thebahamasweekly.com -

Cultural Violence and the Rights of Women and Children

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:52:55 EDT

Back in 1996 I came across a Reader's Digest magazine article on the Taliban and their drastic and tragic dominance over the women of Afghanistan. As a woman and new young mother, it was heart-wrenching to read how the sudden oppressive actions of this group were dominating and changing the lives of women in that country, women who previously had 'normal' lives. They were forced to cover themselves completely with burqas and were stripped of their freedoms, careers, but mostly their dignity. I was so horror-struck by this article, that I tore out the pages, photocopied it 50 times and snail mailed it to most of my family and friends. I simply wanted people to know what was going on.

We rally for the rights of animals, we rally for the rights of those of different colours of skin or race, but do we rally for the basic rights of human beings? How long do women and children have to be treated like dogs, or worse, 'rabid dogs'...

Pageantry in The Bahamas (PART 3): Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:55:41 EDT

Continuing in my research and findings on pageantry in The Bahamas with Part 3 in a series. Stemming from my curiosity and trying to find answers to my so many questions like: Does the Bahamas have too many pageants? Is there money in pageantry? How does one live off of pageantry, and is that even possible? What benefits do they offer their country? or the queens?

I figured there had to be some misconceptions so I canvased for opinion online and then went to those in the know. In this (Part 3) I share responses from an interview with Theodore E. Sealy, CEO / National Director, Theodore Elyett’s Miss Teen Bahamas® Beauty Pageant , the 27 year old successful Founder/President of Theodore Elyett Productions® ...

Pageantry in The Bahamas (Part 2): Miss Bahamas Organization

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:20:47 EDT

I continue my research and findings on pageantry in The Bahamas with Part 2 in a series. Stemming from my curiosity and trying to find answers to my so many questions like: Does the Bahamas have too many pageants? Is there money in pageantry? How does one live off of pageantry, and is that even possible? What benefits do they offer their country? or the queens?

I figured there had to be some misconceptions so I canvased for opinion online and then went to those in the know. In this Part 2 I share responses from an interview with Michelle Malcom, President, Miss Bahamas Organization who's background in pageantry is extensive and dates back to 1978. She competed in pageants (Miss Bahamas, Miss GHS); hosted a number of ...

Christmas Nostalgia

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:17:09 EDT

My mother’s smell is the last thing I embrace as I take my excited but weary self off to bed. She’s been in the kitchen all night preparing food for the next day. My home is nothing but Christmas perfection! My mother reigns supreme at creating ambiance. The tree is stunning and the presents at its base come out at least four feet because of our large family of nine persons. Christmas carols play continuously on the stereo.

I’ve just finished watching “Scrooge” on the TV with my older brothers, and although it scares me so, I love it annually. I make my way through the kitchen and into the family room, which is dimly lit to show the tree and lights around the windows. The outside cold is unfelt by me in my cozy home of family memories. I walk past the candy tree – a fantastic favorite each year...

The Transformation of Christmas

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:42:44 EDT

We all Learn and Grow by Experiencing One Another's Cultures

Raised Catholic, Christmas was always a very special time in our family and involved going to midnight mass, readings about the virgin birth and resurrection, decorating the tree and our home, opening multiple presents, and feasting and relaxing together.

Today Christmas is celebrated in many ways, or not celebrated at all. I am noticing more and more people turning away from the tradition. Perhaps due to the economy, perhaps its over commercialization, or lack of 'Christ', and perhaps because others are not of the faith or culture that celebrates Christmas. The cultures of the world are most certainly mixing in North America and neighboring countries