songs, “Tear it Down” Christmas present? and “Woman is the Boss”.

The latter, his more recent release, is a fun, uptempo song that he way to express myself more said will “definitely get you traditionally and hopefully dancing, and thinking.” make a musical impact “ ‘Woman is the Boss’ ” is in the rake n’ scrape a song that will get people genre,” he said. talking in 2021. Some may Though Papa like it, some may not, but Smurf had all many definitely will love it,” intentions of he told Tribune Weekend. eventually crossing The single was written by over to a global Papa Smurf and produced by audience, he said CJ and Little Joe Cartwright making the switch from PAPA SMURF of Brain Sound Ent. rap to rake n’ scrape will The video to give him a chance to highlight accompany the single was shot by the Bahamian sound on the world stage.

Jason Feezy Rolle of GFX Digital “Seeing that rake n’ scrape hasn’t Productions in Eight Mile Rock. really made its way to an international The artist took most of his time stage as yet, I personally think that during the lockdowns to record we have an advantage over those that his rake n’ scrape singles. are already there. We all know that “I live on Grand Bahama, and as you the world loves new things, and as a know there was great loss due to Hurricane Bahamian citizen born and raised in the Dorian. Some people lost their homes, Bahamas, I believe it is my moral duty some people lost their lives, some people to promote my country with traditional lost their livelihoods. The studio where music that represents our culture, and I I did my rap songs was also lost, and feel that once it becomes international, seeking another studio to record I stumbled it will be loved by many,” he said. upon Brain Sound Ent that specialises in “For me, it is a good move, rake n’ scrape production, and it was a

of helping others live their dreams by establishing businesses and building empires. I would even help the homeless live their dreams and build them homes.”

Q: Where would you go if you could celebrate Christmas anywhere in the world?

“It would be Germany. I would love for my family and I to go to visit my uncle, Alkanah Lafluer, and his family whom I have never seen before. My uncle is super spectacular and he is always because never have I felt closer to my country. I’m free to explore and write about the many ‘sayings’ and the many subjects found in Bahamian culture, and I am excited because rake n’ scrape is a sweet music.”

Growing up in Eight Mile Rock, Papa Smurf had a real taste of island life - from shooting marbles during lunchtime in the school yard to going fishing with his father in his 12-foot aluminum dingy boat.

From a young age, his mother would line him and his two brothers up and ask them to sing for her.

But it was not until the age of 13 that he developed a strong interest in music. Cars, he said, would pass him by playing songs from Bahamian artists and would spark his interest.

“The high school children with their boom boxes would walk down the road playing songs from Bob Marley, and at home I would hear songs from Smokey 007 on ZNS radio,” he said.

Papa Smurf had interest in all different kinds of music, from hip hop to R&B, soca, reggae and dancehall. He

cheering me on and praying for me. He is one of my biggest fans and I can’t wait to meet him soon.” got his first taste of performing in front of a crowd at the local fish fry in Smith’s Point. He then went on to perform at local concerts, sharing the stage with both local and international artists.

Later on, he recorded music with recording engineers Fritz Bootle, Lester Adderley and Dave Mackey of T-Connection. In 2007, he met Terrance Capron and they became the rap duo Positive Link. Using Bahamian slang and terminology in their songs, they introduced a whole new style of music that they called “Bahamian Swing”, which also was the name of their debut album.

Making a fresh start in 2009 as a solo artist, Papa Smurf dropped his first single, “Stop, Look, Listen”.

He had hit songs like “Bahamian Girl” and “Humble Beast”.

Lately, he has been making his way through the islands performing at regattas, homecoming events and summer festivals, spreading the message “It is cool to be a Bahamian”.

Now, he is hoping to put Bahamian music on the world map.

04 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, December 3, 2021

interview

Tamika Hanna She may be a seamstress to the beauty queens of the Bahamas, but she is just as happy designing and creating outfits for her ‘regular’ clientele. She tells Cara Hunt how she delights in sewing gowns and ensembles for the special moments in people’s lives.

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amika Hanna has certainly come a long way from the little girl who got in trouble for cutting up her grandmother’s pillow cases because she wanted fabric to practice sewing.

Today, she is a well-known and highly sought-after seamstress who has not only dressed her clients for some of their most significant milestones, but has also helped several of the country’s beauty queens get noticed on the international stage.

“I think I first started sewing when I was around six, that was when Mama got tired of me cutting up her pillow cases, so I got to use the machine. But if you ask when did things really start to take off, I’d say seriously about three years ago,” she told Tribune Weekend.

Tamika says the one thing she loves about sewing is being able to create one-of-kind pieces that are unique to the person wearing them.

“I love things that are different, things that you won’t see on anyone else,” she said.

Sewing was always something she knew could be a potential source of income, but she never really pursued it seriously until quite recently.

She had been living in the United States for several years, but when she returned home, she decided to really focus on her sewing.

“I had tried a few times to really pursue it before, but the consistency was just not there,” she said.

However, with a bit more focus, she has managed to make quite a name for herself over the last few

years, primarily through word-ofmouth from satisfied clients.

