Flamingo sighting
A Beaconite returning home to Virgin Gorda from Tortola was surprised to find a friendly visitor on the shore when he got off the ferry. As the Beaconite walked down the dock at St. Thomas Bay in VG, he noticed a large bird wading in the shallow water near the shore. At first glance, he thought the mostly white bird was a heron. But when took a closer look he noticed that its neck was curved and it was standing on one foot. He then realised it was a flamingo. Fortunately, he had his camera with him and snapped a couple of pictures. There is a good chance the bird flew from Necker, Anegada or Guana Island. The Beaconite can only imagine that living on a small island these avian creatures get a little stir crazy and leave the nest from time to time in search for something new.
Feet Feet Feet
It was all about feet on Friday during the Rotary Sunrise Club of Road Town’s fundraiser held at Government House. During the event, participants watched, discussed and examined each other’s shoes. On a normal day, looking down on someone’s shoes would be a bit weird. On Friday it was perfectly okay. This Beaconite had a great time looking at participants’ shoes including at those of a high court judge, the governor and elected officials. Not usually a big fan of shoes, this Beaconite left the event with a bit of insight for her fellow ladies: guys do pay attention to your feet. Keep them well groomed.
Well organised
A Beaconite covering a rare Saturday session of the Magistrates’ Court was impressed by the crowd control skills of the police force and court staff. They took pains to admit defendants’ relatives and still make room for representatives of the media. The Beaconite was also impressed by the vocal endurance of the presiding magistrate and the prosecutor handling the case. They each spent quite some time reading aloud the charges and allegations in a complex case against seven defendants.
Found recorder
The same Beaconite was also thankful to a member of the public who stumbled upon his phone and tape recorder where they were cleverly concealed in a ghut near the court. The man, a relative of one of the attorneys appearing in court, was concerned the items had been lost. He called another Beaconite to report that he had found the equipment. The Beaconite thanks the man for his efforts.
Trading lessons
A Beaconite got an unexpected geography lesson this week, when as she sat down for lunch a family with visiting relatives invited her to join them rather than have her eat her meal alone. A Virgin Islander then explained to his visiting relations which islands were which and some of the notable features on several of the islands. It was a welcome review of local geography, and the reporter enjoyed listening. After the “lesson,” however, the tables turned, and the Beaconite was asked to about how real-life reporting compares to what movies like Absence of Malice and State of Play portray. Like many journalists, this Beaconite loves to talk about journalism, so it was a very enjoyable lunch indeed.
STT Racing
Note to would-be drag racers in the United States Virgin Islands: Don’t start your engines this weekend. The Virgin Islands Police Department sent out a release to media outlets earlier this week stating that the force will be on “heightened alert” for illegal drag racing during the Labour Day weekend holiday. The area of Coral Bay in St. John, USVI will receive particular scrutiny according to the release. Raymond L. Hyndman, the force’s acting police commissioner, promised severe penalties for violators.
“I have personally inspected the site and it is not suitable for drag racing,” he said, according to the release. “The site is unsafe for both drivers and spectators. Any race held there could potentially result in serious injury or even death.”
A Beaconite hopes that racing enthusiasts will limit their activities to legal facilities and wonders if the drag racing strip proposed for the VI will satisfy their need for speed.