Monday, September 1, 2025

The Profound Impact of Father Absence: A Crisis of Modern Family Dynamics

Father leaving child.

"Daddy Gone" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Profound Impact of Father Absence: A Crisis of Modern Family Dynamics

The conventional family structure has undergone significant shifts in recent decades, with one of the most profound being the rise of the single-parent household. While diverse family arrangements can and do foster healthy environments, a notable concern within this trend is the phenomenon of the absentee father. An absentee father is defined not only by physical absence but also by a lack of consistent emotional, financial, and psychological involvement in a child’s life. This widespread issue is a complex tapestry woven from various socioeconomic, historical, and personal factors, and its ripple effects extend far beyond the family unit, impacting individual children, mothers, and society as a whole. A comprehensive analysis of this crisis reveals its profound and often detrimental consequences, highlighting the critical role of a father's presence and engagement in a child's development.

Box Office Opens for Shakespeare in Paradise 2025

 

Box Office Opens
for
Shakespeare in Paradise 2025!

September 22-October 12, 2025

Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Friends of the Environment August E-News

 

Friends of the Environment August E-News

Preserving the environment of Abaco through education, conservation, and research facilitation.


Learn More

Dear Reader,


Where are we now—six years after the worst storm of our lives? A quick glance at social media memories can still bring back the time-stamped trauma of those days, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Yet even in the midst of that difficult time, there were glimmers of hope: helping hands from outside, updates on the safety of loved ones, and encouragement from you—our members and partners. Your support carried us through those dark days, and for that we remain eternally grateful.


With your help, we not only survived the disaster, but found a new trajectory for success—allowing us to support our community and continue the work we are known for. Since Dorian, we have rebuilt from the ground up, embarking on a $2.2 million capital project to construct the Learning Centre. This facility now supports not only our operations, but also serves as a hub for three other organizations. Our staff has grown from five to seven, and together we’ve expanded programs and spaces that strengthen community ties, raise environmental awareness, and inspire environmental stewardship.

We’ve learned to adapt and built resiliency into our operations through renewable energy systems, infrastructure redundancy, and the creation of a disaster response command centre in partnership with the Abaco Emergency Response Unit. We continue to seek partnerships that expand our capacity and create opportunities for conservation and education throughout Abaco.


So where are we going? We are working to increase meaningful interactions with local students and their communities, strengthen support for sustainable development and natural resource management, and encourage livelihoods that sustain both Bahamian people and the environment. This journey is only possible with you. Your continued support—whether through membership, donations, or simply sharing our mission—ensures we can keep building a stronger, more resilient Abaco for the future. Together, we can carry forward the lessons of the past six years and turn them into lasting progress for our community and environment.



Olivia Patterson Maura

Executive Director

Island Autumn - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 
Island Autumn

"Island Autumn" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


Island Autumn

"Island Autumn" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Calypso Dancers

 
Calypso Dancers on beach at dusk.

"Calypso Dancers" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Conga Scrape

 

 Conga Scrape - ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Here's a beat I created 20 years ago. It was originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a WAV file which was needed for my video editor. Enjoy.
 
Related music: I Don't Like Rum

The Benefits of Sitting by the Sea and Breathing in Salt Sea Air

 
Pink Sands Beach

"Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Benefits of Sitting by the Sea and Breathing in Salt Sea Air

Sitting by the sea and breathing in the salt-rich air offers a variety of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. This is a practice that has been recognized for centuries, and many of the reported benefits are supported by a growing body of scientific research.

Change Starts With You

 
Man and woman standing proud on hill.

 "Change Starts With You" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 Change Starts With You

 
You want to see a world reborn,
A future bright, a brand new morn?
You whisper pleas to a deaf sky,
And wonder why the years drift by,
With chaos coiled in every street,
A bitter taste on every sweet.
You see the shadow of the past,
A silent chill, a die that's cast.

But look within, and see the truth,
Beyond the wisdom of your youth.
The change you crave, the light you seek,
Is not for others, frail and weak.
It’s not a banner held so high,
That others follow, and then die.
It’s not a whisper in the wind,
A wish that's lost, a dream unpinned.

It starts with you, a quiet choice,
A single action, a silent voice.
The kindness shown, a gentle word,
A truth that's spoken, a prayer unheard.
It’s in the litter that you pick,
The broken branches that you stick
Back in the earth, to heal and grow,
A simple act, a tiny sow.

Moonlight Vacation

 
Moon over sea with vacation cabanas.

"Moonlight Vacation" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Friday, August 29, 2025

About 31/ATLAS

 
Comet in outer space.

"Comet" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
  

What is Comet 3I/ATLAS?

