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Written by
Roger Harris

February 10, 2021

COMMENTARY — Troubled projects listed as inquiry gets under way

Next week marks the beginning of my 50th year in the Virgin Islands. In the early days, I was busy working to provide you with modern communications, and I did …

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by Roger Harris
January 20, 2021

COMMENTARY — Questions raised about exotic-dancer warning

We are continuously being told by our leaders that qualified Virgin Islanders and belongers must come first in any employment stakes. Last week, the premier rants on for three hours …

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by Roger Harris
January 13, 2021

COMMENTARY — A tale of Foxy’s ‘first real phone’

Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on Jost Van Dyke was in the news because his famous Old Year’s Night party was cancelled. They just had dinner and dancing for a few. That …

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by Roger Harris
November 18, 2020

COMMENTARY — Pot law delay seen as a money-saver

The premier says that the governor has cost us millions in income by not signing the Cannabis Licensing Act. On the contrary, I think he has saved us millions in …

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by Roger Harris
August 19, 2020

COMMENTARY — Premier called out over border opening

We waited a week for that Sunday speech from the premier, and we are underwhelmed! Do we, or government, know how many work-permit holders are stuck outside? Is it five, …

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by Roger Harris
August 12, 2020

COMMENTARY — VI seen as unready for independence

This small territory of about 30,000 people, less than half of whom are Virgin Islanders (some would say “indigenous”), is rife with nepotism, favouritism, tribalism and victimisation, not to mention …

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by Roger Harris
July 22, 2020

Commentary — Questions raised about pot plan

The fact that the House of Assembly passed 15 bills in June does not necessarily mean that much is going to happen in a hurry — unless someone at Gorda …

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by Roger Harris
July 15, 2020

COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for ‘failing’ NHI

What is wrong with our legislators? We all know why the National Health Insurance system is failing. It’s because the private medical facilities increased their fees by around 300 percent …

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by Roger Harris
June 24, 2020

COMMENTARY — Long-time letter writer returns

Hi there. Are you wondering where I have been? Right here with you, under lockdown. When the flights stopped and the Beacon could not distribute its print edition for a …

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by Roger Harris
February 26, 2020

COMMENTARY — Problem noted, questions asked

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 …

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by Roger Harris
February 19, 2020

COMMENTARY — Writer sceptical of gov’t claims

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 …

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by Roger Harris
February 5, 2020

COMMENTARY — RDA CEO’s resignation imagined

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 …

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by Roger Harris
January 9, 2020

COMMENTARY — Bikes, bodyguards and pot draw fire

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. …

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by Roger Harris
December 18, 2019

COMMENTARY — ‘Inkberry,’ cryptocurrency draw questions

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 …

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by Roger Harris
December 4, 2019

COMMENTARY — Throne speech draws scepticism

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 …

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by Roger Harris
November 27, 2019

COMMENTARY — Water meter contract sparks questions

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 …

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by Roger Harris
November 20, 2019

COMMENTARY — Writer weighs in on VG bank, other issues

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 …

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by Roger Harris
November 6, 2019

COMMENTARY — NHI interview sparks more questions

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 …

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by Roger Harris
October 23, 2019

Commentary — VG clinic, other issues spark concerns

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 …

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by Roger Harris
June 11, 2019

Commentary — Ideas offered for immigration reform

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 …

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by Roger Harris
June 4, 2019

COMMENTARY — Residency debate sparks ‘disgust’

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 …

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by Roger Harris
May 28, 2019

COMMENTARY — Billboards, BVI Airways among concerns

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 …

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by Roger Harris
May 14, 2019

COMMENTARY — Premier praised for residency move

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 …

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by Roger Harris
May 7, 2019

COMMENTARY — Crypto deal draws distrust

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 …

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by Roger Harris
April 30, 2019

Commentary — ESHS, other projects scrutinised

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? …

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by Roger Harris

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