Showing posts with label New Providence. Show all posts

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.

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.

"Palm Poinciana" - ©A. Derek Catalano

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Thursday, June 18, 2026

Fish and Conch by June Collie

Fish and Conch by June Collie
©A. Derek Catalano

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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

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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

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

Oderhead view of Run Down Island Power Plant

"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 in to the future.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Royal Poinciana Rock

"Royal Poinciana Rock" - ©A. Derek Catalano

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Sunday, June 7, 2026

The Water Tower: UPDATE

"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. 🙂