Annual Pre-Independence Beat Retreat - June 28th, 2026
Showing posts with label Nassau. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nassau. Show all posts
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Historical Colonial Home
"Historical Colonial Home" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Bay St., Nassau, Bahamas
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Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Monday, June 22, 2026
Spanning the Harbour: The History, Engineering, and Economic Impact of the Paradise Island Bridges
Between the Bridges
Spanning the Harbour: The History, Engineering, and Economic Impact of the Paradise Island Bridges
Introduction
For centuries, the long, narrow strip of land sitting just off the northern coast of New Providence Island served as a quiet natural breakwater for Nassau’s historic harbor. Known unceremoniously as Hog Island—due to the livestock raised there by early settlers—the island was largely defined by its pristine beaches, stagnant ponds, and isolation. It was accessible only by small boats and ferries.
The transformation of this quiet cay into Paradise Island, a world-class luxury capital, is a masterclass in ambitious real estate development. At the heart of this transformation lies a physical and economic lifeline: the engineering of two monumental spans across Nassau Harbour. The construction of the original Paradise Island Bridge and its later sibling, the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, fundamentally altered the geography, economy, and global identity of The Bahamas.
In Memory Mural
In memory of Reserve Inspector Stanley Sinclair a.k.a. "Robocop". RIP.
Corner of Lyon Rd. and Shirley St., Nassau, Bahamas
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I added the sun and Bougainvillea and repaired the roof boxing in Adobe Photoshop.
Download full size: 3212x3024
Painted by Bahamian artist Lawrence Burns
Photo images: ©A. Derek Catalano
Friday, June 19, 2026
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas
When most people think of Nassau, they picture massive cruise ships, white-sand beaches, and the sprawling luxury resorts of Paradise Island. But tucked away just minutes from downtown is a completely different kind of sanctuary.
Entrance
Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is a four-acre tropical oasis that feels a world away from the busy cruise ports. As the only zoo and conservation center in The Bahamas, Ardastra isn't just a place to see animals—it is a living piece of Bahamian history, a rescue sanctuary, and home to a world-famous flock of marching birds.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting this iconic Nassau destination.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Fish and Conch Mural by June Collie
Fish and Conch by June Collie
Located at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
West Hill St., Nassau, Bahamas
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Photos - ©A. Derek Catalano
Monday, June 15, 2026
The Portal of Nassau: History, Architecture, and Socio-Political Significance of Gregory’s Arch
"Gregory's Arch Poinciana" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Download full size: 2575x1968
The Portal of Nassau: History, Architecture, and Socio-Political Significance of Gregory’s Arch
In the heart of downtown Nassau, New Providence, stands a quiet yet imposing limestone structure known as Gregory’s Arch. Erected in the mid-19th century, this historic stone archway spans Market Street, serving as a physical and symbolic gateway. To the casual visitor, it is an elegant piece of colonial infrastructure; to the student of Bahamian history, however, it represents a profound socio-economic and racial intersection.
Gregory's Arch is literally the line where the old, affluent, white colonial city of Nassau ends and the historic, working-class, Afro-Bahamian communities of "Over-the-Hill"—most notably Grant’s Town and Bain Town—begin.
Petrea Summer
Bougainvillea and Petrea Wall - ©A. Derek Catalano
Petrea - ©A. Derek Catalano
Petrea - ©A. Derek Catalano
Friday, June 12, 2026
Stinking Passionflower
"Stinking Passionflower" - ©A. Derek Catalano
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The Stinking Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora foetida, is one of the most unusual and recognizable wild vines found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including The Bahamas. Read more>>
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Nassau: Electricity Outages, Island-Wide Blackouts and Potential Solutions
"Run Down Island Power Plant" - Bahamas AI Image
©A. Derek Catalano
Nassau: Electricity Outages, Island-Wide Blackouts and Potential Solutions
For decades, residents and businesses across Nassau and New Providence have shared a frustratingly common bond: the sudden silence of a dying air conditioner, the plunge into total darkness, and the low, collective rumble of standby generators firing up across the island.
The electrical issues in Nassau are legendary. They stretch from localized, neighborhood-specific power cuts to catastrophic, island-wide blackouts that halt tourism, disrupt hospitals, and damage expensive household appliances.
Understanding why Nassau’s power grid fails so regularly requires looking past the surface. It is not just a matter of "the power being turned off." It is a complex cocktail of historical debt, aging infrastructure, extreme tropical weather, and the unique logistical nightmare of running an isolated island utility network.
Pickin' Cherries
Nassau, Bahamas. A cherry tree cut and shaped into a low hedge for easy picking. Sweet like sugar. I picked all. West Indian(Bahamian) Cherry
Cherry Plate - ©A. Derek Catalano
Related photos: Pickin' Mulberries Again
Junkanoo Training
Music Makers Junkanoo practice and training on Joe Billy Park, Fowler St., Nassau, Bahamas. Keepin' it alive into the future.
Related article: Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Sunday, June 7, 2026
The Water Tower: UPDATE
"The Water Tower Renovations" - ©A. Derek Catalano
"The Water Tower Renovations" - ©A. Derek Catalano
The Water Tower renovations are still ongoing. The exterior has been repaired and looks beautiful. Great job. Not open to the public yet but hopefully soon. 🙂
Related article: The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill, Nassau, Bahamas
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
The Life and Times of Blackbeard the Pirate
"Blackbeard the Pirate" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
The Life and Times of Blackbeard the Pirate
Few figures in maritime history command as much fascination or terror as Edward Teach, better known to the world as Blackbeard. While his piratical career lasted a remarkably brief two years (1716–1718), his impact on the popular imagination spans centuries.
At the absolute center of Blackbeard’s meteoric rise was The Bahamas—specifically the lawless beachfront settlement of Nassau on the island of New Providence. Far from being just a random hideout, Nassau served as the geographical, political, and operational headquarters for Blackbeard, anchoring a brief but explosive era known to historians as the Golden Age of Piracy.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Golden Showers Flowers
"Golden Showers Flowers" - ©A. Derek Catalano
"Golden Showers Flowers" - ©A. Derek Catalano
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