Making the rounds
A Beaconite’s home of District Two got the limelight over the past week, when candidates from various parties and independent campaigns made their appearances in Cane Garden Bay. The reporter has been living in the area for the past three years, and it was interesting to hear the candidates’ plans for its future. She was initially surprised to hear that several events were taking place in “Cane Garden Bay Park,” and it wasn’t until she found directions that she realised the only time she’s really been in that area was on a beach clean-up day. More could certainly be done to create engaging, safe spaces for children to play — an issue not unique to CGB — and she was glad to hear leaders discuss youth development as a priority. There are plenty of other areas with potential for improvement. Of course, there is the empty post office awaiting its reopening day, and while the roads in the district are overall in considerably better shape than many areas in the Virgin Islands, there are a few errant potholes that could catch an unsuspecting driver. She would also love to see more support for re-establishing an area for recycling bins on the flat. During election season, it’s easy to focus on what needs fixing, but covering events in her district provided a good opportunity to reflect on everything for which she is grateful in her community. She’ll be curious to see how this particular race unfolds, among many other interesting ones this year.
Loud bikes
On several occasions recently, the peace and quiet in a Beaconite’s surroundings were disrupted by the loud noise of speeding bikes. As they zigzagged through the traffic, he cringed with the hope that they do not hurt themselves or others. Recently, while walking near Queen Elizabeth II Park, the reporter looked up and witnessed a biker navigating a turn mere inches away from the vehicle he managed to overtake. He wonders if the bikers consider their safety or the safety of other motorists while making such manoeuvres. The bikes are loud enough during the day, but at night the noise gets worse, especially when a convoy is racing down the roadway. The Beaconite also recently witnessed a few stunts performed by bikers who wore no crash helmets. On Monday, one of them popped a wheelie in front of the Digicel store in Road Town, apparently completely unconcerned by the many heads which turned around to witness his stunt. The Beaconite hopes the police will hold campaigns to deter rogue bikers while simultaneously offering safety sessions for them. After all, safety comes first.
50 regattas
A Beaconite was thrilled to see the BVI Spring Regatta celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. She’s covered the event since she first set foot in the territory in 2019, and she fondly remembers the teams she met. For instance, she befriended the Escaped Aussies, who graciously welcomed her and another reporter on board during the races. She’s kept in touch with the team over the years. During last year’s race, the reporter was also happy to join fellow photographers and journalists on a press boat, where she took some great pictures despite getting soaked in the rough waters. She also remembers the difficulties organisers had during the pandemic, when they were forced to postpone the 50th anniversary race despite their best efforts to continue with it. At the time, travel restrictions hampered the abilities of crewmembers to arrive in the territory. She is happy that the borders are now open, that the pandemic ceases to be a barrier for travel, and that events that garner international attention like the regatta can once again swing in full force, bringing positive experiences and people into the territory.