Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Pinewood Gardens: A Waterlogged Nightmare and Potential Solutions
Pinewood Gardens: A Waterlogged Nightmare and Potential Solutions
Introduction: The Origins of Pinewood Gardens
Pinewood Gardens, located in New Providence, Bahamas, is a residential community established in 1972 by Pinewood Gardens Ltd. It was purchased in liquidation in 1983 by Arawak Homes Ltd. Initially, it was developed to provide affordable housing for Bahamians, targeting middle- and lower-income families looking to invest in homeownership. At the time of its development, New Providence was experiencing significant growth, and many Bahamians sought to own land amidst the island’s expanding suburban landscape. Pinewood Gardens appeared to be an ideal solution—an area that would allow families to settle into homes away from the increasingly crowded capital of Nassau.
However, the development of Pinewood Gardens was not without controversy. Questions arose over the suitability of the land for residential purposes. Over the years, this community has faced persistent and severe flooding problems, exacerbating concerns about the land's conditions and whether it was ever appropriate for residential development in the first place.
Sci-Fi Junkanoo Dancer
©A. Derek Catalano
Monday, September 9, 2024
Bahamian Hotel Ownership in The Bahamas
Bahamian Hotel Ownership in The Bahamas
Introduction
Tourism is the heartbeat of The Bahamas, serving as the foundation of its economy and offering a tropical paradise to millions of visitors annually. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and luxurious resorts, The Bahamas has long been a prime destination for global travelers. The hotel industry plays a pivotal role in supporting this influx, with hotels ranging from extravagant all-inclusive resorts to intimate boutique establishments.
However, while tourism thrives, there is an emerging need for more Bahamians to assume ownership roles within the hotel industry. The hospitality sector offers tremendous potential for economic empowerment, but many of the large hotels and resorts are foreign-owned. Encouraging and supporting more Bahamians to become hotel owners, especially on the Family Islands, is essential for fostering sustainable growth, ensuring that more profits remain within the country, and promoting authentic Bahamian experiences for visitors.
Journey To New Nassau
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Animal Extinction: Worldwide and The Bahamas
Animal Extinction: Worldwide and The Bahamas
Introduction
Animal extinction has become a growing global concern as species across the world face increasing threats from human activities and environmental changes. From habitat loss and overexploitation to climate change and pollution, many factors contribute to the decline of wildlife populations. In regions like The Bahamas, several unique species are on the brink of extinction, reflecting the broader global biodiversity crisis. However, efforts to combat extinction are gaining momentum, with local and international initiatives focused on protecting habitats, restoring ecosystems, and enforcing regulations to safeguard vulnerable species. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and solutions to the pressing issue of animal extinction, highlighting the importance of coordinated action for conservation and recovery.
Tropic Drone Fly-Over
Friday, September 6, 2024
The Last Stand of the Lucayan
The Last Stand of the Lucayan
Part 1: The Gathering Storm
The tropical sun hung low over the turquoise waters of the Lucayan archipelago, casting shimmering rays upon the white sandy shores. The island of Guanahani, home to the peaceful Lucayan people, basked in the warmth of the day, but a tense mood clung to the air. Whispers of war, of imminent invasion, had spread from village to village. Far to the south, the fierce Carib warriors, feared for their brutality and their practice of cannibalism, were stirring, ready to sail northward in their swift canoes.
Among the Lucayan people, no one was more respected than the warrior named Haobam. Tall, strong, and brave, Haobam was a leader among his people, known for his wisdom and unmatched skill in battle. His body, tanned from years of exposure to the sun, bore the scars of past battles, each mark a testament to his bravery. Despite the peace-loving nature of his people, Haobam had trained tirelessly with his warriors, knowing that the threat of the Carib was ever-present.
Sci-Fi Junkanoo Warrior
©A. Derek Catalano
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Age is Just a State of Mind
Age is Just a State of Mind
The years may come, the years may go,
But time’s a river with gentle flow.
It carries moments, sweet and kind,
Yet age is just a state of mind.
Wrinkles may trace upon the skin,
But youth still dances deep within.
In every laugh, in dreams we find,
That age is just a state of mind.
The silver hair, the slowing pace,
Can’t dim the light within your grace.
For wisdom blooms where hearts are kind,
And age remains a state of mind.
With every dawn, we rise anew,
The world is fresh in every hue.
Adventure calls, no ties to bind,
When age is just a state of mind.
Cliff Views
Sci-Fi Beach - PC Wallpaper
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Grammy Major, A Sweet Old Soul
Grammy Major, A Sweet Old Soul
My Grammy Major, a sweet old soul,
Gentle, loving, and a heart made of gold,
Yet she wouldn’t hesitate, to speak her mind,
To share her thoughts, so firm, yet kind.
Born in 1900, she saw times change,
From the simple ways to the modern range,
At sixteen, she left Roses, Long Island’s shore,
For Nassau’s streets, where she saw much more.
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Bush Medicine in The Bahamas
Bush Medicine in The Bahamas
Introduction
Bush medicine, also known as herbal medicine or traditional medicine, has been an integral part of life in The Bahamas for centuries. It involves the use of indigenous plants and herbs to treat various ailments, a practice rooted in the deep cultural and historical heritage of the Caribbean. The Bahamas, with its rich biodiversity, is home to a vast array of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes long before the advent of modern medicine. This report provides an in-depth exploration of bush medicine in The Bahamas, examining its cultural significance, historical origins, and some of the various plants used in this traditional healing practice. Additionally, it will compare bush medicine to modern medical practices, investigate the claims of its efficacy in treating serious illnesses like cancer, and underscore the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.
Cliffside Shores
©A. Derek Catalano
Santorini - PC Wallpaper
Monday, September 2, 2024
The Bahamian Rock Oven: A Culinary Tradition Rooted in History
The Bahamian Rock Oven: A Culinary Tradition Rooted in History
Introduction
The Caribbean and the Bahamas are regions rich in cultural heritage and culinary traditions, many of which are deeply intertwined with their histories. Among the most fascinating and lesser-known aspects of this culinary heritage is the Bahamian rock oven, a traditional method of baking that has been passed down through generations. These rock ovens, often simple in design but remarkable in function, reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who first settled in the islands. This article delves into the origins, construction, and uses of Bahamian rock ovens, explores how they are prepared and operated, and considers whether they still hold a place in Bahamian life today.
Vacation Memories - PC Wallpapers
Saturday, August 31, 2024
For the Love of Priscilla
For the Love of Priscilla
In the days of old, when the Caribbean Sea was a wild and untamed frontier, piracy reigned supreme. The aquamarine waters teemed with ships flying the Jolly Roger, captained by men who lived by the sword and the code of the outlaw. These pirates, driven by the lure of treasure and the promise of freedom, plundered merchant vessels and coastal towns with ruthless efficiency. They were masters of the seas, feared by those who crossed their paths and revered by those who shared their bloodthirst for adventure.
Pirate life was a mix of brutality and camaraderie, where loyalty to the crew was paramount, and the pursuit of riches justified any means necessary. Every day was a battle for survival, every night a celebration of the spoils of war. Islands across the Caribbean served as sanctuaries for these marauders, where they could rest, repair their ships, and indulge in the pleasures of rum, gambling, and women.
Among these sanctuaries was a small tropical isle nestled in the warm, crystal-clear waters of The Bahamas. This island, unnamed on any official maps but well-known among the pirate community, became a favored stop for two very different pirate captains—Captain Scarface Ramsey and Captain William Blake. Both men were legends in their own right, but their reputations could not have been more contrasting.