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Former BVI Premier Andrew Fahie Drug Trial Starts

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Almost twenty-four months after his apprehension at Miami Airport in the United States, the cocaine smuggling and money laundering trial of former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie started on Monday, January 29.

In April 2022, Fahie along with Oleanvine Pickering Maynard, the Managing Director of BVI Ports Authority, and her son, Kadeem Stephan Maynard, were arrested during a sting operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The trio was charged with conspiring to traffic cocaine and launder money by facilitating the secure passage of substantial quantities of Colombian cocaine through BVI ports destined for Miami.

The Maynard duo entered into an arrangement with federal authorities, pledging to provide testimony against Andrew Fahie.

In November 2023, Kadeem received a federal prison sentence of nearly five years for his involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation. Currently, his mother is in federal custody awaiting her sentencing day in court.

During the court proceedings on Monday, Fahie’s attorney Theresa Van Vliet  filed a motion aimed at restricting prosecutors from introducing any evidence extracted from her client’s phone.

She contended that the material in question included personal health information about Fahie’s relatives, which she argued is irrelevant to the case.

Additionally, Van Vliet raised concerns about whether the Government of the British Virgin Islands had been consulted to address and resolve potential confidentiality or privacy issues related to the evidence.

The submitted evidence encompassed correspondence between Fahie and BVI Police Commissioner Mark Collins, as well as Fahie’s assistant and building contractor.

In December 2023, the prosecution submitted a comprehensive list of exhibits, encompassing recordings of phone conversations and meetings involving Fahie and the Maynards.

The prosecution plans to present data extracted from several of Fahie’s devices, such as a Note 10+ mobile phone and a Surface tablet.

Judge Kathleen Williams has not yet rendered a decision on the defence motion.

The prosecution’s case is that Fahie and the Maynards stood to gain millions, with the funds strategically routed through various businesses and bank accounts to obscure their origin.

The criminal complaint affidavit said they engaged in a sequence of meetings during March and April of 2022 with an alleged drug trafficker to finalise the illicit deal.

The affidavit contends that Fahie and Oleanvine Maynard were responsible for obtaining necessary licences, ensuring the concealment of cocaine-laden vessels within BVI ports, and discreetly influencing a potentially troublesome government official.

Discussions reportedly included plans to conduct a trial run involving 3,000 kilograms of cocaine through a BVI port, followed by subsequent shipments of similar quantities once or twice a month over four months.

The alleged compensation for Fahie and O. Maynard was tied to a percentage of the proceeds from the cocaine sales, totaling millions of dollars.

While the Maynards remained in federal custody, in May 2022, Fahie was granted $500,000 bail, a move contested by prosecutors who contended that his release posed a flight risk, coupled with the potential for engaging in illicit activities upon regaining freedom.


The terms of his bail dictated that the former premier remained in Miami, restricted to the leased residence of his two college-aged daughters. 

 
To further ensure compliance, both he and his family had to relinquish their passports to the authorities. He also wears an ankle bracelet monitor.

Crime/Police

Deputy Commissioner Confirms 17 Gun Robberies, Two Fatalities in 2025

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.

Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.

The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.

“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.

The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.

Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”

The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.

For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.

Contact information for tips:

  • Intelligence Unit: 284-368-9339

  • Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 808-477-TIPS or 284-800-877-8477

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Crime/Police

Manhunt Underway for ‘Small Brent’ in Nyron Erickson Murder Case

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has intensified its search for a suspect known as “Small Brent,” wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Nyron Erickson.

Authorities released additional images of the suspect, emphasising distinctive tattoos that could aid in his identification. The RVIPF has warned that Small Brent is considered armed and extremely dangerous, urging the public not to approach him under any circumstances.

Those with information on his whereabouts are encouraged to contact the RVIPF at 368-9339, 311, or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or (284) 800-8477.

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Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Armed and Dangerous Fugitive Known as ‘Small Brent’

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive known as “Small Brent,” who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

The suspect, identified as John Dawn Emmanuel, is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent murder in the British Virgin Islands. Police believe Emmanuel also has ties to violent crimes in Trinidad and Tobago, including kidnapping, extortion, and multiple murders, making him a significant threat to public safety.

Authorities warn that Emmanuel may still be using a previous alias, Brent Dain Danglade, and could have access to identification or travel documents under that name.

In a statement, the RVIPF cautioned, “Anyone found to be harboring, facilitating, or assisting this suspect will face the full force of the law.”

Residents are urged to secure their homes, vehicles, and boats to prevent this individual from using their property as a means of escape or concealment.

The RVIPF continues to work closely with regional and international law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend Emmanuel.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.

“Your safety is our priority,” the statement added. “Please allow trained law enforcement officers to handle the situation.”

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