"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
I have often commented on the appalling performance of our postal service, both long before and after the hurricanes. The service does not appear to have made any repairs or …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Problem noted, questions asked”
I am all for reducing food prices, but I don’t see how the United States Virgin Islands can help us achieve this. Surely most of our imported food comes from …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Writer sceptical of gov’t claims”
I’ll start this week’s commentary by imagining the resignation letter that could have been penned by Recovery and Development Agency CEO Paul Bayly. Dear Sirs: Due to the …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — RDA CEO’s resignation imagined”
I guess the police commissioner can’t say no to the premier’s decision to allow larger motorbikes into the territory. So he suggests some conditions for importation and regulations for use. …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Bikes, bodyguards and pot draw fire”
I note Verna Penn Moll’s description of the local old-fashioned Christmas tree in last week’s opinion page. She says it was the “inkberry” or “fishing rod” tree, which is also …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — ‘Inkberry,’ cryptocurrency draw questions”
In the United Kingdom, shortly before the election was announced, the queen read “The Queen’s Speech” outlining the government’s proposed legislation for the next session of Parliament. This has since …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Throne speech draws scepticism”
I wonder what sort of advice the governor gives in Cabinet meetings? I wonder if the heads of departments know what goes on at the bottom of their hierarchy? I …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Water meter contract sparks questions”
I am pleased for the people and businesses of Virgin Gorda that they once again have banking facilities, albeit through only one bank, and not full time. Of course, one …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Writer weighs in on VG bank, other issues”
Following my comments on National Health Insurance last week, Roy Barry — the deputy director of the Social Security Board with responsibility for NHI — gave a radio interview on …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — NHI interview sparks more questions”
If the new Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre is to open soon on Virgin Gorda, with vastly improved facilities, hopefully (that word again — more later), why is the BVI …
Continue reading “Commentary — VG clinic, other issues spark concerns”
A week is a long time in politics. Two weeks is an aeon, especially when public meetings are held after the event. Over the weekend, the premier seems to have …
Continue reading “Commentary — Ideas offered for immigration reform”
Our newly appointed “King” Fahie (see government press release) may have called a National Day of Prayer for today but I am afraid he and God have an uphill task …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Residency debate sparks ‘disgust’”
Apologies to those who bought the Beacon last week expecting to see a contribution from me. It’s the curse of the weekly newspaper: Publish Thursday, but deadline Tuesday, and a …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Billboards, BVI Airways among concerns”
I applaud the premier for wanting to revitalise the applications of those who have been waiting years for residency and belongership. I suppose this isn’t spurred on by the United …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Premier praised for residency move”
Somebody please tell me this is a joke? Over the years we have seen sensible investors such as the Rockefellers, Dr. Henry Jarecki and Sir Richard Branson. But many carpetbaggers …
So we are to get a third reincarnation of the “litter wardens.” What happened to the previous two times they were appointed? Were they paid? Are they still being paid? …
Continue reading “Commentary — ESHS, other projects scrutinised”
It is nice to know that the Water and Sewerage Department building will soon be restored. I wonder if the WSD director and the new minister of transportation, works and …
Continue reading “Commentary — Incinerator, other issues spark concern”
To hear that the festival finances are already $300,000 in the red is not really a surprise. Vendors and suppliers have continually complained that they don’t get paid. Successive governments …
Talk show host Claude Skelton-Cline knows perfectly well why the British government imposed the Recovery and Development Agency on us. Just one reason. Successive governments here have shown themselves to …
First, members of the Virgin Islands’ ruling party resigned because they did not like their newly elected leader. Now, in the United Kingdom seven members of the opposition Labour Party …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Quips target recent politics”
Well done, Virgin Islands! We ran a successful election with only a little noise, and no serious incidents. The electorate has spoken — whether wisely or not, we shall see …
Where the Virgin Islands leads, the United Kingdom will follow. First, members of the VI’s ruling party resigned because they did not like their newly elected leader. Now, in the …
Continue reading “Commentary — Quips target recent politics”
I would just like to point out to the Afrikan Studies Klub, and indeed the Beacon editorial writer, that the club cannot possible pay tribute to ancestors who lost their …
Continue reading “Commentary — Parties’ recent history analysed”
It’s February. February. Are they here yet? Where are they? Who? Why, the 450 medical students who were to arrive this month to begin, or continue, their studies. Perhaps the …
Continue reading “Commentary — Campaign rhetoric, promises mocked”
For those who don’t have time to attend, watch or read the various parties’ election campaigning, here is a short list of promised items. You will note that there are …
Continue reading “Commentary — Promises don’t inspire confidence”