She is sought-after by many clients looking for a special prom or wedding dress, or the perfect outfit for other important events in their lives.

Tamika is self-taught and says sewing was something that always come naturally to her.

“It really is an innate gift,” she said.

While she is technically a seamstress or a fashion designer, Tamika says she really considers herself to be a costume designer.

The Tribune | Weekend |05

Friday, December 3, 2021

SOME of Tamika Hanna’s pageant designs “I love the whole process of creating something that is so dramatic and stands out. When I am designing, I really try to first capture the essence of the person who will be wearing the outfit and then try and figure out how to create a design that will help bring that to life.”

Her love of the theatrical is what eventually inspired her to work with beauty pageant contestants, helping them to come alive on stage in stunning costumes and evening wear.

To date, she has had created designs for Miss Beauty Plus International, Ms Plus World and Mr Afro- Caribbean.

The new Miss Bahamas Universe, Chantel O’Brian, was crowned wearing an evening gown created by Tamika.

Recently departing Nassau to travel to the Miss Universe pageant in Israel, Chantel was also wearing another one of Tamika’s outfits for the trip.

“I am very proud of the wins because it does give me a feeling of acceptance when people react favourably to my work, but it is

also an affirmation that I am on the right path with what I am doing,” she said.

And while dressing beauty queens and receiving international acclaim is nice, Tamika says she is just as excited when she can help her regular clients look fabulous as well.

“I love that I can help people look exactly the way that they want to look,” she said.

“And so, I don’t have like a celebrity wish list I’d want to design for or an event, I am just as excited dressing regular clients. For example, I have a lady who I did a 50th birthday for, and just knowing that I helped her look exactly how she wanted to look on that special day was just as meaningful as when I dress my beauty queens.”

And while sewing is something that comes naturally to her, it does have its challenges, and sometimes designs just don’t come out quite as envisioned.

Tamika says dealing with strong personalities is one of the hardest aspects of her work.

“You just have to learn to deal and work with the different personalities people have, especially if they are requesting something you think just won’t work or that you don’t particularly think is attractive. For example, a lot of people request this satin and lace for funerals which I am just not a fan of, but it’s trendy and that is what they want,” she said.

“Bahamian ladies have always been trendsetters in fashion and love to be unique in their choices. When I lived in the States, the idea of having a designer make your clothing was something that was considered just for celebrities or the wealthy; the trend was storebought. But if you think about it, in the Bahamas everyone has their seamstress that they have known for years. It is something that has always existed, but I think it’s just a bit more noticeable with events like the opening of Parliament that are spread on social media now.”

2 Stanza; 3 Omen;

06 | The Tribune | Weekend

6 Lone; 11 Entangle; 13 Specific; 15 Always; 17 Sooner; 19 Hone; 21 Rapt.

Ar i e B e tn i

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

● 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.

Verb forms ending in s permitted’.

TODAY’S TARGET Good 17; very good 25; excellent 33 (or more). Solution tomorrow

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

BATTLESHIPS CRYPTIC PUZZLE

2

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Down 1 A long way off a seafaring centre (4) 2 Balls - and bats - can be part of it (5,4) 3 Only order northern fabric (5) 4 Eating here is no picnic (7) 5 Hardy heroine takes time with artistic piecework (7) 7 A hen in bed (5) 8 Enthusiasm experienced by a new poker player? (5,5) 9 Standards are judged by them (8) 14 Piece of rough material that could be smoother (5,5) 16 Access for transport (8) 18 Do competitors rocket into the lead in it? (5,4) 20 Decorate from top to bottom or bottom to top (7) 21 Gulp and flounder after a point (7) 23 Check the key in as a rule (5) 25 Experienced bellringers will know them (5) 26 Just a French mother (4)

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T P S B P L F C

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I O B V L Y K U

Yesterday’s Easy Solution Across: 1 Bahamas, 5 Haste, 8 Greenland, 9 Ass, 10 Tuba, 12 St Helena, 14 Herald, 15 Homily, 17 Tasmania, 18 Mesh, 21 Hoe, 22 Singapore, 24 Tonga, 25 Sumatra.

Down: 1 Bigot, 2 Hue, 3 Mind, 4 Scanty, 5 Hedgehog, 6 Spare time, 7 Ecstasy, 11 Bernstein, 13 All at sea, 14 Hatchet, 16 Viands, 19 Hyena, 20 Balm, 23 Out.

Yesterday’s Cryptic Solution Across: 1 Diapers, 5 Pagan, 8 Grotesque, 9 Tug, 10 To-do, 12 Meantime, 14 Wisdom, 15 Knight, 17 Executor, 18 Inch, 21 Zip, 22 Instances, 24 Siren, 25 Treated.

Down: 1 Digit, 2 Ado, 3 Eden, 4 Sequel, 5 Preening, 6 Getting on, 7 Neglect, 11 Distemper, 13 Solution, 14 Wheezes, 16 Corset, 19 Hosed, 20 Made, 23 Cut.

