Take a peek into the life of a prominent businessman who leaves a high-profile position at a well-known power and light company on New Providence to pursue his lifelong dream in the Bahamian “dramedy” stage play “Shattered”. The businessman’s passion is to see The Bahamas revolutionized and rise to the occasion by saying farewell to the use of fossil fuel electricity and become one of the first countries in the western hemisphere to be 100-percent solar equipped. A broken trust in the process leads to him losing everything – his home, family and friends. As he holds onto his faith, the ultimate battle for life and a sound mind will be his quest in this Dario Erics Production which will take to the stage tonight and Saturday, December 7 at the Atlantis Theatre, Paradise Island. Playwright Dario Poitier promises a show that will inspire the audience and have them on the edge of their seats.

The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation's ‘flagship’ BahamaArts Festival 2019, slated for November 1 and 2, opened at Heritage Village, Arawak Cay, today under the theme, “Bahamian Tings.” The popular festival is in keeping with BAIC’s mandate and mission to stimulate and encourage the creation, expansion and promotion of small and medium-sized businesses by facilitating training opportunities for entrepreneurs.

BahamArts comprises arts, crafts, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, jewelry and packaged and processed foods to bring together artisans and artists from throughout the country to create a ‘craft village’ highlighting indigenous Bahamian-made products.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Carlton Bowleg gave keynote welcome address during the Opening Ceremony. In attendance was Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of the Prime Minister, and Bishop Gregory Collie, Chairman of BAIC. They are pictured at Ribbon Cutting along with BAIC executives. Also featured -- Eva Hilton Primary School with their selection; and Government High School Pop Band with their performance.

(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

Once Monty Knowles posts a photograph of one of his painted “nymphs” on social media, he receives hundreds of “likes” and positive comments, which for him shows people’s fascination with his art. And now Knowles is giving people the chance to watch, learn and participate in body painting, and also learn the art of lighting and photographing the figure. The event is open to all levels of experience and will introduce attendees to the world of body paint photography. In addition to watching and participating in the painting of models with Knowles, attendees will learn how light can be used to sculpt the human form. Duke Wells, Bahamian Project founder and creative director, a portrait and fine art photographer, conceived the idea for the unique event and sponsorship for the intensive, hands-on workshop while admiring Knowles’ work.

Bahamian ​Junkanoo Legend, John “Chippie” Chipman passed away on Monday September 9t​ h​, 2019 at 90 years of age. His career spanned more than six decades. The world knows Bahamian Culture due to the life and works of Mr. Chipman. He would have touched every continent with his goatskin drum, and has earned his reputation as a prolific Junkanooer, dancer and champion drummer.

“​Chippie​”, as he was affectionately called, received both national and international recognition for his outstanding contribution to nation building. He was honored and enlisted as a Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.), a recipient of The Bahamas Merit Award, Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award, The Junkanoo Legends Circle Award, The Cultural Heroes Independence Award, The Junkanoo Shack Hall of Fame Honour and the Centennial award amongst others.

Chippie Chipman is considered a ​national hero​, a legend and a Bahamian icon. His contributions to the world of culture have helped to shape the identity of The Bahamas. Chippie and his wife, the late Becky Chipman, known as the legendary “Fire Dancer”, has left a legacy of patriotism. Together, they took their gifts around the world representing The Bahamas as true cultural ambassadors. Chippie also mentored many young drummers and shared his gifts with the nation; this and more earning him, the title, “​Godfather of Junkanoo​’.

John Chipman was born to the late Howard Chipman and Ethelyn Taylor in Nassau on October 25tht​ h​, 1928. At an early age he demonstrated his love for music and learned to play the saxophone. He began his adult career as a waiter in the 1950’s at Nassau’s Paul Meeres Club. At this time, Chippie would meet his wife Rebecca Oliver. The two became a power couple combining their gifts of dance and drumming that would eventually be showcased at every hotel, night club and ‘hot spot’ in New Providence. In the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s Becky became the queen of the fire dance and Chippie evolved into and is considered the ​most outstanding drummer​ in the history of The Bahamas.

Chippie and Becky passionately participated in Bahamain Junkanoo parades. He became a ​Junkanoo leader​, leading his group ​Chippie and the Boys. Mr. Chipman will be remembered for his role in the evolution of Junkanoo music. Chipman also encouraged his friend Donnie Huyler to launch the production of locally made cowbells. He spearheaded the transition from the wooden kegs to the tin barrel when the wooden kegs became difficult to find in the Bahamas. His revolutionary contributions also included being the ​first Junkanoo leader to use crepe paper replacing tissue paper and newspaper in a Junkanoo parade. Chippie was the premier Junkanoo drum-maker and was revered as the ​king of the Goombay Drum​. He did this in his backyard on Lifebuoy Street. ​His group was also the first to have women ‘rush’ on Bay Street in a Junkanoo parade. His wife Becky, Maureen Duvalier and Naomi Carey were the first three Bahamian female Junkanoo leaders.

Chipman was also known for his generous and benevolent spirit. He was a devoted member of St. Agnes Anglican Church where he played his saxophone during the services. He would then leave his church and visit many of the smaller churches in the Bain and Grants Town where he would serenade them with his saxophone and leave a hefty offering. He also performed in every school in New Providence and the Family Islands at no charge. Demonstrating a core belief in ‘service above self’, Chippie also provided drums for schools in the Junior Junkanoo program from its inception in 1988 to date.

On February 6th , 2016 Lifebuoy Street was named John Chipman Street in honor of the contributions John Chipman made to The Bahamas and to communities around the world. Chippie, up to the time of his passing performed almost every morning at the Prince George Dock welcome Center with his band “Chippie and the Boys”.

Chippie’s famous words were, “Entertainers perform to the end. When they stop entertaining they dead. As long as God give me strength, I gonna be licking up some drums and playing rake n’ scrape.”

John ‘Chippie’ Chipman, King of the Goombay Drum and the Godfather of Junkanoo was indeed one of our finest Bahamian entertainers of all times.

On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and the Government of The Bahamas we extend our heartfelt condolences to his children, immediate family, friends and relatives and to the nation as a whole which loved him and whom he loved dearly.

May His soul rest in peace.

BY: HONORABLE LANISHA TAMAR ROLLE
MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE