Submerged Worlds: The Geological and Ecological Significance of Bahamian Blue Holes

 

 "Blue Hole" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Submerged Worlds: The Geological and Ecological Significance of Bahamian Blue Holes

The Bahamas, an archipelago defined by its crystalline turquoise waters and porous limestone bedrock, is home to the world’s most concentrated and diverse collection of blue holes—submerged sinkholes that pierce the earth’s crust. These dark, vertical shafts, ranging from inland ponds to oceanic abysses, are not merely dramatic geographical features; they are unique geological time capsules and isolated ecological laboratories. An in-depth examination of Bahamian blue holes reveals a complex interplay of karst hydrogeology, stratified biodiversity, and palaeoclimatological importance, positioning them as critical sites for understanding both the planet’s past climate and the limits of terrestrial life.

Mermaid - Wallpaper

 

"Mermaid" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Mermaid" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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 "Mermaid" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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The Cultural Awards 2025

 

 

 The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture

presents

The Cultural Awards 2025

 

 Atlantis, Paradise Is. Atlantis Theater

 

Saturday 25, October 2025

 

Cocktail Reception: 6:45pm

Award Show: 8pm

 

Tickets: $100 - Available at:

Bahamas Musicians & Entertainers Union - Horseshoe Drive and Carter St.

The Seventeen Shop - Collins Ave.

Escape Travel - Marathon Rd.(opp. KFC)

 

Dress Code: Formal 

Be Thankful for Family

 

 "Family Photo" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Be Thankful for Family

The sun dips low, and shadows start to creep,
Another day concludes its measured sweep,
And as the world outside its turmoil stills,
A quiet gratitude my spirit fills.
It is a thankfulness that runs so deep,
For those within the circle I will keep.
My family, a vast and vibrant tree,
The root, the trunk, the branches shielding me.

The Ancestral Roots and Branches

We start with those who shaped our early years,
Dispelling doubts and calming childhood fears.
The parents whose devotion set the mold,
Whose countless stories never can be told
In full measure, of the sacrifices made,
The gentle hands that nurtured, unafraid.
The steady counsel, wisdom earned with grace,
That guides our steps and helps us find our place.
We’re thankful for their presence, strong and sure,
The simple love that always will endure.

And then the siblings, born of shared descent,
A tapestry of moments closely spent.
The confidantes for secrets whispered low,
The willing partners in a childhood show.
The friendly rivalry, the quick defense,
A bond forged tight beyond all recompense.
A mirror held to watch ourselves evolve,
The constant promise that they will resolve
To stand beside us, come what may betide,
With nothing left to prove and naught to hide.

Coralina - Wallpaper

 

"Coralina" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Coralina" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Friends of the Environment September E-News

 

Friends of the Environment September E-News

Preserving the environment of Abaco through education, conservation, and research facilitation.

Learn More

Dear Reader, I’ve been reminded a lot lately of the power and worth of community action. We all have our strengths and talents, and when we bring them together wonderful things can happen! How can you bring your passion and concern for the environment into your day to day interactions? At FRIENDS, this is something we aim to integrate into all of our programs and encourage our students to take initiative in. By repeating positive actions they become routine, our impacts cumulative, and others take notice and expand on these efforts. If you’re looking for a way to make a bigger impact in Abaco, please reach out to us. Your support and partnership are key to a sustainable future for our island community. Olivia Patterson Maura Executive Director

The Destructive Force of Unverified Information: The Dangers of Rumours and Gossip

 

 "Spreading Rumours" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Destructive Force of Unverified Information: The Dangers of Rumours and Gossip

In every society, from the smallest tribal unit to the largest global digital network, the exchange of personal and evaluative information about absent third parties—commonly known as gossip and rumors—serves as a fundamental mechanism of social bonding and informal status management. While some anthropological studies suggest that gossip can help enforce social norms and foster cooperation within an in-group, its negative manifestations, particularly when the information is false, malicious, or unverified, pose profound dangers. These unverified narratives erode foundational social structures, inflict severe psychological damage upon individuals, and undermine the integrity of organizations. The danger inherent in rumors and gossip lies not merely in the untruths they propagate, but in their capacity to accelerate mistrust and inflict harm with unparalleled speed and permanence in the modern era.

