BREEF Community Snorkel is Back!

 

BREEF Community Snorkel

 

Join BREEF for a Community Snorkel on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at Sea Beach Promenade from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM!

Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the very first time, this is your chance to explore The Bahamas’ beautiful marine environment alongside friends, family, and fellow ocean lovers.

 

Snorkel gear provided

Community service exposure available

Family-friendly experience

Participants must be 8 years or older to snorkel. Community service hours available upon request.

 

Be sure to bring:

Reef-safe sun protection

Refillable water bottle

Your crew!

St. Mary's Church Maryfest

 

St. Mary's Church Maryfest

Virginia St.

 

Saturday, May 23, 2026

12pm - 9pm 

 

Visit St. Mary's on Facebook 

Happy Mother's Day

 

Related poem: Happy Mother's Day

 

"Dysfunction" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Architecture of Instability: Understanding the Dysfunctional Family and Its Lasting Effects

The concept of "family" is traditionally viewed as a sanctuary—a foundational unit of society where members receive unconditional love, protection, and guidance. However, for many, the family unit is not a source of strength but a primary source of trauma. A dysfunctional family is defined as a household where conflict, misbehavior, and neglect occur regularly and continually, leading other members to accommodate such actions. Unlike healthy families that experience occasional periods of stress, a dysfunctional family operates on a chronic basis of instability that stunts the emotional and psychological development of its members.

Alpha Males Wanted

 

"Man of the House" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

This piece serves as a call to action and a tribute to the virtues of leadership, discipline, and family values within the Bahamian context, detailing the specific attributes needed to build a prosperous future for the islands.

Alpha Males Wanted

Across the turquoise waters where the gentle trade winds blow,
Beyond the white-sand beaches where the local rhythms flow,
A call is rising from the soul of every cay and shore,
A summons for a kind of man we need now more and more.
From Grand Bahama’s pine barrens to Inagua’s salt and sun,
The labor for the future has only just begun.
The message rings out clearly through the valley and the hill:
The Bahamas needs her Alphas—men of courage and of will.

Alpha Males Wanted—not for ego or for pride,
But for the strength of character that burns deep down inside.
We seek the men of leadership who do not wait for light,
But strike the match themselves to pierce the shadows of the night.
Men who stand like iron when the hurricane descends,
Whose word is like a contract that never breaks or bends.
Men of deep-set principles, of morals high and true,
Who do the heavy lifting that the many will not do.

We need the bold initiators, the masters of the drive,
Who don’t just settle for the crumbs or "manage to survive."
They set their sights on distant peaks, they map the rugged way,
They turn a vision into brick and mortar every day.
They build the great foundations of the empires yet to be,
With roots as deep as limestone and a spirit like the sea.
They are the goal-achievers, the ones who finish what they start,
Who lead with calculated mind and a lion’s beating heart.

 

"Depression Dismissal" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Silent Struggle: Understanding Depression in Children and Adolescents

Depression is often mischaracterized as a "grown-up" problem—a byproduct of bills, career stress, or mid-life crises. However, for millions of children and teenagers, depression is a visceral, daily reality that shapes their development and determines their outlook on life. Unlike adults, who may have the vocabulary or agency to seek help, young people often navigate this darkness while tethered to systems—family, school, and peer groups—that may not understand or acknowledge their pain. The intersection of developmental vulnerability and social invalidation creates a uniquely challenging environment for youth, making it one of the most critical public health issues of the modern era.

Back To Da Park

 

Eleuthera Baseball Association in conjunction with

Twin City Legends presents

 

Back To Da Park

 

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Twin City Park

Palmetto Point, Eleuthera

 

Starting at 11AM

 

Kids Eat Free 

Child-to-Parent Abuse: Understanding a Hidden Form of Family Violence

 

"Sad Grammy" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Child-to-Parent Abuse: Understanding a Hidden Form of Family Violence

 

Introduction and Definition

Child-to-parent abuse, sometimes called child-to-parent violence or CPV, is a form of family abuse in which a child uses harmful behaviors to control, intimidate, or dominate a parent or caregiver. These behaviors can be physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, financial, or coercive in nature. While it is most commonly discussed in relation to adolescents, adult children can also be abusive toward their parents, particularly when dependency, unresolved family conflict, or mental health and substance issues are involved.

This type of abuse is often hidden and underreported. Many parents feel deep shame, guilt, or fear about admitting that their own child is hurting them. Others worry about being judged as bad parents or fear legal consequences for their child. As a result, child-to-parent abuse tends to remain invisible, misunderstood, and minimized, even though its impact on parents can be severe and long-lasting.

Understanding why this abuse happens, how it manifests, and what parents can do is essential for breaking the cycle and offering meaningful support to affected families.

MaCaBrLi Family Christmas Dinner 2025

 

 

 

MaCaBrLi Family Christmas Dinner 2025

 

Shot and edited by ©A. Derek Catalano.

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S9+

Software: VideoPad Editor

Free MIDI music

Miracle on Gully Wash Road - A Christmas Story

"Gully Wash Road" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Miracle on Gully Wash Road

The house leaned a little to the left, like it had grown tired of standing straight. One shutter hung loose, knocking softly against the wall whenever the breeze came through. The roof had been patched so many times with bits of tin that it looked like a quilt sewn by different hands, none of them matching. But the house was still standing, and that counted for something.

Inside lived the Rolle family.

