Monday, June 3, 2024

Rise of the Insects

 
Junkanoo float with colorful scorpion, wasp and centipede.

"Rise of the Insects" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo float with colorful spider and flowers.

"Rise of the Insects" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Harbour Is. - Home of the Rich and Famous

Pink Sand Beach

 "Pink Sand Beach" - ©A. Derek Catalano
Download full size
 
 
Harbour Is. - Home of the Rich and Famous

Harbour Island in the Bahamas has long been a magnet for the rich and famous. Here are several reasons why this small, picturesque island draws such a high-profile crowd:

1. Stunning Natural Beauty

Pink Sand Beaches: The island is renowned for its three-mile-long pink sand beach, which is both unique and breathtaking. The pink hue comes from tiny coral insects known as Foraminifera.

Turquoise Waters: The clear, warm waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Friday, May 31, 2024

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Revitalizing the Economy of Grand Bahama

 
Tropic island with yachts, jets, hotels.

 "Island Economic Growth" - Bahamas AI art
  ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Revitalizing the Economy of Grand Bahama
 
Revitalizing the economy of Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, requires a multifaceted approach that leverages the island's unique assets and addresses its current challenges. Here are some ideas and projects that could contribute to economic revitalization:

Junkanoo Unicorn Surrey

 
Junkanoo Unicorn Surrey

"Junkanoo Unicorn Surrey" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Dreadlock Holiday

 
Dreadlock couple in rainbow color convertible VW Bug on tropic island coast.

"Dreadlock Holiday" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Slavery Today

 
Human Trafficking

 "Human Trafficking" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Slavery Today
 
Slavery still exists in the world today, though it often takes different forms than traditional chattel slavery. Modern slavery includes practices such as human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondage, and child labor. According to estimates by organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Walk Free Foundation, tens of millions of people are currently living in conditions of modern slavery globally.

Junkanoo Flamingos

 
Junkanoo Flamingos float

"Junkanoo Flamingos" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Tropic Sun

 
Tropic Sunset over tropic sea with sailboat and seagulls flying.

"Tropic Sun" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

Monday, May 27, 2024

Bahamas Elections: Third Party Victory?

 
victory parade with happy people marching and leaders on van rooftop.

"Party Victory Parade" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Bahamas Elections: Third Party Victory?
 
The political landscape in The Bahamas has been historically dominated by two major parties: the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM). The chances of a third political party being victorious in the next general elections are influenced by several factors:

Mystic Night Sea

 
Mermaid sitting on rock at night with sun, moon and stars.

"Mystic Night Sea" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size

Junkanoo Lionfish Dancer

 
Junkanoo Lionfish Dancer

"Junkanoo Lionfish Dancer" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Viability of Light Manufacturing in The Bahamas

Workers in Smartphone Assembly warehouse factory.

"Smartphone Assembly" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


What is Light Manufacturing?

Light manufacturing refers to the production of small or light items, often involving a lower capital investment and less complex processes compared to heavy manufacturing. It typically includes the assembly or production of consumer goods and components that are not resource-intensive.
 
 
Light manufacturing is characterized by:

Less intensive use of raw materials and energy.

Lower levels of pollution and waste.

Smaller factories and production facilities.

Shorter production cycles and quicker turnaround times.

Production of goods with a higher value-to-weight ratio.

Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights

 
Bougainvillea on wall at Montagu Heights

"Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights" - ©A. Derek Catalano



"Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights - Video" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Urban Island Lizard

 
Urban Island Lizard on fence

"Urban Island Lizard - Crop" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Urban Island Lizard on fence

""Urban Island Lizard" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Friday, May 24, 2024

Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights

 
Bougainvillea on fence

"Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights" - ©A. Derek Catalano



"Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights - Video" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Sunshine On Me

Colorful happy face sun tin art on wall.

 "Sunshine On My Body" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
 
Colorful happy face sun tin art on wall.

"Sunshine On My Face" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

China’s Influence in The Caribbean: A Focus on The Bahamas

Dragon emblem over tropic Islands.

"Dragon Islands" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


China’s Influence in The Caribbean: A Focus on The Bahamas

Introduction

China's expanding influence in the Caribbean, and particularly in The Bahamas, has become a significant point of interest for geopolitical analysts and policy-makers. This report delves into the nature of China’s engagement in the region, examining the historical context, economic investments, strategic interests, and potential implications for both The Bahamas and the broader Caribbean, as well as for the United States.