EASY PUZZLE

Across 1 Stranded (4,3,3) 6 Jettison (4) 10 Piercing (5) 11 With identity kept secret (9) 12 Run-down (8) 13 Snow leopard (5) 15 Lively party (7) 17 Disastrous (7) 19 The mean (7) 21 Recompense (7) 22 Revolve rapidly (5) 24 Deep crack in glacier (8) 27 Laughable (9) 28 Give reason to believe (5) 29 Otherwise (4) 30 Law no longer observed (4,6)

Down 1 Expectant silence (4) 2 Unofficial channels (9) 3 A tree-borne fruit (5) 4 Forceful (7) 5 Scale of seismic strength (7) 7 Marriage (5) 8 Inclination (10) 9 Dishonour (8) 14 Irish playwright and wit (5,5) 16 Standstill (8) 18 Inadvertent mistake (9) 20 Fence in (7) 21 Happy (7) 23 River of southern Asia (5) 25 Decrease in force (5) 26 Tolerate (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.

Solution tomorrow 1

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M H T J T A Q R

K P T I H L R E

R V L S J K D Y

F I D O W U X E

T N M A Y D Y M

THE ALPHABEA

TARGET

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L U M V I T A E

Friday, December 3, 2021

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.

Across 1 Proclaim girl in acute trouble (10) 6 A musical character to have on the staff (4) 10 Financial backer with a new angle (5) 11 A ruinous craft (9) 12 Phaeton’s rebuilt as a carriage for one (8) 13 Game pie with nothing in it (5) 15 Girls and men said to be different (7) 17 It is pressed into use for distribution by air (7) 19 Appear on stage again or make another record (2-5) 21 Main roads (7) 22 Deposit a jacket and hood (5) 24 Writer is about to approve a colour (3,5) 27 Money is most important (9) 28 Tree that can reach a great height (5) 29 Where to get a divorce in the forenoon (4) 30 It causes a lot of extra work in the theatre (5,5)

R O M O T I O N

4 Blissful; 5old Strain; 23 About replicated tree (5)

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The Tribune | Weekend |07

Friday, December 3, 2021

community

St Andrew’s celebrates 50th anniversary of Yamacraw campus with historic tree planting

I

t has been five decades since St Andrew’s International School moved to their Yamacraw Hill Road campus.

To mark the occasion, members of the school family gathered for a special tree-planting this week.

Remarks were brought by former Cabinet Minister and St Andrew’s alum Loretta Butler-Turner.

Student leaders including Head Boy Jake Oldfield, Head Girl Julia Fernander-Francis, Deputy Head Boy Aaryn Russell and Deputy Head Girl Brianna Wong were the masters of ceremony, and the St Andrew’s Chamber Choir sang a selection of songs.

Gordon McKenzie, principal of St Andrew’s International School also addressed attendees at the event, which took place outside under tents on the school’s campus.

St Andrew’s got its start in the basement of Nassau’s historic St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk in 1948.

Just 24 students were enrolled.

From those humble beginnings, the student population grew and the school moved to the Collins mansion property on the corner of Collins Avenue and Shirley Street in 1950.

For 15 years, the Collins mansion provided extensive quarters and a wonderful learning environment. By the late 1960s, the student population had grown to 590 and it became clear that a new campus was necessary. The existing school property at Yamacraw was acquired and a major fundraising effort ensued, championed by students, teachers, parents and the energetic and devoted headmaster, John Chaplin.

In early 1970, ground was broken, and in November 1971, the entire school moved to the Yamacraw campus.

The building of a new school on a very large campus with new amenities was a cause great excitement for all students, and many still recall the move to their new campus fondly.

They also take great pride in having been a part of it becoming a reality.

Before the new school was built, each student was asked to contribute $30 for the building campaign. Students collected bottles for recycling to raise funds, had bake sales, made various products, and the school held

(l-r) Bruce Stewart and Nicky Saddleton, members of the St Andrew’s International School Board, look on as Loretta Butler-Turner and Principal Gordon McKenzie plant a brazilwood tree. a fair at which members of the public could purchase goods, all to raise funds.

Loretta Butler-Turner, who was a fifth-grade student at the school at the time, remembers that every student was a participant in the fundraising.

“I remember a major walk-a-thon from the Shirley Street campus all the way to the Yamacraw campus and everyone being so excited to see the campus although it was still under construction,” she said.

Athena Damianos-Mabon recalls raising funds and also students helping to clear the field at the campus.

“Back then, when we first moved to the new campus, the field was nothing but rock and rubble. Students were asked to help rid the field of the rocks and we all did so happily. PE was moving the rocks off of the field, so we could make it smooth. Every time I see the green field that is there today, I recall that time,” she said.

Mrs Butler-Turner also recalls clearing rocks from the field.

“I think we students realised that it was important and that we were all a part of this development and that the school had to be very economical in the way it was using its resources

and we were a part of the human resource. We were a part of the labour force and have sweat equity in addition to having raise funds in the school. Those were exciting times, we were energetic, and it felt like an adventure,” she said.

Many trees were planted to help beautify the campus and to ultimately provide shade, and 50 years later, the school is lush with mature trees. In keeping with tradition, a brazilwood tree was planted to mark the 50th anniversary of the campus’ opening. Purchased from Eleuthera for the ceremony, the brazilwood tree has an educational tie to Harvard University.

