I do not know what prompt Urged the action: Intentional intent, Selfish ambition, Or innocent enthusiasm? I do not know. Was overstep Of rules and allegiance Ignorance? Or over-confidence? …
EDITORIAL: Rebranded ministry a double-edged sword
We see a step forward and a step backward in the new government’s decision to replace the former Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour with the rebranded Ministry of Financial …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (May 4, 2023)
No business like dog show business On Saturday, a Beaconite once again had the pleasure of covering the Humane Society of the BVI’s annual dog show, which brings together the …
COMMENTARY — Election results analysed
People are asking each other, “What do you think of the election result?” I imagine there are lots of different answers. Firstly, Polling Day seems to have gone very smoothly …
POEM — She Did Not Know
In her poverty she was rich but did not know. She did not know that in embrace of that ghut was place and grace. She did not know that …
EDITORIAL: Now it’s time to get to work
The people have spoken, and the territory’s democratic machinery has processed their input and delivered a government headed by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Though voters did not give Dr. …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 27, 2023)
With a twist There’s nothing quite as invigorating as being on the ground on Polling Day, seeing so many people actively engage in the democratic process. It started with a …
COMMENTARY — VI urged to set up ‘skunkworks project’
The Virgin Islands is a 59-square-mile, resource-poor, water-challenged, once-neglected sleepy hollow which once was left by colonialists as only useful as a bird sanctuary. It is a chain of developing …
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POEM — HAPPINESS
Happiness has a certain magic, An enchanting, sparkling halo That fills body and soul with its glow. Happiness creates joy and fulfilment As it smiles and hugs and kisses Every …
EDITORIAL: Vote, but do it wisely
A democracy is only as strong as the citizens who participate meaningfully in its affairs. And that goes double for any democracy facing the sort of turmoil that has beset …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 20, 2023)
Home stretch Voting in the Virgin Islands starts today, and a Beaconite is excited to be one of many in the crowd waiting to see who forms the new government. …
COMMENTARY — Voters urged to choose wisely
Fellow Virgin Islanders, I give thanks to the God who gives life and breath to all: rich, poor and middle-class; every race and gender; and believers of other persuasions. For …
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COMMENTARY — Senior advises against voting ‘all the way’
By the time you read this, I will probably have exercised a senior’s privilege to vote early in the 2023 general election. But to the majority of voters who have …
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COMMENTARY — Cancer Society decries open burning
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 …
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EDITORIAL: Transparent plan, funding needed for schools
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 …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 13, 2023)
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 …
EDITORIAL: Child abuse must stop
“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 …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 6, 2023)
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 …
COMMENTARY — Incorporations sector considered
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 …
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COMMENTARY — ‘The 800-pound gorilla in the room’
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 …
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EDITORIAL: Proposed culture policy is most welcome
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 …
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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (March 23, 2023)
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, …
POEM — A Michael Jackson Story
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 …
COMMENTARY — VI seen to be ‘under threat’
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 …
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EDITORIAL: Come out of the gutter, please
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 …
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