Home stretch
Voting in the Virgin Islands starts today, and a Beaconite is excited to be one of many in the crowd waiting to see who forms the new government. Elections are a key aspect of democracy, and he has always enjoyed those moments when a winner is declared, when the new government is formed, and of course when a new (or re-elected) leader walks out in the public for the first time. The campaigns have been rigorous, and candidates have been utilising all forms of media to get their messages to the electorate. They have also campaigned extensively in person with rallies and other events. Many of them even braved the afternoon sun on the road during various Virgin Gorda Easter Festival events, where they passed out clothing and other items bearing their parties’ logos. Despite some mudslinging and other insults, the campaigns have been relatively clean when compared to a few he has covered back home in his native Guyana. Of course, there is a difference in population sizes and the issues on the table. But he is looking forward to seeing which party is declared winner, and he hopes that all politicians will shelve any campaign acrimony and work together for the good of the territory after the new government forms.
Community fun
A Beaconite is looking forward to the excitement of covering the elections, but she is certainly also eagerly anticipating some non-election-related events in the coming weeks. As an animal lover, she can’t wait to once again see some of the territory’s furry residents participating in the Humane Society of the Virgin Islands’ annual dog show on April 29 at Captain Mulligan’s in Nanny Cay. Next month will features the Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association’s annual 5K charity run/walk. Registration starts at 5 a.m. May 20 at the Queen Elizabeth II Park. The reporter hopes community members have an opportunity to get out and enjoy these events and others.
Good observation
A Beaconite is glad the Virgin Islands is welcoming officials from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to provide an independent view of how the elections are conducted. After all, this election — the first since the Commission of Inquiry revelations — is particularly important for charting a new way forward. Observers will be in the field on Polling Day, and the reporter encourages voters to use the chance to offer honest feedback on what works well and what could be improved. She also hopes voters will be similarly open with her and other reporters.
Ramadan
With Ramadan ending soon and Eid coming up, a Beaconite wants to say Ramadan and Eid Mubarak to all of the Muslims in the territory. For those who don’t know, Ramadan is a holy month in Islam when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from drinking any water or eating any food. They also pray more often during the month, typically spending two or more hours each night in prayer while reading the entire Qur’an during the month. Each Muslim typically breaks their fast at sunset, and that is called having iftar. Often, Muslims will follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad and break their fast with dates. At the end of the month, there is a large celebration called Eid. This is when all the Muslims come together and share presents and participate in a large feast.
Spreading the word
A Beaconite has noticed BVI Finance’s recent efforts to distribute the “Beyond Globalisation” report it commissioned into the international sphere. She’s seen the report mentioned in several publications — many of which specialise in disseminating press releases and paid content — including World Finance, Yahoo Finance, International Investment, and WealthBriefing. BVI Finance CEO Elise Donovan has also given interviews explaining that the report demonstrates the VI’s contribution to global prosperity, while calling the territory a “small force on the global stage, punching way above our weight.” The report was published internationally last month by BVI Finance.