Crime/Police

Governor John J. Rankin Calls For Heightened Security At Anegada Airport

Published

3 years ago

September 22, 2023

Editor

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.

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Crime/Police

Small Brent” Wanted in VI Murder Case Now Named in Sint Maarten Double Homicide Probe

Published

11 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Editor

The fugitive known as John Dawn Emmanuel, also identified as Brent Dain Danglade and the alias “Small Brent,” who was first named by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in connection with the May 2025 murder of Nyron Erickson in Tortola, is now also being sought by authorities in Sint Maarten in relation to a separate double homicide investigation.

Emmanuel was publicly identified in May 2025 as the prime suspect in the killing of Erickson and was considered armed and dangerous. At the time, BVI authorities launched an intensive manhunt and warned residents not to approach him.

Now, nearly a year later, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Sint Maarten and KPSM Police have issued their own wanted notice, identifying the same suspect as the alleged shooter in the March 2, 2026 “Alligator” double murder investigation on Arlet Peters Road.

The victims in that case were Damien Sylvester and Denisha Delancy. Prosecutors described the incident as a targeted killing aimed at Sylvester, with Delancy believed to have been an unintended victim.

Police in Sint Maarten have released several images from different periods to show the public how Emmanuel has appeared over time, including both recent and older photographs. The published images highlight noticeable differences in his appearance across various stages, while investigators also noted that he has an elongated tattoo on the inside of his right forearm.

While law enforcement agencies across the Caribbean are coordinating efforts to locate him, JTV News BVI has not independently confirmed any active murder warrant issued by U.S. Virgin Islands authorities specifically charging Emmanuel. Current publicly documented wanted notices primarily involve the BVI murder investigation and the Sint Maarten double murder case. Regional cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions, including U.S. agencies, has been reported as part of broader search efforts.

Police continue to urge residents throughout the Virgin Islands and neighboring territories not to approach the suspect and to report any information directly to law enforcement.

JTV News will continue following developments in this major regional manhunt.

Crime/Police

Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant

Published

4 weeks ago

April 22, 2026

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.

According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.

Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Crime/Police

Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2026

Temp User

Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.

According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.

De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.

“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.

The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.