Ever the diplomat
Sporting a painful-looking dislocated shoulder, Governor Daniel Pruce gave no indication if he was gearing-up for a political arm wrestle with the premier this week. After inviting journalists to Government House to mark World Press Freedom Day on Friday, Mr. Pruce said he would take questions on that observance. When gently reminded by a Beaconite that the press should have the freedom to ask about other subjects as well (especially on World Press Freedom Day), the governor graciously accepted the point. Interest turned to whether Mr. Pruce backed controversial demands from his predecessor, John Rankin, for the governor to get extra powers from London to push through Commission of Inquiry recommendations faster. Ever the diplomat, Mr. Pruce deftly danced around the subject while maintaining distinctly non-committal footwork, stating he would let his first quarterly review of the situation do the talking later this month. Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley previously reacted strongly to Mr. Rankin’s call in January, branding it a “power grab.” Will Mr. Pruce now reignite that flashpoint? The Beaconite awaits the report with interest as he did not really get an answer at Government House. He did, however, have some very nice biscuits.
Stingray Showcase
A Beaconite was very impressed with the “Stingray Showcase” last Thursday at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. HLSCC is not a large school by any means, but the phrase quality over quantity came to mind — especially given that Virgin Islanders and belongers receive free higher education. As students displayed various projects demonstrating the skills they learned in recent months, the Beaconite was chuffed to see the quality of workmanship and the faculty’s interest in their success. For example, the sloops Irma and Maria didn’t just look refurbished: They appeared to have come fresh off the line. The cakes presented by the culinary students were almost overwhelming to the senses. And if their appearance wasn’t enough, the students had baked separate cakes with the same frosting so attendees could sample their hard work. The Beaconite hopes the college continues to educate for decades to come.
Mother’s Day
While out shopping in recent days, it’s been hard to miss the various gift baskets filled with lotions, wine and chocolates while out shopping. Whether it is sales at craft and clothing stores, or promotions at spas and restaurants, Mother’s Day specials seem to be everywhere. With her own mother living more than 2,000 miles away, the deals remind a Beaconite that she wants to do something special for this day. Since shipping would be expensive and take a long time — so long that Mother’s Day would have come and gone — she has decided she will order flowers from a local shop where her mom lives. She will also send some flowers to her stepmother, who lives even further away. Though she wishes she could celebrate the day with the women in her life who have helped her become the woman she is today, she will have to settle on talking on the phone. She encourages anyone who can to take the time to see their mother and give them a hug. She hopes that this weekend every mother feels appreciated for all that they do.