Hobbies Fair 2026 Recap

THE YWCA'S HOBBIES FAIR

One of the strengths of The Bahamas YWCA is that every person's passion, skill, hobby, or personal interest can be used to serve God and uplift the wider community.

On July 22nd, 2026, the inaugural Hobbies Fair was held in the Sands and Granger Hall at the YWCA. As this was our pilot program, we approached the day with a fair measure of trepidation. There were many moving parts, numerous individuals involved, and the lingering doubt as to whether everything would unfold smoothly.

When the children first arrived at the YWCA, they were somber—almost as though they were trying to determine what new world they had stepped into. But by the time they departed, they were overflowing with enthusiasm, already asking when they could return for the next event. Their joy was our confirmation that our prayers had been heard and answered. By the end of the day, we were pleased beyond measure.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the strong, committed, and highly competent group of members and friends who made this achievement possible. Foremost among them are the Rev. C. B. Moss and his wife, Mrs. Francisca Moss. In the early days of my return to the YWCA—when the struggle was real and the funds were lean—the Moss family stood faithfully with the Association and supported many of our fundraisers. Today, it is a blessing to stand as partners, working alongside their church in pursuit of a shared mission: nurturing the nation's youth in a positive, Christian environment.

We also express appreciation to the members of the YWCA's Hobbies Fair Committee—Deidre Baptiste, Minister Theresa Bastian and her daughter Thea, Andrea Knott, Geoffrey McPhee, Daphne McIntosh, Dr. Donna Miller, Pamela Moultrie, Amanda Roberts, Cheryl Seymour and Minister Linda Thompson—for their dedication, excellence, and unwavering service. Finally, it seems that no YWCA function can now take place without D.J. Oral Hudson, whose energy, creativity, and wholehearted commitment inject life and vitality into every event he touches.

Until next time…

Rosalie J. Fawkes

View The Photos From The Event!

Mr. Geoffrey McPhee

Mr. Geoffrey McPhee has been a part of life at the YWCA for more than fifty-three years and is a former President of The Table Tennis Association which meets most evenings in the YWCA’s Activity Center.  Through the years he has taught at several government schools; his career as an educator was completed at the Government High School where he served as Principal. Married to Mrs. Catherine M. Mcphee, he has two sons - Benjamin and Christopher. The family worships at St. Michael’s Methodist Church and in his spare time, he pursues his hobbies which include carpentry, computer technology, choir, drumming, Table Tennis and travelling. 

Dr. Donna Miller presents Mr. Geoffrey McPhee with a token of appreciation.

Presenter: Ayoka Seymour

Ayoka, whose Nigerian name means "she who brings joy",  is a young Bahamian culture enthusiast with a passion for the arts, particularly theatre, where she has worked as a lighting and sound technician with Shakespeare in Paradise since 2019. She also has a passion for literature, writing, music, and dance. Ayoka truly believes we should all “Let the Music Move Us” and she is a choreographed dancer with Colours Entertainment.

This writer, and leader danced her way through Palmdale Primary School, St. John’s College, where she was head girl, and at the University of The Bahamas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Linguistics.

She served as the Student Government Association Senator for the School of English Studies, worked in the University Writing Centre as a Peer Tutor, and is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society.  At UB she continues to foster meaningful connections with graduates and remains actively engaged in advancing the University's mission and alumni community. She is recognized for her academic excellence, contributions to cultural research, and active involvement in university affairs.

Ayoka is currently working at UB in the Department of Alumni Services within UB's Division of Institutional Advancement and she’s juggling all of her passions, among them her passion for Junkanoo.

Information contributed by Pamela Moultrie

Presenter: David King

“Music has always felt like a superpower to me, and from a very young age, I didn’t just want to listen to it; I wanted to decode the mystery of how it was made." That curiosity led David King to pick up the alto saxophone at just 10 years old. What started as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Today, at 22, David is officially turning that passion into a career as a Music Major at the University of The Bahamas where he is pursuing his Bachelor of Music degree. Over the past twelve years, the saxophone has taught David much more than just how to play beautiful melodies. It has been his greatest teacher in life, showing him firsthand the true value of patience, hard work, and dedication. He has learned that while mastering a skill takes time, discipline always pays off in the end. David is incredibly excited to connect and share his love for the alto saxophone, and inspire the next generation to find a hobby that helps them grow, learn, and hit all the right notes in life.

Information contributed by Pamela Moultrie

Presenter: T'Dosia Bastian

​I was born 1997 in Rome, Italy, to my Bahamian parents, Terrance and Theresa Bastian. In 2019, I graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts and a minor in Creative Writing. For my Senior Capstone, I focused on portraits of Black Women and their natural hair in an attempt to combat the stereotypes associated with black natural hair. I exhibited in the Family Theater Gallery of the College of Saint Benedict for my senior group thesis exhibition. 

Other places where I have shown my work are MAVS' (Musicians Artists & Vocalists Showcase) 2019 Summer Showcase, Doongolik Art Studios, and Christie’s International Real Estate. I have also written a children’s book. I currently attend Abundant Grace Church where I sing with the Praise team.

About three years ago, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. I am the proprietor of T’Dosia’s Designs, which creates authentic Bahamian shell jewelry and accessories, handcrafted soaps, shell hand painted magnets and key chains and paintings. Going forward, I plan to expand my business and write a second edition to my first children’s book.

T'Dosia and Minister Theresa Bastian

Bahamas Table Tennis

The Junkanoo Rush Out

David King

Comments from The Dynamic Team

Excellent teamwork!

Pamela Moultrie

Amazing teamwork.  Great job

— Dr. Donna Miller

The event was surely enjoyable. Everyone did an awesome job!

— Andrea Knott

When I think of how an obscure idea unfolded into the wonderful event hosted yesterday, I am full of applause for all of the team players.  Great collaboration ladies and gents!

— Cheryl Seymour

The YWCA's Hobbies Fair in 3 words!  Awesome awesome, awesome!  Presenters shared nuggets from their vast treasury of knowledge.  As the late Dr. Myles Munroe often stated, we should all die empty, having shared from the abundance that God has given to us.  We thank God for the visionary behind this wonderful event.  

— Theresa Bastian

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In Memoriam: Shandera Darville