Suriname's Recent Presidential Victory! BLUEPRINT for Women's Role in the Caribbean

 Caribbean Women in Leadership

 

 

 

𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖'𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕍𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪!

𝔹𝕃𝕌𝔼ℙℝ𝕀ℕ𝕋 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕎𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟’𝕤 ℝ𝕠𝕝𝕖 𝕀𝕟 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕟

(𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑛)

 

By Winston D. Munnings/ChatGPT & A. Derek Catalano/ChatGPT

 

The glass ceiling on gender equality, especially in women's leadership within Caribbean governments, was first broken in 1980 when Dame Mary Eugenia Charles from Dominica made history as the region's first female prime minister. Her term from 1980 to 1985 was a major milestone, not only as the first woman to reach such a high political position in the Caribbean but also as the first female lawyer in Dominica. This historic election marked a significant turning point in Caribbean politics, symbolizing a major victory for women in the region and opening the door for future female leaders to follow her example.

 

Throughout her distinguished political career, Dame Mary Charles advocated for a wide range of social and economic reforms, showing the transformative power of women's leadership in government. Her influential leadership style and steadfast dedication to public service inspired many people in Dominica and across the Caribbean, encouraging women to pursue roles in politics and public service that had previously been out of reach.

All Is Not Gold

"Fake Golden Egg" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 All Is Not Gold

In halls of polished marble, bright and grand,
A golden promise gleams across the land.
The venture, fresh with hope and youthful fire,
Ignites a nation's soul, a shared desire.
The charts ascend, a steady, upward climb,
Forecasting fortunes, conquering all time.
The prospect smiles, its teeth of solid gold,
A story of prosperity, to be told.

But look beneath the shimmer, soft and low,
Where hidden currents of dissent may flow.
The soil is thin, the roots can find no hold,
The gilded surface hides a story old.
A market flooded, where the margins shrink,
A whispered rumor on the crumbling brink.
The hurried launch, the lack of studied grace,
A foundation built on time's relentless chase.

A country looks toward a future new,
An industry of silver, bright and true.
They pour the coin, they build the towering stacks,
Ignoring warnings, turning their straight backs.
The global currents shift, the tide recedes,
The vibrant market withers, choked with weeds.
The product, once desired, now sits in stone,
A monument to what they should have known.
The local lifeblood drains, the well runs dry,
A bitter silence answers every cry.

Moon Over Bay - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Moon Over Bay" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Moon Over Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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The Perilous Bloom: Security Dangers and Safety Concerns in Legal Medical Marijuana Cultivation

 

 "Paradise Medicinals" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Perilous Bloom: Security Dangers and Safety Concerns in Legal Medical Marijuana Cultivation

 

The burgeoning industry of legal medical marijuana cultivation, while offering significant therapeutic potential and economic opportunities, is not without its inherent risks. Beyond the green shoots of progress lie a complex web of security dangers and safety concerns that demand rigorous attention. From the threat of illicit diversion and the physical vulnerabilities of cultivation sites to the insidious dangers of contaminants and the environmental footprint of large-scale operations, a comprehensive understanding of these challenges is paramount to ensuring public health, worker safety, and community well-being.

Pool Deck - PC Desktop Wallpapers

 

"Pool Deck" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Pool Deck" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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I Don't Like Rum - Update

I wrote this song 20 years ago. Then I created some music for it. It was originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a WAV file which was needed for my video editor. It's done in the Rake 'n' Scrape style of The Bahamas. Enjoy.

 

 

I Don't Like Rum

Rake 'n' Scrape song

(chorus)

I don't like rum, but rum like me,
It stick on me like a dog wit’ a flea
Listen to me people, now can’t you see
I don't like rum, but boy rum like me

 

I bin drinkin' rum for a long, long time

I drink so much rum, ya know it mus' be a crime

I was da smartest man in da whole country

Now I can' t'ink straight because, rum like me

Before I go to sleep, I take two shot or t’ree
I drink it erry mornin’ for my cup a tea
I use to work so hard, makin’ plenty money
Nah I can’ keep a job because, rum like me

 

(chorus)
 

I hang out by da bar, scrappin’ all day long
Hustlin' rum money, for a drink real strong
When people look at me, dey don't like
what dey see
I say I look like dis because, rum like me

I see my bar room  friend, wit a bottle a rum
He walk right up to me, an’ say if I wan’ some
I cross my heart and tell him very honestly
I don’t like rum, but boy rum like me

 

(chorus)

Staggerin’ dan da road, ya know I don't live far
I fall down twice, an’ mos’ get lick wit’ car
Da driver put on brakes, an’ man I had ta flee
He say I don't like my life, but boy rum like me

 

