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.
A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”
JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.
A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.
According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.
“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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