"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Troubled projects listed as inquiry gets under way”
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Questions raised about exotic-dancer warning”
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — A tale of Foxy’s ‘first real phone’”
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Pot law delay seen as a money-saver”
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, …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Premier called out over border opening”
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — VI seen as unready for independence”
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 …
Continue reading “Commentary — Questions raised about pot plan”
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for ‘failing’ NHI”
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 …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Long-time letter writer returns”
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”