I back home nah, an’ I take a seat
I look at da grits, but I een wan’ eat
I wish I had a woman, who I could marry
But I can’ like no woman, only rum like me

 

(chorus)

I try ta go ta sleep, but it so scary
I seein' little creatures, ‘cause I gat DTs
Thru da winda booga-man, under ‘neat’ one tree
Dis is how I live because, rum like me

 
Again dis mornin’, I say Lord no more
Den I drink my rum tea, an’ I hit da door
No care in da worl’, no responsibility
But I een really free because, rum like me

 

(chorus)

Rum is very dangerous, in are country
We need ta ban da rum, it killin’ all a we
But da leaders and da people, jess can’ agree
‘Cause rum like dem, jess how rum like me

(chorus)

derek catalano (c)2005. (No AI)

 

View my Native StewYoutube Channel

 

 

Related article: Alcohol Abuse in The Bahamas

Related news story: The Bahamas Has an Alcohol Problem

Related article: Alcohol Use and Its Connection to Violence and Homicide

Related article: Alcohol and Its Association with Promiscuity and Hypersexuality

Related article: Alcohol, Drugs, and Their Association with Mental Illness and Crime

Related song: I Don't Like Rum

Related article: Drunk in Public - Bahamas Penal Code

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

Related article: Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Assessing the Risks

 

 "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.

Sea Garden - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Be Careful What You Feed Your Mind: The Impact of Media on Behavior and Well-Being

 

 "Data Feed Input" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Be Careful What You Feed Your Mind: The Impact of Media on Behavior and Well-Being

In today's hyperconnected world, the barrage of information that comes our way daily can feel overwhelming. Whether we are scrolling through social media, watching a TV show, listening to a podcast, or reading a news article, the content we consume shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors in ways we might not fully recognize. This essay explores the idea that we must be careful and mindful about what we feed our minds, examining how different forms of media—whether they be the books we read, the shows we watch, or the music we listen to—can have profound effects on our mental and emotional well-being. It also delves into the positive and negative impacts of media consumption, highlighting the need for intentionality and critical thinking in choosing the content we engage with.

Tropichenge

 

"Tropichenge" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.

SunSplash Rooster

 

"SunSplash Rooster" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Haunted Places and Structures in The Bahamas: An In-Depth Exploration

 

 "Blackbeard's Ghost" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Haunted Places and Structures in The Bahamas: An In-Depth Exploration

The Bahamas, a sun-soaked paradise with crystal-clear waters and an idyllic blend of island cultures, holds much more than its serene beauty and lively tourism. Beneath the tranquil surface lies a collection of mysterious, ghostly landmarks, steeped in centuries of history and legend. While many visitors come to the islands to bask in the tropical climate, few are aware of the darker side—haunted locations with stories of spectral encounters, eerie apparitions, and unsettling histories. From the pirate-infested waters to colonial fortresses, the Bahamas has long been a place where the past lingers in the present, haunting both locals and tourists alike.

This essay will explore several of the most haunted places and structures in the Bahamas. These sites, including the infamous Blackbeard’s Ghost, the eerie Eleuthera Point Lighthouse, the chilling Haunted House of Harbour Island, the desolate Great Isaac Lighthouse, the foreboding Fort Charlotte, the ghost-filled Graycliff Hotel, the mysterious Old Fort Nassau, and the ghostly Stirrup Cay Lighthouse, represent a fascinating blend of folklore, historical tragedy, and lingering spectral forces that continue to captivate the imagination of all who venture to these islands.

Jumpin' Gaulin

 

"Jumpin' Gaulin" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall

 

 "Contemplate" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall

A hush descends, a sudden, somber sky,
The sun recedes, and shadows start to lie
Across the paths where once the light did gleam,
And life unfolds beyond a joyful dream.
For in this journey, grand and often sweet,
There come the moments, bitter and complete,
When storm clouds gather, heavy, dark, and low,
And into each life, some rain must surely flow.

We build our castles, brick by hopeful brick,
With aspirations, vibrant, strong, and quick,
We chase the sun, believing all is bright,
Unknowing of the coming, starless night.
Then cracks appear, where solid walls once stood,
A whispered rumor, misunderstood,
A sudden illness, or a love grown cold,
A story changing, bravely to be told.

The winds of sorrow, howling, fierce, and keen,
Can strip the branches, leaving stark the scene.
The drops of anguish, falling, slow, and deep,
Can fill the hollows where our memories sleep.
The weight of burdens, pressing on the soul,
Can test our spirit, taking its slow toll.
We stumble, falter, sometimes lose our way,
And long for comfort, through the darkest day.

Tropic Sunset Harbor - PC Desktop Wallpapers

 

"Tropic Sunset Harbor" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Tropic Sunset Harbor" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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 "Tropic Sunset Harbor" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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At the Well

 

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

 ©A. Derek Catalano

2nd Annual Lobster Head Fest, Harbour Is.

