Though Phillip Mostert has lived in the Virgin Islands for nine years, Friday was his first time attending the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta. But the South African did not come …
August 15, 2024
June 13, 2024
Two charged after recent burglaries
Following “several weeks of intensive investigation” into reports of burglary, theft and other offences committed at homes and businesses in the territory, detectives have arrested and charged two Tortola men, …
November 29, 2023
Cooper Island hosts Rum Fest
For more photos, visit the Beacon’s Facebook page. As the first boatload of visitors to this year’s festivities walked up to the Cooper Island Beach Club on Nov. 18, they …
November 21, 2023
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 …
November 11, 2023
Lit fest brings 40-plus writers to VI
The fast-paced schedule of the third annual BVI Literary Festival had attendees raucously laughing at humorous readings, snapping in appreciation of poetry performances, and sitting in contemplative silence as authors …
November 11, 2023
Culture month opening lauds historic sites
As evening fell on the St. Philip’s Anglican Church ruins in Kingstown, a woman wearing a stark white apron and azure dress walked along the path in front of the …
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November 6, 2023
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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November 2, 2023
BVI Lit Fest launches month of cultural celebration
Prominent poets and novelists from across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Virgin Islands writers, businesspeople, filmmakers and musicians. A Nobel Prize-winning economist. All are among the dozens of presenters scheduled …
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November 2, 2023
Your guide to Lit Fest
Get to know the speakers who will be leading various panel discussions, workshops and special events during this year’s BVI Literary Festival. Many of the events are free to attend, …
July 10, 2023
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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April 14, 2023
‘King Paido’ keeps crown in first VI calypso contest since 2019
Reynold “King Paido” Phillips wouldn’t have missed the calypso competition on Sunday night at the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. After all, he had a title to defend. Because of the …
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April 4, 2023
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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November 9, 2022
Contest showcases Virgin Islands films
Virgin Islands artists are getting new opportunities to share their work with the public, and the latest has come in the form of a local short film competition. In honour …
November 3, 2022
Lit, lobster and lots more
What began as “Culture Week” has exploded into an annual celebration of art, literature, cuisine, music and other cultural assets in an effort to preserve and showcase what makes the …
October 24, 2022
EDITORIAL: Heroes, foreparents forgotten?
Around this time last year, we sang the government’s praises for the decision to replace St. Ursula’s Day with Heroes and Foreparents Day as part of a larger programme of …
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May 20, 2021
Virgin Islands celebrates museums
The Department of Culture celebrated International Museum Day on Tuesday under the banner “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine.” “Museums at their best are inspiring places,” Governor John Rankin …
January 21, 2021
Government ministers hit the road
Virgin Islands culture and art were central during a week of community meetings hosted by government ministers throughout the territory, but leaders also addressed issues including the development of Road …
November 12, 2020
‘Sankey singout’ held in Road Town
Flames roared into the sky on Saturday night as traditional hymns filled the atmosphere with messages of faith and Christianity. As part of a month-long celebration of culture and traditions, …
August 13, 2020
A virtual twist for Festival 2020
The 66th August Emancipation Festival was unlike any other before it. Rather than packing into the Festival Village to dance to soca and calypso, residents logged onto the Virgin Islands …
July 24, 2020
Scaled-back August Festival is on
Though the celebrations will look notably different from typical years, the August Emancipation Festival will still happen in the coming weeks despite the complications of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to …
December 17, 2019
Local pottery fires up in the territory
Nestled in Josiahs Bay is a small garden of colourful flowers, butterflies, bees and the only wood-fired kiln on the island. The hum of a potter’s wheel can be heard …
November 3, 2019
Distillery hosts ‘Fish N’ Cocktails’
Caramelised guava with onions and Callwood rum were among the ingredients of a blue, slushy drink created by mixologist Everson Rawlins on Friday night. “You won’t taste the alcohol, but …
October 25, 2019
Food Fete previewed at Crafts Alive
Local legend Elmore Stoutt got on his dancing shoes and brought his best voice to the microphone as he ramped up a crowd for a celebration of the territory’s cuisine. …
August 16, 2019
Carrot Bay festival lives up to its name
This year, Monica Howson felt that the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta had changed. “I sense a difference from the onset: the difference in trying to bring back who we are …
July 9, 2019
Fashion blogger to host Summer Sizzle
Fashion shows, parties and deejays are on the lineup for the 11th annual Summer Sizzle BVI, which will be held from July 25-28. The event will be hosted by Claire …