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Camperdown Riding Club Annual Horse Show
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Bahamian Art & Culture eNewsletter : No. 148 : 11.01.13
Nov 1, 2013 - This week's issue features tonight's opening of Chantal Bethel and Sheldon Saint's 20/20 Art Exhibition in Grand Bahama, Fash|Art 2013 Fashion and Visual Arts Design Competition at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery, and the Distinguished Palate's Pre-Holiday Tasting Party at Hillside House.
This weekend features two musical events – Alliance Française's Piano Concert at St Andrew's Kirk and Jazz at Jacaranda House. We also feature another entry to our 'According To" section from Stephen Aranha, plus many articles to enjoy over a cup of tea or coffee.
Read us and LIKE us on Facebook today!
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Ru’Shon Fox’s successful heart surgery: the work continues for The Heart Ball Committee!
A child’s first trip on an airplane can be a very exciting time for them. Parents are also excited to take this journey with their children. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time with their children. Despite budget limitations, a parent can embark on a journey filled with fun and adventure. In many cases, parents are happy simply seeing their children happy and are willing to forgo many opportunities just to share the joy and laughter. Additionally, for those who can afford it, it’s an opportunity to shop. However, most first trips abroad are not mainly about shopping, but for the parents to share the joy the child experiences as he travels.
Ru’Shon’s trip to Florida was not one of leisure, but one of serious business; medical care. Ru’Shon was going to Florida to obtain heart surgery to correct a heart defect. As such, this trip was a happy, yet worrying one for Ru’Shon’s parents; they did not know the outcome of the surgery, but trusted God that all would be well. Mrs. Fox remembers Ru’Shon’s happiness helping her not to worry as she set out to take Ru’Shon to obtain heart surgery in Florida. Prior to travelling, Ru’Shon spoke with his pediatric cardiologist in Nassau, Dr. Jerome Lightbourne, who told him what to expect when he visited Florida for surgery. Interestingly, in his pre-surgery preparations, Ru’shon was very cooperative and kept the same level of enthusiasm he had going on and off the plane.
Five days after surgery, Ru’Shon was on his way to the movies with his parents, encouraging them to please walk up; they now needed to keep up with him and the new found energy he had. Mrs. Fox recalls the smile that came on her face, as she told him to wait for his parents. Additionally, as he returned home to Nassau, he rolled his own carry-on, with lots of energy and vitality; he did not have to stop to take breaths or take short steps. His mother was so happy, she said, “ For sure, I thought we’d make it on CNN, just for speedy recovery”.
Ru’Shon was born in August 2009 to Mrs. and Mr. Sandra and Rudolph Fox Sr. At birth, Ru’Shon was diagnosed with multiple health problems including a congenital heart defect; Rushon had bi-lateral cleft lip and palate, polycystic kidneys, a heart defect, and one leg shorter than the other. He spent eight (8) weeks in hospital, immediately following his birth. Fortunately for Ru’shon, his cleft lip and palate were corrected. However, without heart surgery he could have died.
Ru’shon was diagnosed with was tetralogy of fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin, due to a lack of oxygen). Corrective surgery for this defect is not performed locally. The cost of this heart surgery, with negotiated fees, starts at $50,000. Ru’Shon was uninsured at birth and his parents did not have the funds to assist him; so they relied on others to help them save Ru’Shon’s life. Thanks to the generosity of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation and donations made on his behalf, Ru’Shon was able to have heart surgery at Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital, in Hollywood Florida.
The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps to repair the hearts of children. They rely heavily upon the generosity of others to save lives. To date, they have helped over 4,000 persons. The Heart Ball Committee is the fundraising arm of The Heart Foundation. The year 2014 will mark the 50th Heart Ball. As the fund raising arm of The Heart Foundation, The Heart Ball Committee hosts two major fund raisers annually: The Annual Heart Ball (February 15, 2014) and The Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show (November 17, 2013). The public is encouraged to participate in these events, make donations, purchase ads in The Heart Ball’s booklet, sponsor events, participate in sponsored events and volunteer their services. Donations made by US citizens are tax deductible.
