North Sound In the past, North Sound, Virgin Gorda had never been much on one Beaconite’s radar. Having moved to the Virgin Islands shortly before Hurricane Irma, her first boat …
COMMENTARY — Call made to ‘fix the internet’
In the age of Covid-19, countries and territories that are able to swiftly and robustly deliver digital services and products to their residents will win and prevail socially and economically. …
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EDITORIAL: Once again, SFC meetings should be public
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The annual deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee should be open to the public. Unfortunately, our pleas have fallen on deaf …
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EDITORIAL: Ambitious HOA agenda will require heavy lifting
The Speech from the Throne last week laid out an ambitious legislative agenda that could greatly benefit the territory. But it is a tall order. As usual, the government has …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Jan. 27, 2022)
Dog welfare Over the weekend a Beaconite hiked from Hannah all the way up the ghut to Sage Mountain National Park, which was certainly the most adventurous hike he’s taken …
COMMENTARY — Covid seen as part of life’s changes
Change is the one constant in life. From the time we are born to the day we die, the one thing that is certain is change and its sibling uncertainty. …
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EDITORIAL: Please read, comment on draft national plan
For too long, the Virgin Islands has suffered from a failure to plan for the long term. The result can be seen in shoddy infrastructure, ill-conceived public projects, struggling schools, …
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COMMENTARY — VI urged to review 15-year plan
Virgin Islands family, question for you: “What do you envision our beloved Virgin Islands will look like in 2040?” I will be in my 60s, and I most definitely want …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Jan. 13, 2022)
VI Monopoly A Beaconite spent an enjoyable evening last week trying to become a property mogul in the Virgin Islands as she played the VI-themed Monopoly game recently released by …
COMMENTARY — Need seen for ‘skills revolution’ in region
It is no exaggeration to say that education has made the Caribbean what it is today. From rebellion through emancipation to the creation of unions and political parties, in revolution …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Jan. 6, 2022)
Reporting fun Last year, much of a Beaconite’s journalistic efforts were concentrated on a few in-depth articles and on coverage of the Commission of Inquiry. Though he is proud of …
COMMENTARY — Resolutions offered for 2022
After 25 years of lack of vision and planning, residents must hold their government accountable in the coming years through an independent investigative agency with teeth. Accountability is not driven …
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COMMENTARY — ‘Better future’ envisioned for region
Imagining a better future for the Caribbean is not hard, but delivering it is becoming infinitely more complex. In the modern world, in a non-biblical sense, a Caribbean promised land …
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EDITORIAL: High hopes for a happier 2022
At the risk of sounding like a broken record for the fifth December in a row, 2021 was tough. Back in January, we had high hopes. The end of the …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Dec. 16, 2021)
Holiday schedule Because of the holidays, this is the Beacon’s last print edition of 2021. Printing will resume on Jan. 6, and all advertising and editorial deadlines will be as …
COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for Caribbean security
In mid-November, a little noticed virtual meeting took place. It considered in the round the security threats that the Caribbean will face in the future. It pointed not just to …
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EDITORIAL: Domestic abuse must be stopped
Even as the territory observes 16 days of activism to oppose gender-based violence, news of domestic abuse keeps hitting the headlines. Often, the details are horrendous, with recent alleged victims …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (December 9, 2021)
Digital dexterity A Beaconite delved into the world of cybersecurity this week and took it as a good reminder to assess how she operates online. Working from home during lockdowns …
COMMENTARY — Call made for ‘greater equality’
Social democracy is about curbing the all-pervasive culture of capitalism from completely colonising societies. Philanthropy is a great idea, but it is not the panacea for a more equitable society. …
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COMMENTARY — ‘Drowning in promises’ after COP26
In a powerful speech at last month’s COP26 climate summit, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley seized the day. In just eight minutes, she captured the attention of her fellow leaders, …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Dec. 2, 2021)
Lobster Festival A Beaconite was delighted to see that the Anegada Lobster Festival is back in full force. Although the crowds on Saturday weren’t quite what he remembered from two …
LETTER — VI warned about ‘love for money’
Okay, at the root of the need for a Commission of Inquiry and all the present woes that threaten this small territory is the simple reality that the Virgin Islands …
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Poem
Three years ago, nature put on a good show. From Hurricane Irma to coronavirus, My mum was considering moving to Cyprus. Although there are ups and downs, I …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (November 25, 2021)
Booked up A Beaconite took an overnight trip to Virgin Gorda over the weekend and found that most of the hotels on the island were booked. This is good news …
LETTER — ‘Enough is enough,’ writer says
This week as we marked the 72nd anniversary of the 1949 March, when our ancestors walked Main Street saying, “Enough is enough,” we find ourselves having to stand up against …