"Free" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Emancipation Day in The Bahamas: A Chronicle of Freedom and Celebration

Emancipation Day in The Bahamas is more than a mere public holiday; it is a profound annual commemoration of the end of chattel slavery and the birth of a free nation. Celebrated on the first Monday of August, the day is a cornerstone of Bahamian national identity, representing a pivotal moment when the chains of bondage were broken, and the path to self-determination began. The history of this day is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of the British Empire, but its celebrations in The Bahamas possess a unique cultural vibrancy that honors the resilience, heritage, and enduring spirit of its people.

Keep Love Alive

 

"Still in Love" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Keep Love Alive

In gardens of the heart, where passions bloom,
Love's tender petals, chasing winter's gloom.
A sacred flame, once kindled, pure and bright,
Must be tended daily, bathed in golden light.
For time, like whispers, can erode the bond,
If care is absent, and affection's conned.

Remember whispered vows, the morning's kiss,
The shared adventures, moments steeped in bliss.
These are the roots, that anchor and sustain,
Through life's harsh tempests, joy and gentle rain.
But roots need water, sun, and fertile earth,
To bring forth blossoms of enduring worth.

Communication's a river, clear and deep,
Where thoughts and feelings, open secrets keep.
Speak from the soul, with honesty and grace,
No silent judgments, no hidden, lonely space.
Listen intently, with an open mind,
To worries whispered, treasures you will find.
For understanding bridges every void,
And strengthens bonds, once fearfully deployed.

At the Well

 

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

 ©A. Derek Catalano

Caribbean Kids - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 5120x2880

 

 

 "Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5120x2880

 

 

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

Aisha Bowe Returns to The Bahamas Following Spaceflight to Host Free Hack < IT > STEM Camp for Bahamian Students

 Aisha Bowe Hack<IT> STEM Camp

 

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Aisha Bowe, who made history as the first Bahamian in space, has returned home to invest in the country’s next generation of innovators through her Hack<IT> STEM Camp, set for July 29 to August 2 at St. Andrew’s School. Having done the camp for more than a decade, she’s inviting government and private school students to apply at www.hackitcamp.com/hack-it-application before Monday, July 28, 2025 at noon.

“There is nothing like being able to give back to your own and this camp is my way of inspiring other Bahamian students to not just dream but to go after that goal in spite of where they start,” said Bowe, an aerospace engineer who started as a struggling student with a low GPA. “As a child, I never imagined that one day, I could go from looking at the sky and wondering what was out there, to making history as the first Bahamian to go into space. I want to be the person to inspire a student to go where they think they can’t like I did at NASA and in founding my own successful companies, and also as someone who looks back to give opportunities to those coming after me through Hack<IT> STEM.”

Caribbean Cuties

 

"Caribbean Cuties" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Visit my Tropic Gallery

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.

Pride Goeth Before a Fall

 

 "Before a Fall" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Pride Goeth Before a Fall

The sun, a brazen eye, surveyed the land,
And bathed in gilded light, a figure grand.
Upon a peak, where winds did softly croon,
Stood Arrogance, beneath the midday moon
(Though truth be told, the sun held court on high,
He saw no shadow 'neath his burning eye).
His chin was raised, his chest a puffed-out drum,
Proclaiming triumphs, past and yet to come.

He spoke of conquests, battles bravely fought,
Of wisdom gleaned, and lessons dearly bought.
His voice, a trumpet, echoed through the air,
Dismissing whispers of a hidden snare.
"Behold!" he cried, "My might, my keenest wit!
No foe can stand where my decree has writ.
The very mountains bow before my gaze,
And rivers bend to navigate my ways."

No counsel sought, no warning he would heed,
For in his heart, bloomed self-important seed.
Humility, a concept strange and weak,
He cast aside, no gentle word to speak.
The wise ones watched, with sorrow in their eyes,
As pride's bright banner blazoned 'cross the skies.
They knew the ancient rhythm, deep and true,
Of rise and fall, for me and even you.

 

 "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.

Bahamas Independence Dancers

 

"Bahamas Independence Dancers" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Download full size: 2048x2048 

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.

 

Be a Role Model

  

"Role Model" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Be a Role Model

The world, a stage where every soul takes flight,
Looks up, looks out, for guiding stars of light.
Not born of fame, nor etched in marble grand,
But in the quiet kindness of a helping hand.

To be a role model is a sacred trust,
A living lesson, built on what is just.
It's not a crown, nor power to command,
But seeds of goodness scattered through the land.

It starts within, a spirit strong and true,
With values firm, in all you say and do.
Integrity, a compass in your breast,
Guiding your choices, putting truth to test.

Go Tell It on the Mountain

I just had to share this. A mighty powerful gem of a movie.

 

 

 

Go Tell It on the Mountain

 

Starring:  Paul Winfield, James Bond 3rd, Olivia Cole

 

Drama - 1hr. 36 mins.  - IMDB

This film adaptation of James Baldwin's celebrated novel tells the journey of a family from the rural South to "big city" Harlem seeking both salvation and understanding and of a young boy struggling to earn the approval of a self-righteous and often unloving stepfather.