Comet 3I/ATLAS is a rare and exciting celestial object—it's an interstellar comet, meaning it originated from outside our solar system, likely from another star system. It's only the third interstellar object ever discovered, following 'Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019.

The name "3I/ATLAS" breaks down as follows:

  • 3I: "3I" stands for "third interstellar object."

  • ATLAS: This refers to the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, the robotic survey telescope network in Chile that first spotted the object on July 1, 2025.

What makes it so interesting to scientists is its unique chemical makeup and its incredibly high speed, which is evidence that it has been hurtling through interstellar space for potentially billions of years. Its journey through our solar system offers a rare chance to study a pristine sample from a distant planetary system.

When will it arrive?

Comet 3I/ATLAS has already "arrived" and is currently passing through our solar system. It was first discovered on July 1, 2025.

  • Closest approach to the Sun: The comet will make its closest approach to the Sun (known as perihelion) in late October 2025. At this time, it will be at a distance of about 1.4 AU (astronomical units), which is approximately 130 million miles (210 million km), putting it just inside the orbit of Mars.

  • Closest approach to Earth: The comet's closest approach to Earth will be in December 2025. At its nearest, it will still be at a very safe distance of about 1.8 AU (170 million miles or 270 million km).

The comet will be difficult to observe from Earth in late September and October as it will pass too close to the Sun, but it's expected to become visible again in early December 2025.

Will it hit Earth?

No, there is absolutely no danger of Comet 3I/ATLAS hitting Earth. Its trajectory and distance have been carefully calculated by astronomers, and it is confirmed to be on a hyperbolic orbit that will take it safely past the Sun and continue its journey out of our solar system, never to return.

 
©A. Derek Catalano/Gemini
 

The Current State of Education in The Bahamas and Pathways for Improvement

 
Teacher and students mural on building.

"Education in The Bahamas Mural" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Current State of Education in The Bahamas and Pathways for Improvement

 

Introduction

Education in The Bahamas is a critical pillar of national development. With a population of just over 400,000, the nation relies heavily on human capital to sustain its economy, particularly in tourism, financial services, and emerging sectors like technology. The Bahamian government invests significantly in education, but systemic challenges remain. This report provides an in-depth overview of the current state of education in The Bahamas, identifies key strengths and weaknesses, and outlines comprehensive recommendations for improvement.

Island Luxury - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 
Private tropic island with luxury home and boats.

"Island Luxury" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072


Private tropic island with luxury home and boats.

"Island Luxury" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072

Thursday, August 28, 2025

We Are Watching You

Magnified eye in magnifying glass.

"Eye on You" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano

 

The people of a nation stand vigilant, observing their government and leaders, holding them accountable for their decisions. This poem, "We Are Watching You," is a reflection of this dynamic, a powerful expression of the public's watchful eye and their collective voice demanding justice, transparency, and good governance.


We Are Watching You


We are the many, the unseen, the quiet hum,
A tide of faces in the gathering storm.
The promises you make, we count each one,
The laws you forge, the future you transform.
We watch you as you walk the halls of power,
With every word you speak, each whispered plea.
For in this fragile, ever-ticking hour,
Your choices echo through eternity.

We are the farmers in the sun-scorched field,
The mothers cradling a child's soft hand.
The scholars whose bright minds will not yet yield,
The laborers who toil across the land.
We are the people, a vast and vibrant throng,
And you are not the kings on high,
You are the servants where we all belong,
Beneath the same wide and indifferent sky.

Dictatorship and Broadcasting: Control, Propaganda, and Power

 
Militant leader shouting on TV.

"Obey" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Dictatorship and Broadcasting: Control, Propaganda, and Power

 

Introduction

Broadcasting has historically been a decisive instrument of authoritarian regimes. Dictatorships, by nature, depend on information monopolies to maintain legitimacy, suppress opposition, and mold collective consciousness. Radio, television, and more recently digital platforms, have provided dictators with unparalleled means of propaganda and surveillance. This paper analyzes the role of broadcasting in dictatorships, the mechanisms of control, notable historical case studies, the transformation of authoritarian broadcasting in the digital age, and the enduring struggle between propaganda and resistance.

Tropic Dream - PC Desktop Wallpaper

Misty tropic lanscape

 "Tropic Dream" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072
 
 
Misty tropic landscape

 "Tropic Dream" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 5376x3072

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The Cultural Tapestry of Rake 'n' Scrape: From Humble Origins to a Bahamian National Treasure

 
Rake 'n' Scrape Instruments on beach.