In 1648, Puritans in Massachusetts learned of fellow brethren that had settled in Eleuthera and had become shipwrecked. They gathered funds and supplies and sent them to Eleuthera. In thanks for sending the lifesaving supplies, the Eleutheran brethren sent back 10 tonnes of brazilwood, which was a source of red dye, and specified that the wood be sold and the funds to be given for the benefit of Harvard University. The monies raised from the wood were used to buy adjacent land to Harvard University and to expand the school.

“We plant this brazilwood tree today in commemoration of the 50th

year of our Yamacraw campus,” said Principal McKenzie. “It is our hope that in another 50 years it will provide shade and a reminder of today for future students. As it grows, so will our school community continue to grow with ethics and excellence.”

The new modern look of the school, campus and the addition of science labs and a swimming pool instilled a sense of pride in the students that moved in 1971.

“I remember how big it all felt and we had even more space, everything was new,” said Mrs Damianos Mabon. “But what I remember most is how much we all felt a part of making this new school happen. We were all working together and took great pride in our school because we helped raise funds to build it.”

“We are grateful to mark the anniversary of our Yamacraw campus with alumni and faculty who recall when this campus began,” added Principal McKenzie. “Although it is now 50 years old, some things remain central to our school ethos then and today - the sense of school community. Students feel that they are not only a part of the school but help to shape it for today and future generations.”

10 | The Tribune | Weekend

Friday, December 3, 2021

gardening

Buttonwoods – Silver and Green

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ood day, gardeners.

Hopefully many of you are getting more veggie plants in the ground or in containers this week with the gorgeous weather that we have been having.

Referencing last week’s article for planting depths, remember that tomatoes can be planted deep in the ground or potting media and shrubs and trees must be planted high to avoid burying the stems and to prevent rot, pest or disease intrusion.

The Christmas season is coming upon us quickly, and lots of folks like to spruce up their yards during the winter months. If and when you’re out choosing plants to put into your yard, I hope that you will consider using native plants. Many of our native plants are underused in the landscape in favour of exotics, some more so than others.

A popular native that is often used well is the buttonwood (Conocarpus

erectus). Mostly it is used as a medium or large shrub, as a hedge, or less often, as a tree. Whether silver buttonwood or green buttonwood, my favourite way to use them is as a tree with visible trunks as compared to a pruned shrub or as a maintained hedge. The trunk wood on older specimens gets beautiful rough, fissured bark with twists and curves occurring naturally. They are a great shade tree, and they are excellent used as a tree in parking lots and high traffic areas as they are not messy, and they are tolerant of poor soil conditions and zero maintenance.

The silver buttonwood is slower growing than the green buttonwood.

If you are a fan of night lighting or landscape lighting, a few well-placed silver buttonwoods with appropriate lighting are a sure showoff.

They also make spectacular bonsai plants. Throughout the islands, buttonwoods can be found naturally

THE SILVER buttonwood tree at the old Hurricane Hole property bonsaied growing in the rock near the sea in the harshest of conditions. They are also found in mangrove areas and are tolerant of salt water and standing water. One of the most spectacular specimens of silver buttonwood that I have ever seen was on the old Hurricane Hole property on Paradise Island. The tree had to have been a couple hundred years old, but sadly it has been removed. I can only hope that it was removed to be relocated and used elsewhere rather than killed. It was a prize tree.

Both green and silver buttonwood also make excellent large screening hedges as well as specimen plantings, and also as windbreaks or street plantings. The wood of buttonwoods is hard and has been used in shipbuilding in places such as the Maldives, it is excellent for smoking food or for charcoal or firewood, as well as furniture and carving.

Please consider using buttonwoods in your landscape for low maintenance, high impact plantings.

As it is December already (!) many of you will have poinsettias in your house or office for the season.

Do be cautious when watering poinsettias as they do not like to have “wet feet” or in other words to be over saturated, they prefer to dry out somewhat between watering. If they are either too dry or too wet, they will shed leaves quite quickly. If you have purchased a poinsettia with a decorative pot cover, be sure to not let water sit in the pot cover, to avoid wet feet. Let the soil drain into a sink or in the yard before replacing them back into the decorative pot covers to avoid standing water. Whitefly can be an issue on poinsettias, even though typically, they are treated with systemic pesticides when being grown. When poinsettias receive adequate light, the colourful bracts ought to be a deep, rich color. If they are paling in color, they may need more natural light. Some recommend an occasional feeding with liquid fertilizers although I find this unnecessary. I do hope that you are getting out into the garden and enjoying this lovely time of year! As always, I wish you happy gardening.

• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at the Fox Hill Nursery.

You can contact him with any questions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@gmail.com.

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Friday, December 3, 2021

community

Bahamian among 100 worldwide to receive Duke of Edinburgh’s special coin

T

hrough rain, shine, retirement and a battle with prostate cancer, Captain Henry Curry has helped guide scores of young men through the Boys’ Brigade and the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) – two programmes that equip its participants to succeed in life.

GGYA delivers the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award which takes its name from His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9. The award operates in more than 130 countries and territories, helping to inspire millions of young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world.

