Tiny, yet mighty
A Beaconite has been on the lookout for kestrels ever since this year’s Christmas Bird Count, when he was surprised by the bird’s small size. Known locally as the “killi killi,” the bird is visually similar to a falcon, but smaller. The size factor is also a possible reason why the kestrel is so beloved here: Small versions of things are automatically cute. Incidentally, DNA analysis of the American kestrel (the species that lives in the Virgin Islands) suggests there is in fact more falcon in the bird than kestrel, explaining its similarity to the peregrine falcon, one of the fastest birds in the world. Though the VI’s kestrels aren’t quite so fast, they nevertheless awe birdwatchers with their aerobatic hunting displays while they take their pick from the endless menu of bugs, lizards, mice and other small animals. The bird’s alternative name — “killi killi,” which is also sometimes spelled “klee klee” — is believed to be derived from its call. The American kestrel is protected in the United States, with several states listing it as endangered or threatened. The VI, however, does not have an individual protection for kestrels, according to National Parks Trust Deputy Director Nancy Woodfield-Pascoe. The Beaconite wonders if it should implement one.
Halloween scream?
As Britain braces itself for what is being dubbed a Halloween budget, a Beaconite is wondering if there will be any trans-Atlantic blowback to haunt the Virgin Islands. While the keynote financial event actually takes place on Oct. 30, much of the British press has dubbed it a scary prospect in the run-up to the night of ghosts and ghouls — not least because Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that things will get worse before they get better. But onlookers in the VI and other overseas territories will be keen to observe if any measures in Labour’s first budget in 14 years will impact on them. Senior Labourites have made a point of calling for a tightening-up of regulations regarding “dirty money” at home and abroad during their long and impotent period of opposition. The party’s manifesto, which saw it win a landslide majority in the House of Commons in July, promised to “work with our allies and international financial centres to tackle corruption and money laundering, including in Britain, crown dependencies and British overseas territories.” The VI government may be insisting that the territory is now squeaky clean after completing many of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations and working overtime to comply with the demands of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. But it will not be long until the VI knows if Labour will still make some in the territory scream on Halloween.
Out and about
A Beaconite has been enjoying various events held in the territory throughout the week. While she is sure that she has not participated in everything — or even a majority of the available events — she is truly grateful for opportunities such as bingo, quiz nights, tennis, volleyball, book clubs and more. Though some lists showcase some of these events, there are probably more that she doesn’t know about. Talking with a friend recently made her wonder how many other people would enjoy looking to a single source to see all the events happening in the VI. For her part, she would always be happy do more.