"Social Ills of The Bahamas" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Societal Fabric Under Strain: Analyzing and Addressing the Social Ills of The Bahamas

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is often marketed to the world as a tranquil archipelago of turquoise waters and luxury resorts. However, beneath the veneer of this "tourist paradise" lies a complex web of social challenges that threaten the country’s stability, economic growth, and the well-being of its citizens. As of 2026, the nation continues to grapple with deep-seated social ills that are not merely isolated incidents but are symptoms of systemic failures in education, governance, and economic diversification. Understanding these ills—ranging from crime and educational deficits to illegal immigration and income inequality—is essential for charting a path toward a more resilient and equitable Bahamian society.

Tropic Seascape - PC Wallpaper

 

"Tropic Seascape" - Bahamas AI Image

 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 5376x3072

"Tropic Seascape" - Bahamas AI Image
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Time is Fleeting

 

Related poem: Time Is Short

The Bus Stop - AI Redo

 

 A drawing I did many years ago redone with AI.

"The Bus Stop" - After AI - Water colours

 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

 

Download full size: 912x1136

 

 

 

"The Bus Stop" - Before AI - Pencil
 ⒸA. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 912x1136

The Region Bells - Send Down Fire

 

 

 

The Region Bells - Send Down Fire

 

Visit my Vintage Gold Bahamian Music 

Friends of the Environment January E-News

 

Friends of the Environment  January E-News Preserving the environment of Abaco through education, conservation, and research facilitation. Learn More Dear Readers, At a time when so much in the world can feel uncertain, I would like to pause and express our sincere gratitude for you. Not only for your support of FRIENDS — which we deeply appreciate — but also for the everyday acts of kindness, stewardship, and sustainability you practice. Our FRIENDS community is truly special. Even when we are not physically together, we are making a difference. Each small action, when combined with others, creates a powerful and lasting impact. Just as importantly, your actions inspire those around you — your children, colleagues, and friends — who learn from your example. Every one of us has the ability to create positive change. Sometimes it begins with simply taking the first step. If you ever feel inspired to do more for the environment but are unsure where to start, please know that we are always here to help and support you. Thank you for being an essential part of the FRIENDS family and for the difference you make every day. Best wishes, Olivia Patterson Maura Executive Director 2026: A Look Ahead

The Sir Durward Knowles National Junior Sailing Championship

 

The Sir Durward Knowles

National Junior Sailing Championship

 

February 19-21, 2026

Montague Foreshore

Nassau, Bahamas 

Don't Quit Now

 

Related poem: Don't Stop Now

The Lazaretto - UPDATED

 

 

 

"The Lazaretto" - ⒸA. Derek Catalano

The Lazaretto, on Lazaretto Rd., off Carmichael Rd., New Providence, Bahamas. This was a place where those who were afflicted with leprosy were cared for in the early 1900s. I climbed atop a roof and did a sketch  looking north(top), then climbed atop another roof and did a sketch looking south(bottom).

The term “lazaretto” historically refers to a quarantine station — a place where people (especially sailors) and goods arriving by sea were isolated to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Quarantine stations were especially prominent in port cities where epidemics of plague, cholera, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases repeatedly threatened populations before the advent of modern medicine. Read updated article>>

 

Box Office Open for Ringplay Season 2026! February-June, 202^ PAB Black Box Theatre Call NOW to book! FEBRUARY 19-21, 26-28 The Runner Stumbles by Milan Stott directed by Anthony Delaney PURCHASE/BOOK ONLINE MARCH 19-21, 26-28 Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling directed by Julie Ritchie-Bingham and Leah Forbes PURCHASE/BOOK ONLINE APRIL 16-18, 23-25 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee directed by Anthony “Skeebo” Roberts PURCHASE/BOOK ONLINE MAY 7-9, 14-16 Jitney by August Wilson directed by Dorian McKenzie PURCHASE/BOOK ONLINE SAVE 15%! Buy Season Tickets

 

Supreme Court

 

 

By The Bahamianologist on February 3, 2026

 

1896 and 1996: How Two Supreme Court Acts Transformed Bahamian Law

The Bahamas Supreme Court Act of 1896 represents one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the development of our modern legal system. By establishing a unified Supreme Court with unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, this Act laid the foundation for consistent, predictable, and professional administration of justice—principles that remain essential to the rule of law today. Understanding the Act requires appreciating why judicial centralization matters, particularly in small island nations operating under the common law tradition. Read full story>>

 

Don't Delay, Act Now

 

Related poem: Get Past Fear

The Importance and Advantages of Being Well Groomed

 

"Well Groomed" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Importance and Advantages of Being Well Groomed

Being well groomed is often dismissed as a superficial concern, something tied only to appearance or vanity. In reality, grooming plays a much deeper role in personal, social, and professional life. It influences how people see us, how we see ourselves, and how we function in everyday situations. Grooming is not about luxury or expensive products. It is about basic care, self-respect, and awareness of how our presentation affects both our confidence and our interactions with others. When understood properly, being well groomed becomes an essential life skill rather than a shallow habit.

