Censorship fail
Since there are no news outlets based in any of the sister islands, a Beaconie jumps on opportunities to report there whenever she can. When she saw a recent post that notified members in a government media group about a community meeting in Anegada on Sunday, she immediately decided to cover the public event. However, that post was soon deleted. Having arranged to stay on Anegada instead of missing the 3 p.m. meeting, she asked for confirmation from the government media group on WhatsApp early Sunday morning. No answer came. But just a half hour before the meeting began, the WhatsApp group advertised the public meeting once more, but by then it would have been too late for any Tortola media house to cover the session. The government did not stream the meeting on Facebook as it did for the recent Jost Van Dyke community meeting. During the Anegada session, Deputy Speaker of the House Neville Smith even asked this reporter not to share certain things said regarding the reopening. (Don’t worry: You can read all about them in the story on page one). Because of recent public confusion, Mr. Smith explained, the government prefers to have a “single voice” when issuing information about the reopening. But with the lack of information given by the government throughout the pandemic — and especially just before reopening when so many people are being kept in the dark — the reporter will continue to push for transparency and honesty from elected officials. What is said publicly in one place to a group of people should not be kept secret from another group or anyone else. The livelihoods of many depend on these decisions, and the reporter believes that the people have a right to be well-informed. Only then, she feels, can the territory move forward together.
Library launch
A Beaconite is excited to launch the Turtle Dove Library this Saturday. There were certainly times she was filled with doubt this day would come. She recalls one particularly sweat-inducing Saturday when she was busy cutting the library shelves down to size with a handsaw, and her arms began to shake with fatigue. But then she paused to chat with a friend who was thrilled her young niece, who is an avid reader, would have easier access to books. That bit of inspiration propelled the reporter to finish the job. She is grateful for the many community members who have shared similar stories, donated books or otherwise offered a helping hand. As she writes this entry, the Beaconite can’t help but cry a few happy tears at the thought of how many children could benefit from the library as it grows. Everyone is invited to come starting at noon on Saturday to celebrate not just the completion of the mini library, but the beginning of what’s to come. The library is located in front of the BVI Red Cross in Road Town. Visit the library Facebook page, Turtle Dove Library, for more details.
Quiz anyone?
How many people know that a group of giraffes is called a tower, and that a Methuselah holds eight standard bottles of wine? Those who do should consider coming to Bamboushay Lounge at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, as a Beaconite and her rotating cast of teammates do each week. There, they enjoy eating, drinking, challenging their knowledge, and raising money for the BVI Humane Society, which continues to desperately seek donations in order to build its new animal shelter. Due to weather, the state of the economy, or other reasons, turnout has been slim for the past few weeks. However, the Beaconite feels the event is a great excuse to get out of the house on a weeknight and forget about the sometimes-grim landscape of current events. As the reigning champion for four weeks, she invites any and all new challengers, but warns them to expect stiff competition.