Solving sargassum

Many readers will recall that last month, Sir Richard Branson helped host a conference at his Mosquito Island to bring scientists, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders around the region together to talk about what can be done to prevent sargassum from overrunning beaches again the way it did last summer. According to a post on Sir Richard’s blog, “The conference was an incredible success.” He wrote that the conference concluded with an agreement to get the sometimes troublesome seaweed “analysed thoroughly” for several possible uses, including turning it into livestock feed, plastic or liquid fertiliser. Beaconites hope that some or all of these uses prove effective sooner rather than later.

Bingo!

A few weeks ago, a Beaconite attended a bingo night where she had a false alarm. She thought she heard all the numbers she needed to win, but after she yelled “bingo,” it turned out she was wrong and some teenagers laughed at her good-naturedly. But she who laughs last, laughs best. On Friday, the Beaconite won a round of bingo during the BVI Heritage Dancers’ Bingo and Oldies Night held in Lower Estate. After trying at least three times, the Beaconite won an Original Virgin Canopy Tour. So bring on the bingo nights! This reporter feels lucky.

Superheroes

A Beaconite succumbed to paying for yet another superhero movie and went to U.P.’s Cineplex on Sunday night to watch Batman v. Superman. Expecting a total flop, he was happy to be mildly engaged throughout most of the movie, despite its jumbled storyline and overly operatic tone. However, it didn’t come close to the quality of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, in this Beaconite’s (and almost everyone else’s) humble opinion.  

$25 billion?

A Beaconite browsing through the agenda for Monday’s House of Assembly meeting noticed an interesting disparity: While the text of the document states that the premier will move for the approval of a $25 million line of credit from FirstCaribbean International Bank, the parenthetical numeric references indicate that he is requesting $25 billion. This Beaconite, for one, is curious about what projects the government plans to slate for completion in 2016 with nine zeroes of credit to play around with. His vote is for a VI-run international space station, but he would also be happy with a McDonald’s.

Paying homage

A Beaconite wants to use his reporter’s notebook this week to pay homage to one of his childhood heroes and all-time basketball greats, Kobe Bryant. Mr. Bryant played the final game of his career last night, and he will be sorely missed. The Beaconite has watched the former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard since he turned pro in 1996, when the Beaconite was 7. Over that 20-year span, he has provided countless memories for the Beaconite, including his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors, his game-winning shot against the Phoenix Suns in the 2006 playoffs, and his long-time feud with former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. Those are memories the Beaconite will never forget. Thank you, Mr. Bryant. You will be missed.

Good mews

A Beaconite recently spotted an abandoned black kitten living in the park next to Elmore Stoutt High School. Although she tried to earn the kitty’s trust by bringing him food and water, the kitten remained suspicious of her, and wouldn’t come close enough to be captured. A few days ago, the Beaconite was alarmed when she couldn’t find the cat, and feared he might have been killed. Fortunately, while shopping at Rite Way, another customer recognised her from the park and provided a happy update. The kitten apparently had been rescued by a good Samaritan. This Beaconite sends her thanks to whoever saved the kitten, and she would love an update on how he is doing. Write to kking@bvibeacon.com.

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