With two school years disrupted and bored of learning remotely, Prishae Smith joined the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) to get out of the house and reconnect with friends at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School.

What the rising eleventh grader didn’t sign up for, were the falls, tears and headaches associated with a 15-mile hike and overnight camping trip.

“Honestly, I thought it was going to be a simple hike, a simple walk around Nassau, but it wasn’t that at all. The happiest point for me was when it was all over and my brother pulled up and said, ‘Let’s go.’ I never thought I’d missed him that much. As soon as I sat down in his car, I fell asleep and that was one of the best sleep I ever had,” the 15-year-old recalled.

“This was the second most difficult thing I’ve ever done, but I really wanted that Bronze Award. I wanted to feel accomplished. I didn’t want to be a quitter. I wanted to make myself proud and I did. As much as I hate to say it, I want the Silver and the Gold. I want my Certificate of Achievement to say I finished GGYA. I’m not going to quit.”

The Governor General’s Youth Award helps young people find their purpose, passion and place in the world. It is the local branch of the UK-based Duke of Edinburgh Award, a global programme that takes at least six months to finish the first level, Bronze. Success in the Award is measured by regular participation over a fixed period of time while showing commitment and progress in each area of activity.

Designed to be an enriching experience, participants must fulfill requirements in voluntary service, skills and physical recreation. Then, there’s the hiking expedition. Also known as an “adventurous journey,” this section encourages a sense of adventure and self-discovery in a group setting.

On Saturday, August 21, 11 participants in C.C. Sweeting’s 13-strong unit hit the road, backpacking from Epic Battery on Fire Trail to Gladstone Road then into Adelaide and back over the course of two days. They camped out on private property near the beach. They were accompanied by their unit leader Edwin Johnson, schoolteacher Lezelye Sands, GGYA’s national director, Jacquetta Lightbourne-Maycock and three other adults.

“At first, what kept me going was I really wanted to make it to the camp site. I wanted to cook over an open fire, play some games and watch the talent show. I looked forward to doing those things,” said Smith, the participant.

“On the return trip, I just wanted to see my mommy’s face again. I wanted to eat some home cooked food and I wanted to sleep in my bed and be comfortable. I just wanted to get this over with.”

The hiking experience wasn’t the same for everyone.

Sixteen-year-old Tonique Simmons has been a cadet with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Ranger since seventh grade. She went on similar hikes twice before.

“The backpack made it feel longer, but the adventurous journey was fun and tiring at the same time.”

For Simmons, one of the trip’s highlights was crossing a creek in Adelaide which leads into Coral Harbour. Typically, the water is about knee high and not overly challenging. On this trek, strong currents and chest high waters meant the girls got fully drenched.

“Going through the water was the best part for me. My muscles were tight and for me the cold water helped with the pain.”

Along the journey participants took note of coastal ecosystems, mangroves and different bird species.

On Saturday, August 28, the girls gathered at their school to dissect the trip over pizza and sodas.

“How was the experience for you all?” asked Ms Sands, the school’s business teacher who volunteers with the unit.

She received a barrage of answers.

"It was a challenge, difficult but fun."
"Someone took all my snacks."
"I don't know we were going that far."
"Felt like I was going to die walking through those bushes."
"When we were coming back, I started to cry because I was hungry."

There was only one thing upon which all participants agreed.

“Was it what you expected?” asked Ms Sands.

The reply, a resounding, “No” from everyone and a burst of spontaneous laughter. The weekend assessment revealed areas where the unit excelled – decision making, problem solving and teamwork – and those in need of improvement, such as food rationing, packing and hiking endurance.

Eleventh grader Tanisha Thompson wish she’d heeded the advice her father gave.

“I had some extra clothes and a large towel I could have left home like my dad said,” the 15-year-old noted. “After I told my dad I was tired and felt like I wasn’t going to make it. He said if we had starting walking together, I would have been ready for it. We’re going to start walking to get ready for Silver.”

The trip was a success story that almost didn’t happen. It’s been more than five years since the school was last on track to earn Awards from GGYA. This latest achievement wouldn’t have been possible without until leader Edwin Johnson, Ms Sands and volunteer Chuck Smith, a hospitality teacher at the school.

