‘Bleat’ to pass
While riding his motorcycle recently, a Beaconite nearly experienced what would have been a very messy and very painful accident when he almost collided with a goat wandering in the Ridge Road. And it wasn’t the first time. The territory’s ubiquitous free-range goats and cows wouldn’t be such a big problem if the Virgin Islands had safe roads with shoulders, guard rails, and lanes big enough for modern cars. But they don’t, and the reporter knows that readers don’t need to be told Tortola’s roads are bad. What some of his goat-keeping readers could listen to, however, is his plea to at least shepherd their flocks. Allowing farm animals to wander freely may be cost-effective, but the practice is dangerous to motorists and the animals alike. A direct hit from a fast-moving car is a likely death sentence for the poor creatures — but it may not be a quick one. The whole point of shepherding a flock is to provide animals with safety from a watchful eye. If they’re out and about forcing motorists into oncoming traffic, something needs to be done. And if farmers won’t do the right thing, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries should take action. After all, in most cases, it’s no secret who owns the animals wandering the roads and putting lives in danger.
Let’s lick it
A slightly baffled visitor was musing on their first impressions of the Virgin Islands when they told a Beaconite: “It really needs a lick of paint and a lot of money spent on the roads; then it would be close to perfect.” And it is no secret, either to residents or visitors, that Nature’s Little Secrets could do with some tender loving care. The tourist said that some parts of the territory border on the shabby. They also wondered why there are so many abandoned vehicles littering the roads, and why the authorities do not dispose of them or trace their owners and make them do the job. The stark observations, set against the outstanding beauty of the place, were difficult for the reporter to dispute. Taking pot luck with the endless pot holes has become a national pastime for drivers as they bounce up and down with their passengers. As the late, great Elvis might have said, the territory needs a little less conversation and a lot more action. Take Waterfront Drive — well, try not to take it if you mind being assailed by rubbish, roadside eyesores and often the faint odour of sewage that marks out the capital’s main thoroughfare sandwiched between quaint Main Street and the pristine pier park. It’s an age-old problem, and the community can lick it with the right public pressure and government intervention. But, despite the visitor’s well-intentioned advice, it will take more than just a lick of paint to put things right. With a number of tourist magnets shuttered for the summer, is it really too much to ask for a territory-wide spruce-up to herald in the new season? It’s the Christmas present the VI has wanted for years.
Staycation
Over the weekend, a Beaconite was elated to have the chance to visit Jost Van Dyke for the day. Though she had technically been to the island once before, she was only there very briefly when she sailed with some friends to the Bubbly Pool. This time, however, she was not only able to enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the island but she was also able to explore different parts of the place. Since it is the slow season and there are not many tourists visiting, many restaurants, bars and gift shops were closed. Even the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar was shuttered. Nevertheless, owner Foxy Callwood was happy to recite poems to the reporter while he casually leaned back in his hammock. While she waited for the rain to subside, she enjoyed listening to Mr. Callwood’s recitations from memory of British poems as well as a poem Mr. Callwood said he wrote himself. After wandering the town, the Beaconite cooled off in the clear waters of White Bay, which was very quiet compared to the high tourism months. She hopes she can return soon.