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.
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.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
-
Crime/Police1 week agoLarge Quantity of Drugs Seized At Port Purcell
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory
-
Crime/Police1 week agoMultiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
-
Education3 days agoFormer Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
-
Local News4 days ago
RVIPF Launches Investigation Into Video Allegedly Inciting Political Violence on Social Media
-
Crime/Police1 week agoRVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
-
Business3 days agoBVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations