Digital editions As the coronavirus crisis deepens and many people are retreating to their homes, the Beacon is pleased to announce the rollout of digital subscriptions that will allow readers …
April 1, 2020
April 1, 2020
COMMENTARY — Call made to start considering a post-virus economic strategy
The Caribbean is about to experience a crisis of a kind that no one in the region or anywhere else in the world could have predicted. The COVID-19 coronavirus, which …
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April 1, 2020
COMMENTARY — VI urged to learn from other responses
As the newscasters on the BBC World Service read out their reports on the campaigns against COVID-19 being fought in various countries, it became apparent that the Virgin Islands would …
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March 31, 2020
EDITORIAL: Economic stimulus package needed now
As the coronavirus pandemic reaches these shores and the economy tanks here and abroad, we were glad to hear Premier Andrew Fahie promise last week that his government plans to …
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March 25, 2020
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 19, 2020)
Covering coronavirus As the COVID-19 pandemic plays out here and abroad, readers and advertisers can rest assured that The BVI Beacon will continue covering the issue — and other news …
March 25, 2020
LETTER — Open letter calls out Digicel
Dear Digicel, Congratulations to the ownership and marketing and salespeople. You apparently convinced certain members of our government (or whoever) that you could come in and do a better job …
March 25, 2020
COMMENTARY — VI urged to learn from COVID-19
I continue below the timeline I traced verbally in my March 5 commentary “Writer reassured by gov’t responses,” showing the rapidity with which COVID-19 has spread to the Eastern Caribbean …
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March 25, 2020
COMMENTARY — Major recession seen on horizon
The United States stock exchange has dropped into bear market territory. There has been a sustained downturn in the US stock market for the first time since Donald Trump became …
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March 23, 2020
EDITORIAL: In a crisis, communication must be a two-way street
Until March 17 the government had begun falling behind in its duty to keep the public informed about COVID-19 in the territory, but it took important steps that day when …
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March 18, 2020
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 12, 2020)
Saving the coral On Saturday, a Beaconite attended a meeting where scientists and a community outreach specialist explained to an attentive crowd their efforts to combat a disease that …
March 18, 2020
COMMENTARY — Call made to celebrate legislature’s 70th year
The Virgin Islands’ freedom to make its own political and economic decisions is often taken for granted by Virgin Islanders and other residents who are unfamiliar with the modern history …
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March 18, 2020
COMMENTARY — Trump’s Cuba policy draws scrutiny
Two weeks ago, Caribbean Community heads of government passed a resolution critical of United States’ policy towards Cuba. Under normal circumstances, this would not be worthy of comment: The region …
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March 18, 2020
COMMENTARY — Virus fallout expected to get worse
With the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, the best countries can do for now is to expect the worst but hope for the best. Thanks to the virus, United States and United …
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March 16, 2020
EDITORIAL: As virus fallout arrives, leaders should look abroad
As the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads around the world, the Virgin Islands is already feeling the effects in a big way even though no cases have been confirmed here. Cruise ships …
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March 11, 2020
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 5, 2020)
It’s getting chilly After reaching out to her former law professor about the recently passed Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act, 2019, a Beaconite was pleasantly surprised to receive a …
March 11, 2020
COMMENTARY — Writer reassured by gov’t response
Naturally, I welcome the comprehensive statement by Health and Social Development Minister Carvin Malone on the government’s response to the rapidly evolving spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. …
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March 11, 2020
COMMENTARY — Politics of coronavirus considered
The coronavirus epidemic appeared at a very volatile moment in world history. In a new post-2008-recession world ruled by authoritarian types in Russia, China, India, Brazil and even the supposedly …
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March 11, 2020
COMMENTARY — VI urged not to panic over coronavirus
Is the world already experiencing a pandemic? Many people may feel this way because of the geographic reach of the coronavirus strain known as COVID-19, which has already touched more …
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March 10, 2020
EDITORIAL: Mangrove planting is great, but new laws needed too
Government and non-profit organisations deserve kudos for working together recently to launch a major mangrove restoration programme, but we fear their work will be for naught if comprehensive changes aren’t …
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March 4, 2020
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (February 27, 2020)
Public beaches On Sunday, a Beaconite got an unexpected tour of some new-to-her places in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda: Eustatia Island, the back of Cooper Island, and a …
March 4, 2020
COMMENTARY — VI urged to stop open burning
Recycling aluminium cans, glass and plastic is a wonderful, positive first step! But let’s take the second step: Let’s stop open burning. The detrimental effects of open burning at Pockwood …
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March 4, 2020
COMMENTARY — Model proposed for OT autonomy
Post-Brexit Britain, and the events before and after, mean that a referendum must now be held in the Caribbean overseas territories to decide whether or not these islands move towards …
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March 3, 2020
EDITORIAL: Reckless bikers are out of control on Tortola
Some motorbikes and four-wheelers are becoming an increasingly dangerous menace on Tortola roads, and the community needs to fight back before more lives are lost. Two young men were killed …
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February 26, 2020
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (February 20, 2020)
St. Croix visit On Saturday, a Beaconite joined other media outlets and a group of farmers from Tortola on a journey to St. Croix for the island’s annual Agricultural Fair. …
February 26, 2020
LETTER — Driver calls out bikers, police
Driving in Tortola has always been a challenge, but now we have some new issues. The motorbike operators seem to have their own rules — or should I say they …
