Don't Ruin Your Reputation

 

"Ruined Reputation" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

Don’t Ruin Your Reputation

In a world that’s woven of whispers and names,
Where truth and tale drift on invisible flames,
Guard what you build, protect what you keep,
For a name once shattered cuts fierce and deep.

The Foundation of Trust

Reputation is fragile, a crystal made clear,
Forged over years, through sweat and fear.
It stands like glass on a trembling ledge,
Built on the promise and whispered pledge.

Each choice you make, each word you let fly,
Echoes forever, it won’t simply die.
For truth has roots, but rumors grow wings,
Rising to heights on invisible strings.

Paul Meeres: A Biography

 

Paul Meeres

Photo - ©Carl van Vechten, 1932

 

 

Paul Meeres: A Biography

Paul Meeres was a gifted Bahamian dancer, performer, and entertainer who captivated audiences across the United States and the Caribbean during the mid-20th century. His dynamic performances, blending Caribbean rhythm, dance, and African heritage, allowed him to become a prominent figure in the entertainment world and a trailblazer for Black Caribbean artists. Meeres' journey from the Bahamas to international acclaim serves as a testament to his artistry, resilience, and the evolving landscape of race and identity within the entertainment industry of his time.

Smartphone Life

 

 "Smartphone Life" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Smartphone Life

Oh, the life of the smartphone, sleek, lit, and bright,
Held in our hands both day and night.
It wakes us each morning with chirps and beeps,
As we swipe through feeds before even our feet.

Oh, the Wonders of the Smartphone Bliss! 

With apps to track steps, we’re fitness kings,
Navigating maps like seasoned beings.
Books, photos, music, all in one place,
Every answer on Earth right in our face.

Messages pinging with lightning speed,
Instant replies to our every need.
The camera captures life in high-res,
Crafting our stories with filters and finesse.

GPS guides us where we should go,
Weather alerts, so we never see snow.
Need groceries, clothes, or food to arrive?
In a click, the world just… materializes alive!

Dragon Dance

 

"Dragon Dance" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

"Dragon Dance" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

Coral

 

"Coral" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

"Coral" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

The Modern Slave Trade in the Caribbean: A Deep Dive Into Intra-Caribbean Exploitation

 

 "Caribbean Slave Trade" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Modern Slave Trade in the Caribbean: A Deep Dive Into Intra-Caribbean Exploitation

 

Introduction

The Caribbean, with its idyllic beaches and vibrant cultures, often conjures images of paradise. However, beneath this picturesque surface, darker realities persist. Modern slavery—trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of human exploitation—continues to be a pressing issue in the region. Shockingly, some forms of slavery still occur within the Caribbean, with traffickers and criminal enterprises exploiting their own people.

Although slavery in the Caribbean has long been associated with the transatlantic slave trade of the colonial era, modern slavery in the region today has taken on more covert and complex forms. These involve sex trafficking, labor exploitation in agriculture, fishing, domestic service, and even organized crime. This article will explore the current status of modern slavery in the Caribbean, its historical context, the possibility of its eradication, and potential future scenarios.

Mind Your Own Business

 

"Mind Your Own Business" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

Mind Your Own Business

Oh, let me share a little tale,
Of those who poke and pry and fail,
Who cannot leave alone or see,
That their nosy ways just bother me.

They ask me why I’m not yet wed,
Or why I wear this hat of red,
Or why I smile when it rains or shines,
Or if I like beer or wine.

"Why do you eat that strange dark stew?"
"Did you paint your walls a darker blue?"
"Do you prefer soda or juice?"
"Did you hear that Henry's on the loose?"