"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
We, the BVI Cancer Society, are deeply saddened and distressed by the ongoing open burning situation that continues to affect our beloved residents in the Third District and across the …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Cancer Society decries open burning”
The Althea Scatliffe Primary School building, which was demolished this month after a structural review found it unsafe last year, should serve as a wake-up call about the poor state …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Transparent plan, funding needed for schools”
Race to the finish This week’s newspaper is the last regular Beacon edition covering the 2023 elections before the special pre-election issue next week, and sending it to print is …
“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” This quotation, often attributed to Mahatma Ghandi, is well worth considering as the Virgin Islands observes its 20th …
Making the rounds A Beaconite’s home of District Two got the limelight over the past week, when candidates from various parties and independent campaigns made their appearances in Cane Garden …
According to a BVI Finance-funded report published last November, investment mediated by BVI Business Companies generated $14 billion each year in taxes for governments worldwide. Additionally, BVI Business Companies hold …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Incorporations sector considered”
In the heat of the Virgin Islands’ general election campaign, the one matter that appears overlooked amidst the thrusts, hustings and rhetorical shuffling of electioneering is how politicians intend to …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — ‘The 800-pound gorilla in the room’”
Kudos to the government for drafting the five-year Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategy, which promises to preserve, revitalise and study a cultural heritage that has been neglected …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Proposed culture policy is most welcome”
Drag racing is back Early on a recent Tuesday evening, a Beaconite drove to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport to pick up an arriving colleague. While he was waiting, …
He said, “Billie Jean is not my lover” but Annie was upset. No matter how he asked, “Annie, are you ok?” She was not having it. He said, “The kid …
A certain politician loves pontificating on the beauty of these Virgin Islands. Most aliens arriving on these shores swiftly appreciate the safety, beauty and wholesomeness of life here. These islands …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — VI seen to be ‘under threat’”
The election campaigns are just getting under way, but already too many candidates are sliding inexorably toward the gutter. Before this trend gets out of control, the parties and independent …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Come out of the gutter, please”
Hard-won rights Election season is kicking into high gear, and covering it has brought back fond memories for a Beaconite. She remembers the first time she cast her ballot in …
All nations depend on outside countries to fill in crucial links in their supply chains. This fact is at the core of modern-day globalisation. However, when crises such as war …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Voters urged to consider food security”
The book of Isaiah 40:3-5 proclaims, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Writer hopes for a ‘Virgin Spring’”
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 …