Two to tango?
It was not quite as dramatic as when actor Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay singer Chris Martin announced that they were “consciously uncoupling.” But it did seem slightly odd that Governor Daniel Pruce and Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley held dueling press conferences on the same day regarding their rival Commission of Inquiry reviews. The pair have often presented a united front in the past, but not on Friday. Both denied there was any tension in the air. But then they each had their own stories to tell. The government’s self-assessment COI report could have been titled “Yes! We’re Great!” while the governor’s would be more like, “Hmmm. I’m not so sure?” The good news is that the formal COI process appears to be nearing an end. Which leaves the way open for a possible season-finale reunion between the two stars of the show next month as cliff-hangers are revealed. Will London lift the threat of direct rule? Will the Virgin Islands officially get its financial groove back? For now, though, a reporter rushing between the competing public appearances was left wondering: Is there trouble in paradise?
Meandering
A Beaconite must admit that she finds it mildly entertaining to watch cruise ship visitors meandering aimlessly through Road Town holding towels and seemingly expecting to wander onto a beach somehow. She sometimes feels inclined to stop and warn these tourists that there is no beach within walking distance of Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. But if she stopped for each tourist she sees wistfully holding a towel, she likely wouldn’t get anything else done. Indeed, it makes her wonder how much cruise visitors know about the Virgin Islands before they step off their ship. Wouldn’t it be helpful for both the tourists and local stakeholders if the cruise passengers were given a quick crash course on the territory’s main offerings to help them make the best use of the short time they have here? Additionally, she thinks it would be useful for the visitors who want to see Road Town to know that the city shuttle is free to ride.
Cyber-what?
A Beaconite’s eyes widened last week when a Tesla Cybertruck passed him on Waterfront Drive headed east. Immediately, a logistical nightmare came to mind. The “truck” is massive. According to Tesla, the Cybertruck is 18.6 feet by 7.92 feet. With a curb weight of 6,901 pounds and three electric motors that make a combined 834 horsepower, the truck can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds, according to Car and Driver magazine. With specs like these, one could argue either way whether the Cybertruck is a good fit for the Virgin Islands. There is, however, one small issue. Tesla recommends handwashing its cars with a low-pressure hose because an automatic carwash could force water into electrical areas which are best kept dry. In the VI, that asterisk raises questions given that the territory braves major storms on a regular basis. On the other hand, the Beaconite suspects the owner of the VI’s first Cybertruck has a garage. But more to the point, where do you take a Tesla to get serviced in the VI? The reporter understands that an electric car needs far less maintenance than a gas-powered automobile, but he also understands that mechanics need a background in programming or computer science to properly work on a Tesla. Considering the atrocious alignment featured on many vehicles in the VI, the Beaconite is not so hopeful.
