Dry day
While a Beaconite was between polling stations on Monday, she stopped in a bar to grab a drink. “No alcohol served during elections until 6 p.m.,” a sign read. She thought this made sense — maybe officials don’t want any rowdiness during the polls. And considering the results of such a peaceful and smooth voting day, they were probably right. But one interesting point the bar manager mentioned: What about the tourists? Should they be able to buy drinks? The Beaconite isn’t sure just how much the bars were hurting that day, or how many disappointed tourists came off the cruise ships, but she suspects there was some backlash from the policy and urges officials to consider some creative changes.
Missing dongle
The Beacon’s Digicel internet dongle disappeared from the Multi-purpose Sports Complex while the election results were being counted, and Beaconites would love to get it back. Before the results were counted, a reporter plugged the device into an orange extension cord on the downstairs floor of the complex next to the media section. When he returned a little after midnight, the orange cord was gone, along with the dongle and his charger. If anyone finds the device, which is a white plastic oval that can fit in the palm of a hand, please call the Beacon at 494-3434, 542-2404 or 540-4646 or e-mail bvibeacon@gmail.com.
Friendly police
Amid all the excitement at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex just before results rolled in on Polling Day, a hungry Beaconite — who had gone straight from the office to the complex with no time to stop for dinner — was delighted to find a hot dog stand out in front. On her way out, her co-worker asked her to get her one as well. As she rushed back, balancing two hot dogs loaded with ketchup, mustard and relish, she was crestfallen when a police officer stopped her and informed her, “No food inside.” Well, the Beaconite couldn’t eat two hot dogs herself, nor did she have her phone on her to contact her co-worker to come get the other dog. Thankfully, the police officer was not unsympathetic to her plight. He asked for a description of the other Beaconite and her location, and sent his partner inside. “An officer is going to tell your friend to come get her hot dog,” he said in a hushed, serious voice. Soon, they both emerged, only for the Beaconite to find out her co-worker wasn’t hungry after all. Oh well. Thankfully, another member of the news team happened along shortly and was all too happy for the food. And none of it would have been possible without the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, whose dedication to hot dog-related duty is second to none. In all seriousness, though, hats off to the friendly officers who were so willing to help out.
The bright side
A Beaconite has been living in the Virgin Islands for less than a month and is convinced that if she returned to the United States, it would be too much of a culture shock. The freedom here is unmatched. From walking carefree down the road to catching rides up and down the island, movement is all around. Sometimes it isn’t the easiest, but everything is reachable. Somehow, it seems to work. The Virgin Islands is in better shape than some would care to admit. Yes, the Beaconite had to wait almost three hours just to cash a cheque — but she was also treated with kindness as she went outside and bought food while new friends held her spot in line. They told her “God is watching,” so pay attention to the small kindnesses that make the big picture work. Yes, she had to wait two hours in immigration to get her passport back. But the officer she spoke to was extremely professional and well versed. So there will be complaints all around. But not from this Beaconite.