In the word of Mrs. Sandra Williams-Fox:
“Help the children and The Foundation whenever possible. On a daily basis we’re not bothered by these types of situations, and it is not until we are affected, that we start to think about others that go through this. When I look back and see where my baby came from I know he is an extra blessing from God. His life alone is a testimony of Gods grace and mercy.”
To purchase tickets for The HBC’s Fashion Show or The Annual Heart Ball, or to find out how you can assist, please call 327-0806 thru 10.
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BNT Christmas Jollification
Jollification
from Friday, November 22, 2013 10:00 AM
to Sunday, November 24, 2013 5:00 PM
Organizer The Bahamas National Trust
Place The Retreat, Village Rd. Nassau, Bahamas.
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JOLLIFICATION FESTIVAL. November 22-24, 2013.
Click here for the 2013 Vendor Forms. Please download and complete the applicable form and return to the office. If you have further questions please feel free to call the office at 393-1317
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Exuma Weekly Guide 11/4-10
(click image for full size)
Hello Everyone,
Here is the new guide. If you'd like to advertise or have an event coming up.
Please email me or call me.
Thanks!
M. Jane Braynen
JB Graphic & Web Designs
#10 Pleasant Dr.
Blue Hill Road, South
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 677-5715 or (242) 473-2043
jbgraphics.work@gmail.com
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TEA TIME – Celebrating our nation’s 40th year of Independence
Pink flamingos! Blue Marlins! Yellow Elder! Lignum Vitae! These are all national symbols of The Bahamas.
The year 2013 marked the 40th Anniversary of Independence for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. As the days drew closer to independence, more people could be seen displaying patriotic colours and clothing. Additionally, there were many events to celebrate this major milestone. Despite July 2013 having passed, the celebration goes on, as Bahamian pride is shown. If you wish to continue the celebration in a beautiful setting, sip on a cup of tea, spend time with family and friends, while seeing fashion in motion, then you want to attend the Heart Ball Committee’s Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show.
Aja Butler in pastel green
Under the patronage of Joan Lady Foulkes, the 2013/2014 Heart Ball Committee will host their Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show. Under the theme “Tea Time: Celebrating our nation’s 40th year of Independence”, the event will take place on the upper level of Government House grounds, on Sunday, November 17th, from 2 pm until 5:30 pm. This event will feature things Bahamian. Teas will be provided by local merchants: Pasion Tea, Beth Stuart and Twinings (kindly donated by Milo B Butler & Sons). There will be a Pre-Tea Art and Jewelry exhibit, featuring the works of local Bahamian artisans: Banesian Designs, Rik Carey, and Aidan Designs.
Ashley Dean, past patient, in coral & brown cocktail dress
The Fashion Show will have a Bahamian flare, featuring Bahamian designed clothing and crafts. Models will wear jewelry and clothing pieces by Brynda Knowles, Giorgio Knowles, Aidan Designs, Mary L’s Kreative Kraft, and other private collections.
Beth Stuart with goodies
The Fashion Show and Tea Party will also include a hat parade and table decorating competition, with prizes for the winners. There will also be an in-house raffle. Up for grabs are: a Rik Carey painting, a round trip ticket for two on Bahamasair, a 5 day Avis car rental in Florida or Atlanta, and a $200 Gift card kindly donated by Going Places Travel. Other prizes include: a Fortnum & Mason tea set, a Pasion Tea gift set, gift certificates from Nicole’s, facials, day/night pass for Sandals, a Kelly’s gift certificate, dinners for two, a fruit bouquet, and much more. The Annual Tea Party and Fashion show is proudly sponsored by: Bahamasair, TheBahamasweekly.com, Bahamaislandsinfo.com, More94 FM, Love97, IslandFm, ZNS and The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation.
