Props A Beaconite, like many residents, has been critical of several aspects of the government’s Covid-19 response. Some missteps were clear: failing to thoroughly explain the disbursement of the $62.9 …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Feb. 11, 2021)
‘Exclusion zone’ Some charter companies and other marine businesses are becoming exasperated with the ongoing existence of the so-called “exclusion zone,” which bars most boats from the area between Jost …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Feb. 4, 2021)
Podcast On Friday, the Beacon launched a podcast, “The Wave.” The first episode, which was posted on the Beacon’s Facebook page, featured a recap of 2020’s biggest articles from each …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (January 28, 2021)
Inquiry poll Elected leaders have criticised the United Kingdom corruption inquiry in recent days, but a Beacon poll suggests that the probe has very strong support in the community. The …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Jan. 14, 2021)
Housing hiatus A Beaconite found it somewhat shocking when government announced retroactively this month that the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme was no longer accepting applicants as of November because …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Jan. 7, 2021)
Gateway glitches For the first time in two years, a Beaconite has family visiting her from overseas, and she has been using the BVI Gateway application and learning about the …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (December 17, 2020)
19 calls A Beaconite has already complained on this page about the government’s “Customer Care Service Centre,” which in May replaced the former system of switchboard operators who were …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (DEC. 10, 2020)
Holiday schedule With somewhat less-than-heavy hearts, Beaconites are reminding readers and advertisers that this edition is the last Beacon of 2020. Advertising and editorial deadlines will be as usual for …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Nov. 26, 2020)
Library launch Saturday was a very special day for one Beaconite, as it marked the official launch of the Turtle Dove Library. Several moments from the grand opening will stick …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (November 19, 2020)
Censorship fail Since there are no news outlets based in any of the sister islands, a Beaconie jumps on opportunities to report there whenever she can. When she saw a …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Nov. 12, 2020)
Shut out of HOA While covering the Speech from the Throne last week, a Beaconite was politely but firmly asked to leave the House of Assembly session before it even …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (November 5, 2020)
Reopening response After a Beaconite reported on the latest announcements concerning the protocols for reopening the Virgin Islands’ borders to tourists, the newsroom put together a non-scientific online poll to …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Oct. 29, 2020)
Exploring A Beaconite had a jampacked weekend of wellness and fun: She attended Dr. Sharlon Lewis’ Wellness Weekend and experienced sailing after months of rules restricting activity on the water. …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Oct. 15, 2020)
Reading A Beaconite was thrilled this week to see the launch of Reading is Fun Week. This year’s theme is “Read to Empower,” promoting the idea that reading gives authority …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Oct. 8, 2020)
Public registers poll Last month, the premier announced that the Virgin Islands would join the other overseas territories and crown dependencies in working with the United Kingdom to implement public …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Sept. 24, 2020)
DMV Catch-22 A Beaconite discovered this week that the Department of Motor Vehicles has not yet resumed offering road tests for those trying to obtain a driver’s licence — and …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Sept. 17, 2020)
Murders A Beaconite was disheartened to write about two suspected murders in two consecutive issues of the newspaper. Both men who were found dead seemed to be popular figures in …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (September 17, 2020)
Open doors Sometimes, the work of a journalist involves making oneself uncomfortable, which is how a Beaconite felt when he set off to knock on the doors of strangers in …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Sept. 3, 2020)
Taking the Covid test Conducting widespread testing is essential to getting a handle on Covid-19 in the territory, and a Beaconite is extremely grateful for the health care workers …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (Aug. 27, 2020)
Bikes and dogs With the use of motorbikes remaining a hot topic in the community, a Beaconite would like to add her two cents as a new dog owner. Most …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (August 20, 2020)
If it ain’t broke… A Beaconite used to be profoundly impressed with the government’s switchboard operators. Most any time he called 494-3701, they would answer after a ring or two …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (August 20, 2020)
Intern honoured Beaconites would like to congratulate the newspaper’s Virgin Gorda-based intern, Nicklous Kanhai, for his accomplishments his senior year of high school. Mr. Kanhai was not only the valedictorian …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 30, 2020)
Airport or not? A poll posted last week on the Beacon website asked readers whether or not the Beef Island runway should be expanded — a long-time government plan …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 16, 2020)
Praise where it’s due A Beaconite’s recent writings in this space have not been particularly complimentary of government in general or its policy decisions in particular. But she must give …
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK (July 16, 2020)
The big stink Beaconites have been hearing complaints about the sewage-smelling water that has been washing over the road near Road Reef Marina in recent days. They hope government officials …