Dingy Bay - AI Redo

 Something I drew many years ago and had it redone with AI.

"Dingy Bay" - After AI - Acrylics
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1184x864

 

 

 "Dingy Bay" - Before AI - Pen and colored pencils
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1184x864

 

Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow

 

 

Related poem: Continue To Dream

Together In Harmony

 

 "Peace on Earth" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Together In Harmony

In the corridors of history, where the ancient shadows lie,
We have built up mighty fortresses beneath a heavy sky.
We’ve carved the world in segments, drawing lines upon the sand,
With a prejudice for borders and a claim on every land.
We have looked upon our neighbor with a cold and wary eye,
Letting differences of color or of creed become a lie—
A lie that says we’re separate, that we’re cast in different molds,
While the story of our common heart remains a tale untold.

But the winds of change are stirring in the valley of the soul,
A whisper growing louder that we finally must be whole.
For the steel of every weapon and the fire of every war,
Has never brought the solace that our weary spirits implore.
We have marched through centuries of grief and bitter, hollow pride,
With a chest of heavy secrets and no place for them to hide.
Yet the morning light is breaking on a vision wide and vast,
Where we lay the heavy armor of our prehistoric past.

Imagine now a kingdom not of silver or of gold,
But a commonwealth of kindness where the truth is finally told.
Where the language that we speak is not a tool of sharp deceit,
But a bridge of understanding where the mind and spirit meet.
Where the labels we’ve inherited—the "them" and then the "us"—
Are dissolved like morning mist beneath a light of mutual trust.
For the skin is but a garment, and the faith a different song,
In a choir where every melody has always did belong.

Papua - AI Redo

Something I sketched many years ago and had it redone with AI. I used no reference image so there are some elements that may not fit, but I do what I like.

"Papua" - After AI - Water colours

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 1024x1536

 

 

"Papua" - Before AI - Pencil
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1024x1536

Hug Someone Now

 

Related poem: Hug Someone Today

 

"The Time Travellers" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Time Travel Paradox: The Man Who Was Never Meant to Exist

The first time X101 realized something was wrong with his existence, the archive went silent.

In the year 3000, silence was unnatural. Data never truly stopped flowing; it merely changed channels, reorganized itself, whispered in new ways. The Chronal Archives of Earth hummed constantly—billions of timelines cross-referenced, compressed, corrected. History was no longer remembered; it was maintained.

So when X101 searched for his own designation and found a blank space where a life should have been, the silence rang louder than any alarm.

Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans

 

Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans

 

Our son Carlito makes the news again! Featured in an interview in Newsband, another newspaper in India. Well done son. We love you. 💗

 

---------------------------------- 

 

From the verandas of The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas to international Odissi stages, Carlito Catalano's journey is one of devotion, resilience, and cultural bridge-building. As the sole practitioner of Indian classical dance in his homeland, this artist has turned solitary passion into a global pursuit.

 

Read full interview>> 

 

More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Call for Submissions for Short Tales 2026

 

Announcing Short Tales 2026! Call for Submissions!! Attention Playwrights! Do you want to get your work produced? Send us your short scripts for consideration!

One Day Will Be Your Day

 

Related poem: One Day Will Be Your Day

 

The Importance and Advantages of Speaking Properly and Communicating Effectively

 

 "Speaking and Communicating" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Importance and Advantages of Speaking Properly and Communicating Effectively

Speaking properly and communicating effectively are essential skills in everyday life. They influence how people understand us, how seriously we are taken, and how successfully we interact with others. Communication is more than just talking. It involves choosing the right words, using an appropriate tone, listening carefully, and expressing ideas clearly. When people develop strong communication skills, they gain advantages in education, work, relationships, and personal growth.

Moon Garden - PC Wallpaper

 "Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 5376x3072

 

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

You Win Some, You Lose Some

 

Related poem: You Win Some, You Lose Some

Manners and Respect Will Take You Around the World

 

"International Meeting" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Manners and Respect Will Take You Around the World

In the bustling streets of a neon town,
Or where the golden sun goes down
In quiet fields of emerald green,
A silent power moves unseen.
It is not gold, nor silver rare,
Nor jewels that wealthy monarchs wear;
It is the grace of how we stand,
A bridge that spans from land to land.
For though the tongues we speak may change,
And customs seem both new and strange,
A common thread binds every shore:
The kindness we can all outpour.

The "magic words" are keys of light
That turn the darkness into bright.
A simple "Please" can open gates
That have been locked by iron weights.
And "Thank you" is the softest song
To right a day that’s going wrong.
When errors fall, as they often do,
A "Sorry" brings the heart to view;
It heals the rift and mends the tear,
And clears the tension from the air.
"Excuse me" is the gentle plea
To honor shared humanity.

Respect is not a heavy crown,
But laying self-importance down.
It’s honoring the elder’s face,
The wisdom etched in time and space.
It’s seeing those who serve our food,
With patience and with gratitude.
The porter, clerk, or passing guest—
Each soul deserves our very best.
For when we treat the humble well,
We cast a warm and lasting spell;
The world reflects the light we give,
In every city where we live.

