We sat down with our cover star, Xaria, who opens up about the people, principles, and prayers that keep her moving forward and how she hopes to inspire others to shine.

1. Who is your greatest motivator?
“God first. Always. But also my mom. She’s been through so much and still stands tall. If she can do it, so can I.”

2. When did you realize that you were meant for more?
“The day I gave a speech in sixth grade and someone told me, “You’re going to change the world.” Something clicked. I believed it.”

3. Growing up, who did you look up to the most?
“My mom again. But also women like Zozibini Tunzi and Michelle Obama, bold, beautiful, and unapologetically Black.”

4. Who keeps you grounded behind the scenes?
“My parents, my best friends, and my mentors. They hype me up, pray for me, and call me out when I need it.”

5. Can you share a mentor moment that has stuck with you?
“One of my teachers told me, “Your voice is a weapon. Use it wisely.” I’ve never forgotten that.”

6. What was your support system like during competitions?
“Whewww… the phone calls, the prayers, the pep talks, the “you got this” texts before I walked onstage. Those little moments? They meant everything.”

7. Are there any quotes or faith principles that you live by?
“God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” I repeat that like a mantra when things get hard.”

8. What do you tell yourself when things get tough?
“You didn’t come this far to fold now.” Then I pray, breathe, and remember who I am.”

9. How do you hope to motivate others?
“By being real. By showing girls they don’t need to change who they are to lead. They just need to show up.”

10. What do you hope younger girls see when they look at you?
“That it’s okay to be bold, brilliant, and a little extra. That faith, fire, and focus can take you anywhere. And that their voice matters even before the world starts listening.”

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One of the taglines for this film: Look Up. As a superpowered refugee from another planet deals with the conflicts he is drawn into in the country he calls home and countries abroad which call his actions into question, his tech billionaire arch-nemesis uses the opportunity to finally get him out of his way. It may be up to his human coworker, the award winning journalist and the super powered dog from his home planet with the assistance of a team of individuals possessing extraordinary abilities to help him against his foes before things go beyond the point of no return.

Superman is a new take on the classic DC Comics superhero and the cinematic universe he inhabits with nods to his history in different forms of media with a message of hope that feels very relevant in the modern world. James Gunn as the writer & director of the film really showcases what he has learned on previous franchise productions and crafts a Superman story that feels familiar but is truly unique in the way it is presented to the audience. The cast is top notch with Davd Corenswet finding the right balance between Clark & Superman, Rachel Brosnahan captures the spirit of Lois Lane while putting her own spin on the character, Nicholas Hoult brings his decades of acting talent to the role of Lex Luthor with a searing portrayal and the rest of the cast do a great job of fleshing out the world such as Edi Gathegii's Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl & Nathan Fillon's Guy Gardner Green Lantern. John Murphy and David Fleming bring their own special take on vintage Superman musical themes while adding their own original compositions to certain scenes that enhance the emotional impact. This is a comic book superhero movie that distills the essence of what it takes to be a hero while showing that there is not just one way to be one in the varying view of the contemporary global landscape. I rate this motion picture a rating of 4 out of 5

P.S.
In a mid credits scene we get a cute moment with Kal El and Krypto looking at the Earth from the viewpoint of the Moon.

P.P.S.
In a post credits scene we see Superman critiquing Mister Terrific on the seams seen in certain buildings that were reconnected after being torn apart by the rift created by Lex Luthor's pocket dimension.

Final Rating 4 out of 5

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The 4th Annual Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest ran from August 2–16, 2025 under the theme “Authenticity Reimagined,” bringing sizzling flavors and cultural flair to the island. The festival kicked off with “A Taste of Grand Bahama” at Port Lucaya Marketplace, where live music, bustling stalls, and a mix of locals and visitors set the tone for a two-week culinary celebration.

Throughout the festival, 14 restaurants across Grand Bahama presented specially curated prix fixe menus, showcasing dishes that fused traditional Bahamian ingredients such as fresh conch, spiny lobster, allspice, and tropical fruits with contemporary techniques. At FairPlay, grilled specialties and the restaurant’s legendary chicken wings stood out as spicy highlights.

Timed with the start of lobster season, the festival also aligned with community traditions such as the Smith’s Point Fish Fry and the High Rock Sea Festival, creating an even richer island experience.

The event ultimately offered more than food it highlighted Bahamian identity, showcased culinary creativity, and demonstrated how tradition can be celebrated while continuously reimagined.

This September, Nassau’s crystal-clear waters are about to spill secrets that have been buried for over 300 years. The New Providence Pirates Expedition, led by British marine expert Dr. Sean Kingsley and co-director Dr. Michael Pateman, is on a mission to uncover the legendary pirate world of the Caribbean and they’ve got a Bahamian first: special permission from the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation to hunt where no one has before.

Their ultimate target? Henry Avery’s notorious flagship, the 46-gun Fancy, scuttled in 1696 after Avery pulled off a record-breaking Mughal-loot heist. But this team isn’t stopping at the shipwreck. Think pirate pipes, coins, mysterious ceramics, stinkpots, and personal treasures the everyday artifacts that tell the real story behind the pirate myths.

Wreckwatch TV is set to bring it all to life in the documentary The Mystery of the Pirate King’s Treasure, giving viewers a front-row seat to coral-coated wrecks, frozen Golden Age scenes, and maybe… just maybe… Avery’s lost loot glinting on the ocean floor.

Red Carpet Rewind

This September, The Bahamas will open the doors to the Creative & Performing Arts School (CAPAS), marking a milestone not just for students, but for the entire creative ecosystem. With structured programs in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and more, CAPAS promises to professionalize artistic talent from an early age, something the Bahamian creative industry has long needed.

For decades, local artists have had to leave the islands or rely on informal training to reach professional levels. CAPAS flips the script, offering a homegrown pipeline of skilled creatives who can contribute directly to the local economy. From film and television production to cultural tourism and live performance, the school could supply the talent that keeps these industries thriving.

“CAPAS will give us the tools to compete on a global stage while staying true to our culture,” says emerging musician and prospective student, Jaylen Burrows. “

For policymakers and cultural leaders, this is a strategic move. By investing in arts education, The Bahamas isn’t just supporting students it’s cultivating an industry that can generate jobs, attract investment, and elevate our cultural footprint internationally.

CAPAS represents a bold vision: an education system that sees creativity not as optional, but essential. For the Bahamian creative industry, this could be the start of a new era.