"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
Trust is a foundation of good governance. But last month’s jaw-dropping revelation that House of Assembly members secretly doubled their own salaries has shaken that foundation once again. The facts …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Secret pay hikes are unacceptable”
Life’s a beach The Virgin Islands has got its tourism buzz back, according to Britain’s most famous newspaper, The Times. A Beaconite was heartened to see an expansive piece in …
Each year on Sept. 28, the global community marks the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This is not a symbolic date. It is a powerful reminder that democracy …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — UNESCO rep calls for info freedom across Caribbean”
It’s great to be back in the territory after a summer in England. I think. The premier and his deputy were on the plane with us, but their vehicle picked …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Airport arrival leaves traveller disgruntled”
Kudos to the Humane Society of the BVI. After more than a decade of planning, fundraising and overcoming setbacks — including Hurricane Irma and the Covid-19 pandemic — the non-profit …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: New animal shelter a milestone for Virgin Islands”
The cost of silence A Beaconite has been trying to wrap his head around a recent audit report that reads less like a technical document and more like a cautionary …
I am basing this series of commentaries on Mabel Wagner’s out-of-print 2015 book Lest I Forget, which recounts her Polish husband Wladek Wagner’s development of Trellis Bay and construction of …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — The Wagners of Trellis Bay, Part 40”
Eight years after Hurricane Irma ravaged the Virgin Islands on Sept. 6, 2017, we wish we could finally report that the government has kept its promise to “build back stronger.” …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Government’s Irma recovery still far behind”
On Sept. 10, a single bullet to the neck assassinated Charlie Kirk, a far-right influencer and youth leader in the Make America Great Again movement. This tragic event took place …
The cases of two Montserrat British overseas territory citizens expose a systemic failure in how the United Kingdom supports vulnerable BOT citizens abroad. The matter is of urgent concern not …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Ex-Montserrat premier calls out UK over medical care for OT citizens”
As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference approaches in Brazil this November, the Virgin Islands government is rushing to tackle long-delayed reforms needed to prepare the territory for a …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Climate-change progress must accelerate”
Later this month, assuming the sudden reshuffle of the United Kingdom government does not intervene, the Virgin Islands will receive a visitor on a mission. Baroness Margaret Hodge has had …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Virgin Islands urged to prep for ‘Hurricane Hodge’”
I remarked in part 38 of this series (which was published on Aug. 5), that I wanted to test the accuracy of Mabel Wagner’s description of events in Lest I …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — The Wagners of Trellis Bay, Part 39”
Travel travail A Beaconite recently took a daytrip to St. John to visit family who were on holiday from the mainland United States. She enjoyed the visit. But next time, …
In May 2024, the Virgin Islands — and Virgin Gorda in particular — suffered record flooding which caused overwhelming damage to Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals (VGVR) properties, particularly our beachfront …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — VG villa manager sends gov’t open letter on road hazards”
For rent Short/Long term: Nightly, Weekly, Monthly & Yearly contract. Fully furnished one bedroom, one bathroom & two bedrooms, one bathroom in Lower Estate, water- gas, internet, TV, AC, washer, …
Like many residents, we felt great pride last week as Virgin Islands artists, singers, writers and other creatives waved the territory’s flag at the Caribbean Festival of the Arts in …
We were heartened by the strong turnout at the recent march and rally launching the lead-up to government’s three-day crime summit next month. Fighting crime, after all, is a community …
Shortly after the April 2023 general election, the six House of Assembly members then on the opposition talked a good game. Promising to work closely together to hold the government …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: A fractured opposition won’t get the job done”
Thanks to the government for the valuable public information provided at a Monday press conference announcing the territory’s delegation to Carifesta XV in Barbados. Congratulations and best wishes to the …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Carifesta team congratulated, but questions raised over launch”
Fool’s gold Given Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s frequent criticism of the way some British media outlets portray the Virgin Islands, a Beaconite wonders if he has seen BBC ratings winner …
Freedom A Beaconite recently bumped into an old friend. As tends to happen in the Virgin Islands, the conversation wandered: families, work stress, travel stories — you know the drill. …
Big ups for organisers Thanks to the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee and other organisers, this year’s August Emancipation Festival has already been a brilliant lesson in teamwork. Weeks …
I started this series of commentaries to celebrate the inauguration of direct flights from Miami and Polish Captain Wladek Wagner’s development of Beef Island airfield, as told by his widow …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — The Wagners of Trellis Bay, Part 38”
The 71st August Emancipation Festival is well under way, and we are excited to take part in the ongoing celebrations. But amid the revelry, we hope everyone will remember the …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Virgin Islands has much to consider in marking emancipation”
