Redefining ‘public’
A Beaconite is somewhat confused. Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley recently made it clear that his government is all in favour of a public register of who owns what companies in the territory — just as long as it’s not actually public. The premier said last week in the House of Assembly that strict access limits will be imposed on the register when the initiative is launched next year. The move — which appears at root to be an attempt to rewrite the definition of the word “public” — risks putting the territory at odds with London on the flashpoint issue of greater financial transparency to fight money crime. The tactic seems unlikely to fool United Kingdom leaders insisting on a public register, and it could well subject the territory to international ridicule once word gets out. The public-register issue is admittedly complex, but VI leaders may want to consider going back to the drawing board and devising a new strategy — especially now that a Labour government has swept to power in the UK.
Shots fired
In the aftermath of a shooting at U.P.’s Cineplex, a Beaconite was once again reminded of the proliferation of firearms in the Virgin Islands. While WhatsApp group chats were blowing up, discussing the most recent public shooting in the territory, his ears were tuned for other gunshots for the next day or two. Worryingly, he heard at least two. At his home in the hills above Road Town, the topography acts as a natural amphitheatre, so it is difficult to identify where exactly any sound originates. That being said, sounds of all kinds are amplified and easy to hear. That is why it was so easy to tell that the two loud cracks originated from a firearm. He heard no police sirens following the shots, and he can’t decide which is more concerning: the fact they were solitary shots, or that there was seemingly no reaction to them. Granted, it would be far more problematical if there was a barrage of gunfire, but at least there would be a much higher chance of the authorities getting called. In light of recent armed robberies, it feels less and less safe to explore Tortola after the sun sets. The reporter hopes that change will come soon, but there is no telling how deep gun violence is ingrained within the territory. Especially after the most recent law enforcement review, he hopes police ranks will be bolstered to help fight back against violence. The rest of the community should also come on board by taking a stand against all forms of criminality.
Sensational smile
Recently, a Beaconite had a double experience of what gives Nature’s Little Secret its sensational smile. The recent One VI Music Fest at Cane Garden Bay was a groove-tastic blast of midnight sound sunshine for two nights recently. Crowds gathered on the sands to let their cares drift away in the breeze as the rhythms of the Caribbean throbbed along the strip until the early hours. Later, the reporter was dragged to despair when he pulled his iPhone out of his pocket and it slid out of his sweaty hand and straight down a storm drain in front of his horrified eyes. But before he could fully process the cost and loss involved in the self-inflicted calamity, a guardian angel came to the rescue. On hearing of the plight, the saintly stranger immediately pulled up a nearby metal drain cover and disappeared into the storm tunnel before quickly re-emerging with the recently purchased $500 phone. Phew!