Who wants to be a millionaire?
Would you join TrumpLand for a million bucks? United States President Donald Trump has not disputed recent reports that he would be prepared to offer the 56,000 Greenlanders a cool $1 million each to turn their backs on Denmark, abandon hopes of independence and embrace the Stars and Stripes. A Beaconite wonders what the reaction would be from Virgin Islanders if Mr. Trump offered the same bribe — sorry, incentive — here. For a start, with a smaller population than Greenland, a VI deal would certainly be a lot cheaper for Mr. Trump. It would also wipe out the United States VI’s recent hysteria over this territory’s charter fee increases. Indeed, the USVI used to be the Danish West Indies until 1917, when America purchased it for $25 million at the height of World War I because US leaders were terrified that Germany was plotting to seize it and build a U-Boat base there to try and dominate the Caribbean. So Washington does have form in this area. Those refusing to live under the Trump yoke at any price could probably take comfort from the fact that such a transfer would likely take years to complete and he’s due out of office in 2029 if he abides by the US Constitution — which, admittedly, is not a sure thing. But a million greenbacks? Even if Mr. Trump threw in a drive-through McDonald’s, the Beaconite suspects most islanders would turn down the offer without a second thought.
A new look
A Beaconite was walking through Road Town on Monday afternoon when she noticed that the U.P.’s Cineplex has a new look. The multi-storey building was getting a fresh coat of paint. And it was not just a new layer of paint — it was slightly different colours. Trading in the pink and green, the cinema is now donning shades of blue. However, the geometric designs on the outer walls remain, and the cinema still retains its signature look. The reporter was glad to see the upgrade, and she commends the owners and managers for the effort. As one of the largest buildings in Road Town, U.P.’s Cineplex stands out. Therefore, having it look fresh and clean from the outside helps make its surroundings look good too. The cineplex is not the only business receiving makeovers recently. The Beaconite has seen other businesses throughout town also adding a fresh coat of paint to their outer walls as well as fixing walls and barriers. She is glad to see it and hopes the government will join in and fix more of the sidewalks and roads.
Watch watch
A watch obsessive to a useless and pathetic degree, a Beaconite has noticed a certain trend among the horologically inclined of the territory. When he is walking through Road Town or sitting at a restaurant, the glint of a watch dial will often catch his eye. Nine times out of ten, the watch fits very loosely on the wearer’s wrist. Some people like a loose fit, the Beaconite understands, but why so many? Perhaps the answer comes down to human physiology. There’s something known as the “wrist swell,” which is something to consider when buying a watch: In the heat, the body must regulate internal temperature and blood flow is increased, resulting in a slight swelling of the wrist. Given the year-round heat and humidity in the territory, it is no shock to see the loose-fitting timepieces on the arms of people walking, working or driving. But does the popularity of watch-wearing also speak to a larger appreciation of punctuality, discipline and the value of time? The Beaconite isn’t sure.