"Rake 'n' Scrape Instruments" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano 
 
 

The Cultural Tapestry of Rake 'n' Scrape: From Humble Origins to a Bahamian National Treasure

Rake 'n' Scrape music stands as a vibrant and enduring symbol of Bahamian culture and national identity. More than just a musical genre, it is a living artifact that embodies the nation’s history, resilience, and unique spirit. Characterized by the distinctive "raking" of a carpenter's saw with a metal object, the percussive beat of a goatskin drum, and the melodic undertones of an accordion or concertina, Rake 'n' Scrape represents a powerful fusion of African rhythmic traditions and European folk instruments. This blog post will explore the comprehensive history of Rake 'n' Scrape, from its improvised origins and historical evolution to its crucial role in contemporary Bahamian society and its promising future.

Morning Sailboat

 
Sailboat on sea

"Morning Sailboat" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Visit my Tropic Gallery

REPOST: Crime and Gang Activity in The Bahamas

 
Glock gun

 "Glock" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Crime and Gang Activity in The Bahamas

The Bahamas, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, is increasingly grappling with the pervasive issue of crime and gang activity. This complex social problem has significant implications for the nation's safety, economic stability, and overall quality of life.  Read full article>

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

The Crossing

 
Boat captain with immigrant passengers.

 "The Crossing" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Crossing


The salt wind bites, a lonely, ancient song,
Across the waves where all my hopes belong.
The wooden hull, a fragile, trembling trust,
Against the sea, a world of sun-bleached dust.
I left behind the mountains, worn and green,
A life of hardship, painted in a scene
Of fading light and shadows, long and deep,
A promise that my family could not keep.
The earth was tired, and hungry was the air,
A silent burden more than I could bear.

Now stars above, a map I cannot read,
Just whispers of a future, sown like seed.
The sun, a fire, burns into my skin,
A different world I pray to enter in.
I dream of streets where labor finds its worth,
A harvest far from my own native earth.
For every step, for every aching bone,
A prayer is sent to a world I've never known.

I'll trade the fields for concrete, hard and gray,
And work my fingers raw throughout the day.
To trim the lawns, to build the rising walls,
To answer every single foreign call.
For here, they say, the dollars gleam and shine,
A single note worth more than what was mine.
And in my mind, I count the value won,
For every hour beneath this foreign sun.

This is the price for futures yet to be,
A sacrifice I make for you, for me.
I'll send it back, a lifeline, silver-bright,
To buy a future, to kindle hope's new light.
A child's new book, a meal to fill a plate,
To change the harsh and unforgiving fate.
My hands are bruised, my back is bent and sore,
But in my heart, I know it's worth much more.
I am the bridge, the link, the steady hand,
That builds a life in that far distant land.
 
 
 ©A. Derek Catalano/Gemini
 
Related article: A Plan To Address The Crisis In Haiti

Rock Beach Sunset - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 
Rock Beach Sunset

"Rock Beach Sunset" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5120x2880

Monday, August 25, 2025

The Dawning of Neurachem

 

Circle of Dust - Neurachem
 
 

Neurachem in Altered Carbon


What it is:
A high-end genetic modification or cybernetic implant that alters the brain's send/receive thresholds, allowing for faster information processing and signal transmission. 

Its effects:
It increases blood flow, speeds up reflexes, and improves sensory perception.

How it's used:
Military-grade neurachem is used in "combat sleeves" for soldiers, while a less potent version can be a general enhancement.

Context:
It's a form of advanced augmentation that, along with mental conditioning, makes soldiers and spies more effective by enhancing their mental and physical capabilities.
 
Related poem: AI Man Is Coming

How The Bahamas Can Better Improve Upon its Crime-Fighting Efforts

 
Police making arrest.

 "Ya Lock Up" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

How The Bahamas Can Better Improve Upon its Crime-Fighting Efforts

Executive Summary

The Bahamas faces a significant and multi-faceted challenge with crime, particularly violent crime, which poses a threat to citizen security and the nation's vital tourism industry. While the government and law enforcement have implemented various strategies, a comprehensive and sustained effort is required to address the root causes and systemic issues that fuel criminal activity. This report provides an extensive analysis of the current crime landscape in The Bahamas and proposes a series of interconnected, evidence-based recommendations spanning prevention, policing, the justice system, and offender rehabilitation. By adopting a holistic, multi-pillar approach, The Bahamas can build a safer and more secure future for all its residents and visitors.

Buy Me a Coffee

 
Cup of coffee on table by sea.

Thank you for your support: Buy Me a Coffee

Saturday, August 23, 2025

The Dictates of Public Opinion: Influence, Fractures, and the Democratic Ideal

 
Protesters in street with placards.

