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.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime/Police
Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.
According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.
De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.
“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.
The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
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