Eleanor Musgrove. 1st place hat parade winner, dances after winning
The Heart Ball Committee is the fundraising arm of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. They host two major fundraisers annually: The Annual Tea Party & Fashion Show and The Annual Heart Ball. Over 97% of all funds raised help to repair the hearts of children. To date, over 4,000 persons have benefitted from The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. On Saturday, February 15th, 2014, the Heart Ball Committee will host the 50th Annual Heart Ball, at Sheraton Nassau. This event promises to be very exciting, providing lots of fun, entertainment and prizes.
Sienna & Savannah Tinker in red & black dresses
To purchase tickets the Tea Party or Heart Ball, please call The Heart Foundation at 327-0806.
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Proposed Seaplane Service Runs Test Flight to Hope Town
A proposed seaplane service looking to offer direct flights to Hope Town made a test run to the island on October 19 with a view to starting regular service in the new year.
IJet Charters partnered with Tropic Ocean Airways to bring a new direct service to Hope Town hoping to add a new level of convenience to travelling to Abaco’s cays.
Read full story
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The Adventures of Drizzy: "Don't Touch Me There"
by Bahamian Author Kimberly Duncombe
Every parent wants to know that their child or children are safe in their absence. The Adventures of Drizzy, "Don't Touch Me There", creates a fun and comfortable environment for parents to discuss with their children the dangers and what actions should be taken in the event, that they or a friend have been confronted with an adult who tries to harm them.
Available on Amazon
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Intramural Sports Helping to Focus Young Men
While stiff intramural competition between The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and The College of The Bahamas (COB) is heating up, one of the major goals for COB’s Assistant Director of Athletics, Sean E. Bastian, is beyond winning games.
Mr. Bastian expressed his belief that intramural competition goes a long way with helping these young men to remain committed to their tertiary education.
“I truly believe that these activities would help the males at these institutions feel a sense of belonging to a structured team and program,” he said.
Such competitions also serve as an impetus for students to become involved in campus-life, allowing them to bond with others outside the classroom, stay active and have fun while attending post-secondary classes.
“Through sports, participants find one more avenue to experience and understand themselves, others and the world in which they live. Through the act of competition, there is an emphasis on commitment, cooperation, high achievement and working toward a common goal,” stated Mr. Bastian.
Furthermore, Coordinator for BTVI’s basketball team, Colin M. Francis, noted the correlation between sports and academics. “Sports help them to become disciplined. Those same skills can be transferred into the academics. Many times, students come from backgrounds where education is not important and they just need that spark to be awakened to the importance of education,” he said.
Mr. Francis is adamant that starting BTVI’s basketball team since September has helped members hone their skills; the camaraderie and discipline are also channels toward positive growth.
“It’s an outlet that gives them a sense of belonging. I also use it as a medium to talk with them. We have to meet them where they are,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bastian said he welcomes the competition. “Both institutions are coming together in a friendly, competitive environment for their student bodies,” he stated.
The coach anticipates that other tertiary institutions will come onboard as well. He envisions a tertiary league being formed amongst the tertiary institutions including: The Bahamas Baptist Community College, Success Training College, BTVI, COB, Galilee College, Nova University, The University of the West Indies and Sojourner-Douglass College.
The next intramural competition between BTVI and COB is the Ironman Competition scheduled for November 14that COB, beginning at 2 pm. This will be followed by Co-ed Volleyball games, best out of five, scheduled for November 28th, also at COB, starting at 2 pm.
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BREEF's 20th Anniversary Stamps
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Peanuts Taylor - A Condensed Biography
Written by Melissa K. Sweeting
Many a life may be observed with some vague Interest; but few inspire such awe, conviction and inspiration as the life of John Berkely "Peanuts" Taylor. This is the year 1999. It is sixty years into the performing life of Peanuts Taylor. What strikes the observer with such force when scouring the timeline of Peanuts' life is the remarkable range of hard work, dedication, resilience and unabated enthusiasm that mark the nature of his existence. Between all these characteristics which he imbues, Peanuts has travelled the globe as a first-class entertainer, yet remained approachable and down-to-earth to those of us who pass him on the streets each day.