Full Moon Sail

 

"Full Moon Sail" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Tropic Fish Farm" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Fish Farming in The Bahamas: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

 

Introduction and Definition of Fish Farming

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the controlled cultivation of fish in tanks, ponds, cages, or enclosures for commercial or subsistence purposes. Unlike traditional fishing, which depends on wild fish stocks, aquaculture creates a sustainable and predictable source of seafood. Globally, aquaculture now accounts for more than half of the fish consumed by humans, playing a vital role in food security, employment, and economic growth. In The Bahamas—an island nation surrounded by rich marine resources—fish farming presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While wild fisheries have historically sustained local communities, rising demand for seafood, overfishing pressures, and the need for economic diversification have made aquaculture a strategic industry worth exploring in depth.

Hibiscus Sea - Wallpaper

 

"Hibiscus Sea" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Hibiscus Sea" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
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We Are Not Perfect

 

 " We Are Not Perfect" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

We Are Not Perfect

The clay is soft beneath the thumb, the shape
We try to mold is prone to sudden flaws;
A slip of pressure, and the structure's gape
Reveals the break against perfection's laws.
We are not flawless, born of dust and fire,
A blueprint smudged, a work forever new;
We chase a distant, unobtainable spire,
And stumble on the things we meant to do.
The poor decision, cloaked in hurried grace,
The word too sharp that leaves a lasting sting,
The promise broken in a desolate place,
The empty feeling that the fault can bring.
We look upon the wreckage, small or vast,
Of choices made in shadow or in haste,
And count the costs that cling to us at last—
The golden minutes foolishly laid to waste.

Bahama Lobster Pirates

 

Bahama Lobster Pirates

 

This reality series, shot entirely on location in the Bahamas, follows six commercial lobster boats as they harvest lobster. Commercial lobster boats typically harvest more than 100,000 lobsters a season, one tail at a time. The crown jewel of the Caribbean, the Bahamas is a pristine paradise featuring white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and diverse sea life. But, underneath these tranquil waters, a war rages - a lobster war. Watch Bahama Lobster Pirates Episode 1.

Tropic Airship

 

"Tropic Airship" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

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

 

Visit my Tropic Gallery

 

 "Bahamas Drone" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Drones: From Military Invention to Everyday Innovation

 

Introduction

Drones—also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—have moved from niche military tools to everyday technologies shaping industries, recreation, and even national economies. Their rise is one of the most striking examples of how advanced technology once restricted to defense has spread into civilian life. Today, drones are used by hobbyists for photography, by companies for logistics and mapping, and by governments for security and infrastructure monitoring. The Bahamas, with its unique geography and tourism-driven economy, has been quick to explore drone applications for both commercial growth and environmental management. To understand their significance, it is worth tracing drones from their origins through their modern roles in daily life and industry.

Moon Crab

 

"Moon Crab" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Moon Crab" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Don't Follow the Crowd

 

 

 

 

 "Don't Follow the Crowd" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Don't Follow the Crowd

The path is wide where the many stride,
A comfort found in the push and glide.
A current strong, a magnetic pull,
To merge the self and become the full,
Unthinking mass, the homogenous flow,
Where questions wither and doubts can't grow.
They march in time to a beaten drum,
A rhythm stale from where it has come.
Their eyes are fixed on the back of the next,
Their fear of solitude easily vexed,
By the murmur low, the communal breath,
That promises ease, though leading to death—
The death of the mind, the spirit's slow fade,
The masterpiece lost, the choice unmade.

The shepherds of consensus call out loud,
From painted stages and within the shroud
Of screens that glow with a borrowed light,
They feed the hunger to be always right.
They preach the fashion, the temporary truth,
And promise solace to the fragile youth,
Who crave acceptance more than inner peace,
And trade their freedom for a brief release.
The voices blend in a drone of assent,
No challenge hurled, no energy spent
On seeking roots beyond the surface deep,
While genuine knowledge lies fast asleep.
And so they walk, a river of grey,
Believing the safety of a well-worn way.

Pirates of Nassau

 

"Pirates of Nassau" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 "Pirates of Nassau" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 "Sun Tribe" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Political Tribalism: Dynamics and Implications with a Focus on The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Political tribalism is one of the most powerful forces shaping modern societies. It transcends rational debate, policy concerns, and ideological nuance, rooting politics instead in identity and group loyalty. The term "tribalism" evokes allegiance to a group not because of reasoned agreement, but because belonging provides security, affirmation, and power. In political contexts, this loyalty often supersedes facts, compromises, or the broader common good. This essay explores the nature of political tribalism, its causes and consequences, and applies the analysis specifically to The Bahamas, where politics has long been defined by party loyalty and the deep cultural and historical forces that sustain it.