 

2nd Annual Lobster Head Fest, Harbour Is.

Consequences of a REFERENDUM on CARICOM Membership

 

 

ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 ℝ𝔼𝔽𝔼ℝ𝔼ℕ𝔻𝕌𝕄

𝕆𝕟 ℂ𝔸ℝ𝕀ℂ𝕆𝕄 𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡.

 

By ©Winston Drexel Munnings /ChatGPT

& ©A. Derek Catalano/ChatGPT - NativeStew.Com

Question!

 

As a citizen of any of the 15-member Nations that are part of the Caribbean Community CARICOM, have you EVER (seriously) reflected on the potential advantages and/or disadvantages of full membership of your Island Nation in this regional organization?

 

I believe this introspection is essential, though the wider public rarely discusses it. Full disclosure, however, is that (understandably) the decision for countries to join CARICOM mainly depends on government choices, influenced by a complex mix of legal systems, economic policies, and diplomatic strategies, rather than being decided by public votes or referendums.

 

I can recall, however, that when my country, The Bahamas, officially became a member of CARICOM on July 4, 1983, there was a conspicuous absence of any demands for a public referendum from either the ruling government or any of the opposition elements. Such a referendum, if it were held, could have facilitated direct citizen engagement in this significant decision-making process. Nevertheless, I firmly believe (and accept) that the government of that time conducted comprehensive due diligence, engaging in in-depth discussions and consultations, whether independently or in collaboration with opposition factions. This diligent process ultimately paved the way for The Bahamas' membership in CARICOM, underscoring the essential nature of regional cooperation and integration for our nation’s development and economic advancement.

Caribbean Kids - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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"Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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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.”

 

 "Proper Regular Maintenance" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Indispensable Role of Regular Maintenance

Maintenance, in its broadest sense, refers to the processes and procedures involved in keeping a product, asset, or system in a specified state of repair or efficiency. It encompasses a range of activities, from routine inspections and minor adjustments to significant repairs and replacements, all aimed at preserving functionality, extending lifespan, and ensuring safety. While often overlooked or postponed, regular and proper maintenance is not merely a reactive measure but a proactive strategy that underpins the longevity, efficiency, and safety of everything from our homes and vehicles to the critical infrastructure that supports entire nations.

When Death Comes Knocking

 

 "Knock, knock. It's me." - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 When Death Comes Knocking

When Death comes knocking, a whisper in the night,
No one knows the hour, nor the fading of the light.
No calendared appointment, no forecast in the air,
Just a sudden, silent presence, a chilling, cold despair.
It may be in the dawn, with the dew still on the rose,
Or in the fading twilight, as the tired day does close.
Perhaps a gentle stirring, a breath held for too long,
Or a thunderous crescendo, where everything goes wrong.

Will you be ready, for that inevitable call?
Have you lived with purpose, given your heart and all?
Did you speak the words unsaid, embrace the ones you knew?
Forgive the hurts inflicted, and see your journey through?
Will your spirit find its solace, your conscience be at peace?
Or will a lifetime's regrets, refuse their grim release?
For readiness isn't riches, nor power, nor grand fame,
But a soul aligned with truth, an unextinguished flame.

Will you be prepared, for the journey to the vast unknown?
Have you shed the earthly shackles, the seeds of greed have sown?
Are your affairs in order, your worldly tasks complete?
Or will a tangled legacy, leave bitter, tangled feet?
Preparedness is not panic, nor frantic, hurried plea,
But a calm acceptance of what is, and what will surely be.
It's untying every tether, that binds you to this sphere,
And facing the great silence, without a shadow of fear.

Caribbean Cuties

 

"Caribbean Cuties" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Seagull, Fly Free

 

 "Seagull, Fly Free" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Seagull, Fly Free

 

 Seagull, fly free, fly high in the sky, over the sea,
Where the ocean's vast canvas meets eternity.
With wings of pure white, against the aquamarine so deep,
A silent observer while the world is asleep.

From the cliffs, a grand launch, a leap into air,
No tether, no burden, no earthly despair.
You dance on the currents, a master of breeze,
Weaving through sunbeams, above the green trees.
Your keen eye surveys the tumultuous foam,
A glimmering fish, a true taste of home.
Then a swift, graceful dive, a splash and a dart,
Nature's own hunter, a work of fine art.

You soar past the yachts, with their sails crisp and white,
Past the fishing boats, bathed in morning's first light.
A sentinel present, on buoy and on mast,
Watching the tides, as they ebb and flow fast.
Your call, a wild echo, a cry sharp and clear,
Carried on whispers, for all souls to hear.
A voice of the wild, untamed and so grand,
A symbol of freedom, across sea and land.

