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Crime/Police

Nyron Erickson accused of Trafficking illegal guns, drugs and collecting proceeds of criminal conduct between Jan – Dec 2021 while incarcerated

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Accused money launderer Nyron Erickson faces extradition to the USA

Charges laid indictable, Defence Lawyer Argue for Bail

The twenty charges Nyron Erickson now faces in the British Virgin Islands surround alleged involvement of guns, drugs and money crimes perpetrated between January – December 2021 via phone communication with Jose Almestica who was a fugitive in the territory at the time. This was revealed by Crown Prosecutor Khadija Beddeau in the Magistrate Court today, September 25, 2023.

Accompanied by police officers, a handcuffed Erickson was brought to the High Court Building located at the upper flat of the House of Assembly building in Road Town, Tortola for a virtual appearance before Senior Magistrate Senior Magistrate Tamia Richard.

The court heard that following the arrest of Almestica on December 7, 2021 investigations found phone evidence of communications between the two detailing instructions and confirmations of multiple illegal activities between January – December 2021.

During the bail application, Erickson’s lawyer, Valerie Stephens-Gordon, contended that despite being in custody for more than two years, the 31-year-old resident of West End, Tortola, was not informed of any of the allegations. Additionally, she argued that he poses no risk of fleeing and does not require police protection.

However, Crown Prosecutor Beddeau asked the court to refuse bail for Erickson, highlighting the presence of evidence supporting the 20 charges against him, ranging from possessing a prohibited weapon, unlawfully possessing a firearm without a licence, possessing a controlled substance with the intention to distribute, Possessing Cannabis with intent to supply, possession of proceeds from criminal activities and Possession of Forge Currency Notes.

Beddeau revealed that a cell phone confiscated from Erickson while he was at Balsam Ghut also contained evidence of communication between him and murder accused Jose Almestica.

Almestica, who had escaped from prison in 2017 after Hurricane Irma and was recaptured on December 7, 2021, and later charged with the murder of Deverson Williams in addition to similar charges now slapped on Erickson.

Williams was shot multiple times while driving on Fish Bay Road during daylight hours on March 16, 2021.

Erickson’s lawyer further submitted that the police have displayed an element of vindictiveness in the Prosecution objecting to bail, pointing out that other defendants involved in the Almestica cell phone case were granted pretrial liberty.

After a short break, the court was informed that due to the highly sensible nature of further submissions the Prosecution needed to present to support objecting to bail, the court was taken in-camera barring the submissions from going public.

On February 27, Erickson was extradited to the United States Virgin Islands after unsuccessful appeals in the local Court of Appeal and in the United Kingdom Privy Council.

He was charged with conspiracy to launder monetary funds from outside the United States and unlawfully transporting the funds into the United States. After six months in federal custody, prosecutors dismissed the case against him.
On September 20, Erickson was arrested in Road Town by local authorities as he stepped off the ferry from the United States Virgin Islands.

Following a series of arguments that lasted more than an hour, the media was barred from the proceedings due to the Crown Prosecutor’s submission that sensitive information would be disclosed in the court.

Crime/Police

BVI Begins Vetting of Police Officers, Reopen Search for Commissioner

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The Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Daniel Pruce, has announced the start of two major developments in the territory’s law enforcement framework: the formal initiation of a vetting process for all officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the reopening of the recruitment campaign for a new Commissioner of Police.

In a statement released today, April 17, Governor Pruce confirmed that legal amendments have been made to the relevant regulations and the agreement with the UK Home Office has been signed, enabling the start of police officer vetting across the force.

The process follows a recommendation made in 2022 by the Commission of Inquiry, which called for all RVIPF officers to undergo background vetting. According to the Governor, while the Police Service Commission (PoSC) has not yet reached the point of engaging with the Home Office vetting team, preparations are ongoing and collaboration with the PoSC will continue.

The vetting process will now move forward under the updated regulations, with a stated goal of vetting all serving officers by the autumn. Once completed, this will mark the first time the RVIPF is fully vetted.

The Governor clarified that police vetting is standard in the UK and other jurisdictions, intended to support professional conduct and enhance interagency cooperation. The initiative is also part of fulfilling a key recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry.

Governor Pruce also confirmed that the recruitment process for the next Commissioner of Police has resumed. The previous campaign was suspended in late 2024, pending the release of the second volume of the HMICFRS Law Enforcement Review. That document provided updated guidance on the qualifications and leadership capabilities required for the post.

A new person specification has been developed, and applications are now being accepted. According to the Governor, the role will require extensive policing experience and the capacity to lead the RVIPF through a period of change and development.

The recruitment process is being led by the Police Service Commission in coordination with the Deputy Governor and the central human resources team. The target is to have a new Commissioner appointed and in post by the autumn.

Governor Pruce noted the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, government partners, and the community. He also acknowledged the continued work of current RVIPF officers during the ongoing reform processes.

Both initiatives—police vetting and the Commissioner recruitment—are intended to strengthen the operational framework of the RVIPF in accordance with local regulations and external review recommendations.

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Crime/Police

Police to Enforce Noise Act Amid Complaints About Loud Scooters, Trucks

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced plans to increase enforcement of noise pollution regulations in 2025, with a particular focus on motor scooters and heavy-duty lorries that have drawn repeated complaints from the public.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Dariel Robinson, who heads Operations, confirmed that the RVIPF will be prioritising enforcement of the Noise Control and Abatement Act (1996) this year. The move comes in response to growing concerns from residents about the impact of excessively loud vehicles on quality of life throughout the Territory.

“We continue to receive regular reports from members of the community regarding noise disturbances caused by motorbikes and large lorries,” Robinson said. “These disturbances, especially during late-night and early-morning hours, are affecting the peace and well-being of our residents, particularly the elderly.”

Under the Act, individuals found in breach may face arrest, charges, and court proceedings. The RVIPF is encouraging all vehicle owners—particularly those operating scooters and commercial lorries—to ensure their vehicles are in compliance with the legal noise limits.

“This is a matter of public interest,” Robinson added. “We are asking the public to revisit the details of the Act and to share this information with others who may be affected. Enforcement will begin in earnest in 2025, and we intend to take firm action where necessary.”

The RVIPF reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer, quieter communities across the Virgin Islands and is appealing to the public to support efforts aimed at reducing noise pollution and fostering a more respectful living environment.

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Crime/Police

Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

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 A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.

Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”

Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.

“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”

The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.

“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”

Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.

“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”

While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.

“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”

In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”

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