The Tribune

THE ITALIAN author of ‘Catch da Cat’, a glossy, limited edition, photographic book about Cat Island, will be among a group of contributors, featured residents and visitors at a celebration of the book at Fernandez Bay Village on Saturday night.

Alessandro Sarno said Garth King, from Smith’s Bay, who contributed to the book, will be reading many of the 31 poems from it while Andrew Jones and his band will perform live the songs included in the book, such as “Precious Light” and “Billy Goat”.

Mr Sarno said Pam Armbrister, owner of Fernandez Bay, and Leslie Kennedy, from Pigeon Cay, have been enthusiastic supporters of his book as they consider it a great promotion for the island. Cat Island Administrator, Jackson Mcintosh, and Old Bight High School principal Jerome Forbes, along with some of the people photographed in the 140-page book, will be present for the event, which takes place from 5.30 to 7.30pm.

The foreword to the book has been written by Pamela Poitier, Cat Island resident and daughter of Sir Sydney Poitier.

“Oh Cat Island, Cat Island! My mystical island paradise,” she wrote. “The land of my forefathers and foremothers who collectively brought me back home to the beauty, tranquility, and the peace that Alessandro has captured in his photographs. His images remind me what it feels like to be human; to be in nature; to be in the arms of God and know my true purpose on earth: to help others.

“Alessandro’s seascapes titillate my eye. The landscapes uplift my spirits. He illuminates the kindness, generosity, and love of a people who believe that God loves us all and protects us on this jewel island in a crown known as The Bahamas.

“When asked ‘How you doing?’ Cat Islanders always answer: ‘Thank God for Life!’ I add, thank God for Alessandro who sees Cat Island for the gift it is!”

Mr Sarno, an Italian with a passion for travel and, now, for photography, first came to The Bahamas in 2008 and has been coming back every year since. Inspired by the life and natural beauty he has found in the islands of the archipelago, he is hoping his images will encourage visitors and Bahamians to travel beyond Nassau to the Family Islands.

For details of ‘Catch da Cat’ visit www.thelonesomephotographer.com/books