Parrot’s out of the bag
Beacon readers have confirmed several parrot sightings in recent days. But before all you ornithologists get excited, it was only weatherman Joey Stevens and his puppet, Bob the Parrot. The forecaster has become popular throughout the Virgin Islands and the region for his appearances on WSEE, an Erie, Pennsylvania CBS affiliate. The weatherman and his parrot have visited several Caribbean destinations, but this trip was his first time in the VI. He made stops at local bars, a regatta and Dolphin Discovery, to name a few. Beaconites can’t wait to see the footage of his visit on channel 10.
Big events
For the past two weeks a Beaconite has covered major sporting events at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds: the Central America and Caribbean Age Group Championships and the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Qualifying match. The Beaconite sees this as progress for territory to host international events. Overall, both competitions went off without a hitch. However, the disappointing aspect was the modest crowd that the events attracted. Both featured Virgin Islands athletes and could have used some more support from fans. In fact, at times, the visiting athletes had stronger support from the bleachers than the home team. The next time an international event is held featuring some of the territory’s young athletes, Beaconites hope to see more support.
Flooded, but not out
Even though some of the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall was flooded during the Hope Festival on Friday, the water did not stop participants from dancing and enjoying the show. The Beaconite covering the event was impressed with all of the participants’ positive attitude. But she was most impressed with a cleaner who was vacuuming water during the performances. Instead of complaining, he danced and moved to the music as he worked.
Extra training
On Monday, a Beaconite had the opportunity to meet several other reporters from nine countries and territories around the Caribbean at a media workshop organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. The Beaconite was grateful for the chance to talk with some of her peers about what it’s like to be a reporter elsewhere in the region. She also found the workshop sessions very informative and comprehensive. Now, she feels better prepared to carry out her day-to-day duties.
‘Stop smiling’
A Beaconite walking through Road Town received some friendly advice from a stranger in a moving car this week: “Sir, stop smiling,” she said. The Beaconite’s smile stopped soon enough, since he was on his way to court, and he will endeavour to not look too jovial in public in the future.
Sea legs
One Beaconite brought home more than she bargained for after an assignment took her out on a boat for a day last week. As she sat at her computer typing up her notes, she realised the screen in front of her seemed to moving up and down, just as the boat had all day. After a bit of research, the Beaconite learned that a condition called “dock rock” is quite common after spending a few hours on a boat. It lasted for at least an hour, and while it was a bit distracting, the reporter has decided she’ll take sea legs over seasick any time.
Victorian courts
A Beaconite who covers the crime-and-courts beat was very interested to read an article in The Believer magazine about the historical development of that beat in Victorian England. He is thankful the beat no longer requires covering public hangings, and that judges now permit, and often welcome, reporters in their courtrooms.