When an individual "makes it big" and has come from humble beginnings, somehow even the most jaded of us tend to breathe in wonder, "and just look where he came from!" The legendary tale is told of the four year-old Peanuts passing by Paul Meeres, a renowned Bahamian entertainer, who was practicing his gig in front of his popular Cabaret Club. Peanuts mischievously shot out, "I can sing and dance better than you."' To which Paul Meeres retorted, "A little 'peanut' like you?" Then Peanuts showed his stuff for what It was. That was the defining moment for this legend's true beginning.
See Peanuts Story from The Punch in 1990
John B. "Peanuts" Taylor was born on the 20th June, 1935 In Nassau, The Bahamas. His mother gave birth to him at Princess Margaret Hospital which sits atop Shirley Street in the heart of Nassau. Life threw its 'monkey wrenches' at the young boy with his mother dying at an early age and his father leaving The Bahamas to work in the southern U.S.A. as many other Bahamian men were constrained to do in those days for economic reasons. Fortunately, Peanuts was cared for, and nurtured by, his grandmother, Ethel Stubbs. He attended Our Lady's Catholic School, and spent his early childhood trotting curiously about the areas of Nassau where music lived and breathed in a passionate flame of the 'grassroot' people's collective soul. This was the perfect place for an individual such as himself to find free expression. And that he did - thanks to Paul Meeres - when his singing and dancing was given center stage at the tender age of four.
At that time, The Bahamas was a luxurious winter resort for mostly wealthy travellers from around the world. The moderate climate also attracted persons who were attempting to recover from illnesses that became impossible to cure in the merciless winters up north. The elixir for their ills was often found in places such as The Royal Victoria Hotel, just a short stroll away from Government House where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor resided. In 1940, at the age of five, Peanuts gave a command performance for this couple so charmed by novelty. He sang and danced in contagious merriment that night.
Of course, at this point, Peanuts is known the wide world over for his hypnotic, powerful drumming talent. However, this ability to drum was not truly known - even to himself - before the age of nineteen. So for fifteen years, Peanuts was exposed to what entertainment was all about in The Bahamas. That is, for over a decade, he crooned and swooned in all those places where the "Who's Who" of Nassau could be found: The Jungle Club, Ardastra Gardens, The Spider's Web, Buena Vista Restaurant, the Imperial Patio Club and the Junkanoo Club, among others.
Somewhere around the early 50's, Peanuts was asked by George Symonette (another fabulous Bahamian musician) to fill in for a drummer who was sick. What ensued from the "hitch" in that night's show can never be calculated in human terms. It is impossible to imagine when and how Peanuts would have otherwise stumbled into his destiny as a world-famous drummer!
Whatever the case, his great calling had begun. Now, uncovering forcefully the new rhythmic language of his soul, Peanuts beat his way forward with incredible stamina and stage presence. He had already been named the Representative for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism In 1952, travelling all over Canada and beginning his International globetrotting.
His pulsating strokes could be heard In China, India, Iran, Turkey, Thailand, and many other places where his Bahamian-tinged accent would never be understood by the masses.
That same year, without missing a beat, he performed for a whopping audience of 30,000 people in Earl's Court, London. Six years later, under his leadership, a Bahamian group of entertainers competed in Hawaii and their success resulted in the "Gibson Convention" being awarded to The Bahamas. Unwilling to keep his cadence secret, in 1960 Peanuts teamed up with Udel Jurgens to thrill a crowd of 40,000 on New Year's Eve in Germany. In keeping with his duty as Representative for The Bahamas' tourism industry, he has been featured in many conferences and tours abroad right into the early 1970's.
