Crime/Police
Former BVI Premier Andrew Fahie’s Correspondence Revealed in Court Records
Recent court records reveal that former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie engaged in correspondence with individuals like W. Smith, R. Sylvester, and M. Vanterpool shortly before his arrest on charges of narcotics smuggling and money laundering.
While inclusion on the call list does not necessarily imply wrongdoing, prosecutors deemed these phone calls and messages significant enough to be presented as evidence.
The evidence list mainly consists of initials and surnames, with notable exceptions such as Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Commissioner Mark Collins. This development comes amid an ongoing investigation into Collins, launched by outgoing BVI Gov. John Rankin.
The revelations follow the release of a Commission of Inquiry report that detailed potential corruption in the BVI government, recommending drastic measures including the suspension of the local constitution and direct control by London.
Fahie’s trial is set for Monday, where the content of his communications and the involvement of alleged co-conspirator Oleanvine Pickering Maynard will be further unveiled.
Maynard, the former BVI Ports Authority managing director, is scheduled to testify against Fahie, having already pleaded guilty to cocaine smuggling charges along with her son, Kadeem Maynard.
The intricate plans allegedly involved collaboration with international drug runners, bribery of local officials, and elaborate schemes to legitimise drug-laden cargo ships.
These revelations have led to several arrests and added layers to an already complex web of corruption allegations.
Fahie is charged with one count of conspiracy to import a controlled substance and launder money, attempted money laundering and interstate and foreign travel in aid of racketeering
The trio were arrested during a DEA sting spanning meetings in the BVI, United States Virgin Islands and the United States.
The DEA affidavit said they had planned to use the territory’s ports to ship thousands of kilos of cocaine from Colombia to Miami and New York via Puerto Rico; each kilogram would be sold for between US$26,000 and US$38,000.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.
The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.
“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.
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