Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Crossing Cultural Barriers: A Journey of Connection and Growth

People of different countries

 "One People" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Crossing Cultural Barriers: A Journey of Connection and Growth

In a world that is more interconnected than ever, the concept of culture is both a source of rich diversity and a potential point of friction. We are constantly exposed to different traditions, beliefs, and ways of life, whether through travel, media, or our own communities. This exposure brings with it the challenge and opportunity of crossing cultural barriers. But what does this really mean? How do we do it, and why should we even try? This blog post will take a deep dive into the profound journey of bridging cultural divides, exploring its meaning, methods, benefits, and ultimate significance.

Cat Nap

 
Cat sleeping on table

"Cat Nap" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Make It Happen

 
Man standing behind office desk.

 "Achieve" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

 Make It Happen


The world sits still, a waiting stage,
A book with an unwritten page.
The sun, though brilliant, will not bake
The bread that hungry hands must make.
The seed, though full of life and fire,
Will not grow tall to meet the sky,
Unless you break the hardened soil
And give it water, with your toil.
For dreams don’t fall like gentle rain,
To wash away a life of pain.
They do not sprout on silent air;
They wait for someone brave to care.

The mountain stands, a stony plea,
But won't surrender to a knee.
The summit’s height, a grand ideal,
Is only conquered when it’s real.
And real it is with every step,
The breathless climb, the will to keep
Your body moving, mind so keen,
Against the things you haven’t seen.
The path ahead is not laid out;
It's made by courage, without doubt.
You are the chisel, you the stone,
The architect who builds alone.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Vote for the CJ Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards 2025

 
Nassau Port Action

"Nassau Port Action" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Vote for the CJ Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards 2025

 
The CJ Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards celebrate the people and places that make The Bahamas such an amazing destination. But it's not just about hospitality — it's about sustainability. From hotels to sustainable islands to bars, you can choose the winners of this year's awards.
 

Sunset Beach - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 
Sunset over tropic beach with seagulls.

"Sunset Beach" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 2048x1168

Monday, August 18, 2025

Disturbed and Violent Children: Unraveling the Path to Psychopathy and the Urgency of Intervention

 
Close-up of face of angry child.

 
"Child Psychopath" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Disturbed and Violent Children: Unraveling the Path to Psychopathy and the Urgency of Intervention

The image of a violent criminal often conjures a fully-formed adult, but the roots of such dangerous behavior are almost always found in a troubled childhood. While it's crucial to understand that not all troubled children will become dangerous criminals, a small but significant number display early warning signs of a deeply disturbed psychological state that, if left unaddressed, can pave the way to a life of crime and profound harm to others. This blog post delves into the complex world of these children, exploring the origins of their violent tendencies, the urgent need for psychiatric help, and the devastating trajectory they can follow toward becoming psychopathic criminals.

The Nature and Meaning of Dreams

 
Man in hammock dreaming by the sea.

 "The Dreamer" - Bahamas AI Art
©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

The Nature and Meaning of Dreams


For centuries, dreams have captivated and puzzled humanity. From ancient civilizations seeking divine prophecy in their slumber to modern scientists peering into the sleeping brain, the phenomenon of dreaming remains one of the most mysterious aspects of human consciousness. At the heart of this enduring fascination are two fundamental questions: What exactly are dreams, and do they hold any genuine meaning? While there is no single, universally accepted answer, a comprehensive look at the neurobiological, psychological, and cognitive perspectives reveals that dreams are a complex byproduct of a highly active sleeping brain, and their "meaning" is a deeply personal and functional one, rather than a prophetic or symbolic code to be deciphered.

Tropic Vacation - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 
Tropic beach with flowers and seagulls.

"Tropic Vacation" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 2048x1168

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Tings Turn ‘Roun’

 
Man with confused face.