Speckled throughout the years and beginning In the late 1950's, Peanuts was invited to share his language of mesmerizing beat with celebrities and media personalities abroad, particularly In the United States. In 1956, he opened a California show for Nat King Cole, the Mills Brothers and Lancer's Show. His slight frame was captured hypnotically under the glare of lights in the following guest appearances throughout 1957: "The Steve Allen Show". "The Jack Parr Show", "The Ed Sullivan Show", "The Johnny Carson Show" and "The I've Got A Secret Show". He played with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra of West Virginia that year, and wrote the theme song, "Calypso Island" for the movie, "Island Woman", starring Vince Edwards. He also opened for Bill Cosby's show in 1960. From the late fifties to the early eighties, Peanuts has been featured on C.B.C., on German and Swedish television, and on the B.B.C. Amazingly, he succeeds In every genre of show business, something exceedingly rare for any entertainer of this century.
Even the International press has been unable to resist his charms, or to ignore his magnificent talent. Publications such as The Telegram (Toronto, Ontario), Newsweek, St. Petersburg Times, The Automobilist (Manchester, New Hampshire), The Jewish Chronicle (London, England), Harper's Bazaar and The New Yorker have all found themselves under the spell of this legend.
Through all of this, Peanuts Taylor maintained a series of his own nightclubs back at home. He opened his first place, Tropicana, at the age of 22. Goombay came next in 1960, then his world-famous Drumbeat Club in 1964 which was situated on Market Street in Nassau. He experimented with the Yellow Bird, the Flower Club, the Pirate's Den and the Tropical Club as his venues for performing until eventually the second Drumbeat Club was launched in 1975, located in the popular and well-received Nassau Beach Hotel. Peanuts Taylor was no less successful when in 1982 he settled Into his final venue for Drumbeat, nestled on West Bay Street right before the British Colonial Hotel.
As a consequence of his unrelenting energy, his involvement in the community and his willingness to lift others up to their own forms of expression, much recognition has been given to this unassuming man. From 1975 to 1978, he received the Timothy Award for Top Entertainer and Best Night Club Show. This same year he was commended by The Miami City Commission for helping to strengthen the ties of friendship between Miami and Nassau communities. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism selected Peanuts in 1982 and bestowed upon him The Bahamas National Tourism Achievement Award, in recognition of outstanding performance, his magnificent contribution to the expansion of tourism in The Bahamas. Unbeknownst to him at that time, he was to be given the Cacique Award in 1995, the 1996 Legend Award, the 1998 Merit of Honor Award and - that same year - a $250.00 Coin from The Bahamas Government marking the 25th Jubilee of Bahamian Independence.
A wide variety of additional honors have been bequeathed to Peanuts, such as the Certificate of Appreciation from the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union In 1988, the Distinguished Citizen's Award in the Field of the Creative and Performing Arts from The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce In 1990, and the 1994 Certificate of Appreciation for Courtesies Extended from the Rotary Club of West Nassau.
It could be argued, however, that Peanuts' most spectacular, glittering recognition, has come from faraway shores: in 1993, at the age of 58, he was named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), an award granted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Despite the prominence of being recognized by the Queen, this did nothing to lessen the deep, enduring pride which Peanuts has experienced in his most recent honor. On the 9th September 1998, the National Trade Union of Cuban Culture in conjunction with the agency, TURARTE, granted to Peanuts Taylor the "Laureate Seal of Honor," an award never before granted to a non-Cuban. This acclaim was all the more surprising as it sprang from a Cuban national and state-run association. Ironically, that was not the first time that Cuba endowed Peanuts with a special blessing.
He also received in May 1999 Justice of the Peace.
In 1955, when Peanuts was travelling in California, he was introduced to a number of brilliant, Cuban percussionists: among them, China Poza and Candido. According to Peanuts, these artists introduced him to the congo drums on which he has performed for decades. Prior to this, Peanuts played only the goombay (Bahamian) drums which excited much furor in the old days "before there was sterno" to heat the goatskins. He tells the story of how - on a number of precarious occasions - the fire department would clang their way down to the Drumbeat Club where, to warm the drums, Peanuts was unceremoniously holding torches of flaming newspapers to heat up the goatskins. Those painstaking days of preparation are over, and with them an era of Bahamian culture that is slipping away all too soon.
