Power out
Beaconites were chagrined when the power went out in Road Town shortly after 7 a.m. yesterday. For some reason, power outages seem to occur most often on a Wednesday, their deadline day.
The Beaconites soon learned that the power was out in much of the territory, and they began to worry that they would struggle to complete the paper in time. Fortunately, however, the electricity came back at around 9 a.m., and they managed to get the job done. Though the BVI Electricity Corporation hadn’t provided an explanation as of press time, Beaconites are glad power was restored fairly quickly.
Crime Stoppers
A Beaconite who frequently writes about crime was glad in July 2010 when community members brought the organisation Crime Stoppers to the Virgin Islands. The reporter has been somewhat dismayed in recent months, though, that the organisation, which allows witnesses of crimes to anonymously submit tips, has kept a low profile. That seems to be changing. Crime Stoppers BVI recently created a Facebook page that has gathered 42 “likes.” In December the group received a $10,000 donation from the BVI Bank Association. Now, it seems intent on getting the word out about the valuable service it provides: The organisation is hosting its first public luncheon today at 12:15 p.m. at Maria’s by the Sea, and a press conference is planned for the near future. For luncheon tickets call 494-3514.
Fresh fruit
A Beaconite got a taste of the territory’s produce this week, and it was delicious. The reporter had tagged along to some Tortola farms for the judges’ visit ahead of Farmers’ Week. One of the farmers had more bright yellow grapefruit on the ground than the reporter – who is a big fan of grapefruit – could have eaten in a week. He must have noticed her mouth watering, because the farmer kindly offered a ripe grapefruit for her to take home. She can’t wait to try more local flavours during next week’s agricultural exhibition.
Sir Richard’s advice
Sir Richard Branson told attendees at the BVI Business Outlook 2012 Conference last month how he would manage the Virgin Islands if it were one of his companies. In a 20-minute speech the billionaire detailed how he would direct VI government officials to protect the environment and find new ways of doing business in order to protect tourism and the financial services industry. He further emphasised the need for public officials to listen carefully to stakeholders and address trouble spots, advice he said could be used in countries large and small. Now Sir Richard’s advice can be read by a larger audience: The New York Times has syndicated a letter Sir Richard wrote summarising the speech to be published in newspapers worldwide.
The future
During the Artists Against Addiction concert Sunday, a Beaconite was pleased to see several young people speaking out against addiction. The reporter hopes that with proper parenting and encouragement, the young people will help bring about a drug-free territory. “We bring hope,” a group from the Enid Scatliffe Pre-primary School sang during a presentation at the event. It was an apt message, the Beaconite thought.