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The Moorings & Sunsail Welcome New Fleet Delivery and Expansive Workforce Boost in the BVI
Leading yacht charter providers, The Moorings and Sunsail, have marked the beginning of the 2024 calendar year with a significant boost to their charter operations in the British Virgin Islands. The companies jointly unveiled the largest fleet of freshly acquired vessels, including 19 monohulls, 35 sailing catamarans, and 24 power catamarans, boasting a collective value of $70 million. This strategic move reinforces their combined charter fleet to an impressive 254 yachts, aligning perfectly with the upcoming peak sailing season in the Caribbean and fortifying their commitment to a continuous fleet renewal.
In tandem with the fleet expansion, The Moorings and Sunsail have amplified their workforce in response to heightened demand. As two of the major employers in the Virgin Islands, they’ve employed a workforce surge of 300 employees to bolster their operations.
Josie Tucci, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for The Moorings and Sunsail, expressed, “As a business, we have made substantial investments in our BVI operation. As the world’s largest charter operator in the most sought-after charter destination, we are dedicated to ensuring a welcoming experience for our guests. This is reflected not only in our marina revitalization project but also in our fleet replenishment efforts. Ultimately, our goal is to deliver an unparalleled customer experience to the thousands of visitors we warmly welcome each year.”
Charter businesses in the British Virgin Islands are experiencing robust growth, reaffirming the destination’s status as the “sailing capital of the Caribbean.” This surge is further propelled by the region’s flourishing maritime sector and the newfound convenience of direct flights from Miami to Tortola. With this surge in demand, The Moorings and Sunsail are well-positioned to contribute to a thriving 2024 and beyond for the territory, solidifying their reputation as industry leaders in the global yacht chartering domain.
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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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