For his dedication over the decades, Captain Curry is among 100 inspirational volunteers across the globe who are set to receive an official commemorative coin celebrating the life and legacy of the award’s patron. The coin will be accompanied by a letter of thanks from the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

“Captain Curry has been with us for more than 30 years. He is our longest serving volunteer. He comes to us from St Barnabas Anglican Church where he leads their 23rd Bahamas Company of Boys’ Brigade. Both programmes have similar personal and social goals, including community service, cultivating skills, fitness and adventure,” said GGYA’s national director, Jacquetta Lightbourne-Maycock.

Young people are able to simultaneously gain badges from Boys Brigade and awards from GGYA. “These personal achievements help them to find their purpose, passion and place in the world, and to stand out with distinction,” said Mrs Lightbourne-Maycock.

“Although many of our volunteers are known for stepping up and staying around, Captain Curry stands out. For his dedication and leadership throughout the decades, we thank him. He’s served on GGYA’s management council. He’s often among the first to respond when we reach out to our volunteers, and he gets his unit out to many of our planned activities. If every youth organisation could have someone like Captain Curry on their team, we’d be better off as a nation.”

In 1973, a young Basil Tynes and his brother Peter joined Captain Curry’s 23rd Company. He credits the organisation with his spiritual growth and development and was thankful for the opportunity to be mentored by “a giant of a man.”

In October 2000, Tynes once again crossed paths with Captain Curry. Now an Anglican priest, Father Tynes was appointed rector of St Barnabas Church.

PRINCE Philip Coin “This time I assumed the post of chaplain with Captain Curry still very much in charge. Under his leadership, the 23rd Company produced high ranking police officers, lawyers, accountants, bankers, doctors, medical personnel, priests, bishops, ambassadors, chefs, you name it. Captain Curry can hold his head high in that regard,” he said.

When the modern-day award came on-stream in 1987, Captain Curry saw how it could enhance Boys’ Brigade. Like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the 23rd Company was known to camp out. That adventurous journey component and the discipline GGYA fostered attracted him to the award.

“GGYA is for anybody, including the children who believe they can’t do anything in life,” said the 78-year-old who chairs the New Providence Battalion and the Western Caribbean Fellowship of Boy’s Brigade.

“It’s not based on academics. It’s based on your resiliency and the goals you set for yourself. That’s what it’s all about.”

A non-competitive and flexible programme of cultural and adventurous activities, the award is for young people aged 14 to 24. Supporting them in their work at the bronze, silver and gold levels is a network of adult volunteers, unit leaders, assessors and the national office.

“Participation in GGYA has influenced my service, skills, survival techniques and offered me great companionship with other participants,” said Shane Oliver, a bronze level participant.

CAPTAIN Henry Curry is being honoured with a special coin for championing Bahamian youth for over half a century (Photos/Precision Media) “Captain Curry has taught me to be dedicated to a cause and open-minded about my opinions.”

Whether he’s teaching young people how to swim or demonstrating backyard farming techniques, leading a unit is as rewarding to Captain Curry as it is to the youth.

In half a century, his commitment to youth development has never wavered. Even when he fought prostate cancer in 2011, Captain Curry was a model for how to pull through an ordeal.

“Despite all of his health challenges he remains on top of his game,” said Father Tynes, who for 21 years served as the 23rd Company’s chaplain.

“He has been an advocate for the Governor General’s Youth Award programme, not just in the 23rd Company at St Barnabas, but he has advocated for its use across the board with all of the companies in the Bahamas...What amazes me is that even at this stage in his life he is able to relate to the young boys and is able to provide Godly counsel for them.”

Captain Curry – a former lab technician by profession – never sought accolades for his hard work.

“What I’m working for is to know that I can change some boy’s life,” said the father-of-six, who lost one of his five sons, a police constable, to murder back in 2005.

“What makes me feel good is when a young man says, ‘Captain Curry, do you remember me?’

My reward is knowing that I’ve touched somebody’s life and they’re being productive and even if they’re not productive they can recognise what was done for them,” he said.

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Friday, December 3, 2021

literary lives - The Four Tops

Motown’s legendary quartet Sir Christopher Ondaatje writes about the American vocal quartet from Detroit who helped to define the city’s Motown sound of the 1960s.

Tops’ all-time biggest hit and one of Motown’s most popular songs ever, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”. The song reached number One on the US Pop and R&B charts, and the UK chart, and soon became the group’s signature song. It was followed by the similar “Standing in the Shadows of Love”, whose depiction of heartbreak reflected the opposite of “Reach Out I’ll Be There”. It was another Top 10 hit for The Four Tops.

“There were many stars in Motown’s firmament – among them, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and Diana Ross – but I happen to have loved The Four Tops most of all.”

“My Dad was a soul fan and a singer himself, and he loved vocal harmony, stuff like the Beach Boys, and Motown like The Four Tops – which was a big influence on me.”

- Katy B English singer and songwriter

- Jon Landau American Music Critic and record producer Founded as the Four Aims, all four members of the group began their careers together while they were high school students in Detroit.