 "All Mix Up" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Tings Turn ‘Roun’

 
These days I notice
Tings turn ‘roun’
Like down is up
And up is down

Bad is good
And good is bad
Yes, believe me
It is very sad

Tings switch up
I must confess
Yes is no
And no is Yes

Now when I drive
I get so scared
‘Cause red is green
An’ green is red

Vibrant Sea Garden

 
Vibrant Sea Garden

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

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Royal Victoria Hotel: Pioneer of Health Tourism in the Bahamas

 
Royal Victoria Hotel newspaper ad.

A newspaper advertisement for the Royal Victoria Hotel, circa 1875.

 

The Royal Victoria Hotel: Pioneer of Health Tourism in the Bahamas

The Royal Victoria Hotel, a historic landmark in the heart of Nassau which opened in 1861, stands as a testament to the transformative power of tourism in The Bahamas. While now a relic of a bygone era, its role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was pivotal, as it was strategically promoted not merely as a luxury destination but as a premier health resort. This extensive campaign, driven by prevailing medical philosophies and an understanding of the burgeoning leisure class, laid the groundwork for the modern tourism industry, even as the specific focus on health eventually gave way to recreational pursuits. The story of the Royal Victoria Hotel is therefore a microcosm of the evolution of Bahamian tourism, demonstrating its origins in a niche, therapeutic market.

Deep Regret

 
Man walking away from drying woman.

 "Through the Heart" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 

Deep Regret

 
The words spilled out, a bitter, careless stream,
A poison from a long-forgotten dream.
I didn't think, I didn't stop to weigh
The crushing force of what I had to say.
A moment's heat, a foolish, childish rage,
That now unfolds on memory's stark stage.
I see the sting, the flinch, the wounded look,
The precious trust that broke just like a book
Slammed shut and lost forever in the dust,
Replaced by hurt, and bitterness, and distrust.

I carry now the echoes of that sound,
A ghost of pain on sacred, hallowed ground.
For in my haste, I failed to recognize
The silent grief behind your tear-filled eyes.
I was a fool, so young and full of pride,
With every flaw I desperately would hide.
But hindsight's cruel, it doesn't spare the soul,
It shows the cracks that made me less than whole.
It carves the scar, a reminder of the deed,
A tangled, twisting, self-planted, thorny weed.

Moonlight Serenity - PC Desktop Wallpaper

 
Moon over bay with homes.

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


Moon over bay with homes.

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Neo-colonialism, Neoliberalism, and Post-Democracy: A Caribbean Perspective

 
Islanders topple Columbus statue in town square.

"The Toppling" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Neo-colonialism, Neoliberalism, and Post-Democracy: A Caribbean Perspective


The complex interplay of neo-colonialism, neoliberalism, and post-democracy has profoundly shaped the political, economic, and social landscapes of developing island nations, particularly within the Caribbean Commonwealth. While these concepts are distinct, they often function in a mutually reinforcing manner, perpetuating a cycle of dependency, inequality, and diminished sovereign power. This essay will provide a comprehensive and extensive analysis of these ideologies, focusing on their historical roots, key tenets, and specific manifestations within the context of the Caribbean Commonwealth, with an emphasis on the challenges they pose to genuine development and self-determination.

The Sea Princess

 
Mermaid princess swimming under the sea.

"The Sea Princess" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 The Sea Princess

Deep in the heart of the Bahama Sea,
Where coral gardens bloom so free,
And sun-dappled waters gently gleam,
Lived Princess Delina, a mermaid's dream.

Her skin, the color of a moonless night,
A perfect canvas, a wondrous sight.
Her hair, a cascade of midnight curls,
Adorned with pearls and ocean swirls.

Her tail, a shimmering, opalescent hue,
A spectrum of blues, from cobalt to cerulean blue.
With every flick, a sparkling dance,
A flash of beauty, a captivating glance.

Sea Garden Surprise

 
mermaid by sea garden under tropic sea.

"Sea Garden Surprise" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size - 1472x832
 
View all mermaid images 

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

New Song: NRBARZ - "DA RUSH" (Official Music Video)

 

 
 
 NRBARZ - "DA RUSH" (Official Music Video)

The Resilient Echo: A Comprehensive Study of the Steel Pan

 
Teen girl playing steel pan drums.

