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Bahamas 2012 in Review with Kedar Clarke
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Jan 3, 2013 - 6:34:24 PM

"Let's be proud of what we've become, on our own..." says Kedar Clarke of Nassau. Photo: Scharad Lightbourne

TheBahamasWeekly.com has randomly selected 10 Bahamians to canvas their opinions on highlights of The Bahamas over the year 2012, as well as ask about the upcoming 40th year of independence for The Bahamas, and the direction of the country. Their comments will be shared over the coming weeks.

It is our way of highlighting Bahamians in our community, as well as sharing a wide variety of opinions.

Our fifth feature is with image consultant Kedar Clarke of Nassau :



Who passed away this year that you feel will be 'most missed' and why?

I'm gonna miss T'rez Hepburn! Though I never knew her personally, she was so infectious through her music and stage presence. She was a true "Bahamian Diva" and based on the way the public responded to her passing, I know she will be greatly missed by us all!



Who was the 'most inspirational / influential Bahamian' in 2012 and why?

It had to have been Sir Sidney Poitier for me. He was a man, doing so much for his country and countrymen, and despite him not making everything public, he was ridiculed by a decision made by The Bahamas government to honour him. I'm pretty sure that he heard all about the opposition from his own people, but in purest and truest spirit, he remained quiet and humbled by those who supported him still. That became a lesson to me personally, one that I will never forget.



2013 is the country's 40th anniversary of Independence. What should we be most proud of in the past 40 years ?

I feel that we should be more proud of ourselves and all that sets us apart from the rest of the world. People seek us out as a country because of our natural difference, but once they get here, they see people who are eager to be like them. Let's embrace us more...let's be proud of what we've become, on our own.



Looking forward, where do you feel the country still needs to improve and why?

There are sooooo many areas we can improve upon, but from personal experience, I wish that we can start to support and empower each other more. Its too common to see people give up on their dreams because they're not supported by "their own".  If each of us encouraged and uplifted one person with a strong vision and goal, we could change the nation!



Do you have a Personal Highlight for 2012?

I feel that much of life's joy comes from doing what you love! This year's planning and execution of Fash|Art 2012 was just that for me...a Highlight! Meeting and grooming some of The Bahamas' top emerging visual artist and fashion designers was a thrill. Our objective in showcasing the talents of these individuals to the wider world, is a process of highs and lows that I totally love!



About KEDAR:

Kedar Clarke is on a mission to create a sustainable fashion and arts community within The Bahamas. Presently working on his latest project Fash|Art; a showcase for emerging fashion designers and visual artist, Clarke burst into the industry professionally as the Operations Manager of the renowned “Islands of the World Fashion Week” in 2010. Since returning home in 2008 after receiving a degree in Business, this Certified Project Manager established himself on the local fashion scene as a writer for the online publication Stylezine Magazine and working as a wardrobe stylist on numerous high-profile photo shoots and with individual clients.

Outside of his high paced life, Kedar’s ultimate goal is to help as many people possible in fulfilling their potential, especially their creative passions. His goodwill is also communicated through the establishment of his charitable initiative called “The Big Give Organization“. “In my lifetime I’ve seen the highs and the lows and that has kept me grounded. I feel mandated by God to pass on my blessings and empower the lives of others”, says Clarke. 

Kedar is determined to combine his skills in fashion, marketing and event planning and create platforms to further develop and awaken the fashion and creative arts industries of The Bahamas. He can be reached at kc885@hotmail.com




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