For Colored Girls - A Powerful Stage Experience You Don’t Want to Miss

 

For Colored Girls

 

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
An emotionally charged story about love, heartbreak, healing, and strength.

 

Jan 30 & 31 – 8PM | Feb 1 – 4PM

 $30 | 18+

 Regency Theatre, Grand Bahama

 

 Tickets available online

 

 Or purchase in person at Baha Gala (Rayvin Mall) & DeGregory Fine Foods (Seahorse Plaza)

 

 This powerful stage production is coming
to Regency Theatre in Grand Bahama and you do not want to miss it!

The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano

 

The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano

 

 

Our son Carlito has been featured in the Indian DCN News Epaper today. Read it in their dance column "Rhythms and More".

 

Congratulations again son. You make us all very proud.

 

More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Conquer That Mountain

 

Related poem: Make It Happen

Related poem: Time to Level Up

 "World Models AI" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

World Models: The Architectures of Imagination and the Future of AI

 

Introduction

For decades, the standard paradigm in Artificial Intelligence has been reactive. Whether through the pattern matching of Large Language Models (LLMs) or the trial-and-error loops of Reinforcement Learning (RL), AI has primarily functioned by mapping inputs directly to outputs. However, a profound shift is underway. Researchers are increasingly converging on the concept of World Models—internal, predictive simulations of reality that allow machines to "dream," plan, and reason about physics before they act. By moving beyond statistical correlation toward an understanding of causal dynamics, world models represent the most viable path toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Majestic Moonrise - PC Wallpaper

 

"Majestic Moonrise" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 5376x3072

You Only Could Do What You Could Do

 

Related poem: You Only Could Do What you Could Do

The Feasibility and Challenges of Relocating the Prison in Nassau to a Family Island or Undeveloped Island in The Bahamas

 

 "Modern Prison on Secluded Isle" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Feasibility and Challenges of Relocating the Prison in Nassau to a Family Island or Undeveloped Island in The Bahamas

The idea of relocating the primary prison facility from Nassau to a Family Island or even an undeveloped island in The Bahamas is as bold as it is complex. It reflects one of the most significant potential shifts in the Bahamian approach to corrections, community planning, and regional development. At face value, its appeal is clear: reduce social friction in densely populated urban communities, free up valuable land in Nassau, and possibly re-envision the correctional system toward a more rehabilitative model. But once the idea is unpacked, it reveals an array of logistical, economic, social, cultural, political, and ethical challenges that must be carefully weighed.

Starburst Bush

 

"Starburst Bush" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Download full size:  2880x3024

 

 

"Starburst Bush" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size:  2880x3024

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

 

Related poem: Always Plan Ahead

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 

Carlito rehearsing in India

 

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 

By Winston D. Munnings/ChatGPT

 

Bahamians exhibit an incredible versatility that is truly remarkable.

 

It’s likely that you, like many of us, have never encountered Odissi, an ancient and intricate form of Indian classical dance. I was introduced to this captivating art form only recently (sort of), thanks to a dear friend (𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰 ~ Bit.ly/4n31U1c) from my television days at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas. His son, Carlito Catalano, is a pioneering Odissi practitioner in The Bahamas. 

 

Carlito has devoted himself to mastering this expressive dance, known for its graceful movements and rich storytelling rooted in Hindu mythology. His passion not only highlights the beauty of Odissi but also enriches the Bahamas' cultural tapestry, offering a unique fusion of traditions that celebrates both this Indian heritage and the Bahamian spirit. Through his performances and teachings, Carlito fosters greater awareness and appreciation of this centuries-old dance form, enabling audiences to experience its elegance and profound emotional depth. 

 

Carlito Catalano is celebrated for his unconventional path in the arts, having taught himself the intricate and graceful movements of Odissi and Bharatanatyam through a wealth of online resources and instructional videos during his teenage years. His self-directed study reflects a passion for classical dance and a commitment to mastering these traditional art forms.

Beware of the Megalomaniac

 

 "The Megalomaniac" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Beware of the Megalomaniac

Observe the man upon the height, who claims to own the very sun,
Who views the world as mere domain, and life a race already won.
Behind the gaze of frozen glass, where empathy has gone to die,
There dwells a mind of grand design, built on a tower of a lie.
So harken now to every verse, and let the warning bell be struck,
For those who walk within his path shall surely find a bitter luck.

The Golden Mask of Vanity

He walks with heavy, arrogant stride, a king without a noble cause,
Demanding all the world obey his whims and self-invented laws.
His ego is a bloated sail that catches every passing breeze,
He does not walk upon the earth; he expects us on our knees.
An idealized vision of the self, a god carved out of common clay,
He believes the light was made for him to herald in the coming day.

The Delusion of Invincible Might

He counts himself invincible, a titan who can never fall,
To him, the highest mountain peak is but a short and simple wall.
No obstacle can block his path, no river deep enough to drown,
For in his warped and fevered mind, he wears a permanent, bright crown.
But this is not a courage found in hearts of gold or spirits brave,
It is a madness of the soul that leads him closer to the grave.