Water, water — nowhere?
A Beaconite feels as though the forces of the universe — or at least the forces of poor governance — are conspiring against him. For six days, he has had no running water at his apartment near the top of Joes Hill. And the water at The BVI Beacon office in Road Town is not much better: Over the past week, it has run for an hour or two most mornings only to shut off for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, his calls to the Water and Sewerage Department — which very rarely answers its phone — have neither resolved the problem nor gleaned him any information about it (though, in fairness, he was told last week that the WSD director was on vacation). In the midst of the water outages, which are also affecting many other residents, the Beaconite was delighted to see the Joes Hill road getting torn up for a quick paving right in the midst of tourism season. This work apparently almost happened a few months ago, when Joes Hill was closed for a couple days while construction began to get under way. But then the project stalled, and the road-closure signs were eventually removed. Now, the top asphalt layer has been removed from one lane, and about a quarter has been repaved — and there are no road-closure signs in sight. This kind of tomfoolery with the territory’s roads must end. Any excuses regarding timing and scheduling shall fall on the reporter’s deaf ears. This week was the best time to start tearing up Joes Hill? Sure, and Road Town’s roundabout is perfectly designed. Politicians are free to keep fiddling with the levers of change, but the reporter will be looking for his fillings on the side of the road.
‘He’s my guy’
So there may not be a reality-show franchise for Caribbean leaders yet, but Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley and United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. have certainly been trying to make it happen. Mr. Bryan was throwing some serious shade before he swept into Road Town on Friday, swearing he would come down on Mr. Wheatley with 25-percent tariffs if the fees for USVI charter boats were raised. The premier was having none of that trash talk, insisting he would not be “bullied.” But, just like (un)reality TV, it was all hugs and kisses when the two came face to face at a hastily arranged six-minute huddle where the press was not invited. In the media absence, even the government communications director acknowledged that tensions had “been a little high,” prompting the governor to say of the premier: “He’s my guy! We can get emotional sometimes!” The ever-smiling premier replied by expressing his faith “that when we came together that we would have a nice joke and laugh.” Drama! Drama! Drama!
‘Island time’
A Beaconite has grown accustomed to what some residents dub “island time.” She has heard the phenomenon described as an effect of a particular approach to life: that is, taking things with a slower pace. Many residents cite it as one of the reasons they love this territory. Much of the time, she appreciates it too. But there are other instances where she feels a late start is less appropriate, such as court sittings, House of Assembly meetings, or other official government functions. After all, these sorts of delays often cost taxpayers money and waste taxpayers’ time. Nevertheless, she is learning to appreciate even these delays, which can help her relax, pause and take in the scenery of this beautiful place. There is no need to always be stressed or in a hurry, she is reminded. The thought puts her at ease.