These days, Peanuts performs on center stage in the Rainforest Theatre in the Nassau Marriott Hotel & Crystal Palace Casino located on the Cable Beach strip in the northwestern portion of New Providence. It's a far cry from the Drumbeat days of old; but Peanuts hasn't changed one bit.
The concept, expression, ambiance and energy of the Drumbeat Club can almost be seen as Peanuts' trampoline leap into the world. It was from this spot that the dazzling travellers of the world met his dizzying vibrations, his talent, his energy and stood spellbound at the magic of the music Peanuts made. Not to be forgotten were the droves of Bahamian performers (calypso singers, fire dancers, limbo kings and queens) who stood around Peanuts and, through their lively performances, enhanced and complimented the hypnotic throbbings pouring forth from Peanuts' drums.
Sitting in the audience during Peanuts' performance, one is almost out of breath just watching, trying to imagine what lies in that soul and rushes out - uninhibited - into such unspeakable energy. There are five or six drums behind which this little man sits perched on his stool. His face is glowing from his smile. Shrewd, glistening eyes scan his audience, pulling even the unwitting under his spell of pure, unadulterated pleasure. And when he starts playing, the effect is so subtle, so unpretentious, so simple, really, that you wonder, "what's all the hullaballoo been about?"
Until you notice the way that hand flicks one place, then the next, and that elbow is brought in to strike a precise tone and then the speed is beginning and, all of sudden, out of nowhere, it's already too much. The rhythm of the simplest, childhood song is being deconstructed and recreated, at a speed and with an energy the ear is unable to interpret to the brain fast enough.
At some point, your brain convinces you there's no point in trying to learn this language on an intellectual level, since you could never express it. You feel, finally, relaxed enough to simply listen with your soul to what Peanuts' soul is attempting to convey. In the final analysis, you see that his beat will go on, with or without the world, with or without someone to listen. But, if you want to listen, he'll beat that drum for you as though you're the only one on earth. That's the remarkable thing about Peanuts: the unconditional, infinite capacity of his soul to give and give and give. No matter what language you speak, the rhythm is gonna get you!
Listen to music by Peanuts Taylor
Photo courtesy of OldBahamas.Com
Video courtesy of Raphael Munnings
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Bahamian Art & Culture eNewsletter : No. 149 : 11.08.13
Nov 8, 2013 - This week's issue features tonight's opening of Nassau City Opera's Remembrance Day Concert and the NEWNEW Exhibition at Popopstudios.
This weekend features the Festival of Hymns and Anthems at St Agnes Church and next week sees the opening of the BahamaScape Photography Exhibition at Doongalik. We also showcase many articles on art & culture to enjoy over a cup of tea or coffee.
Read us and LIKE us on Facebook today!
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Monty Knowles Body Beautiful Nymphs
Written by: Tercena Carey
Monty Knowles is one of the Bahamas premier artist, born and raised in Nassau his work as a photographer and an architect are well documented.
He studied architecture and pursued photography courses. But it is Monty’s talent for artistically painting the body that cannot go unnoticed. His exotic and colorful `Nymph Series’ encourages people to see past the sexual element of the female body and appreciate the aesthetic beauty inherent in natures most beautiful art creations.
We recently spoke with this talented artist…
Read full story
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Doongalik November Newsletter
Please find attached our latest Newsletter for your enjoyment and information! Feel free to pass it on!
Join us for the Opening of a fantastic photographic show, Tuesday November 12 from 6-9pm.
Download Doongalik November Newsletter
Pam Burnside
Doongalik Studios Art Gallery
#20 Village Road
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 394-1886
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Exuma Weekly Guide 11/12-17
(click image for full size)
Hello Everyone,
Here is the new guide (sorry for the delay). If you'd like to advertise or have an event coming up,
please email me or call me.
Thanks!
M. Jane Braynen
JB Graphic & Web Designs
#10 Pleasant Dr.
Blue Hill Road, South
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: (242) 677-5715 or (242) 473-2043
jbgraphics.work@gmail.com
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BTVI Student Highlighted for Service to Urban Renewal
A Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution’s (BTVI) carpentry student, Elkanah Jaroy Cooper got his just due recently when he was highlighted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of a new home constructed on Bola Alley and Finlayson Street.
