Airport surprises
A Beaconite who travelled out of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport last Thursday had a couple surprises. First and foremost was the simple fact that he was travelling out of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport — a feat that typically had been cost-prohibitive ever since American Eagle stopped operating there about 10 years ago. Last week, the Beef Island flight was so reasonably priced that it finally made sense for him to use the local airport instead of taking the ferry to St. Thomas and flying from there. Though the Beaconite’s itinerary did not include a trip on the new direct flight to Miami, he wonders if that service — which was introduced June 1 — somehow made his own flight cheaper. He hopes so, because flying out of Beef Island is much more convenient than flying out of St. Thomas. The second surprise last Thursday was the crowds. Whenever he has visited the airport in recent years, it has been nearly deserted. Not so last Thursday, when there were dozens of people in the departure area. He attributes this, too, to the new direct Miami service. He hopes the service will continue, and that it will make flying out of Beef Island easier and easier in years to come.
Congrats, Class of 2023
As has been noted by many community members this month, the students graduating among the Class of 2023 have successfully met their academic goals while contending with more challenges than anyone could have anticipated. They have learned to adapt and overcome, earning them lifelong skills that should serve them well as they set out on new paths. Life as a young adult can be confusing and overwhelming at times, but Beaconites are confident these new graduates are well positioned to chase whatever goal they set for themselves. Congratulations to the inquisitive, competent young people who have worked hard and now take on a new role in the Virgin Islands community.
Storm preparedness
Last week saw the passage of some stormy weather just to the south of the Virgin Islands, and now is a good time for readers to ensure their households are stocked up on water, pantry staples, and other supplies useful in an emergency. It’s certainly easy to put off such preparations amid the business of graduation season and other events, but sooner is better than later. A Beaconite stocked up on water just a few weeks ago, and it afforded some peace of mind. She still has a few preparatory activities to check off the list, including updating the household emergency contact information, but getting started is worthwhile.
Festival
As the territory approaches festival season rapidly, a Beaconite fondly recalls the first August Emancipation Festival she attended in 2019. She remembers how hot the territory was during that time of year, and how she was amazed that despite the heat, residents were outside every day to enjoy the festival events. She frequently went to the festival village during the nights, enjoying access to all the concerts and soaking in the environment around her. She was pleased to be backstage with artists, taking picture of them on stage interacting with the crowd. That year, Popcaan was the headliner. She and two other reporters covered the event, which drew thousands of people. She remembers his performance came around 3 a.m., and that the crowd only got bigger and bigger as the night progressed. The reporter also remembers photographing the August Monday Parade. The intensity and jovial nature of festival remains inspirational to her, and she hopes that everyone enjoys the upcoming events.