Encouraged by their friends at Pershing High School, Levi Stubbs and Abdul “Duke” Fakir performed with their friends from Northern High School, Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Lawrence Payton, at a local party. The quartet decided to stay together.

With the help of Payton’s songwriter cousin Roquel Davis, the Aims signed to Chess Records in 1956, changing their name to The Four Tops to avoid confusion with the popular Ames Brothers.

Over the next seven years The Four Tops had unsuccessful tenures with Chess, Red Top, Riverside Records and Columbia Records, but they toured frequently developing a polished stage performance and an experienced supper club act. They also were the introduction group for Billy Eckstine. In 1963, Berry Gordy, Jr, who had worked with Roquel “Billy” Davis as a songwriter in the late 1950s, convinced The Four Tops to join the roster of his growing Motown record company.

During these early Motown years, The Four Tops recorded the ordinary

THE FOUR Tops- (l-r) Abdul Duke Fakir, Renaldo Obie Benson, Levi Stubbs and Lawrence Payton jazz standards for the company’s Workshop Jazz Records label. They sang back-up on Motown singles by The Supremes (“Run, Run, Run”, 1964), Martha and the Vandellas (“My Baby Loves Me”, 1966) as well as others.

successful hit singles. Among the first wave of these hits were the Top 10 “It’s the Same Old Song” (1965), “Something About You” (1965), “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” (1966), and “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever” (1966).

In 1964, Motown’s main songwriting and production team, Holland-Dozier-Holland, created a complete instrumental track without any idea what to do with it, so they decided to craft the song as a more mainstream pop song for The Four Tops, and proceeded to create “Baby I Need Your Loving” from the instrumental track. Surprisingly, on its release in mid-1964 “Baby I Need Your Loving” rose to number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100. Something melded and there was a magical magnetism to the team.

Holland-Dozier-Holland wrote most of Levi Stubbs’s vocals in a tenor range to get a sense of strained urgency. Stubbs (who was born Levi Stubbles) was a natural baritone singer and had a powerful, emotional, dramatic style of singing, unlike most other male and mixed vocal group of the time who were fronted by tenors.

After their first number one hit, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” in June 1965, The Four Tops released a long series of

Holland-Dozier-Holland wrote additional background vocals for the female group, The Andantes, on many of the songs so as to add a high end to the low-voiced harmony of The Four Tops.

Then on August 19, 1966, HollandDozier-Holland released The Four

“Bernadette” – the song about a man’s all-consuming passion with his lover, continued The Four Tops’ successful run with their top 10 US hit in April 1967. This was followed by “Seven Rooms of Gloom”, and “You Keep Running Away”. The Four Tops were the most successful Motown act in the United Kingdom, and were second only to The Temptations in the United States. They started experimenting with mainstream pop hits like Tim Hardin’s “If I Were a Carpenter” in late 1967 and “Walk Away Renée” in early 1968.

These two singles and the original “I’m in a Different World” were their last hits produced by HollandDozier-Holland, who left Motown after a dispute with Berry Gordy, Jr. Without Holland-Dozier-Holland, the hits for The Four Tops became less frequent. They worked with several other Motown producers during the late 1960s to no avail and with little success. It wasn’t until the 1970s that they earned another hit with “It’s All in the Game”, a pop Top 30/R&B Top 10 hit produced

by Frank Wilson. With this success Wilson and The Four Tops began working on a number of innovative tracks and albums together, echoing Whitfield’s psychedelic soul work with The Temptations. Their 1970 album “Still Waters Run Deep” was the beginning of the concept album

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Friday, December 3, 2021

and was the inspiration for Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic album “What’s Going On?”, the title track of which was co-written by Renaldo “Obie” Benson of The Four Tops.

Temptations. The battle of the bands was so popular that the two groups took the competition on the road, where it continued to be a regular popular feature.

“If you’re in a successful band, you tend to fall into a role. But I’m not remotely laddish. I’m a grownup. I’m a vegan and teetotal. I run 50 miles a week, listening to Franz Ferdinand and The Four Tops at top volume.”

The first of the group’s albums under the new Motown contract was “Back Where I Belong” (1983).

The album was produced by their old music producer Holland-DozierHolland, and it featured the R&B top single “I Just Can’t Walk Away”.

Only one more album would be released by Motown, “Magic”, in 1985.

- Johnny Marr English musician, songwriter and singer, Guitarist and co-songwriter of “The Smiths”

Amazingly, the group was scheduled to return to the US from the

Music and careers began to change drastically for The Four Tops in the early 1970s. Early acts such as Martha and the Vandellas and The Marvelettes were dropped or ignored to concentrate on newer acts like Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, Rare Earth, and the now-solo Diana Ross.

Berry Gordy, Jr, had plans to move Motown’s operations from Detroit to Los Angeles, where he planned to move into motion picture and television industries. In 1971, Motown made the life-changing announcement that they were moving their headquarters out West, and that its artists had to move as well. This was a bitter blow for the older Motown acts who were already neglected by their label. Many opted to stay in Detroit, including The Funk Brothers studio backing band, Martha Reeves and The Four Tops.

