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Crime/Police

National Security Council Confirms No Firearms Found at ESHS, Imitation Firearm Recovered Nearby

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The National Security Council (NSC) of the Virgin Islands has expressed its utmost concern for the safety and security of the people following recent incidents involving an attack on an HM Prison van and an event at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).

In an emergency meeting held on Monday, 9th October, 2023, the NSC reviewed the details of both incidents and received updates from the Commissioner of Police.

According to the Commissioner, the prison officer who was injured during the attack is currently in stable condition at the D. Orlando Smith Hospital, with no life-threatening injuries. The investigation into the attack on the prison van is ongoing, and the NSC is closely monitoring the progress.

In response to the incident at the ESHS, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) swiftly responded and made an arrest. The police presence remained on campus throughout the school day. The Ministry of Education confirmed that no firearms or other weapons were found in the possession of the individuals involved or on the school premises. However, an imitation firearm was later recovered away from the school.

The NSC has expressed concern over the circulation of misinformation regarding the events at the school. It acknowledges the community’s anxieties and is determined to support the RVIPF in its efforts. In light of these concerns, the Police Commissioner has ordered increased patrols, and a joint review of security at the ESHS will be conducted by the RVIPF and the Ministry of Education.

To aid the police in their investigations, the NSC encourages the community to provide any tips or information by calling Crime Stoppers and the confidential and untraceable hotline at 800-8477[TIPS], 800-847-8477, and 368-9339.

The NSC assures the public that the RVIPF is utilizing all available resources to bring criminals to justice and address the escalating crime trend. It reiterates its commitment to a zero tolerance policy on crime.

The National Security Council is responsible for matters related to internal security and significant security developments in the Virgin Islands. The council is chaired by the Governor and includes members such as the Premier, the Minister for Communication and Works, the Attorney General (ex-officio), and the Commissioner of Police (ex-officio).

The NSC’s primary focus is the safety and security of the people of the Virgin Islands, and it will continue to work diligently to ensure their well-being.

Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.

In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.

As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.

Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.

The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.

“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”

Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.

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Crime/Police

Drew Farrell Charged With Manslaughter in Virgin Gorda Stabbing

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF)  have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.

Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.

The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.

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Crime/Police

Oleanvine Maynard Released from U.S. Federal Custody After Serving Less Than Two Years

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Oleanvine Maynard, the former director of the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority, was released from federal custody in the United States on Friday, having served just under two years of her nine-year sentence for drug-related offences.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) confirmed that she is no longer listed as “In Custody” but provided no explanation for the March 21 early release.

Maynard, 63, had been serving her sentence at the Baltimore Residential Reentry Management Centre (RRM) following her conviction in June 2023 for her involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy orchestrated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Her son, Kadeem Stephan Maynard, 33, who was convicted alongside her, is also due for release soon—on 6th April. Currently held at the Miami Federal Detention Centre (FDC), Kadeem was sentenced to 57 months but will serve just over two years, having pleaded guilty in 2023.

The mother and son duo had struck a deal with the DEA to secure reduced sentences. However, the exact circumstances surrounding their early release remain unclear.

In the U.S. federal system, sentence reductions are not uncommon and can occur for a variety of reasons, including significant assistance with ongoing investigations or participation in rehabilitative programmes.

The female Maynard was the star witness in the prosecutions’ case against former Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Andrew Alturo Fahie, convicted in February 2024 on charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering.

Yet, without official confirmation from authorities, the precise nature of Maynard’s release remains speculative.

Meanwhile, Fahie remains incarcerated at Jesup Federal Correctional Institution (FCI). His release date is set for May 30, 2033, and his case continues to attract global attention.

As Oleanvine Maynard prepares to reintegrate into society, public interest turns to what her next steps will be and how her return will be received.

Maynard, her son Kadeem, and ex-Premier Fahie were arrested in April 2022 during a U.S. DEA sting operation in Miami, Florida. The case stemmed from an undercover investigation in which DEA agents, posing as members of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel, approached the officials with an offer to facilitate the trafficking of thousands of kilograms of cocaine through the British Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland.

Testimony from the agents revealed that Fahie and the Maynards had agreed to assist in the drug shipments in exchange for bribes amounting to millions of dollars. Court documents also disclosed that Oleanvine Maynard was happy to play a central role in the operation, referring to the opportunity as her “blessing.”

The arrests raised serious concerns about government corruption and links to drug trafficking within the territory, a region heavily dependent on tourism.

Oleanvine Maynard’s early release continues to stir debate both within the territory and internationally.

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