Floored?
During a Monday press conference, the premier denied a report that he had slept on the floor of an airport in Antigua recently while in transit to the United Kingdom. The premier also expressed his disappointment in the media company that reported what he said was inaccurate information. Though the company stood by the claim, the premier explained that the plane he was supposed to board did not take off, and he waited a few hours for accommodations before departing for the UK the next day. A Beaconite, who has travelled to and from the Virgin Islands often and experienced multiple delays in flights, feels for the premier and his delegation. It’s not as though he flies on a private jet like the president of the United States. Rather than blaming the airline or his team, the premier graciously looked toward the positive aspect: that he was able to make it to his destination the next day. Even if he did sleep on the floor — which he denied — the incident would hardly be a scandal in the Beaconite’s view. In fact, it is comforting to know that the territory’s most senior elected leader is not above the hardships faced by other travellers — especially given that he is in a position to help fix them.
Farewell, friend
A Beaconite had to say goodbye this week to a faithful companion — her camera. She isn’t above admitting that she teared up after downloading what will likely be the last photos from it. It sounds silly to be so attached, but the camera has reliably been with her since high school. The reporter researched countless devices and saved up all her money from dog walking and babysitting for years to be able to buy her own camera. She used it to document countless historic moments: community protests, elections, festivals, school plays, art exhibits, vigils, sports tournaments, emergencies, ground breakings… . The list goes on. The Beaconite has looked through the lens of the camera to witness humanity at its best and its worst, and this simple device has been an essential tool in covering stories she never would have dreamed she could when first making that purchase. It enabled her to help families make memories and made it possible for her to take award-winning journalistic photos. It’s come with her to the top of snowy mountains and out on glittering oceans. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts to maintain it for the past two decades, time has taken its toll. Metal trimmings are rusting, the flap protecting its ports has fallen off, and, most devastatingly, it can’t reliably download photos anymore. The first shots it took were of the movie theatre lobby where the reporter had her first job, and it’s last were of the governor’s Speech from the Throne on Tuesday. It will take time to get used to her new camera, but the Beaconite is excited to see what it will capture over the coming years.
Culture shock
A Beaconite who has been working remotely from Guyana is finalising his plans to relocate to the Virgin Islands, and he knows a culture shock awaits him. At the top of his “culture shock list” is the absence of fast-food franchises such as KFC and Pizza Hut. Luckily for him, he loves to cook, and YouTubing the best KFC chicken-look-alike videos may be his best bet as he adjusts. Then there is the scarcity of public transportation. For that, he may have to purchase his own vehicle or moped to get around. He has been trying to lose some weight in recent months, so walking may be a good option too. Despite any challenges, he is excited to make the necessary adjustments on his impending arrival as he adjusts to life in the VI.