"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
There was an elephant in the room this month when the territory celebrated International Women’s Day amidst the ongoing election campaigns. In recent decades, Virgin Islands women have increasingly taken …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Women much missed in House of Assembly”
The power of Reporter’s Notebook? About two months ago, a Beaconite wrote a Reporter’s Notebook item warning about dangerous new road markings in Fish Bay. He is happy to report …
I am she… She who sings Many a songs And twirls to many a tunes. I am she, The heart of the melody, A mixed but perfect harmony. I am …
It is a well-worn cliché that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This advice should guide leaders who want a wholesome, happy and lengthy tenure in office. Sadly, it …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Governance ‘impunity’ called out”
When will politicians learn? Once again, Auditor General Sonia Webster has carried out her mandate with exacting professionalism. In two recent reports that should make taxpayers’ blood boil, she alleged …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: The auditor general is a hero. Heed her advice.”
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Just like all snake species that live in the territory, the Virgin Islands tree boa is completely harmless. In fact, it …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Don’t fear the Virgin Islands tree boa”
Rentals on the roads As a Cane Garden Bay resident, a Beaconite is accustomed to navigating beaches and roads that can occasionally be crowded with tourists, and she typically enjoys …
In previous commentaries published in the Beacon on Feb. 9 and 23, I addressed the significance of the ongoing constitutional review to the future political socioeconomic development of the Virgin …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — More ideas offered for Constitution”
The Virgin Islands’ reputation for good governance has been under a cloud, so it is surprising that a team from Commonwealth countries has not yet been invited to observe the …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Call made for new census soon”
Football fun A highlight of a Beaconite’s weekend was covering the launch of a football festival celebrating women in the sport. Kids of various ages showed up to the East …
Wise residents fully understand that United Kingdom oversight of the Virgin Islands is required at this time. Complete culture change towards an honest society is the singular route to self-determination …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — UK ‘oversight’ still seen as needed”
Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro recently stood in the House of Assembly and delivered a badly needed wake-up call that should shock the entire territory into …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: We fear for Virgin Islands students”
Skydiving It’s not every day that a Beaconite jumps out of a plane, but she was happy to have the experience over the weekend. She took a trip to San …
In a previous commentary published in the Beacon on Feb. 9, I started sharing my thoughts on the constitutional review and why it is laying the foundation for the best …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — More ideas offered for next Constitution”
Politicians who enter the arena of power with a vendetta may last a long time, but they seldom end up well. These people are a key source of poor governance, …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Revenge seen as bad politics”
Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, the government redirected the traffic flow in Road Town as part of efforts to reduce the congestion that has plagued the capital for decades. For …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Road Town a nightmare for pedestrians, drivers”
It’s her story, our story, Of a history we hadn’t planned on, A tale we thought we’d never tell. In the face of choice We are confronted with the …
Post the 2023 elections, intelligent voters understand that the next Virgin Islands government must completely adopt the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations for governance reform. That will mean working in partnership …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for voting wisely”
With a general election due in less than three months, the Virgin Islands is heading into an unusually short campaign season. That’s a good thing. Prior to past elections, campaigning …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: A long cheer for short campaigns”
As the Virgin Islands enters the season of talk and promises, in another land far away and across the vast Atlantic, elections will take place this month. In that other …
Continue reading “LETTER — Voters urged to use ‘honesty test’”
I am glad to be alive for such a time as this. When I read about our national heroes like Hope Stevens and Howard R. Penn and how they wrote …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for new Constitution”
Kudos to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley for hosting regular press conferences ever since he was appointed premier last May. At sessions held every few weeks — often flanked by …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Press conferences a big step toward transparency”
Saying good-bye As Zarrin Ahmed winds down her time here in the Virgin Islands as a Beacon reporter, she has been making the most of her days and catching up …
The choices voters make at elections in any free democracy mothball into the social and economic outcomes of a country or territory, all things being equal. The choices made by …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Voters urged to choose wisely in coming election”
For decades, successive governments dragged their feet in the House of Assembly, moving at a snail’s pace and getting bogged down in politicking and petty squabbles instead of efficiently passing …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: We hate to say it, but the HOA may need to slow down”