Posted by: Editor on Aug 02, 2008 – 11:27 AM
outislands The tiny Harbour Island, which measures only three miles by half a mile, is not usually thought of as the “entertainment capital” of the Bahamas, on closer study however, there is something fun for everybody to enjoy.
Between the night life, island dining in every price range, numerous watersports, lazy days on the world’s best beaches and an art gallery exclusively exhibiting Bahamian artists, residents from other islands in the Bahamas and tourists alike can get a true feeling of “da island life”.
All of my island experiences were so remarkable, but unfortunately there had to be a limit to the telling of my Briland story, so I’ll fill you in on just a handful of the wonderful sights and activities.
WATERSPORTS
Starting your day any way you like is one of the many joys of being on vacation. On my first day, I arranged to rent a jet ski from Lil Shan’s Watersports, located near Valentine’s Marina and Resort.
Lil Shan is Devon Stuart’s precious daughter, and the namesake of his business stall. Devon has been running his watersports venture for two and a half years, and reported that business has been more consistent as of late than in the beginning months of this year.
He also rents kayaks, jet skis and motorboats, as well as equipment such as tubes, skis and wakeboards. Devon also provides fishing trips and serves as a tour guide, taking customers diving and snorkeling. To record all your experiences, Devon also has underwater cameras for rental.
As my friends and I negotiated our jet ski rental, he handed us a two way radio and lifejackets, while giving directions to stay in the harbour, and a description of all docks and sand banks we’d encounter on our water sporting day.
NIGHT LIFE
With the setting of the sun, Harbour Island’s nightlife came alive – so to speak. Beginning the evening at Gusty’s, I spoke with one of the club’s owners, Linda Lewis.
Named after her husband, Gusty Lewis, the two have been living their dream at Gusty’s for 20 years, Linda said, jokingly adding that the nightclub really only took off when she made sure it would happen just months after their marriage in 1988.
According to Linda, the club’s operation was initially a native club and “just a place to hang out” for tourists and Bahamians. But with things coming along slowly, they decided to introduce more of an international flavour, and so began playing more American music, like rock n roll and country. They also introduced karaoke, hoping to draw a larger segment of the international crowd that regularly visited the island.
Today however, the club has come full circle. “We’re getting back to our roots, playing rake n scrape, trying to bring the element of Briland culture,” she Said. And tourists like it just the way it is.
For our final party spot we landed at the Vic-Hum, named after its founders Victor .and Humphrey Percentie. Opened since 1955, Vic-Hum is now managed by Humphrey’s son, Humphrey “Hitler” Percentie Jr.
Owner, manager and bartender of the Vic-Hum, Hitler shows his deep devotion to his small island by having spearheaded the beach clean-up project since, 1992.
So along with attracting big-named celebrities like Tyra Banks, Drew Barrymore, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson who come to chill at his bar where they are treated just like a regular, everyday customer – and enjoy games of basketball, ping pong and pool, Hitler manages the project’s trucks, workers, and can even be caught cleaning up himself at the ripe age of 54.
LOCAL SHOPS
The next day found me browsing downtown shops for another facet of entertainment. One of the most original merchants, the Dilly Dally Store, which is equally enticing to tourists and locals alike, has been open for 12 years. Owner Val Albury said her reason for the unique name is that she hopes this is just what visitors will do – dilly dally – in her store, perhaps prompted by the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
Always on the look out for new Bahamian-made products. “Dilly Dally” boasts an inventory of some 80 per cent of both Bahamian made and Bahamian wholesale goods. “We do as much as we can to keep business here,” she said.
Ms Albury also encourages an. to came by with their products to s in her store. So far she has local jams.. arts and ‘crafts, T-shirts that are print in Eleuthera, books on bonefishing. Bahamian history, native cookbooks.. birds, butterflies, plants, fruits. architecture, novels and children’s tales. and music by local talents like KB. Ithalia Johnson, The Brilanders, Ronnie B and steel drum Junkanoo music.
Understandably, space is a constant challenge in her small store, where. Ms Albury said, “even the ceilings are covered with maps and posters!” But, she said, “people gave me a chance. I want to be able to give others a chance too. please, everyone come by with your unique creations.”
The BRI symbol is a unique, copy written design of Dilly Dally that is emblazoned across T-shirts, sweaters. mugs, glasses, key chains, and all memorabilia to serve as a distinctive representation of each visitor’s stay on the precious isle.
Ms Albury noted also that she does to have new items in store every season for the repeat visitor, which represents 80 per cent of all Harbour Island vacationers. And the way the store is set up, as a bountiful treasure chest. repeat, visitors are sure to be continuously happy with their shopping options.
ART GALLERY
The Princess Street Gallerv, owned Charles Carey, shows all arts and crafts designed by artists in Harbour Island. It also includes books, jewellery, paintings, lamps and picture frames.
The 12-year old gallery, the only one on the island, satisfies a multitude of needs; including providing a venue for artists who need a place to showcase their works, as a backdrop for the country’s most famous painter Amos Ferguson, and also providing a space for the works of jewellery designer Kim Riedel
The price of each piece is worked out between the artist and dealer and Mr Carey reported, business is going wen this season. Their customer base is mainly visitors, but there is also a large resident client base among winter residents who find “perfect pieces to give as gifts”.
By Lisa Lawlor,
The Tribune
Travel Section