My rating: 7/10 

Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

 

 "The Silent Killer" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

Alcohol is deeply embedded in many cultures. It is present at celebrations, rites of passage, holidays, and even business deals. It’s marketed as a gateway to fun, relaxation, and connection. But behind this glamorized facade is a substance that has quietly but profoundly devastated lives, stripped people of their drive, and hollowed out entire communities. Alcohol doesn’t just damage health — it kills inspiration, erodes motivation, and fractures the social fabric that holds communities together.

Be Thankful for the Small Things

 

 "Thankful for Small Things" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Be Thankful for the Small Things

The sun's first kiss upon your sleepy face,
A gentle warmth, a whisper of grace.
The morning coffee, steaming, dark, and deep,
A quiet moment, secrets it will keep.
Be thankful for the small things, soft and true,
The everyday wonders, waiting just for you.

The bird's sweet song, a melody so clear,
Dispelling shadows, banishing all fear.
The rustling leaves, a whisper in the breeze,
The ancient language of the towering trees.
Be thankful for the small things, freely given,
Little blessings, sent to us from heaven.

A friendly smile, a nod from passing by,
A shared connection 'neath a boundless sky.
The warmth of touch, a hand within your own,
A seed of kindness, beautifully sown.
Be thankful for the small things, light and fleet,
The simple moments, wonderfully sweet.

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. 😊

Think Before You Act

 

 "Face Off" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Think Before You Act

The world it spins, a rapid pace,
With choices given, time and space.
A hurried word, a swift retort,
Can leave a wound, or cut things short.
For impulse often takes the lead,
And plants a most unwelcome seed.
A thought unexamined, sharp and quick,
Can cause a sorrow, make you sick.

Consider well, before you leap,
The promises you sow and reap.
Each action taken, small or grand,
Leaves footprints on the shifting sand.
Will kindness bloom, or anger flare?
Will bridges mend, or rip and tear?
The power's yours, a potent key,
To shape the person you will be.

When tempers rise, and passions burn,
A moment's pause, a vital turn.
Breathe deep, allow the heat to cool,
Before you break a sacred rule.
For words once spoken, deeds once done,
Cannot be easily outrun.
They linger long, a whispered trace,
And etch themselves upon your face.

Learn to Love Yourself

 

 "Love Yourself" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Learn to Love Yourself

 
The mirror shows a stranger's eyes,
Reflecting back what you despise.
A whispered doubt, a silent plea,
For someone else you wish to be.
The world, a stage of judging stares,
Compares your worth, and plants its snares.
Each flaw magnified, each virtue lost,
A silent battle, counting cost.

But listen close, a gentle hum,
A truth within, about to come.
Before the world can truly see,
The brilliance that resides in thee,
You must unearth, with tender hand,
The treasure buried in this land—
Your very self, flawed, grand, and deep,
The promises your spirit keeps.

For self-love isn't vanity's gleam,
Nor ego's loud, demanding dream.
It's quiet strength, a steady grace,
Accepting every time and place,
The curves, the lines, the scars you wear,
The burdens that your heart can bear.
It's knowing worth, beyond the gaze,
Through sunlit days and misty haze.

Get a Good Education

 

 "Get a Good Education" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Get a Good Education

From sun-kissed shores, where turquoise waters gleam,
A future beckons, bright as any dream.
The Bahamas calls, its promise true and bold,
For tales of progress, waiting to unfold.
But how shall we build, this nation we hold dear?
With minds awakened, conquering every fear.
Get a good education, let this be our cry,
Reach for the knowledge, reaching for the sky.

The schoolhouse stands, a beacon in the day,
Where eager minds can truly find their way.
Each lesson learned, a stepping stone to climb,
To master subjects, conquering space and time.
The teacher's voice, a guide so clear and strong,
Unlocks the wisdom, where we all belong.
From mathematics, to history's grand sweep,
The seeds of greatness, in our young minds sleep.
So lean in close, absorb each whispered word,
Let every concept, truly be heard.

For good grades earned, are more than simple score,
They show the effort, that you've striven for.
A discipline built, a will to see it through,
The careful study, proving what you can do.
They open doors, to pathways yet unseen,
To higher learning, vibrant and serene.
A university's halls, a scholar's keen pursuit,
Bearing the promise, of bountiful, learned fruit.
So shun distraction, focus on the task,
Good grades in hand, behind no learned mask.

Turn Your Life Around

 

 "Turn Your Life Around" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Turn Your Life Around

 

 From shadows deep where darkness thrives,
A plea resounds, for changing lives.
To you who walk in paths astray,
Who sow the seeds of disarray,
Whose hands are stained, whose hearts are cold,
A different story can unfold.
The path you tread, it leads to pain,
A bitter harvest, naught to gain
But isolation, fear, and dread,
A life unfulfilled, a spirit dead.

Behold the tears your actions sow,
The innocent who suffer woe.
The broken trust, the shattered peace,
The fear that knows no sweet release.
Is this the legacy you crave?
A name remembered for the grave
Of decency, of hope, of light?
To dwell forever in the night?

But hear, a whisper, soft and clear,
A chance awaits, dispel all fear.
A dawn can break, a sun can rise,
Reflected in awakened eyes.
Turn your life around, the moment's now,
Before the final, solemn bow.
Cast off the chains of vice and greed,
Plant different, purer, noble seed.