Smooth and safe, for now

For the first time the other day, a Beaconite felt safe (as anyone can feel on two wheels) on roadways in the Virgin Islands. Without potholes ushering oncoming traffic into his lane, his white knuckles were able to relax their grip as he drove the coast road toward East End. Finally, parts of the VI’s road surfaces actually seemed to match the level of development the territory should have reached. Between H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Brandywine Bay, smooth asphalt has replaced the rough, rutted roads of yesterday. The reporter was on his way to an assignment when the new asphalt caught him completely off guard. He’s sure that he started a conversation or two within the cars coming towards him, for a huge grin refused to leave his face. In fact, the Beaconite realised he had bugs in his teeth for the first time ever on a motorbike. He’d heard the expression before, but he could never understand why riders didn’t just simply keep their lips closed. Now he understands. That smile continued past Fish Bay, where the road has also been repaved. The Beaconite thought he might be smiling all the way home, but, of course, nothing this good ever comes for free. A raised manhole cover in the middle of a turn almost threw him off his bike. He also knows that government’s asphalt solutions often wash away with the next heavy rain. He fervently hopes these fixes will last.

 

Duck the quack meds

A Beaconite was amazed and disturbed to see a large roadside sign in the capital blatantly declaring, “Cancer Cure Exists In the BVI. Wellness by Natural Means.” No ifs, no buts: The sign promised an actual cure for cancer and directed people to a website that sells various natural remedies including “cancer protocol” smoothies for $320. The reporter not only found the claim patently ridiculous, but also cruel and manipulative for people suffering the trauma of facing the deadly disease themselves or watching loved ones battle it. In another business not far from the cancer “cure” sign, the reporter can buy tea bags which, remarkably, proclaim “Hair Regrowth” and “Menopause Comfort” — a snip at just $12 for a box of 20. But at least those packages carry a tiny asterisk and small print suggesting that the tea bags may not actually be the miracle remedies suggested at first glance. It seems the VI has a cure for cancer, but what it clearly does not have is effective regulation of wildly misleading advertising which preys on vulnerable people. Let’s start by curing that.

 

Slow season

While a Beaconite was speaking with a friend who works in a bar and restaurant on Tortola, she began to reflect on some of the (very few, it seems) activities local businesses promote during the slow season. Some establishments close temporarily for a few weeks or a month during the slow season. Others do not close entirely but suspend their usual weekly events, which, during the winter months, would often bring residents and visitors alike inside to eat, drink and enjoy. The reporter must admit to a lack of surprise. Many people use the slow season as a good time to go off island — her included. But for those who stay, and for those who return during this time of year before the season starts to pick back up, it can be hard to find new things to do. This is why she truly appreciates it when local businesses not only keep their doors open but also continue to run small events — even if they are much less frequent than during the high tourism season.