Miss BVI Beacon Beaconites are pleased and proud that frequent Beacon contributor Anika Christopher won the Miss BVI Pageant on Aug. 6. They also applaud her platform of spreading climate …
LETTER — Activist defends LGBTQ+ rights in region
The recent diplomatic spat between Jamaica and the United States over Jamaica’s refusal to accredit the same-sex partner of a US diplomat posted to the island highlighted the truly bizarre …
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COMMENTARY — Polish captain with VI links remembered
I was introduced to Poland’s tragic history in my early teens when I read about the origins of the Dulwich Picture Gallery (as I recounted in my July 20 commentary, …
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EDITORIAL: Much to celebrate, much to remember
In the coming days, we hope that everyone will partake in a post-pandemic August Emancipation Festival that promises to be one for the record books. But amid the revelry, the …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (August 3, 2023)
Printing schedule Because of the August Emancipation Festival holiday, the Beacon will not print next Thursday. Printing will resume Aug. 17, and advertising and editorial deadlines will return to normal …
COMMENTARY — More calypso memories shared
One of my most memorable calypso moments happened not in a calypso tent or in the Festival Village; not in the cultural centre or in the courtyard at Prospect Reef …
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EDITORIAL: A vote for election reform
The recent report from election observers should serve as a reminder for the new government to tackle long-needed reforms before voters head to the polls again. We were pleased that …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (JULY 27, 2023)
Celebrating D’Moi A Beaconite has called Cane Garden Bay home for more than three years, and she was moved by the astounding support her neighbours gave to D’Moi Hodge as …
COMMENTARY — Engineer weighs in on minimum wage
I heard about the call for comments in the news on increasing the minimum wage, and there is so much here that I don’t know where to start. I think …
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COMMENTARY — VI calypso memories shared
Following my recent post on the Facebook forum Real BVI Community Board questioning the omission of a calypso show or competition from the August Emancipation Festival line-up this year, I …
EDITORIAL: Are Virgin Islands airports in crisis?
Something is terribly wrong at the territory’s airports, and the BVI Airports Authority owes the public a full and candid explanation. On July 17, for the second time in less …
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EDITORIAL: Census must start soon, and all must take part
After more than three years of delays, the Central Statistics Office is promising to start the population and housing census soon. It must keep its word, and then everyone must …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 20, 2023)
Support for sharks While covering a recent lecture about coral reefs, a Beaconite took interest in an aside about shark fishing by Oxford University researcher Dr. Bryan Wilson. He recently …
COMMENTARY — ‘Remembering the Wagners’
In celebrating the inauguration of direct flights between Miami and Beef Island and the reopening of Marina Cay, let us salute the pioneering work of Captain Wladek Wagner. The Polish …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 13, 2023)
Tourism concerns In two separate court cases a Beaconite covered Tuesday, prosecutors brought up the vital nature of tourism to the Virgin Islands’ economy and how crime can affect the …
COMMENTARY — Social report criticised for errors
Has anyone read the report prepared for government by the Social Policy Research Institute? It is on the government’s website. Come to that, has anyone in the House of Assembly …
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EDITORIAL: Third time the charm for Virgin Islands Day
We were elated by the full schedule of traditional activities organised for the territory’s third celebration of Virgin Islands Day on July 3. The way forward for the observance is …
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EDITORIAL: Public disservice
We are alarmed by recent signs that the government is increasingly struggling to provide the most basic public services. Perhaps the most glaring example is electricity. In large sections of …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 6, 2023)
What’s in a name? A Beaconite arriving at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport early this week was pleased with the overall arrival process. It was quick and easy, and …
COMMENTARY — Christian Council VP opposes same-sex marriage
Many are aware that we have a very serious moral, cultural and social issue coming as a referendum in the near future. Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has informed the …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (June 29, 2023)
Airport surprises A Beaconite who travelled out of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport last Thursday had a couple surprises. First and foremost was the simple fact that he was travelling …
COMMENTARY — $250k concert sparks more questions
American Airlines’ wheels had barely touched the tarmac when it was announced that government would hold a “non-stop” concert at Brandywine Bay (that popular tourist spot) to celebrate the arrival …
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EDITORIAL: Climate board is back, but it will need funding
Kudos to the new government for finally re-appointing the Climate Change Trust Fund Board, which Cabinet unlawfully disbanded in 2019 at the behest of then-Premier Andrew Fahie. Now, leaders must …
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EDITORIAL: First post-pandemic class enters world of opportunity
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2023, who overcame formidable challenges to get where they are today. First, they survived Hurricane Irma, which transformed the territory. Then they …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (June 22, 2023)
Historic views A Beaconite joined a group of volunteers and staff from Beyond the Reef last weekend to clean up the beaches of Great Thatch Island. It was her first …