Refusing to be stressed
On Friday about 20 students from the Agape Total Life Academy visited The BVI Beacon. The kids not only learned a thing or two about how the newspaper operates, but they also made reporters smile. Each time they were asked how they were doing, they chorused, “I am blessed and nothing less and refused to be stressed.” Reporters were pleased to hear this enthusiastic response, and some of them plan to use it every now and then.
Record breaker
Beaconites meet interesting people every day, but it is rare to meet someone who is in The Guinness Book of World Records. This was the case on Saturday when a Beaconite interviewed Joanne Singleton, the winner of the Dive BVI 10k race on Virgin Gorda. Ms. Singleton’s friends kept reminding the reporter that she is a world record holder in the half marathon. It wasn’t until the Beaconite asked Ms. Singleton about her accomplishment that she explained that she set a record by running the fastest half marathon dressed as a particular fruit. See story on page XX to see which fruit.
Rocket surgery
A Beaconite knows that people who have to speak in public regularly will inevitably make mistakes in their verbiage from time to time. Nevertheless, he was amused when he heard a High Court justice come up with a term he never heard before during the opening of the May Assizes. “This is not rocket surgery,” said the judge while scolding the Crown for failing to file indictments for some of the cases on the court docket. After the verbal mistake, a defence attorney couldn’t help himself: He stood up and pointed out that she mistakenly combined “rocket science” and “brain surgery.” The justice seemed annoyed that the attorney had to point out her gaffe, but she acknowledged that he was correct before moving on with the proceedings. Beaconites like the expression she coined, and some of them might just start using it.
Unity in diversity
A Beaconite noticed Monday that Premier Dr. Orlando Smith is renewing his call on Facebook for Virgin Islands residents to reach out to others who appear different from them. Although 24 people had “liked” Dr. Smith’s recent post, no one had answered his question of what they’re doing to connect with their diverse neighbours. The reporter doesn’t think residents should be discouraged by the lack of responses, however, as it’s a daunting question. The Beaconite wants to remind readers that this type of connection can be initiated by simply greeting someone new. From her own experience getting interviews in public spaces or at crowded events, the reporter can share that not everyone has a friendly response to being approached by a stranger, but most do. The Beaconite has started several lasting friendships with people of a different race or religion than herself in exactly this manner.
Mother’s visit
A Beaconite’s dear mother visited the territory for the first time recently. He is pleased to say that she had a great time exploring Tortola, lounging on the beaches and drinking good rum. She even hitchhiked for the first time in her life. The Beaconite is looking forward to his mother’s next visit, and knows she is, too.
Debt list
The Virgin Islands is regularly featured atop lists of beautiful places to visit and live. But a Beaconite was intrigued this week to see the territory make a different ranking: “Five countries with almost zero debt.” The list, which was compiled by the website SiliconIndia, describes five small jurisdictions, mostly small island states, which are in good fiscal health. Topping the list is the Pacific Island nation Palau, which the website states has been enriched by tourism and payments from the American military’s bases in the country. Palau is followed by Europe’s Liechtenstein, Brunei in southeast Asia, and the VI. Macau, a special region of China, rounds out the list. A Beaconite is glad to see the VI featured for its fiscal prudence, but he wonders if the listmakers know about government’s plans to borrow $57 million for infrastructure projects — and possibly much more to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.