Ask any Bahamian what ties our nation together, and the answer often comes wrapped in a pink-lipped shell: conch. More than a staple dish, conch is a cultural emblem that shows up everywhere from kitchens to jewelry boxes, from backyard walls to everyday slang. It’s not just food; it’s our identity.

On the plate, conch is comfort. It appears in every form imaginable: scorched and fresh from the shell, cracked and fried to a perfect crunch, tossed with lime and peppers into a cold salad, or simmered slowly into chowder. The flavor is a reminder of the sea, of childhood, and of home. But conch doesn’t just fill stomachs it fills language. In Bahamian slang, calling someone a “conch” means they’re gullible, goofy, or a little slow. It’s teasing, yes, but it also reveals how deeply this creature has burrowed into the way Bahamians see themselves.

The shell itself carries equal weight. Walk through any neighborhood and you’ll see conch shells stacked in corners, lining gardens, or even turned into instruments blown to Junkanoo. They are decoration and a spiritual reminder, symbols of survival and connection to the sea that has sustained island life for generations. Beyond the backyard, conch has even entered the world of fashion and luxury. Jewelers craft necklaces from polished shells, and some go further, casting conch-inspired pendants and designs in gold and silver. To outsiders, it might look like just another trinket. To Bahamians, it’s heritage worn proudly around the neck.

In the end, conch is layered like the spiral of its own shell food, jokes, art, memory, and a symbol all at once. To be Bahamian is to know conch in all its forms, not just as seafood, but as soul food.

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Don't miss it Grand Bahama October 3, 4 & 5. Newest comedy stageplay written by Aulenna Robinson, directed by Matthew Wildgoose and produced by Eagleye Production ("A Man's Point of View"). See what happens when 5 people are held hostage in a bank during the COVID Pandemic. Tickets on sale Wednesday at all locations and from cast members, so stay tuned. $40 and includes one free drink

The tagline for this movie: All $$ Ain't Good $$. A music mogul known for his exceptional auditory perception and past ability to foster burgeoning musical artists becomes the target of a ransom plot. When certain circumstances change due to human error yet remain life-or-death for an individual, a moral dilemma arises that could impact the future of all involved.

Highest 2 Lowest is a modernization of a classic Japanese film based on a book from an American crime novelist that distills the essence of certain characters to give a modern interpretation of the story that rings true to the current climate while commenting on representations of class versus influence with the prevalence of social media in today's society. Spike Lee directs his version of the Akira Kurosawa classic High And Low, the only way he knows how and that is with a fluidity that makes the cinematic experience of this watching this film feel almost lyrical. The screenplay by Alan Fox modernizes certain aspects of the story based on the script by Kurosawa, Eijiro Hisaita, Ryuzo Kikushima, & Hideo Oguni based on the novel King's Ransom: An 87th Precinct Mystery by Evan Hunter under his pen name Ed McBain. The portrayals by the cast are above board with special notice of course to Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright with honorable mention to Rakim Athelston Mayera aka A$AP Rocky. The score by Howard Drossin is able to rise to the occasion of the plot as it unfolds but in certain scenes it feels intrusive as it undercuts the intended emotional impact of particular performances. This Spike Lee is easily his best adaptation of a film from another director, beating out the experimental Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and orders of magnitude better than his take on Oldboy. I rate this film a rating of 3 & 1/2 out of 5.

Final Rating 3 ½ out of 5

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When it comes to creative eats, Created Lavishly never disappoints. This week’s spotlight dish is their bold and flavorful Alligator Burger (a true conversation starter and culinary adventure served between two buns.)

Packed with fresh greens, crisp red onions, sweet peppers, jalapeño heat, and a generous drizzle of creamy sauces, this sandwich takes exotic to a whole new level. The alligator meat is seasoned and grilled to perfection, topped with melted cheese and a tangy, spiced dressing that balances every bite. Served on a soft bun with a side of house-made dipping sauce, this burger is as photogenic as it is delicious.

Whether you’re a foodie searching for something different or just ready to brag about eating alligator, this dish delivers on flavor, creativity, and presentation. One thing’s for sure, Created Lavishly is setting the bar high for inventive dining in Grand Bahama.

So, are you daring enough to take a bite out of this gator?

This past weekend, Cupid’s Cay in Governor’s Harbour came alive with music and energy, for Bigga Mo’s Memorial Weekend 2025 making a mark as the biggest event on Eleuthera with no international artists performing, showcasing only Bahamian talent. What began as a tribute to one man’s larger-than-life spirit has grown into a celebration of local culture, music, and island vibes like never before. From electrifying performances that had the crowd dancing nonstop to food stalls serving Bahamian favorites, the weekend was pure culture, pure fun, and pure community. Beyond the beats and laughter, the event reminded everyone of Mo’s lasting impact his “Any Weather” spirit inspiring people to live fully and love loudly. Attendees left with lasting memories, a renewed sense of pride, and the realization that our homegrown talent is more than enough to make any event shine brighter than ever.

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New York Fashion Week 2025 was one for the books, and Bahamian talent was front and center. Our newly crowned Miss Universe Bahamas, Miss Cosmos Bahamas, and Mr. Perfect Young Man 2025–2026, alongside standout models from the King and Queen Project, brought that unmistakable Bahamian energy to the runway with confidence and style.

Across multiple shows, these Bahamian represented our islands. Every step carried culture, pride, and the spirit of The Bahamas.

Off the runway, the buzz continued online. Behind-the-scenes footage, rehearsals, and candid moments gave fans a front-row seat and had Bahamians everywhere cheering. The energy proved that our islands are not only producing top-tier talent but also cultivating a strong, supportive community behind them.

The lights may have dimmed on NYFW 2025, but The Bahamas is shining brighter than ever walking, leading, and leaving an unforgettable mark.