Online tax system A Beaconite is glad that the Inland Revenue Department has set up an online system for businesses and individuals to manage their taxes. This is an important …
COMMENTARY — History of Trellis Bay captain continues
In my Dec. 13 commentary “Story of Trellis Bay boatyard recounted,” I probably understated the dire straits in which Polish Captain Wladek Wagner’s family found themselves following his injury amid …
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COMMENTARY — ‘The game fish are ready’
Is the Virgin Islands ready for a world-class fishing tournament? Is it ready for game fishing as a sport and tourist attraction? After decades of watching the neighbouring United States …
EDITORIAL: 2023 was a year of healing and laboured progress
As the Virgin Islands approaches the New Year, it’s prudent to reflect on the many high points of 2023 and to analyse what could have gone better. In many ways, …
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COMMENTARY — Capitalism under the microscope
“The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” This cliché is useful in revealing the tendency of capital to drive social and wealth inequality. The reason the wealthy appear …
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COMMENTARY — Climate change response questioned
I am no expert, but I would have thought that our main climate dangers are from earthquakes and hurricanes, and not from flooding and temperature rises, though it wouldn’t hurt …
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EDITORIAL: Coral die-off is a crisis for the Virgin Islands
An environmental disaster is unfolding before our eyes, but it is receiving far too little attention and response. Historic heat waves this summer are causing a massive coral bleaching event …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (December 14, 2023)
Bad roads, bad drivers Vehicles have suspension systems for a reason: to allow them to navigate bumps in the road. Some Tortola drivers, however, apparently believe that minimising vibrations should …
COMMENTARY — Story of Trellis Bay boatyard recounted
An alchemist dedicated to finding how to turn base metal into gold would have been amazed at Polish Captain Wladek Wagner’s ability to turn trash into useful objects (as I …
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EDITORIAL: COP28 a big deal for Virgin Islands
What happened in Dubai this month at the United Nations Climate Change Conference won’t stay in Dubai. It will have wide-ranging ramifications for the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Dec. 7, 2023)
Saying good-bye A Beaconite is soon leaving the territory and will be working as a reporter in the Cayman Islands. She is incredibly excited at the prospect of getting to …
LETTER — Tourist slams shooter drill in open letter to airport boss
The below is an open letter to BVI Airports Authority Managing Director Kurt Menal. Dear Mr. Menal: I read the BVI Airports Authority’s Oct. 30 press release about …
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EDITORIAL: Finally, airport business case put to tender
It’s about time. After more than a decade of bumbling attempts to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, government is finally taking the proposal back to the drawing board …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Nov. 30, 2023)
Crustacean celebration After hearing years of hype, a Beaconite finally had the pleasure of attending the renowned Anegada Lobster Fest over the weekend. It was as delightful as promised. The …
COMMENTARY — Trellis Bay chronicles continue
In my Nov. 2 commentary, “More Trellis Bay history shared,” I described how Polish Captain Wladek Wagner and his men started building a shipyard in Trellis Bay. First, they recovered …
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EDITORIAL: Blacklist removal is welcome, but VI must be vigilant
We were decidedly pleased by the European Union’s recent decision to remove the Virgin Islands from its blacklist of “non-cooperative” tax jurisdictions. However, with a Caribbean Financial Action Task Force …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Nov. 23, 2023)
The festive season There’s nothing quite like a ferry ride on a warm, calm day to quell a bout of anxiety, and a Beaconite was grateful to enjoy one to …
COMMENTARY — ‘Hegemony of capital’ scrutinised
The hegemony of capital is nothing new. From the earliest days — in fact, the start of written history — the ruler of the tribe was the person who controlled …
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EDITORIAL: Again, lit fest was lit
Kudos to the organisers of the recent BVI Literary Festival on establishing a highly successful annual event that has quickly become a not-to-miss celebration of Caribbean literature and culture. The …
COMMENTARY — Residents urged to understand economics
The story of capital and social inequality makes it clear: In a world ruled by capital, young Virgin Islanders and other residents must understand economics and finance. Understanding capital offers …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Nov. 16, 2023)
Paw prints in the sand On Monday, a Beaconite said farewell to the puppy she’s been fostering for well over a month. Jaime was one of the lucky pups to …
EDITORIAL: HOA should stop bickering and get down to business
Elected officials’ recent squabbles in the House of Assembly reflect a failure to work together and carry out the important business of governing the Virgin Islands. During the HOA meeting …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Nov. 9, 2023)
Out and about A Beaconite had a jam-packed weekend as she set out to report on a swim meet fundraiser, literary festival, reggae night, bike programme, culture month and more. …
Commentary — VI offered ideas for ‘capital mix’
Here’s a question relevant to the layperson in economics: What mix of scarce resources best fits in with the outcome and vision of an investor, a policy maker, or even …
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EDITORIAL: Standing on the shoulders of giants
We applaud the House of Assembly and others responsible for recognising ten national heroes whose stories are an inspiration to current and future generations. The move was a welcome addition …
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