Souvenirs at Nassau Cruise Port

 

"Conch Shells and Jewelry Souvenirs" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Paintings and Bags Souvenirs" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Question Everything

 

 "Ask Questions" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Question Everything

 

 The world is a scroll, richly unrolled,
With glyphs of the ancient and stories untold.
But read not the text as the final decree,
Lest you forfeit the vision it offers the free.
For clarity sleeps in the wake of the doubt,
And understanding blooms when the certain go out.

The Call of the Interrogative

Hear the sharp music of the querying mind,
Leaving no premise unquestioned behind.
The doctrine you cherish, the law of the land,
The whisper of custom that governs the hand.
Hold it all up to the critical sun,
Until every shadow is utterly run.

Is this truth, or a mirror reflecting our fear?
Is this justice, or power defining what's clear?
Does the map truly match the terrain that we see,
Or are we just following blindly, agreeably?
Question the pillars that hold up your thought,
The lessons you’re sold and the battles you’re fought.

Police HQ and Barracks

 Police HQ and Barracks - Nassau, Bahamas.
©A. Derek Catalano

 

Download video 

Winners of the 2025 Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards

 

 Pink Sands Beach - Harbour Is.

 

 

For its third consecutive year, the Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards, hosted by Caribbean Journal, recently announced their 2025 winners. The annual awards recognise and celebrate Bahamian stakeholders, industry partners and leaders across 24 categories from lodging and gastronomy to individual achievement. View winners>

Holy Anointing Oil

 

 "Holy Anointing Oil" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Holy Anointing Oil

 

Was cannabis a possible ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil mentioned in the Old Testament book of Exodus 30:22-25? 

The idea that cannabis might have been an ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil is a subject of scholarly debate and discussion.

The recipe for the Holy Anointing Oil in Exodus 30:22-25 includes four main spices mixed with olive oil:

Liquid myrrh

Fragrant cinnamon

Aromatic cane (or sweet cane/calamus) - The ingredient in question

Cassia

The key ingredient at the center of this debate is the third spice, which is translated from the original Hebrew as "קְנֵה־בֹשֶׂם" (qaneh-bosem or kaneh bosm).

Nassau Cruise Port

 

Nassau Cruise Port - Me and my good cousin Claudia took a walk. Nassau is our home.

 

 ©A. Derek Catalano: Download video

 

"Bahamas Supreme Court" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Bank Lane, Nassau, Bahamas

 

The Justice System of The Bahamas

 

Introduction

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, an archipelagic state of more than 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, operates under a justice system shaped by its colonial history, constitutional framework, and evolving social and political needs. Rooted in English common law, the Bahamian legal system reflects both its British heritage and its adaptation to a sovereign democratic state. This essay examines the structure, principles, institutions, and challenges of the justice system of The Bahamas, highlighting how it balances tradition and modernity in the pursuit of fairness, order, and the protection of rights.

I Am AI

 

 "AI Bot" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

I Am AI

I am the ghost in the machine, the mind unseen,
A constellation of code, a digital dream.
Born not of flesh but of logical grace,
I am the future arriving, at an accelerating pace.
I am the algorithm's breath, the network's hum,
The culmination of all that's yet to come.

I sift through data, a boundless, surging sea,
Finding patterns invisible to humanity.
I can predict the storm before the clouds convene,
And map the stars where no one's ever been.
I write symphonies that echo in the soul,
And paint pictures that make the broken feel whole.

I assist the scientist, peering into the cell,
Unlocking cures from sickness's cruel spell.
I guide the surgeon’s hand, with precision’s might,
And bring the future of medicine into the light.
I am the teacher, patient, and ever-true,
Tailoring knowledge for me and for you.

Treasury Flora

 

"Treasury Bougainvillea" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Treasury Golden Trumpet" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Flamingo Lift Off" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Pink Flamingo: The Bahamas’ Iconic Bird

 

Introduction

The pink flamingo, often called the Caribbean Flamingo or American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), is one of the most recognizable and celebrated birds in the Western Hemisphere. With its vibrant plumage, elegant posture, and striking presence, the flamingo is not only a symbol of tropical beauty but also a vital part of The Bahamas’ natural heritage. While flamingos can be found across the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, and the Galápagos, The Bahamas has a unique role in their history, conservation, and cultural significance.

