Welcome, commish
Beaconites were pleased to learn this week that the territory’s new police commissioner has reportedly arrived.
Over the past year, there has been no shortage of controversies surrounding the police force. In October, police started an unusual policy of omitting names from their weekly arrest blotter, and a month later two detainees alleged that they experienced inhumane treatment at the police station. Additionally, three police officers are currently facing accusations that they stole money and drugs from criminals, and another officer is facing two counts of indecent assault against an 8-year-old girl. This Beaconite hopes the new police commissioner values transparency and will be willing to speak to the media about all these issues. She wishes him luck with his new position, and hopes he enjoys his new home.
Hurricane
Beaconites were amused to learn that weather forecasters are at odds about the coming Atlantic Hurricane Season, which starts June 1. Even the Department of Disaster Management didn’t seem to know what to make of the conflicting stories: The agency reported this week that predictions “have been released by several weather and hurricane forecasting institutions with varying reports on the activity level for the season.” Researchers at Colorado State University, for example, are calling for a “near average” season, with 12 named storms between June 1 and Nov. 30. Five of the 12 are expected to become hurricanes, two of which are expected to be Category Three or higher. But other sources have a bleaker outlook: Global Weather Oscillations, for example, is predicting 17 named storms and nine hurricanes, four of them major. Coming down in the middle is the Pennsylvania-based AccuWeather, which is calling for 14 named storms and eight hurricanes, four of them major. Beaconites feel the message is clear: No one has any idea how many storms will form in the coming months, so the territory should prepare for the worst.
Need neem?
Recently, a reporter’s landlord introduced her to the neem tree. Apparently, the tree, which can be found around the territory, is widely known for its medicinal value:
It is believed to help remedy skin diseases and lower blood pressure, the landlord explained. It can also be used as a natural insecticide. The reporter has started adding neem to her tea, and she believes she has seen an improvement in her digestive system.
Farm fresh
This week, a Beaconite visited the Safe Haven Transitional Home, formerly the Sandy Lane Centre. During an interview with Director Jacqueline Donovan, she learned that the new facility has a garden where patients can plant fruits and vegetables. After touring the garden, the reporter is excited about purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables, especially sorrel and mangoes, from the farm.
Dogs days
A Beaconite would like to congratulate the half-dozen-strong battalion of beach dogs residing near his apartment that continue to pursue their passion on a nightly basis, employing fierce woofs to rid the streets of slow-moving motorists and never failing to remind those who drive by in 1,500-kilogram steel vehicles who the Actual Bosses are.
‘Mark of the beast’
A Beaconite who has talked with a high-ranking government official twice has been told both times that the official can tell he works for the Beacon because he “has the mark of the beast.” Given the official’s jovial nature, the Beaconite assumes he is joking. But either way, given that it’s the responsibility of journalists to hold government officials accountable for their actions, he’ll take the remark as a compliment.
{fcomment}