The housing project, which took nine months, is an initiative of the Bain and Grants Town Urban Renewal centre. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen and living room.
Among the areas of construction Elkanah helped with included - but was not limited to - laying the foundation, installing windows, dry wall, sheet rock and painting. In fact, he opted not to attend BTVI this semester because he felt compelled to help Stacey Ferguson and her family, which includes four children and two other adults.
“It was an opportunity given by God. I am still following the trade as I come from a family of contractors. I love this work; this is my heart and soul,” said Elkanah who intends to return to BTVI in January.
Officer in charge of the centre, Inspector Anthony Rolle, said assessment of the family’s initial home proved that it was structurally unsound. Hence, he began the search for a contractor but found it difficult for anyone to do the work pro bono.
However, when Inspector Rolle approached BTVI’s Dean of Construction Trades, Alexander Darville, he was excited about the prospects and they entered a partnership where the 11 BTVI students would help construct the home as part of the internship component of their programs. BTVI student, Shaquille Thurston was also highlighted at the event for stellar service.
“We prepare our students for the world of work and this was an excellent example. We didn’t want them to just build a house, but to do so effectively. We love the idea that they were exposed to the different disciplines, “said Mr. Darville.
Meanwhile, proprietor of PGA Electrical and Building Supply, Paul Hepburn, lauded Elkanah as an “aggressive young man with a bright future ahead.”
Also, National Security Minister and Member of Parliament for Bain and Grants Town, the Honourable Dr. Bernard Nottage, admitted to initial skepticism about the project, but quickly realized the sincerity and passion behind the initiative.
“Many willingly contributed. We need to be kind to one another, contributing to someone else’s benefit…every nail knocked was not because anyone was getting any money, but because they wanted to do something for others,” he emphasized.
BTVI was one of 22 generous sponsors of the project.
By Ms. Hadassah Hall
Public Relations Officer
The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Direct line: 502-6376
Switchboard: 502-6300
Email: hallh@btvi.edu.bs
Website: www.btvi.edu.bs
Twitter: @BTVI242
BTVI's mission: To provide learning opportunities that enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent.
Public Relations Officer
The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Direct line: 502-6376
Switchboard: 502-6300
Email: hallh@btvi.edu.bs
Website: www.btvi.edu.bs
Twitter: @BTVI242
BTVI's mission: To provide learning opportunities that enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent.
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Ride for Hope - 2013 - Bahamas
In it's 8th year, the annual Ride for Hope charity bike ride in Eleuthera, Bahamas was as successful as ever.
Strong wind and rains leading up to the big day threatened to put a damper on this year's event. Fortunately, the riders, volunteers and sponsors were not detered. Everyone remained in high spirits despite the weather and awoke to a beautiful sunshiny morning on Saturday, October 26th 2013.
Participants enjoyed riding up to 100 miles over all the lovely terrain the island of Eleuthera has to offer. From sleepy little fishing settlements to scenic hill top vistas & long stretches of beach, Eleuthera has it all.
Volunteers turned out in record numbers to offer enthusiastic support and encouragement for all the riders.
With each mile pedaled, dollars come in and every single one of those dollars is donated to cancer caring centers and cancer treatment programs.
Learn how you can get involved at RideForHopeBahamas.com
Check out some of the sponsors: RideForHopeBahamas.com/Sponsors.php
Soundtrack: Sunshine by Matisyahu from the Album Spark Seeker
Special Thanks to the Thompsons of Palmetto Point for helping make this video possible.
Filmed and Edited by Brett Davis at FrangipaniPhotography.com
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Bahamian Art & Culture eNewsletter : No. 150 : 11.13.13
Nov 13, 2013 - This week's issue features tonight's opening of Central Bank's Annual High School Art Competition and Erika Aust's art exhibition at Compass Point.