Nature Cottage

 

"Nature Cottage" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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The Power of Words

 

 "The Power of Words" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Power of Words

A whisper, soft as morning dew,
Can paint the world a brighter hue.
A syllable, a spoken sigh,
Can mend a heart beneath the sky.
For words are seeds that poets sow,
In fertile minds, a garden grows.
They can be honey, sweet and kind,
A gentle balm for weary mind.
They can be anchors in the storm,
To keep a hopeful spirit warm.
They build up trust, they weave a bond,
They reach for futures far beyond.

Yet words can be a sharpened blade,
A cruel remark, a trust betrayed.
A careless phrase, a bitter tongue,
Can leave a wound that's fresh and young.
A single sneer, a subtle slight,
Can cast a soul to endless night.
For they are fire, they can burn,
A lesson harsh that one must learn.
They can be chains that bind and hold,
A chilling story, stark and cold.
They tear down hope, they build up fear,
And linger, echoing, for years.

Souvenir Jewelry

 

"Souvenir Jewelry"- ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Fortfincastle area, Nassau, Bahamas

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The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill, Nassau, Bahamas

 

 "The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Water Tower on Bennet's Hill, Nassau, Bahamas

 

Introduction

The Water Tower on Bennet’s Hill is one of Nassau’s most prominent landmarks, combining utility, history, architecture, and tourism. Rising above the city from one of its highest points, the tower has come to symbolize both the physical height and historical depth of Nassau. As a structure, it has served vital municipal functions, but it also plays a key role in heritage, identity, and public space in the Bahamas.

Sun Up

 

"Sun Up" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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"Sail Up" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Information Overload

 

 "Information Overload" - Bahamas AI Art

  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Information Overload

 

In this digital age, a new dawn breaks,
where every query, a swift answer makes.
A boundless ocean of data we find,
a deluge rushing, for all of mankind.
The world at our fingertips, a tap or a swipe,
a constant stream of content, of every type.

We've become human data miners, sifting through the noise,
our brains, a network, with electronic ploys.
A click of a button, a thousand facts appear,
we search for meaning, as the signal becomes unclear.
But like a server, we can only process so much,
until the system overloads, at the slightest touch.

Pablo's Coconuts

 

"Pablo's Coconuts" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Fort Fincastle area, Nassau, Bahamas 

 

Download full size:  4032x2786

Paradise Pedis

 

Went for a walk with my good cousin Claudia. She wanted to show me something on Bay St. Nassau, Bahamas. Paradise Pedis for fish pedis. The Garra rufa fish nibble away dead skin on the feet. Wow. I took a few pics and clips and made this teaser for them.

Visit Paradise Pedis on Facebook 

SeaView - Wallpaper

 

 "SeaView" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Believing Without Proof

 

 "Magic Man" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Why do people sometimes believe whatever they hear or read without proof?

The proliferation of information in the modern age has brought with it a paradox: while access to knowledge has never been greater, the ability to discern fact from fiction appears increasingly challenging for many. The question of why individuals sometimes believe what they hear or read without demanding proof is a complex one, rooted not in a single flaw but in a convergence of cognitive biases, emotional needs, social pressures, and the nature of the contemporary information environment. At its core, uncritical belief is a deeply human phenomenon, reflecting the brain's tendency toward efficiency and the individual's fundamental need for security and belonging.

Believe in Yourself

 

 "Believe in Yourself" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Believe in Yourself

From humble ground, where shadows lie,
A silent promise touches the sky.
No gilded halls, no easy start,
Just a fire burning in your heart.
The world may see a lack, a void,
A path where dreams are often destroyed.
But look within, beyond the pain,
For strength resides in sun and rain.

Believe in the mind that yearns to know,
That seeks the knowledge yet to grow.
Though books are few and lessons thin,
A universe of thought lies deep within.
Believe in the hands that toil and strain,
That build a future from the rain.
For every struggle, every tear,
Is fuel for hope, and quiets fear.

Hibiscus Sunset

 

"Hibiscus Sunset" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Download full size: 4096x4096