Marcia Rolle woke before the sun most mornings, not because she wanted to but because worry didn’t allow sleep to linger. That morning was no different. She lay still for a few minutes on the thin mattress she shared with her youngest daughter, Leila, listening to the sounds of Over-the-Hill coming to life. A potcake barked somewhere down Gully Wash Road. A truck rattled past, its engine coughing like it needed medicine. The roosters that belonged to nobody in particular crowed as if they owned the place.

Marcia swung her feet to the floor and felt the cool concrete beneath her toes. The house had no tiles, just bare cement worn smooth from years of sweeping. She stood quietly so she wouldn’t wake Leila and padded into the kitchen, which was really just one corner of the living room separated by a sagging curtain.

She opened the fridge and stared.

Christmas Party Over-the-hill 2019

 

 

 This is how we do it over-the-hill, Nassau, Bahamas. 😊

Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

Shirley Hall Bass Foundation

Professional Training & Cultural Exchange

 

 Our son Carlito Catalano

We're all proud of you Lee 😊 

 

Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

A Cross-Cultural Artistic Achievement

Carlito Catalano, a dedicated Bahamian dancer specializing in Odissi classical Indian dance, recently completed a transformative artistic journey with his performance at the University of Chicago's Logan Center. His three-part collaboration with Mandala Arts Chicago explored themes of slavery, migration, and civil rights through the powerful lens of cross-cultural dance. Read full story>

 

More posts about Carlito

Be Thankful for Family

 

 "Family Photo" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Be Thankful for Family

The sun dips low, and shadows start to creep,
Another day concludes its measured sweep,
And as the world outside its turmoil stills,
A quiet gratitude my spirit fills.
It is a thankfulness that runs so deep,
For those within the circle I will keep.
My family, a vast and vibrant tree,
The root, the trunk, the branches shielding me.

The Ancestral Roots and Branches

We start with those who shaped our early years,
Dispelling doubts and calming childhood fears.
The parents whose devotion set the mold,
Whose countless stories never can be told
In full measure, of the sacrifices made,
The gentle hands that nurtured, unafraid.
The steady counsel, wisdom earned with grace,
That guides our steps and helps us find our place.
We’re thankful for their presence, strong and sure,
The simple love that always will endure.

And then the siblings, born of shared descent,
A tapestry of moments closely spent.
The confidantes for secrets whispered low,
The willing partners in a childhood show.
The friendly rivalry, the quick defense,
A bond forged tight beyond all recompense.
A mirror held to watch ourselves evolve,
The constant promise that they will resolve
To stand beside us, come what may betide,
With nothing left to prove and naught to hide.

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

"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.

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

 

 "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.

WhatsApp Breakup

 

 " WhatsApp Breakup" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 WhatsApp Breakup

A love once pure, a bond so deep,
Two hearts entwined, a promise to keep.
In marital bliss, our days we spent,
A tapestry woven, with sweet content.
Laughter echoed, soft whispers too,
Believing our future, forever true.
Hand in hand, we walked life's way,
Until a notification, stole peace away.

One quiet evening, as shadows grew long,
A gentle hum, a digital song.
My phone lay near, his just beside,
A WhatsApp flicker, I couldn't hide.
A message flashed, a name I knew,
His "long time sweetheart," bold and new.
My breath caught sharp, a sudden dread,
As words unspoken, filled my head.

"My dearest love," the preview read,
A knife of ice, through my heart it spread.
The world went dim, the colors faded,
A trust so fragile, instantly raided.
I turned to him, my voice a plea,
"Who is this, tell me, honestly?"
His eyes met mine, a flicker of fright,
Then a practiced calm, in the fading light.

 

 "I Don't" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Marriage Is Down

In the past, marriage was a given. Today, it’s a choice — and one that fewer people are making. Across the globe, marriage rates are declining, and those who do get married are waiting longer to do so. In many countries, more people are living alone, cohabiting without legal ties, or rejecting romantic partnership altogether. What happened? The decline in marriage isn't just a cultural shift — it's a symptom of deeper issues that have long plagued the institution. From structural inequality to emotional damage, from outdated gender roles to high-stakes financial risk, modern people are increasingly seeing marriage not as a blessing, but as a burden. The myth of marriage as the cornerstone of happiness is crumbling under the weight of hard realities.

Harbour Is. 4th of July Celebrations

 

 

 

 

 

My daughter Jamie Lee(L), grandaughter Robin(center) and Robin's BFF Pyper(R),

enjoying themselves at the 4th of July US Independence Day

celebrations in Harbour Is., The Bahamas.

 

 

Related article: Creativity and Culture Event at Montague Beach

Shop the Sea - Creativity and Culture Event at Montague Beach

 

Me, Chris and Caleb - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Me, my son Chris and my grandson Caleb attended the  Shop the Sea - Creativity and Culture Event, Sat. June 28th, 2025 at Montague Beach and Park, Nassau, Bahamas. Chris was working the event shooting photos and invited me to come along. Caleb and I had a real fun time together exploring and enjoying it all. It was a good excuse for me go outside too. 😊

Happy Mother’s Day

 

"Happy Mother with Children" - Bahamas AI Art

 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Not just a day, but a lifetime earned—
In quiet hours, in bridges burned.
In scraped knees wiped, in hard truths told,
In arms that shield, in hands that hold.

You are the engine that never stalls,
The steady step when the burden calls.
The softest touch, the sharpest mind,
The one who waits, the one who finds.

You made a home out of fractured things—
A coat of warmth, with broken wings.
You read the room when no one spoke,
And bore the weight so we wouldn’t choke.