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 11, 2019
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 7, 2019
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (May 2, 2019)
Sustainability A Beaconite has been heartened to see some of the valuable efforts to contribute to sustainability in the Virgin Islands over the past week. She was so heartened …
May 7, 2019
COMMENTARY — Crypto deal draws distrust
Somebody please tell me this is a joke? Over the years we have seen sensible investors such as the Rockefellers, Dr. Henry Jarecki and Sir Richard Branson. But many carpetbaggers …
May 7, 2019
COMMENTARY — Call made for national library to house salvaged books
I am still rescuing books after Hurricane Irma. Incredible! At last I’m getting around to my store of books at the Old Family House, which had been unoccupied for more …
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May 7, 2019
COMMENTARY — Gov’t warned of early grumbling
Smart politicians pay heed to early disenchantment from voters. Why? Because to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Voter grumbling and voter discontentment at specific matters usually mark the beginning …
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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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April 23, 2019
Commentary — ‘A contrarian view of independence’
The world’s first formal stock exchange was established in Amsterdam in the early 1600s. The two major companies listed on it were the Dutch East India Company (founded in 1602) …
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April 17, 2019
Reporter’s Notebook (April 11, 2019)
Bush whacking A Beaconite was fortunate enough to travel to Guana Island this week with scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, exploring and identifying native plant species. The …
April 17, 2019
COMMENTARY — WE ferry dock seen as crucial
In terms of value for money, investment in the West End ferry terminal is the most critical tourism and seaport investment the Virgin Islands can make right now. Investment in …
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April 17, 2019
COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for new gov’t
Congratulations to our newly elected members in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly, and God’s blessings throughout your term. The campaigning was quite short. As a result, many candidates did …
April 17, 2019
COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for e-gov’t, telecoms
Moves towards e-government are welcome but overdue in an economy dependent on telecommunications to make its tourist product and financial services industry more attractive and efficient. We might emulate Estonia’s …
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April 9, 2019
COMMENTARY — Talk show host called out
Talk show host Claude Skelton-Cline knows perfectly well why the British government imposed the Recovery and Development Agency on us. Just one reason. Successive governments here have shown themselves to …
April 9, 2019
COMMENTARY — Food seen as third economic pillar
We in the Virgin Islands have been talking a lot about diversifying our economy. We have spoken about diversifying our financial services pillar and enhancing and diversifying our tourism pillar. …
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April 9, 2019
COMMENTARY — VIP election victory impresses
The recent victory of the Virgin Islands Party in the Feb. 25 general election could be viewed as a spectacular political achievement. Much of this success is to be attributed …
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April 2, 2019
COMMENTARY — Mother explains Down syndrome
Hugs, warm and tender touches, soft kisses and overwhelming cuddles are some of the tender loving care I have experienced as the mother of a child with Down syndrome. My …
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April 2, 2019
Commentary — Concerns about hackers linger
I am related to seven different kiwi (New Zealander) families, the first descended from a war bride taken in 1917 to a gold-mining town in South Island, better known for …
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March 25, 2019
COMMENTARY — Quips target recent politics
First, members of the Virgin Islands’ ruling party resigned because they did not like their newly elected leader. Now, in the United Kingdom seven members of the opposition Labour Party …
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March 25, 2019
Commentary — Cyberattacks feared in VI
I am following up my letter of last week, “Cyberattack victim recounts his ordeal,” to alert voters to possible external interference in our election, without compromising police investigations into the …
March 25, 2019
Commentary — The VI election and Brexit
As Election Day approaches, this Virgin Islands resident pleads with the voting and nonvoting public to exercise patience, civility and cordiality throughout the whole electoral process through the voting on …
February 12, 2019
Commentary — Campaign rhetoric, promises mocked
It’s February. February. Are they here yet? Where are they? Who? Why, the 450 medical students who were to arrive this month to begin, or continue, their studies. Perhaps the …
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February 12, 2019
Commentary — PO woes seen to be worsening
Last July, I had occasion to write to your newspaper about the postal services in the Virgin Islands. I had hoped to be able to write a follow-up letter some …
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February 12, 2019
Commentary — VI lawyer blasts EU threats
The European Union’s blacklisting threat against smaller territories is undemocratic and brutal. It also reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what Virgin Islands companies do. Repetition is to be avoided in …