Intern
Last Thursday, the Beacon welcomed a new intern for a month-long job-training programme offered to fourth form students at the Elmore Stoutt High School. Reeka Campbell is a 16-year-old liberal arts student who wishes to major in media communications and photography before earning a Ph.D. in liberal arts by the age of 27. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and analysing literature, writing and acting. Since she arrived at the Beacon, she has gotten the opportunity to do some reporting, photography and writing (see stories on page 1, 4 and 13.) She is enjoying herself so much, in fact, that she wouldn’t mind staying after her job training has ended. Who knows: She might just retire from high school and apply for a post.
Lost camera
A former Beaconite visited the territory last week with a group of friends, and they had a great time enjoying the Virgin Islands. Unfortunately, they also lost a GoPro camera on Sunday at Little Bay on Tortola. The former Beaconite is hoping that anyone who finds the camera — which contains invaluable footage of their vacation — will call the Beacon at 494-3434 or e-mail bvibeacn@surfbvi.com.
Odd testimony
A Beaconite was amused when a defendant seemingly tried to testify directly to him during a trial yesterday at Magistrates’ Court. The man on trial was arguing with the magistrate over whether he would be allowed to cross-examine the complainant. When it was made clear to him several times that the complainant already gave her evidence at a previous trial day, the man turned towards the Beaconite and one other member of the media and continued to speak. He told the Beaconite that he is being mistreated by the justice system and asked him to write about how he’s not getting a fair trial. But while the Beaconite sometimes takes issue with how defendants are treated during criminal proceedings, he saw nothing wrong with how this particular case was being handled by the court. In his opinion, the complainant’s rights would be violated if she were forced to give evidence yet again after already doing so at the previous hearing. Moreover, the Beaconite was glad to see the court proceed and refuse to be delayed.
Parrotfish protection
Coral reefs are declining across the Caribbean, with some scientists predicting their irrevocable destruction in the coming decades if current trends continue. So that’s the bad news. But National Geographic magazine reported some good news this week as well, repeating researchers’ findings that parrotfish are crucial to maintaining healthy reefs in the region. The colourful fish are important because they consume the algae that can harm reefs and defecate sand that helps replenish beaches, according to the magazine. A recently published study that included 35,000 surveys of 90 Caribbean reefs since 1970 found that the best way to protect reefs is to protect parrotfish and sea urchins, which perform similar functions. A Beaconite hopes that Virgin Islands policymakers keep these findings in mind when planning environmental protection initiatives.
Volunteering
This weekend, a Beaconite was in Barbados for her birthday. Instead of spending the time partying, however, she volunteered at Barbados Red Cross for most of the day. The reporter enjoyed being a part of a session where other volunteers dished out ideas on an upcoming project. The Beaconite was glad to have had a taste of Barbados’ famous flying fish while she chatted about the Virgin Islands with strangers.
Fruit wanted
After attending a tasting of a batch of locally made fruit wines, one Beaconite is inspired to try her hand at a batch of her own homemade fruit wine. From discussions with the course leader and a bit of research online, she thinks her best bet will be a mix of several fruits, which will mean she can choose from whatever fruits happen to be ripe when she’s buying them and still yield a good-sized batch. If it turns out tasty, maybe she’ll even bring a sample along later this year when the Agriculture Department holds its planned wine festival.
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