Cops should know the law
Shortly after the Tuesday armed robbery at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, a Beaconite showed up and started taking photos — as journalists often do at crime scenes. Soon, however, a police officer approached and politely asked him to delete his photos. When the Beaconite politely declined and identified himself as a journalist, she insisted that he wasn’t allowed to take photos of officers processing a crime scene. She was wrong, of course: The officers were in public, and journalists (and, indeed, any other members of the public) have every right to take photos. The Beaconite explained as much to the officer, but she was not convinced. She eventually walked away and brought another officer, who fortunately deescalated the situation and eventually acknowledged the obvious: that reporters have a right to take photographs in public places. But the Beaconite was left troubled by the first officer’s initial approach. It appears that she either lacked a very basic understanding of the law or she deliberately misrepresented it in an attempt to intimidate him from taking photos. Either scenario is troubling. Going forward, the Beaconite hopes the police force will educate its officers on the law, on interacting with the media, and on the public’s right to take photos in public places. The Beaconite respects police officers for the job they do, which he knows can be very dangerous. He also understands that they could have very good reasons for not wanting to appear in photos. But if they want to remain anonymous, they can wear masks when they work in public spaces. Just like them, the Beaconite was simply trying to do his job. Journalists’ work, like police officers’, is important too: Among other benefits, it helps inform the public about crimes and the police response to them. It also helps hold police accountable. Perhaps this Reporter’s Notebook item will do just that.
Island hopping
A Beaconite recently spent some time on the ferries that travel from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. After making such journeys — many of which were quick day trips — she reflected on the ease with which residents and tourists are able to island hop in the territory. Nevertheless, travelling by ferry here does require some patience. For instance, she found herself waiting at the Road Town ferry terminal for more than 30 minutes for the late arrival of the ferry headed for Virgin Gorda. She and a handful of other passengers stepped out of the indoor (and air-conditioned) waiting area multiple times when told by other passengers the ferry was getting close, only to see nothing on the horizon and step back inside. The Beaconite also wishes that online ferry schedules were more consistently reliable. She has learned that it is essential to call the ferry company for accurate information about departures and arrivals. That’s all well and good during the day, but what if you’re planning a trip outside of working hours? The BVI Ports Authority has the power to regulate ferry companies more strictly. It should.
Shabby, not chic
Is it Road Town or Rough Town? It’s hard to say at the moment, as the shabby side of the town seems to be at the fore. Eight months ago, the government launched the Road Town Partnership — a much-lauded, but so far very little delivering, public-private bid to spruce up the capital. But Road Town is still often a sad sight. Take a building like the Cutlass Tower: The “W” has been missing from its prominent sign for more than a year. Why does that matter? Well, this building houses the offices of the premier and BVI Finance. What must visiting foreign leaders and potential investors think when even the premier’s own office looks so shabby? Maybe those responsible could be taken to the Supreme Court — but no: The territory doesn’t actually have one, because the prestigious building housing the territory’s highest legal authority has two of its own letters missing, and it sits there sadly calling itself the “Suprem Cou t.” If our leaders can’t even be bothered to make such key buildings look vaguely presentable, what chance does the rest of the place have? Shabby.