"Steel Pan Player" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 

The Resilient Echo: A Comprehensive Study of the Steel Pan

The steel pan, a remarkable musical instrument born from the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, is more than just a drum—it is a symbol of a nation's spirit. From its humble and rebellious beginnings to its current status as a sophisticated, fully chromatic orchestral instrument, the steel pan has captivated audiences worldwide with its distinctive, resonant timbre. This essay will explore the rich history of the steel pan, detail the intricate process of its creation and tuning, examine its role in competitions, trace its introduction and popularity in The Bahamas, identify key figures in its development, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for its preservation in the modern era.

Moonlight Bay

 
Moonlight Bay

"Moonlight Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 1472x832
 
 
Moonlight Bay

 "Moonlight Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 1472x832

Sunday, August 10, 2025

A Celebration of Freedom: The History and Tradition of Fox Hill Day

 
Fox Hill Day composit image, breaking chains, junkanoo and church.

"Fox Hill Day" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

A Celebration of Freedom: The History and Tradition of Fox Hill Day


Fox Hill Day, an annual festival observed in the community of Fox Hill, Nassau, stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the legacy of emancipation in The Bahamas. While the nation as a whole celebrates Emancipation Day on the first Monday of August, the Fox Hill community dedicates a specific, separate day—the second Tuesday of August—to honor the freedom of their ancestors. This unique observance is not merely a celebration but a living historical ritual, rich with tradition, cultural expression, and deep spiritual significance. It serves as a vital connection to the past, reminding a new generation of the struggles, resilience, and ultimate triumph of those who came before them.

Friday, August 8, 2025

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

Women in conference meeting

 Caribbean Women in Leadership
 
 
 

𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖'𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕍𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪!

𝔹𝕃𝕌𝔼ℙℝ𝕀ℕ𝕋 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕎𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕤 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.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

All Is Not Gold


Fake Golden Egg with rust inside.

"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

"Moon Over Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5120x2880


Moon Over Bay

"Moon Over Bay" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5120x2880

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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

 
Medicinal Marijuana Farm

 "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 overlooking tropi sea.

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


Pool Deck overlooking tropi sea.

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

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

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)
 
 
 
Related song: I Don't Like Rum

Friday, August 1, 2025

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

 
arms breaking chains

 "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

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

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

Thursday, July 31, 2025

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

 
Digital head with brain and impulses.

 "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

 
Tropic stonehenge with flowers

"Tropichenge" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Visit my Tropic Gallery 

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Keep Love Alive

 
Couple looking lovingly at each other.

"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

"SunSplash Rooster" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Visit my Tropic Gallery

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

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

 
Blackbeard's Ghost rising over cemetery with full moon.

 "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 bird on beach at sunset.

"Jumpin' Gaulin" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
Download full size: 1024x1024 
 

Monday, July 28, 2025

Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall

 
Woman sitting on shore rocks.

 "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 with sailboat

"Tropic Sunset Harbor" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072


Tropic Sunset Harbor with sailboat

"Tropic Sunset Harbor" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072
 
 
Tropic Sunset Harbor with sailboat

 "Tropic Sunset Harbor" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5376x3072

Sunday, July 27, 2025

At the Well

 

My son Christopher and grandson Caleb at the well washing cherries.
 ©A. Derek Catalano

2nd Annual Lobster Head Fest, Harbour Is.

 

Lobster Head Fest poster

2nd Annual Lobster Head Fest, Harbour Is.

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Consequences of a REFERENDUM on CARICOM Membership

 

CARICOM logo

 

ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 ℝ𝔼𝔽𝔼ℝ𝔼ℕ𝔻𝕌𝕄

𝕆𝕟 ℂ𝔸ℝ𝕀ℂ𝕆𝕄 𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡.

 
& ©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

 
Boy and girl on beach.

"Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5120x2880
 
 
Boy and girl on beach.

 "Caribbean Kids" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 5120x2880
 
 
Boy and girl on beach.

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