They were forced to leave Motown and moved to ABC-Dunhill where they were assigned to writer-producers Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, and the label’s head of A&R, Steve Barri as producer.Lawrence Payton, one of The Four Tops, later served as a producer and writer.

Despite being the most prominent member of the group, Levi Stubbs refused to have separate billing – in contrast to other Motown acts such as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Diana Ross and The Supremes. He also turned down several offers for a solo career out of loyalty to his bandmates. Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates remarked that Stubbs’s unique style rendered The Four Tops’ material timeless.

UK on Pan Am flight 103 in December 1988 after performing in the British TV show “Top of the Pops”. he ill-fated flight crashed in Lockerbie, Scotland, after a terrorist bomb was detonated on board. The group left London later on a British Airways flight.

THE FOUR Tops in the 1970s (Photo, Motown Museum) Lonnie Jordan, band member of War, thought that Stubbs’ “voice was so good he was just, like, from another planet”. He had a pleading urgency in his voice that perfectly captured the longing anxiousness of the songs written by Holland-DozierHolland. When Motown moved to Los Angeles, Berry Gordy, Jr, offered Stubbs the starring role of Louis McKay opposite Diana Ross as Billie Holliday in “Lady Sings the Blues”. Not wishing to overshadow the other members of The Four Tops, he turned down the role.

Between 1972 and 1983, The Four Tops had their first Pop Top 10 hit since “Bernadette” in 1967 with “Keeper of the Castle” (1972). This was followed by the 1973 “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)”, and the Top 20 hit “AreYou Man Enough” (1973).

Midnight Flower (1974) and “One Chain Don’t Make No Prison (1974) reached the R&B Top 10. Two ABC/Dunhill singles, “I Just Can’t Get You Out of My Mind” (1974) and “Seven Lonely Nights” (1975), became popular in the southeast Beach/Shag Club Dance Circuit.

ABDUL ‘Duke’ Fakir is the last surviving member of the original Four Tops After the release of “Catfish” (1976), a Top 10 R&B hit, the group’s popularity waned and they left ABC/Dunhill after a disastrous album recorded in Philadelphia bombed on the charts. The group seemed to completely disappear from view until the early 1980s when they signed a deal with Casablanca Records.

In 1983, The Four Tops rejoined Motown where their ABC-Dunhill producer Steve Barri had become vice president. They were featured on the 1983 television special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever”, taking part in a highlight of the show – a battle of the bands between The Four Tops and The

Starting in the late 1980s, The Four Tops concentrated on touring and live performances. They recorded only one more album.

On June 20, 1997, Lawrence Payton died from liver cancer after singing for 44 years with the group.

They had never had a single line-up change until then. They toured as a trio, but eventually hired Theo Peoples – a former member of The Temptations. By the turn of the century Levi Stubbs, who was also diagnosed with cancer in 1995, after suffering a stroke in 2000 was no longer able to tour with The Four Tops. He died in his sleep on October 17, 2008, at his home in Detroit.

He and his wife Clineice were married for 48 years.

The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked them on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of all time.

• Sir Christopher Ondaatje is the author of The Last Colonial. He acknowledges that he has quoted liberally from Wikipedia; The Guinness Who’s Who of Soul Music (1993) by Colin Larkin; and The Four Tops Biography by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (1999).

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Friday, December 3, 2021

history

The Plop-a-Lop Tree

T

he late John Safer was interested in Bahamian history, and when I received John’s copy of Pip Simmons’ 1993 book “The Plop-a-Lop Tree”, I mistakenly assumed that it was a tale for children.

How wrong I was!

The book is an illustrated album FORGOTTEN FACTS of 73 stunning photos by Barbara Young, with the words of the Rev Edward Saunders, remembering the place where he was born.

“My parents had nine children. We ate food brought from Eleuthera…if we came home from school and there was nothing to eat…we would gather dillies (sapodillas).The trees even had names…one we called plop-a-lop because its dillies fell to the ground and we could just gather ‘em up… another named finger-dilly…its fruit was shaped like a finger,” he writes.

They used thread made from sisal fibres – soaked in water for several days - to mend clothes and drank tea made from the fruit of the gumelami tree; it was good for one’s blood. Orange peel tea and field grass tea were included in their diet, and “all of ‘em tasted good”.

Mr Saunders’ older brother, Harold, had a farm on ‘Commonage Land’ on North Eleuthera, where he grew fruits and vegetables, travelling back and forth in his sailboat.

Tea from the “kill or cure” tree was used to treat fever. The family kept a tree growing in their yard, easy to get at in case someone took sick at night.

Fish was plentiful and stewed fish was the staple diet of all Harbour Island families. Meat was almost impossible to get and the menu of families who could not afford vegetables, and even salt, was fish, fish and more fish – self-caught in the Atlantic Ocean.

Washing by hand and ironing was women’s work and the clothes were dried in the sun.

When the sun was going down, kerosene lamps, on long poles were used for lighting.

“That was the only light we had,” Mr Saunders recalled.

Like on the other Out Islands, people went to bed with the chickens.

“We didn’t have watches to tell time…the government bell would ring nine times, then it would pause…and ring two more times. That would be good night” and everybody had to go home.

