Library launch
Saturday was a very special day for one Beaconite, as it marked the official launch of the Turtle Dove Library. Several moments from the grand opening will stick with her forever, especially when the first little girl wearing adorable pink glasses enthusiastically picked out a book and colouring pages to take home while her mother discussed how much the community has needed a public library geared toward serving young readers. Seeing this mini library start to make a tangible difference in the community is deeply rewarding and gives this Beaconite hope for the project’s future. Besides, the grand opening is another item to add to the “good” column in 2020. To start, the library will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and the book return slot is open 24/7. Before next Saturday, the reporter will work on getting more Spanish language and baby books in stock. She hopes to see you there! Heartfelt thanks go out to teacher Noel Blessing, Beverly Donovan of the BVI Reading Council, Wrinisck Rene De Leon, the BVI Red Cross, and everyone who attended. Stay tuned with the Turtle Dove Library page on Facebook for future updates.
A caring community
After more than a year in the Virgin Islands, a Beaconite is still frequently impressed by how supportive residents can be when there is a community member in need. The latest reminder came this weekend, when he reported on a boxing match and rugby tournament that helped to raise money for a heart surgery needed by one of the territory’s devoted athletes. Held within hours of each other, both events drew strong crowds of friendly faces who came out to socialise with one another and do their part to ensure the young man in question could afford his costly operation. When speaking with the Beaconite, the athlete made clear that the support from his friends and teammates did not go unnoticed, and he is extremely grateful for all the love shown in recent weeks.
Turtle tagging
A Beaconite was lucky enough a couple weeks ago to sail over to Oil Nut Bay with a marine biologist, a few divers, and some friends, to learn all about how Virgin Islands researchers catalogue the turtles that frequent these warm waters. The Beaconite had long heard that the biologist was leading these turtle tagging expeditions, but he didn’t realise how difficult it really is to catch these oceanic reptilians. To do so, one has to free dive to the sandy bottom, grab onto a part of the shell that won’t hurt the turtle but won’t expose the diver to being bitten, and then swim back to the improvised field station — an inflatable rectangular pad nicknamed the “lily pad.” Though it sounds invasive, it is important work, as it allows the scientist to check the turtles for disease, take its measurements, and track its movements. Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend a Sunday afternoon snorkelling with some turtles.