Cruelty in Paradise, A Memoir of Nassau Bahamas is my new book just published. It chronicles my adventures and tribulations in Nassau Bahamas in the 1970s during my stint as chief inspector of the Bahamas Humane Society. I was totally unaware and unprepared for the frustrations, dangers and horrors I was about to confront.
Could not believe the scale of animal cruelty.
Initially I could not believe the scale of animal cruelty on the island, involving the suffering of the iconic surrey horses which were often involved in road accidents or dropped dead through exhaustion; the wanton attacks on the roaming dogs locally known as potcakes and the shocking cruelty at the local Hobby Horse Race Track just to name a few of the issues. I faced death threats and brushes with voodoo sacrifice, and the work became relentless and overwhelming causing great emotional strain which began to take its toll on my mental health, but luckily the good times just about compensated for the bad.
I could not have survived without the welcome help and support of both the local and expat community and my small motley crew of staff and volunteers, not to forget my faithful dog Condor who became my soulmate and protector. The book describes the work of the humane society in its attempts to combat cruelty on the island and my harrowing day to day work.
A nostalgic look at 1970s Nassau, Bahamas
It is also a nostalgic look at what life was like in 1970s Nassau, my introduction into the Bahamian way of life, my exploration of the island and how I de-stressed from the relentless work by relaxing on Paradise Island which was then still an oasis of calm.
The book contains 80 of my previously unpublished photographs of Nassau, the people I met and my work. Available in paperback ISBN: 979-8376431179 from Amazon and Barnes & Noble and eBook ISBN: 979-8223708070 from most online retailers including Kindle, Apple, Nook and Kobo. Quick link to find the book at your favourite supplier.
