Dusty What started as a faint haze over the horizon during the weekend soon thickened into a thick, dusty fog obscuring sister islands across the Sir Francis Drake Channel as …
COMMENTARY — VI advised to assess its ‘capital mix’
It is important to assess how much of the territory’s capital mix — wealth-generating assets, with their associated supply and value chains — is in the hands of the public …
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EDITORIAL: Online labour system a long time in coming
Work-permit applications and other labour processes should have been moved online more than 15 years ago, and we were greatly disappointed when the government’s first such system failed in early …
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COMMENTARY — Questions raised about cruise ships
I trust all members of the government’s tourism delegation returned safely from the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami. I wonder what positive progress they will report? But exactly what …
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COMMENTARY — The Wagners of Trellis Bay, Part 14
I remarked in Part 13 of this series (published on March 21) that several people Mabel Wagner mentioned in her 2007 book Lest I Forget reappear later in their lives …
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LETTER — 93-year-old VI sailor praised
As crewmembers of the Bareboat 11 winner helmed by Canadian Olympian and silver medallist Terry McLaughlin at the BVI Spring Regatta, we were honoured and proud to be racing against …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 18, 2024)
Last act of an agave At roughly 20 feet and counting, the stalk of an Agave missionum in the southeastern corner of Tortola’s Queen Elizabeth II Park is in full …
LETTER — JVD businesses offer ideas for dock
This open letter to the government is from representatives of multiple businesses in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke: Tessa Callwood (Foxy’s Tamarind Bar); Wayson Hatchett and Urinthia Lewis (Ali Baba’s …
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EDITORIAL: Basic steps are needed to save lives at sea
After yet another spate of tragic deaths in the ocean, it’s high time to step up efforts to confront this public health crisis. Water accidents are difficult to address in …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 11, 2024)
Tenders A Beaconite is pleased that the government is increasingly tendering contracts, even for minor projects and services. Over the past week alone, the government requested bids for cleaning restrooms …
COMMENTARY — Call made to boost water safety
The Virgin Islands, a paradise known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracts visitors and residents alike to indulge in aquatic activities. However, amidst the beauty lies a concerning …
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EDITORIAL: Yes to YEP
At a time when too many young people in the Virgin Islands are being left behind, the Youth Empowerment Project’s new centre in Virgin Gorda will mark a major accomplishment …
COMMENTARY — Stats bill raises eyebrows
The House of Assembly has passed the Statistics (Amendment) Act 2023 (as reported in the March 14 Beacon story “HOA votes to up penalties for withholding stats”). The act would …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 4, 2024)
Heads up Eastbound on the Sir Francis Drake Highway Tuesday morning, a Beaconite saw a police cruiser creeping along far slower than the speed limit. After having spent more than …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 4, 2024)
Heads up Eastbound on the Sir Francis Drake Highway Tuesday morning, a Beaconite saw a police cruiser creeping along far slower than the speed limit. After having spent more than …
EDITORIAL: Tsunami drills a success
Tsunamis are rare, but they can be catastrophic, and the Virgin Islands must prepare for them just as it prepares for hurricanes each year. Kudos, therefore, are due to the …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 28, 2024)
Iguana invasion? A Beaconite was pulling out of his driveway recently when he noticed a new visitor: A large iguana was basking in the sun on the concrete. Unfortunately, it …
COMMENTARY — VI’s ‘productivity’ analysed
The wealth of the Virgin Islands primarily depends on the productivity of its workforce. Productivity is simply the measure of human effort that increases a country or territory’s economic output …
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EDITORIAL: Long Bay restoration an example for all beaches
We applaud the ongoing restoration efforts at Long Bay on Beef Island, which are part of a well-conceived management plan designed to repair and protect one of the Virgin Islands’ …
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COMMENTARY — Questions raised about census, other topics
I’m still waiting to be interviewed for the census. I heard that the form can be completed online, but I have looked and looked, and the only form I can …
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COMMENTARY — The Wagners of Trellis Bay, Part 13
In Part 12 of this series, I related that in profiling some of her heroes in a new book, environmentalist Judith Towle independently validates Mabel Wagner’s dating of her husband …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 21, 2024)
Reuse and recycle Recently, recycled Beacon newspapers got put to a special use. Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in the United Kingdom were visiting the territory to …
EDITORIAL: After Fahie guilty verdicts, a time for healing and reform
After a United States judge confirmed a jury’s guilty verdicts against Andrew Fahie on drug-conspiracy charges, the territory he once led must now come to terms with the case’s conclusion. …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 14, 2024)
Misspelled At first, her name seems simple. The speaker of the House of Assembly is Corine George-Massicote. However, a Beaconite has noticed that Ms. George-Massicote’s name is one of the …
COMMENTARY — Ex-library chief calls for better facilities
As a former head of the Virgin Islands Library Services Department, I feel duty-bound to respond to your Feb. 22 article, “East End library reopens after 6 months.” It grieves …
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