Crime/Police
Governor John J. Rankin Calls For Heightened Security At Anegada Airport
British Virgin Islands Governor John J. Rankin has expressed serious concern over the alarming prevalence of guns and drugs within the territory and called for heightened security measures at Anegada’s Auguste George Airport.
The statement was made during a visit to Anegada on Friday, September 22, where he examined evidence of recent illicit drug-related activities, including a plane that this week landed without authorisation and was set on fire at the airport on the sister island.
Governor Rankin stressed the urgent need to bolster security at the airport to combat the illicit transportation of drugs through Anegada, and reiterated his commitment to working closely with the authorities in the ongoing fight against the importation of illegal drugs and firearms.
“We must urgently increase security at the airport to tackle its misuse of Anegada for the illegal transportation of drugs. I will work together with the National Security Council, the RVIPF (Royal Virgin Islands Police Force), and the Airports Authority to achieve this,” he said
During his visit, the governor was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of Police St Clair Amory and representatives of the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority.
While acknowledging the positive progress made in terms of drug and gun seizures, Governor Rankin expressed deep concern about the extensive scale of the problem.
“Whilst the growing number of seizures of drugs and guns is encouraging, the scale of the problem is deeply worrying. The security of the Virgin Islands is my top priority.”
The territory is now a significant hub for drug transshipment due to its close proximity to the United States. In August, a plane and a significant quantity of cocaine were seized during a joint British Virgin Islands and U.S. drug enforcement operation at the airport in Anegada.
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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