This weekend is the much anticipated Red Ribbon Ball raising money for AIDS care and research as well as BREEF's 20 Shades of Blue Ocean Sculpture Park fundraiser. Save the Date in December for quite a few exhibitions opening in December.
We also showcase a number of articles on Bahamian art & culture being featured in a number of publications plus call for works!
Read us and LIKE us on Facebook today!
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Junior Bahamian Salsa Dancers Win Florida Ballroom Blitz
By JEFFARAH GIBSON
Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net
MEMBERS OF the Bahamas Salsa Social Network finished strong during the Ballroom Blitz competition held in Orlando, Florida. They brought home the championship title in the youth category.
The Bahamas Salsa Network, formed in 2010, has competed in Ballroom Blitz since 2011. The group of dance enthusiasts meets every Sunday at the University of West Indies campus where children are taught different dance techniques, including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba and Salsa.
Read full story
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Fashion Designer Credits BTVI with His Success
Kevin Evans
Using bold hues and innovative designs, the debonair men’s wear designer acknowledged BTVI as the springboard for landing him in the multi-faceted artistic showcase in Florida.
“BTVI brought out my sewing skills, an ability I didn’t know I had. The experience did wonders for me. They taught me to be a professional in whatever I do,” said the 33-year-old who has his own label dubbed, The Kevin Evans Collection.
Kevin wearing one of his designs
The RAWards organizers select and highlight creative talents who have fewer than 10 years of experience in visual arts, film, fashion, music, hair and makeup artistry, photography, modeling and performing arts.
Inspired by the works of designers Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and The Bahamas’ flowers and trees, Kevin’s unique collection has been showcased in the 2009 Islands of the World Fashion Week, in addition to Fashion for A Cause 2010 and 2011 in Nassau.
His studies in tailoring at BTVI between 2005 and 2007 under the watchful eyes of instructor, John A. Lewis Snr., have been instrumental in such achievements.
“Kevin was always committed. He wanted perfection; hence, he is where he is today. Our standards here at BTVI are reflected in his work,” said Mr. Lewis.
The instructor of 27 years added, “If you apply to BTVI, you can get the same results.”
Stitching for perfection
Head of Department for BTVI’s Fashion Trades, Shirley Pearson, expressed pride in Kevin’s success thus far. “I’m elated to know he took it a step further, the heights he reached. He was always serious and dedicated about his designs,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kevin continues to strive for perfection with his designs and tailoring. “A garment doesn’t come out of my house unless it is perfect. Whatever I put out is my name,” he emphasized.
“When I told people I went to BTVI, they thought I went to school in New York. BTVI produces quality tailors and designers. I can’t stress how Ms. Pearson and Mr. Lewis stressed perfection. I look at Mr. Lewis’ work and I’m still trying to get on his level,” he added.
If chosen as the Raw Awards Miami Designer of the Year, Kevin would then be entered into the overall and coveted 2013 Designer of The Year RAWards in Los Angeles, California January 19th, 2014, where the winners of 60 cities will converge. If Kevin advances to that competition and wins, he is expected to receive career-building opportunities where his designs would be placed in boutiques or galleries. He would also receive products, services, consultations with judges and ultimately, exposure.
DEBONAIR MEN’s WEAR
THE KEVIN EVANS COLLECTION - BTVI’s Assistant Manager and Academic Dean, Valdez K. Russell admires one of Kevin Evans’ creations he is seen here putting on amannequin.
PROUD STAFF – Fashion designer Kevin Evans is pictured with some of the staff he credits with his success thus far. Pictured from left to right are: BTVI’s Assistant Manager and Academic Dean, Valdez K. Russell; Fashion Design HOD, Shirley Pearson; Fashion Designer, Sean Evans; Tailoring instructor, John A. Lewis Senior along with Fashion Design instructors, Betty Bain and Kathy Hamilton.
Public Relations Officer
The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Direct line: 502-6376
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Email: hallh@btvi.edu.bs
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BTVI's mission: To provide learning opportunities that enable individuals to be globally competitive and economically independent.
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