Mr Johnson, a graduate of C.C. Sweeting and former programme participant was recruited by his old unit leader, guidance counsellor Philipa Shaw, when she could no longer continue. In 2019, he started off with 20 participants. The number dwindled to 10, all eleventh and twelfth graders who graduated without completing their Award due to the pandemic.

In May, Mr Johnson – who is employed outside the school – changed his strategy to focus on younger students. Ironically, only girls signed up for the programme. They developed skills in cosmetology, played soccer, volunteered with Ardastra Gardens and partnered with Dolphin Encounter for a beach clean-up, among other community work.

“It was very exciting to see their limits be tested and to watch them go through this new experience in life and it was great to hear their personal challenges and experiences and how they overcame them,” said Mr Johnson.

“This was a great accomplishment for them, and I can see that they are eager to receive their Awards. I’m hoping that it motivates them to go on to the next level so they can really reap the true benefits of this programme just like I did.”

Courtney Celeste Spears is keeping company with legends. She was selected by her company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and among a number of dance legends photographed for Harper’s Bazaar’s August issue.

Spears was part of an elite group of dancers that included Savion Glover, American tap dancer, actor, and choreographer; Misty Copeland, who in 2015 became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre; Xin Ying, principal, Martha Graham Dance Company; Stella Abrera, a former American Ballet Theatre principal; Lloyd Knight, principal dancer Martha Graham Dance Company,Tatian Desardouin, Passion Fruit Dance Company; Melissa Verdecia, Ballet Hispanico; Tiler Peck, New York City Ballet; Calvin Royal III; American Ballet Theatre; and Vinson Fraley, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company among other dancers who showcased fashion while highlighting their individual expressions of movement for the story “Dance Is Finally Back” by Siobhan Burke, which speaks to dancers being back on stage performing in front of live audiences after a year of solo practices and virtual performances. And for some of the field’s biggest stars, choreographing the future of an art steeped in tradition means leaving some things in the past.

“I received an email from our [public relations] director at Alvin Ailey, Christopher Zunner, who let me know that Harpar’s Bazaar was putting together a portfolio of dancers for their August issue and had invited me to be photographed. I just about screamed!” Spears recalled.

“When I got there, Savion Glover was filming his video component. Savion Glover is a legend in his own right, trailblazing through the dance industry with his tapping feet. I was a little star struck. I walked in and saw a rack of top designer clothes, a full makeup and hair station, the entire crew, and a call board of some to the most iconic dancers currently in our industry like Misty Copeland, Xin Ying, Stella Abrera, Sascha Radetsky, Lloyd Knight and Vinson Fraley … and then I looked and saw a photo of me.”

Spears was awed.

“I couldn’t believe the company I was in. I still don’t know how I got in that room, but God is amazing.”

For the shoot, Spears who is resplendent in a red FY21 Dior Heart dress was styled by Samira Nasr, Harper’s Bazaar’s first woman of color to be appointed editor-in-chief and photographed by Amy Troost.

The idea was for Spears’ photo to jump of the page, so she says she just started moving and jumping and trying things with the skirt of the dress.

“It’s easy to get in your head about getting the perfect photo, so I just tried to let go and trust myself. Once I started doing that, we got the shot. It was a surreal moment.”

South-west New Providence will feature heavily in a Shark Week episode set to be screened during the second week in July, reaching potentially up to 88m homes in 224 countries.

