Questions? Yes, thanks!
A Beaconite was pleased to hear a government minister encouraging reporters to ask more questions during a recent press conference. Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool was speaking to a cramped conference room where contractors, reporters and MCW staffers were gathered for a sewerage contract signing. After answering a handful of questions about the contracts and sewerage plans, Mr. Vanterpool had a couple questions of his own: “Any other questions? I want the media to feel free to ask me any other question. Am I opening up a can of worms?” After a brief pause, reporters took the opportunity to ask about Biwater, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, cable television and territory roads. The Beaconite is confident she can speak for all reporters and most residents in saying that the minister’s openness is very much appreciated.
Russia in winter?
The temperature in Sochi, Russia was about 28 degrees Farenheight yesterday, a bit cooler than the Virgin Islands’ estimated low of 71 degrees. A Beaconite looked up the weather in the southern Russian city after receiving word recently that the XXII Olympic Winter Games, which will he held there in 2014, is currently seeking volunteers. A Beaconite thinks that although colder than the VI, Sochi would be a fun place to visit in the winter, though he doesn’t speak Russian, one of the Olympic committee’s requirements for volunteers.
‘Youths being positive’
On Saturday during the BVI Teachers Union pageant at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, one of the hosts repeatedly urged the audience to yell “YBP” after each act. A Beaconite was confused at first, but eventually the host explained that the letters stand for “youths being positive.” The host also asked the media to use the abbreviation often. The Beaconite would like to add that teachers could use the phrase in the classroom. Eventually, she thinks, it will work its way out onto the streets.
A little bubbly
Beaconites are extremely glad that sewerage work is soon to get under way in Road Town. On Monday morning, one Beaconite saw an all-too-familiar sight in front of U.P.’s Cineplex: Brown water was bubbling out of a manhole cover and washing across the road. Project officials have said the ongoing work will help to stop this problem, which occurs frequently around the capital. Beaconites hope so: They are fairly sure that tourists don’t consider such fountains a major attraction.
Drive carefully
Beaconites were chagrined to read a press release from the Solid Waste Department stating that some drivers have been ignoring warning signs set up by SWD crews working by the territory’s roads. “Drivers continue to ignore safety cones, run down the signage that has been erected, and drive past the cutting crews at dangerous speeds, in some cases injuring our sanitation workers,” Solid Waste Manager Anslem Myers said. The press release added that workers also have been verbally abused by members of the public. Beaconites believe this sort of behaviour is reprehensible. SWD staff members work hard to help keep roads clean and safe, and they deserve better. The department is asking drivers to slow down and honk when they see safety cones and signs that say “Cutting Crew at Work.” Beaconites hope drivers will listen.