Quiet support The Beacon, like other media outlets, occasionally finds itself embroiled in controversy (the reasons for which are far beyond the scope of this Reporter’s Notebook). When that happens, …
July 8, 2019
July 8, 2019
COMMENTARY — Call made for economic change
In his preaching on the need for a new capitalism that will power social and economic prosperity in the West in the decades ahead, economist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate …
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July 3, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 4, 2019)
No good deed… A Beaconite who recently bought a car decided it was only fair to pick up hitchhikers as often as possible, given that she certainly hitched her share …
July 3, 2019
Commentary — Call made to separate ‘big money’ and politics
Neo liberalism is the idea that markets are self-correcting. For 40 years the belief that free markets allocate resources efficiently ruled. Jack the Tycoon was king, and whatever was good …
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June 24, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (June 20, 2019)
‘A miracle’ As a Beaconite waited for a tow truck to come drag her vehicle out of the ditch last week (long story short, wear better sunglasses when driving up …
June 24, 2019
COMMENTARY — Case made for legal pot
As the HempFest at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar approaches, it is the time of year to look once again towards a future that will have cannabis and cannabis products legalised on …
June 24, 2019
COMMENTARY — ‘New economic thinking’ praised
Neo-liberalism — supply-side trickle-down economics — has failed the world. However, a new economic thinking can save the day, according to a number of influential economists. The new thinking is …
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June 18, 2019
Reporter’s Notebook (June 13, 2019)
35 and counting Beaconites of course realise that the Queen’s birthday was celebrated on Friday in the territory. But that day also marked another birthday that is close to their …
June 18, 2019
Commentary — VI-Cornwall links explained
A recurring theme throughout more than 100 commentaries I have contributed to the Beacon has been the Virgin Islands’ ties over time with Cornwall, a county in southwest England. Last …
June 18, 2019
Commentary — ‘Economics for a dangerous time’
Supply-side trickle-down economics — also known as neoliberalism — has failed to deliver prosperity for western workers. Instead, the western middle class is angry. Free market ideology has driven a …
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June 11, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (June 6, 2019)
Overlooked jobs It’s not surprising that air-traffic control is a line of work that many young residents have not considered. A Beaconite had not thought of it either until she …
June 11, 2019
Commentary — UK-VI roadmap proposed
Whatever the reasons for the premier’s attempts to fast-track residency and belongership applications, the genie is out of the bottle: The eruption of heated arguments for and against the proposal …
June 11, 2019
Commentary — Call made for cultural harmony
Cultural engagement and cultural integration between ethnic and racial groups is no longer optional for these Virgin Islands: It is necessary. Looking afar, global social change shows that populism and …
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June 11, 2019
Commentary — Ideas offered for immigration reform
A week is a long time in politics. Two weeks is an aeon, especially when public meetings are held after the event. Over the weekend, the premier seems to have …
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June 4, 2019
COMMENTARY — Residency debate sparks ‘disgust’
Our newly appointed “King” Fahie (see government press release) may have called a National Day of Prayer for today but I am afraid he and God have an uphill task …
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June 4, 2019
COMMENTARY — Call made for more cops in EE
I have been having problems with a nearby resident who I believe is heavily on street drugs. This man has been tormenting the Old Plantation area neighbourhood, my daughter and …
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May 28, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (May 23, 2019)
Gardening tip 101 Brussel sprouts plant amazingly here, a Beaconite was excited to learn. So do tomatoes, basil and thyme. That’s all she knows for certain at the moment. …
May 28, 2019
COMMENTARY — Premier called out for revoking Climate Change Trust Fund board
The rule of law is fundamental to the Virgin Islands, perhaps more so than many people realise. Therefore, it was troubling to read in the May 9 edition of The …
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May 28, 2019
COMMENTARY — Billboards, BVI Airways among concerns
Apologies to those who bought the Beacon last week expecting to see a contribution from me. It’s the curse of the weekly newspaper: Publish Thursday, but deadline Tuesday, and a …
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May 14, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (May 9, 2019)
Diving, round two On Saturday, a Beaconite hopped back on a dive boat and headed to the waters off Norman Island for Round Two of her Open Water Diver certification …
May 14, 2019
COMMENTARY — Premier praised for residency move
I applaud the premier for wanting to revitalise the applications of those who have been waiting years for residency and belongership. I suppose this isn’t spurred on by the United …
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May 14, 2019
COMMENTARY — Decolonisation committee reconsidered
Virgin Islanders living in the United Kingdom who have registered to vote there would serve the territory’s best interests by supporting a Remain party like the Liberal Democrats or Greens …
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April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (April 25, 2019)
Ban the ban? The Virgin Islands is among a dwindling number of countries and territories worldwide that continue to ban alcohol sales during Good Friday. Last year, after much …
April 30, 2019
Commentary — ESHS, other projects scrutinised
So we are to get a third reincarnation of the “litter wardens.” What happened to the previous two times they were appointed? Were they paid? Are they still being paid? …
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