©A. Derek Catalano
Monday, December 16, 2024
Lucayan Junkanoo
©A. Derek Catalano
Friday, December 13, 2024
A Bahamian Christmas Carol
A Bahamian Christmas Carol
Chapter One: Ezekiel "Zeke" Scrooge
In the bustling of Bay St.,Nassau, with the scent of fresh conch fritters and warm, salty air, a mean miser named Ezekiel "Zeke" Scrooge ran his souvenir gift stall in the big Straw Market. Zeke sold handwoven baskets, straw bags and hats, conch shells, and crafts. His face was so stern and cold that not even the blazing Bahamian sun could thaw it. He was known for his refusal to give a kind word or a dollar more than necessary and never lowered his price for any customer. Business was business, and Zeke guarded his coins like a soldier crab protects its shell.
The Loyalists of The Bahamas
The Loyalists of The Bahamas
Introduction
Overview of the Loyalists and their historical importance in shaping The Bahamas.Background on Loyalists
Explanation of who the Loyalists were, their motivations, and their role during and after the American Revolutionary War.Migration to The Bahamas
- Historical Context: Why Loyalists left the United States.
- British Policy: How the British Crown supported their migration.
- Settlements: Details on when, where, and how Loyalists settled in The Bahamas.
Impact on Bahamian Society
- Social Impact: Changes in population and demographics.
- Cultural Contributions: How Loyalist customs, traditions, and beliefs influenced Bahamian culture.
- Economic Impact: Loyalists’ role in agriculture, trade, and industry development.
Challenges Faced by Loyalists
- Adapting to the Environment: Issues with climate, resources, and land.
- Conflicts with Native Inhabitants and Other Settlers: Tensions and resolutions.
- Economic Hardships: Challenges in replicating plantation-style economies.
Legacy of the Loyalists in The Bahamas
- Modern-Day Influences: How their contributions persist in contemporary Bahamian society.
- Historical Preservation: Efforts to document and preserve Loyalist history.
Conclusion
Summary of the Loyalists’ significance in shaping The Bahamas.
___________________________
1. Introduction
The Loyalists were a group of American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). When the Thirteen Colonies gained independence, these Loyalists faced persecution and, in many cases, confiscation of their property. Seeking new homes and opportunities under British rule, thousands migrated to British territories in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas. Their arrival significantly influenced the social, economic, and cultural landscape of The Bahamas, laying the foundation for much of the modern nation’s identity.
Give This Christmas
In the heart of The Bahamas, where the palm trees sway,
And turquoise waters shimmer in December's ray,
There’s a spirit that whispers, soft yet profound,
“Give this Christmas, let love abound.”
Not just in boxes wrapped in ribbons bright,
But in the warmth of kindness, a beacon of light.
For the ones who have less, for the weary and worn,
Let our hands stretch wide, their burdens be borne.
The markets hum with carols, the Junkanoo beats,
Lights twinkle on cottages down sandy streets.
Yet amidst the joy, there are shadows unseen,
Families longing for what Christmas could mean.
✨🎄 Grand Bahama, Hop on the Jitney Express! 🎄✨
Available at Imagine Graphics and Seventeen Shop
($20 Students; $25 Teachers; $30 Adults),
PLUS—capture the festive cheer in our exclusive holiday photo booth in the lobby! 🎅🏾📸
Junkanoo Lionfish Dancers
©A. Derek Catalano