 "Public Demands" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Dictates of Public Opinion: Influence, Fractures, and the Democratic Ideal

The concept of public opinion as a guiding force for those in power is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The phrase “the dictates of public opinion” refers to the collective influence and demands that the sentiments of the public place on political leaders and policymakers. In theory, this dynamic ensures that government is responsive to the will of the people, upholding the democratic ideal of popular sovereignty. However, the reality of public opinion is far more complex than this simple ideal, characterized by significant internal fractures, susceptibility to external manipulation, and a frequent disconnect between theoretical principles and practical application.

Vacation Sunrise

 
Sunrise over tropic beach resort.

"Vacation Sunrise" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1786x1022

Friday, August 22, 2025

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

 
Crying child with mother on smartphone.

 "Neglect" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

Introduction

Parenting is a journey, a demanding and rewarding one that shapes not only an individual's life but also the future of society. However, when this journey is poorly navigated, it can lead to devastating consequences. Bad parenting, a complex issue with multiple facets, can leave an indelible mark on a child's psyche, emotional well-being, and social development. This article delves into the core of bad parenting, exploring its various forms, its profound impact on children and society, and the potential solutions that can foster a healthier and more nurturing environment for future generations.

Bahama 500 - Desktop Wallpaper

 
Motorbikes racing on tropic island road.

"Bahama 500" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3972


Motorbikes racing on tropic island road.

"Bahama 500" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3972

Announcing Shakespeare in Paradise 2025!

 

Announcing Shakespeare in Paradise 2025!

September 22-October 12, 2025




Photos courtesy of Edward Knowles

Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Short Tales 2025

Short Tales features works by new and returning playwrights. Not all of our writers this year are Bahamian—we have offerings from the USA and from Trinidad as well.


Selected by a panel of judges who read the plays blind, Short Tales 2025 will delve into issues as varied as mothers’ relationships with their children, what to do when you have unwanted visitors, how to deal with pesky insects, and the best ways to die. Don’t miss it!


Runs September 22-October 4, PAB Black Box

Thursday, August 21, 2025

From Nassau to the Fields: The Story of "The Contract" and the Bahamian Migrant Workers

 
Men and women picking tomatoes in field.

 "On the Contract" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

From Nassau to the Fields: The Story of "The Contract" and the Bahamian Migrant Workers

The year is 1943. World War II rages across the globe, and its ripple effects are felt even in the tranquil, sun-drenched islands of The Bahamas. While the conflict seems a world away, it sets in motion a remarkable chapter in Bahamian history, one that would see tens of thousands of its citizens embark on an unprecedented journey. This is the story of "The Contract," a pivotal moment of temporary migration that shaped families, communities, and the very economic landscape of The Bahamas for over two decades.

Bahamians Debut Amazon Film tomorrow August 22nd, 2025

 

Caribbean Talent Takes Center Stage in Award-Winning Drama Featuring Geneva Maccarone and JaQuay “Dasquai” Adderley

 
From The Bahamas and Florida to Amazon: Deon Gibson’s The Pages of My Heart Streams Globally August 22

TAMPA, FL — After years of perseverance, delays, and creative transformation, Bahamian-born, Florida-based filmmaker Deon Gibson is celebrating a major breakthrough as his film The Pages of My Heart makes its global debut on Amazon Prime Video this August 22, 2025.

The emotional, award-winning drama — led by A Madea Homecoming star Geneva Maccarone and executive produced by Bahamian entertainer JaQuay “Dasquay” Adderley — marks a powerful moment for Caribbean creatives in global cinema.

Voyage of New Man

Cyborg astronaut controling spaceship

 "Cyborg Astronaut" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Voyage of New Man

 
In the twilight of a world grown gray with smog,
Where the sun was a rumor, lost in the fog,
Man, once of flesh, of blood, and of bone,
Felt his humanity crumble, all alone.
The air, a poison, a venomous breath,
Brought the slow, agonizing whisper of death.
His lungs, once a forest, turned barren and thin,
His heart, a frail drum in a world full of din.
So he turned to the forge, to the circuit's bright gleam,
To chase a lost future, a desperate dream.
He shed the soft skin, the mortal design,
For plates of chrome, for a steel spine.
His eyes, once filled with a tear's salty wet,
Now held the cold glow of a cybernetic jet.
He was a New Man, a vessel of might,
A ghost in the day, a star in the night.
The memories of green, of oceans and sky,
Were data streams now, in his optical eye.
He walked through the ruins of cities gone dark,
A flickering soul, a mechanical spark.
His brothers and sisters, a legion of steel,
Felt what was once human, no longer was real.

Tiger on the Beach

 
Woman in tiger print swimsuit on beach.

"Tiger on the Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 896x1152
 
 
Woman in tiger print swimsuit on beach.

 "Tiger on the Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 896x1152