"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
Republic Bank customers have expressed outrage at the way money was suddenly taken out of their accounts recently, and Deputy Premier Lorna Smith told the Beacon yesterday that she is …
Continue reading “Fury at Republic Bank sparks watchdog probe”
A sexting scandal has upended the leadership of a British parliamentary committee probing the United Kingdom’s relationship with its overseas territories, but members told the Beacon they are nevertheless on …
Continue reading “UK’s overseas territory inquiry to get new leadership after sexting scandal”
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? …
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 …
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”
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 …
Wise residents fully understand that United Kingdom oversight of the Virgin Islands is required at this time. Complete culture change towards an honest society is the singular route to self-determination …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — UK ‘oversight’ still seen as needed”
I am glad to be alive for such a time as this. When I read about our national heroes like Hope Stevens and Howard R. Penn and how they wrote …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for new Constitution”
“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.” In an ironic sort of way, this line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Gov’t thanked for avoiding direct rule”
Culture change and changes in social behaviour are the prerequisites for a safer and more wholesome society. A society is simply the sum total of individuals, families and communities that …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Call made for change in New Year”
The following familiar motto is attributable to Benjamin Franklin: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Another familiar unofficial slogan for the British Army states, “Preparation prevents piss-poor …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — VI urged to take planning seriously”
Festival schedule The Beacon won’t print next week because of the August Emancipation Festival holiday. Advertising and editorial deadlines will return to normal leading up to the next edition on …
The present discomfort and nervousness with United Kingdom indirect rule of the Virgin Islands is a very necessary wake-up call for the territory. We all know that the grandstanding and …
The recently ended Summit of the Americas will likely be best remembered for the United States’ decision not to invite Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua; the chaotic unprepared way in which …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — ‘US influence in the Americas is waning’”
Customer service A Beaconite is happy to hear that a director of customer service is to be appointed to “enhance” the government’s Customer Service Care Centre. For whoever is hired, …
Members of the House of Assembly representing a district are rewarded with a salary and other benefits for participating in the lawmaking process and furthering the interests of residents in …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Fahie urged to resign D-1 seat”
Roadside service During the recent roadworks in Fish Bay, a Beaconite noticed a refreshing example of excellent customer service. Twice, he drove up to the site from the Road Town …
The National Unity Government’s performance to date gives its well-wishers scant assurance that its members understand the challenges the Virgin Islands is confronting, let alone have a strong enough vision …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Reform plan’s viability questioned”
The one clear and straightforward route to Virgin Islands independence is through a referendum. So why are the “elites” shirking from a referendum and yet pontificating on the subject of …
No rapid tests When returning to the Virgin Islands from St. Kitts this week, a Beaconite opted to get her Covid-19 rapid test upon arrival since government announced recently that …
In 1975, while sailing north through the Caribbean, stormy weather caused me to take shelter in the Virgin Islands. The anchorage off Road Town was exposed and uncomfortable, and I …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — VI urged to rediscover ‘paradise lost’”
Since watching the recent press conference where the governor and premier discussed overdue police service increments, I have been waiting for the wider conversation. Payment of increments should be step …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Gov’t urged to up civil service pay”
The culture of “wrong and strong” is a Virgin Islands folly that will be the territory’s undoing. Currently, a significant subset is averse to the new reality of correctly imposed …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — COI came ‘just in time,’ writer says”
Intern A Beaconite was thrilled to work with the newspaper’s intern for the week, K’launi Williams, as part of Cedar International School’s outreach programme. It’s always fun seeing the news …
VI politics Last week, a Beaconite virtually attended a community meeting that, on the surface, was unremarkable. It took place in an empty classroom and lasted less than an hour. …