Junkanoo Marine Life

 
Junkanoo Marine Life float in parade

"Junkanoo Marine Life" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo Marine Life float in parade

"Junkanoo Marine Life" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Tall Ship Splash Sky

 
Tall Ship on tropic sea with colorful watercolor splash sky and seagulls.

"Tall Ship Splash Sky" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Mortimer Candies

 
Mortimer Candies store

"Mortimer Candies" - ©A. Derek Catalano
View previous photo



"Mortimer Candies - Video" - ©A. Derek Catalano 


"A sweet Bahamian tradition since 1928." Local confectionery business. All treats made on site. Bahamian made mints, lollipops, peanut bars, candied pop-corn and much more. East St., Nassau, Bahamas.  Info.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Litter, Littering, and Illegal Dumping in The Bahamas: An In-Depth Analysis

 
People cleaning litter off beach

 "Beach Clean-Up" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Definitions: Litter, Littering and Illegal Dumping
 
Litter

Litter refers to waste materials that have been improperly disposed of in an open or public place, rather than being placed in designated trash receptacles. It typically includes items such as:

Paper (e.g., newspapers, flyers, packaging)
Plastic (e.g., bags, bottles, wrappers)
Glass (e.g., bottles, jars)
Metal (e.g., cans, foil)
Organic waste (e.g., food scraps, yard waste)

Litter can accumulate in various environments, including streets, parks, beaches, and waterways, leading to environmental degradation, visual pollution, and potential harm to wildlife.

Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights

 
Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights on front yard wall.

"Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights" - ©A. Derek Catalano


"Bougainvillea at Montagu Heights - Video" - ©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo Superheroes

 
Junkanoo Superheroes float

"Junkanoo Superheroes" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo Superheroes float

"Junkanoo Superheroes" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Tropic Moon Garden

 
Tropic Moon Garden

"Tropic Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
 
Tropic Moon Garden

"Tropic Moon Garden" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Wall Crab

 
olorful ceramic crab hanging on white wall.

"Wall Crab " - ©A. Derek Catalano

Monday, May 20, 2024

Report: The Alarming Rise of Mental Illness, Suicide, and Attempted Suicide in The Bahamas

 
woman with elbows on table holding gead in hands by candle light.

 "Troubled" - Bahamas AI art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Report: The Alarming Rise of Mental Illness, Suicide, and Attempted Suicide in The Bahamas
 
Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions—disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. These conditions can be occasional or long-lasting (chronic) and affect an individual's ability to function in daily life. Mental illnesses are typically characterized by significant changes in mood, thought processes, or behavior and are often associated with distress or impaired functioning in social, occupational, or other important activities.


Current Situation in The Bahamas

In recent years, The Bahamas has witnessed a troubling increase in mental health issues, suicide rates, and attempted suicides. This alarming trend has become a major public health concern, with significant implications for the well-being of individuals and communities.

Junkanoo Rooster

 
Junkanoo Rooster

"Junkanoo Rooster" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Junkanoo Rooster

"Junkanoo Rooster" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Sea Goddess

 
Sea Goddess

"Sea Goddess" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 
Sea Goddess

"Sea Goddess" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Bougainvillea at the Gate

 
pink Bougainvillea over white iron gate

"Bougainvillea at the Gate" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Download full size



"Bougainvillea at the Gate" - Video" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano
Download video

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Obeah in The Bahamas

Obeah altar with crucifix, skull, potions, Bible and bush.

"Obeah Altar" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano


Obeah

Obeah is a system of spiritual and healing practices rooted in African traditions, which emerged among enslaved populations in the Caribbean. It involves the use of rituals, charms, and supernatural elements for protection, healing, and sometimes harm.


Origins and Historical Context

Obeah originated from the African spiritual traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. These traditions were diverse, as the enslaved people came from various ethnic groups across West and Central Africa, each with its own spiritual practices. Upon arriving in the Caribbean, these practices syncretized with each other and, in some cases, with elements of European and Indigenous beliefs, giving rise to unique forms of spiritual expression, including Obeah.

Obeah became particularly prominent in Jamaica, Trinidad, and the Bahamas. It was both a form of resistance against the oppressive conditions of slavery and a means of maintaining cultural identity. Enslaved people used Obeah to empower themselves, seeking protection, healing, and sometimes retribution against oppressors.

Friday, May 17, 2024