“Sunday was a day of rest, and nobody worked.

Nobody went fishing. Nobody did nothing on

PAUL C ARANHA

HYMN singing (1960)

LOOKING through a sunny window (1969)

BOYS with their catch Sunday. Everybody, old and young, stayed home, or went to church.”

Albert Curry had a horse and carriage, the only ‘taxi’ on the island, and when tourists started visiting Harbour Island, Albert was there to take them on guided tours.

So much has been written about the Harbour Island of today, but Pip’s book preserves the island the way it was. (l-r) Pip Simmons, Rev Edward Saunders and Barbara Young

• For questions and comments, please send an e-mail to islandairman@gmail.com

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Friday, December 3, 2021

animals Animal matters Kim Aranha

We all have the odd sleepless night; I know I am not the exception. Two nights ago, I woke up at 3.22am and didn’t get back to sleep until well after 5am. I was wide awake and ready to take on city hall, but realised that if I got up and started doing things, I would disrupt the household and confuse the dogs who would think it was morning when it wasn’t. So, I stayed in my bed and started thinking of all sorts of things, It is funny how the brain stores stuff and then spits it out at random moments. I had one such random moment that night.

All of a sudden, out of the blue, for no reason at all, I started thinking about a very large ant hill that was on Bird Cay in the Berry Islands when I was a girl. There were actually several ant hills, but this one was especially big and, for much of my childhood, was taller than I was.

Now, where and why did that ant hill come to mind? What compartment in my brain decided to hand that visual picture to me in the middle of the night, fifty years later? Who knows how this memory thing works, but it did set me to thinking about ant hills.

Are they still around, I wonder? I haven’t seen one in ages, but then, I do not go into the bush exploring much anymore. Maybe the bromeliad hunters I know still see them.

If you start thinking about ant hills, the next logical though that comes into your head are the ants who actually build these “condos” and reside there.

After a rudimentary amount of research, I have come to the conclusion that the art hills that fascinated me so,

(PHOTO/KIM LINES)

Ant hills and termite mounds, and those who live there

PET OF THE WEEK

were actually Termite Mounds. From this piece of information leaps the first question of: what it the difference between a termite and an ant? The termite has wings, but so does the flying ant, the termite is paler in colour than the flying ant who is black and brown.

If you are able to look at them closely then you can check their antennae.

The flying ant has a bent antenna and the termite has a straight antenna.

The other dead giveaway is that the termite comes to eat wood, they come with the intention of creating a home, and if he finds a good source he will remain there and have a feast and move in forever. The flying ant is not looking to eat wood but looking to get to food

A shot of Espresso

By The Bahamas Humane Society Latte was last week. This week, for those who prefer their coffee a bit stronger, we present Espresso!

Espresso’s one of many teenage (nine months old approximately) cats available for adoption at the Bahamas Humane Society.

She’s playful and inquisitive and really ready for a home of her own. It’s even okay if there’s another cat or two around (two can keep each other company).

If you’ve been looking for

if left unprotected.

Here in the Bahamas, we also have those pesky and very painful fire ants.

How many times have I been standing in a garden and suddenly realised that I am standing on a fire ant nest. Oh, my goodness, what a thoroughly unpleasant experience, accompanied by a rather bizarre and ungainly “dance” as one tries, in vain, to shake, hit and brush them off; grab the hose and flood them off…any method that works.

The fire ant builds down into the ground for his nest, unlike the termite who has skyscrapers. If you look down, they are relatively easy to avoid because of the light colour of the soil and the disarray in the middle of the A FIRE ant nest

the perfect partner, check out Espresso, or call 323-5138 for more information. Espresso looks forward to meeting you!

• The BHS Thrift Shop is open!

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11am to 3pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

All proceeds go to the BHS and there are always awesome deals to be found. Bring your bag and catch some of the savings.

Donations are always gratefully accepted. earth or grass.

Life in the Out Islands had many eccentric and comedic sides to it. It always amazed me how my Australian mother, who had been a glamourous star on the London stage, learned to adopt to life on Bird Cay. Fruit and vegetables came in by freighter on the Mereghan every Sunday. As the generator did not operate 24 hours a day, adequate refrigeration was a challenge and food was prepared and consumed in the order of which lasted longest.

Broccoli was one of the first, with cabbage outlasting everything else.

And then came the ants. My mother used to stack dishes in dishes of water in the fridge…and still sometimes they thwarted her. I distinctly remember as a little girl, sitting at breakfast and quite calmly fishing the odd ant out of the grapefruit. “Extra protein,” everybody would laugh and breakfast would happily continue.

Those ants that would invade every corner of the house, if allowed, were soldier ants. They are prolific, strong, determined and relentless. Spill food on a T-shirt and put it in the laundry hamper and the next day the T-shirt had a hole in it; they would eat everything and anything. Watching them pick up pieces of food way larger and heavier than they were made for some fascinating watching, seeing them organise “ranks”, so to speak, to move a large dead insect. It was a lesson in perseverance and cooperation.

That recent sleepless night certainly brought back a ton of wonderful memories to share with my readers this week.

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Friday, December 3, 2021