Fort Montagu, Nassau, Bahamas. - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Fort Montagu: Nassau's Oldest Coastal Sentinel

Perched gracefully on the eastern shore of New Providence Island, Fort Montagu might be the smallest of Nassau's remaining historical fortifications, but its significance is arguably the greatest. As the oldest fort still standing in the Bahamas' capital city, this limestone bulwark is a testament to the island’s turbulent colonial past, playing a critical role in battles and diplomatic chess games that spanned two major conflicts.

If you’re seeking a slice of history paired with stunning coastal views, Fort Montagu is an essential stop on your Bahamian journey.

Yellow Elder - National Flower of The Bahamas

 "Yellow Elder" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Yellow Elder: An Ode to Bahamian Gold 

 

Upon the arid limestone, where the spray
Of ocean kisses coral every day,
There stands a bloom, a bush, a sunlit tree,
The heart of all the bright Bahamian sea.
The Yellow Elder, or the Ginger-Thomas,
Whose glorious gold no shadow can embarrass.
Tecoma stans, the name the botanist knows,
But to the islands, it’s the light that glows.

It wears the crown, the emblem finely spun,
The chosen symbol of a nation's sun.
No fragile bloom that seeks the humid shade,
But one in tropic glory fiercely made.
From Bimini's shore to Inagua's south,
A golden trumpet at the summer's mouth,
A sturdy sentinel of vivid green,
The brightest standard ever to be seen.

The petals cup a sunshine soft and deep,
Where nature's purest, richest pigments sleep.
A bell-shaped treasure, trumpet-like and proud,
It clusters thickly, lifting past the cloud
Of darker foliage, saw-toothed, serrated bright,
A canvas painted in the day's full light.
A hundred suns upon a single spray,
To chase the slightest gloom of doubt away.

Lily of the Valley Corner Association Meeting

 

 

 A.S.P. Tony Sands-Austin of the Urban Renewal Centreville  speaks at The Lily of the Valley Corner Association meeting.

 

 

The Lily of the Valley Corner Association held it's latest meeting on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Cheryl's Place #29 Lily of the Valley Corner.

 

A.S.P. Tony Sands-Austin of the Centreville Urban Renewal office was invited to speak to the Association accompanied by Mrs. Joanna Ferguson, also from the Centreville Urban Renewal office.

 

Issues addressed were abandoned and derelict vehicles, abandoned homes and vacant lots.

Bush Medicine Pot

 

"Bush Medicine Pot" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Bro-in-law preparing to boil another batch of bush medicine to drink.

We have a tradition of using homeopathic remedies in The Bahamas and Caribbean.

 

Using these leaves:

Moringa
Guava
Avacado
Soursop

 

After boiling, pour in a cup and drink it down.

Good for various ailments and keeps you in good health.

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Related pic: Bush Prep

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Lily of the Valley Corner Association SOUSE-OUT 2025

  

The Lily of the Valley Corner Association held an All Day Souse-Out at #29 Cheryl's Place, Lily of the Valley Corner, Nassau Bahamas on Oct. 13, 2025, National Heroes Day in The Bahamas.

 

Visit the Lily of the Valley Corner Association on Facebook.

 

Shot and edited by ©A. Derek Catalano.

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S9+

Software: VideoPad Editor

Chippie's Reason to Rush! - FREE Culture Show & Competitions.

 

Chippie's Reason to Rush!

 

FREE Culture Show & Competitions.

 

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

 

Chippie's Estate - West Bay St.

(Across from Fish Fry)

 

5pm - 9pm 

Pirates of Nassau

 

"Pirates of Nassau" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 "Pirates of Nassau" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Souvenirs at Nassau Cruise Port

 

"Conch Shells and Jewelry Souvenirs" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Paintings and Bags Souvenirs" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Police HQ and Barracks

 Police HQ and Barracks - Nassau, Bahamas.
©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Nassau Cruise Port

 

Nassau Cruise Port - Me and my good cousin Claudia took a walk. Nassau is our home.

 

 ©A. Derek Catalano: Download video

 

"Bahamas Supreme Court" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Bank Lane, Nassau, Bahamas

 

The Justice System of The Bahamas

 

Introduction

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, an archipelagic state of more than 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, operates under a justice system shaped by its colonial history, constitutional framework, and evolving social and political needs. Rooted in English common law, the Bahamian legal system reflects both its British heritage and its adaptation to a sovereign democratic state. This essay examines the structure, principles, institutions, and challenges of the justice system of The Bahamas, highlighting how it balances tradition and modernity in the pursuit of fairness, order, and the protection of rights.

Nature Cottage

 

"Nature Cottage" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill, Nassau, Bahamas

 

 "The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill, Nassau, Bahamas

 

Introduction

The Water Tower on Bennet’s Hill is one of Nassau’s most prominent landmarks, combining utility, history, architecture, and tourism. Rising above the city from one of its highest points, the tower has come to symbolize both the physical height and historical depth of Nassau. As a structure, it has served vital municipal functions, but it also plays a key role in heritage, identity, and public space in the Bahamas.

SeaView - Wallpaper

 

 "SeaView" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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The Queen's Staircase aka The 66 Steps

 Towards the Queen's Staircase - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Queen’s Staircase in Nassau: History, Architecture, and Travel Guide

When you step into Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, you’re surrounded by colorful streets, colonial architecture, and turquoise waters. But tucked away from the busy harbor and tourist markets is one of the city’s most striking landmarks: the Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step limestone staircase carved by hand in the late 18th century. It’s not just a beautiful historic site—it’s a story in stone, shaped by enslaved laborers, tied to the island’s military history, and later dedicated to a monarch who ruled over half the globe.

This guide explores the history, significance, architecture, and visitor experience of the Queen’s Staircase, so you’ll know exactly why it’s worth the stop when you’re in Nassau.

Lily of the Valley Corner Association Souse Out

 

 Souse Out Ticket

 

 

Tickets for the Lily of the Valley Corner Association Souse Out are now on sale and available at house 31B Lily of the Valley Corner.

 

Call ahead to purchase tickets and place your order at 805-8088 or 606-2026: Barbara Sweeting - Chaplain.

 

The Souse Out will be held National Heroes Day, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 from 7am to 2pm at Cheryl's Place, house 29 (yellow and green), Lily of the Valley Corner.

 

Get your tickets early.

 

View Souse-Out video 

 

The Lily of the Valley Corner Association

Together We Stand

At the Well

 

My son Christopher and grandson Caleb at the well washing cherries.

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Marlin Flamingo Wall - Video

 

"Marlin Flamingo Wall" - ©A. Derek Catalano 

 

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The Blue Marlin is the national fish of The Bahamas and the Flamingo is the national bird. Downtown Nassau, Bahamas.

Dive Into The Bahamas

 

"Dive Into The Bahamas" - Bay St., Nassau

©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Dive Into The Bahamas" - Bay St., Nassau

©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Woodes Rogers Wharf

 

"Woodes Rogers Wharf Corner Store" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Woodes Rogers Wharf Drive" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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