Aztec Sage

 

"Aztec Sage" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Science" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Science Is Everywhere

Science is not a distant concept locked away in laboratories or confined to textbooks. It’s not just what scientists do—it’s what the world runs on. Science is everywhere, in everything we touch, use, build, and depend on. From the cars we drive to the smartphones in our hands, from the clothes we wear to the appliances in our homes, science shapes the modern world. It powers innovation, solves problems, and pushes humanity forward. Ignoring science is like ignoring oxygen: you don’t have to see it to be completely dependent on it.

Butterfly Meadow - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Butterfly Meadow" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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King Moctezuma - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"King Moctezuma" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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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.

Seaside Ferris Wheel - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Seaside Ferris Wheel" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Seaside Ferris Wheel" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Mental and Physical Self-Healing Through the Power of Prayer and Meditation

 

 "Mystic Power" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Mental and Physical Self-Healing Through the Power of Prayer and Meditation

In an increasingly fast-paced and often stressful world, the pursuit of holistic well-being has led many to explore ancient practices that promise not just temporary relief, but profound self-healing. Among these, prayer and meditation stand out as powerful modalities, offering a pathway to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and even physical restoration. This essay will delve into the intricate ways in which these spiritual and contemplative practices can facilitate self-healing, emphasizing their impact on the intricate mind-body connection and the potential for a more harmonious existence.

Tropic Nebula - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Tropic Nebula" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Tropic Nebula" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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 "Tropic Nebula" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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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.

Neon Sea Garden - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 

"Neon Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Neon Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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 "Neon Sea Garden" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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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.

 

 "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.

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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Consumption of Alcohol and Broadcasting

 

 "Alcohol and Broadcasting" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Consumption of Alcohol and Broadcasting

 

In the Bahamas, as in many jurisdictions, broadcasting rules generally prohibit the on-air consumption of alcohol, especially in commercial advertisements or programming. This is often part of broader regulations designed to promote responsible alcohol consumption and prevent the normalization of excessive drinking. 

Self-Regulation and Industry Codes:

While there may not be specific laws prohibiting drinking on camera, broadcasters often adhere to industry codes and voluntary agreements that discourage or prohibit the visual display of alcohol consumption, particularly in advertising. This is a form of self-regulation designed to mitigate potential negative impacts of such depictions. 

Social Responsibility:

Broadcasting standards often emphasize social responsibility, which includes avoiding the portrayal of alcohol consumption in a way that could be seen as encouraging irresponsible or excessive drinking.

Examples of Restrictions:

Common restrictions include prohibiting the visual depiction of drinking alcohol, especially in contexts that could be seen as dangerous or encouraging irresponsible behavior. This can include limiting the portrayal of drinking in conjunction with potentially dangerous activities or in settings that could encourage excessive consumption.

Impact on Advertising:

These rules significantly impact how alcohol brands advertise on television and other broadcast media. Advertisers often find creative ways to avoid directly showing alcohol consumption while still promoting their products.

 

 

 

©A. Derek Catalano/Gemini

 

Related article: Alcohol Abuse in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Report

Have Balance in Life

 

 "Balance" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Have Balance in Life

The world spins fast, a dizzying, hurried pace,
With myriad demands, we strive to find our place.
A constant tug-of-war, a relentless, pressing plea,
To conquer every task, to simply just agree.
We chase the fleeting moments, with fervor and with might,
Burning candles at both ends, from dawn until the night.
The scales of life tip wildly, precariously they lean,
As we neglect ourselves, a silent, unseen scene.

Without balance, a tempest rages in the soul,
A whirlwind of exhaustion, losing all control.
The body aches with weariness, the mind a hazy fog,
Creativity stifled, like a journal with no log.
Relationships fray and falter, neglected, left behind,
As ambition’s fierce embrace leaves little peace to find.
The laughter dims to whispers, the joy begins to fade,
A life unmoored, adrift, a solitary parade.
Stress, a constant shadow, whispers doubts and fears,
Eroding inner peace, through unacknowledged tears.
The spirit feels diminished, the light within grows dim,
Lost in endless striving, on life’s relentless whim.

But hark, a gentle whisper, a truth profoundly deep,
A different path emerges, secrets it does keep.
To balance is to flourish, to find a steady ground,
Where work and rest commingle, and harmony is found.
It’s knowing when to labor, with purpose strong and clear,
And when to pause and nurture, banishing all fear.
To cultivate the garden of the mind, and heart, and soul,
Making health a priority, reaching for what makes us whole.
With balance, clarity blossoms, thoughts begin to align,
Decisions flow with wisdom, a truly grand design.
Energy then surges, a wellspring deep and vast,
Ready for each challenge, a future built to last.