Producers, film makers and support crew fanned out across the waters off New Providence’s coast for an episode that will feature local divers and marine scientists such as Dr Austin Gallagher (Beneath the Waves). It will air on the Discovery Channel on July 13. #Titled The Science of Sound, it explores sharks’ reactions to the sound of music - country music, in particular - thanks to the picking, plunking, playing and familiar voice of country superstar Brad Paisley. He played live on the dive boat, with his recordings lowered by divers through underwater sonar equipment and moved with them as they swam and interacted with dozens of curious nurse and reef sharks. #A diver himself, the singer-songwriter spent two days experiencing the deep with Bahamian divers such as Kareem Bethell and Tyson Smith. Stuart Cove Dive provided vessels and dive gear. The aim was to shoot 100 percent of the episode, all 43 minutes, 20 seconds of non-advertising footage, off New Providence and the film crew achieved 98 percent of their goal. #“It’s a great place to shoot,” a producer said. “It’s safe, it’s easy to get to - not like some of the places we have to do that, which are far out from land over fairly treacherous seas - and celebrities love it here.” #“We have been working with Shark Week every year since the first episode was filmed in The Bahamas in 1988. And every year I think what can Discovery Channel do to top this, and the next year they come up with something even more interesting or scientifically important,” said Stuart Cove, who founded and operates the country’s largest dive business. This year his son, Travis, a diver-turned-actor, doubled for another in the show. #Mr Cove, a director of Save The Bays and active in coral reef preservation, believes Shark Week has helped sensitise the public to the value of sharks. “Jaws made us afraid, Shark Week makes us understand. Presenting the real true story of the value of sharks helps us appreciate the important role they play in the marine eco-system,” he added. #Dr Gallagher agreed, saying: “Marine scientists, including myself, give The Bahamas great credit for the country’s shark sanctuary legislation. Dr Gallagher, who has been exploring and documenting marine resources in The Bahamas for more than a decade, said there is no body of water comparable to it. #A proponent of naming the waters the Lucayan Sea, he cites the statistic that an individual is more likely to be struck by lightning twice than to be bitten by a shark. “Research, which we have helped contribute to, demonstrates that tragically, unlike The Bahamas, there are countries where greed and avarice create a shark fin trade that claims fins from up to 73m sharks a year,” said Dr Gallagher.

Producers, film makers and support crew fanned out across the waters off New Providence’s coast for an episode that will feature local divers and marine scientists such as Dr Austin Gallagher (Beneath the Waves). It will air on the Discovery Channel on July 13.

Titled The Science of Sound, it explores sharks’ reactions to the sound of music - country music, in particular - thanks to the picking, plunking, playing and familiar voice of country superstar Brad Paisley. He played live on the dive boat, with his recordings lowered by divers through underwater sonar equipment and moved with them as they swam and interacted with dozens of curious nurse and reef sharks.

A diver himself, the singer-songwriter spent two days experiencing the deep with Bahamian divers such as Kareem Bethell and Tyson Smith. Stuart Cove Dive provided vessels and dive gear. The aim was to shoot 100 percent of the episode, all 43 minutes, 20 seconds of non-advertising footage, off New Providence and the film crew achieved 98 percent of their goal.

“It’s a great place to shoot,” a producer said. “It’s safe, it’s easy to get to - not like some of the places we have to do that, which are far out from land over fairly treacherous seas - and celebrities love it here.”

“We have been working with Shark Week every year since the first episode was filmed in The Bahamas in 1988. And every year I think what can Discovery Channel do to top this, and the next year they come up with something even more interesting or scientifically important,” said Stuart Cove, who founded and operates the country’s largest dive business. This year his son, Travis, a diver-turned-actor, doubled for another in the show.

Mr Cove, a director of Save The Bays and active in coral reef preservation, believes Shark Week has helped sensitise the public to the value of sharks. “Jaws made us afraid, Shark Week makes us understand. Presenting the real true story of the value of sharks helps us appreciate the important role they play in the marine eco-system,” he added.

Dr Gallagher agreed, saying: “Marine scientists, including myself, give The Bahamas great credit for the country’s shark sanctuary legislation. Dr Gallagher, who has been exploring and documenting marine resources in The Bahamas for more than a decade, said there is no body of water comparable to it.

A proponent of naming the waters the Lucayan Sea, he cites the statistic that an individual is more likely to be struck by lightning twice than to be bitten by a shark. “Research, which we have helped contribute to, demonstrates that tragically, unlike The Bahamas, there are countries where greed and avarice create a shark fin trade that claims fins from up to 73m sharks a year,” said Dr Gallagher.

 

Producers, film makers, divers and support crew fanned out across the waters off the southwest coast of New Providence recently, shooting footage for Shark Week that will air the second week in July captivating viewers in up to 88 million homes and multiple platforms in 224 countries.

The episode shot in The Bahamas featuring local divers and marine scientists like Dr. Austin Gallagher (Beneath the Waves) will air on the Discovery Channel July 13.

Headlined “The Science of Sound” it explores sharks’ reactions to the sound of music, country music in particular, thanks to the picking, plunking, playing and familiar voice of country superstar Brad Paisley who added star power to what is likely to be cone of the most watched TV shows of the year. Paisley played live on the dive boat, with his recordings lowered by divers through underwater sonar equipment and moved with them as they swam and interacted with dozens of curious nurse and reef sharks. A diver himself, the singer-songwriter spent two days experiencing the deep with local divers like Kareem Bethell and Tyson Smith.

Stuart Cove Dive provided vessels and dive gear. And every minute was filled with action. Two cameras topside, two below. Drones. For every diver, a buddy, for every producer, a back-up with a different set of eyes. Audio. Standby medical, head of emergency room operations at a major health system with his 80-lb case of everything that matters right down to a watch-size scanner capable of following the movements of internal parts. The budget for the single episode --- whopping and undisclosed. But consider this: Local divers, dive boats, nearly a week of filming, executive and line producers from as far away as L.A. who also do NatGeo, Netflix, the History Channel, HGTV and the Food Network. The goal – to shoot 100% of the episode, all 43 minutes, 20 seconds of non-advertising footage, right there, where we are today off New Providence and near where they have been all week. The result: Nearly perfect, they got 98%.

“It’s a great place to shoot,” a producer tells me. “It’s safe, it’s easy to get to not like some of the places we have to do that are far out from land over fairly treacherous seas, and celebrities love it here.”

When it comes to what it takes to make Shark Week filming work, Stuart Cove is up to the task, running back and forth to deliver another diver, a different camera, to take someone off the vessel who has to get to the airport. You’d think the half hour run out to the deep would get old, but it never does.

“We have been working with Shark Week every year since the first episode was filmed in The Bahamas in 1988. And every year I think what can Discovery Channel do to top this and the next year they come up with something even more interesting or scientifically important,” says Cove, who founded and operates the country’s largest world-renowned dive business. This year, he had an additional hand, his son, Travis, a diver turned actor who doubled for another in the show.

Cove, a director of Save The Bays and active in coral reef preservation, believes Shark Week has helped sensitize the public to the value of sharks. “Jaws made us afraid, Shark Week makes us understand. Presenting the real true story of the value of sharks helps us appreciate the important role they play in the marine eco-system.”

Dr. Gallagher agrees.

“Marine scientists, including myself, give The Bahamas great credit for the country’s shark sanctuary legislation,” said Gallagher, who has been exploring and documenting marine resources in The Bahamas for more than a decade and says there is no body of water comparable to it. A proponent of naming the waters the Lucayan Sea, he cites the statistic that an individual is more likely to be struck by lightning twice than to be bitten by a shark.

“Research which we have helped contribute to demonstrates that tragically, unlike The Bahamas, there are countries where greed and avarice create a shark fin trade that claims fins from up to 73 million sharks a year,” says Dr. Gallagher, who talks respectfully of the marine creatures he has just been swimming with as he peels off a standard wet suit and unloads his dive gear from the second dive of the afternoon. “And while The Bahamas is protecting sharks and as you can see, the population out here today is healthy and active and non-threatening, sharks in many places elsewhere continue to be threatened and that is heart-breaking for anyone who studies their role in the marine eco-system.”

A Discovery Channel press release on Shark Week says a study published in Nature magazine earlier this year found that oceanic sharks and rays declined by at least 71% since 1970.

Shark Week, Discovery Channel’s most popular program, will run from Sunday, July 11 through Sunday, July 18 with the Bahamas episode on the third night, Tuesday. Discovery Channel dubs its 2021 shows a ‘jawesome lineup’ beginning with a docu-series and includes, in addition to Brad Paisley, William Shatner, JB Smoove, Tiffany Haddish and others with celebrities diving alongside marine biologists and representatives from respected science institutes like Beneath the Waves and Oceana.

Shark Week 2021 precedes the Summer Olympics and, says Discovery Channel, promises “to deliver all-new groundbreaking shark stories revealing remarkable insights into the mysterious world of these magnificent creatures.”