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DEA Testimony Reveals Woman Released in Sting Operation is Roxane Sylvester

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Former Premier Andre Fahie

During the proceedings on February 1 in the drug-conspiracy trial of former premier Andrew Fahie, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent Brian Witek provided testimony that confirmed that the woman referred to in court proceedings as “R.S.” or “Roxane” was revealed to be Roxane Sylvester, the former deputy chairwoman of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Ports Authority.

At the time of Mr. Fahie’s arrest, Ms. Sylvester, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, was in Miami as part of a Virgin Islands delegation attending the Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 cruise industry conference.

According to Witek, Ms. Sylvester participated in a meeting at the Embassy Suites hotel in Miami the day before the arrest, alongside Mr. Fahie, BVIPA Managing Director Oleanvine Maynard, and two DEA operatives posing as members of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.

The following day, she, along with Ms. Maynard, traveled with the undercover DEA operatives to the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. There, they briefly boarded a jet containing fake cash that Ms. Maynard allegedly believed was destined for Tortola. Both women were detained upon leaving the jet, but while Ms. Maynard faced charges, Ms. Sylvester was released without any accusations.

The prosecutor introduced evidence, including cell phones taken from Mr. Fahie and others, and questioned the witness about recordings made during the investigation.

Agent Witek stated that he was familiar with the voices of Ms. Sylvester, Mr. Fahie, the Maynards, undercover agent Jossue Dominguez, and a DEA confidential source known as ‘Roberto Quintero.’

All these voices were heard on secretly-captured recordings played during the trial, which has centered on two meetings at Miami’s Embassy Suites hotel on April 27, 2022.

The court also heard that Ms. Sylvester’s initials were included in a motion filed in January, where prosecutors sought to prevent the jury from hearing a statement allegedly made by Ms. Sylvester to Ms. Maynard after her arrest.

The statement purportedly indicated Mr. Fahie’s plans to intervene with VI officials and to have Mr. Quintero arrested upon landing in the VI. Prosecutors argued for its exclusion as hearsay, while the defense sought to address it during cross-examination.

Mr. Fahie, who maintains his innocence, is accused of allowing undercover DEA operatives to use VI waters for cocaine trafficking, allegedly in exchange for cash and a share of future drug proceeds.

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BVI Shuts Down Liquor Sales for Good Friday — Violators Face Fines, Police Warn

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the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has ordered the complete shutdown of liquor-selling establishments across the territory for Good Friday, warning that violators will face immediate penalties. The directive, backed by the Liquor Licence Act of 1964, comes with fines for both business owners and patrons found in breach of the law.

The order, issued under CAP 42 (1) of the Liquor Licence Act, 1964, requires that all premises licensed to sell intoxicating liquor — excluding clubs and hotels — remain closed for the entire day on Friday, April 18, 2025. This regulation is in line with legal provisions that mandate business closures on specific public holidays.

Further restrictions prohibit the reopening of these establishments before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Authorities stated that any early operation would be deemed a violation subject to enforcement.

Penalties for non-compliance include fines ranging from $150 to $200 for business operators. In addition, individuals found on the premises of establishments operating in violation of the law may be fined $25.

The RVIPF emphasised that these measures are intended to ensure orderly observance of the holiday and adherence to existing legislation. The public notice concluded with thanks to residents for their cooperation and extended wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday period.

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Virgin Islands Publishes National Risk Assessment on Financial Crime Risks

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The Government of the Virgin Islands has released its first National Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment of Legal Persons and Legal Arrangements, as required under the revised Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations 24 and 25.

The report provides an evaluation of the potential misuse of Virgin Islands legal entities—such as BVI Business Companies (BVIBCs), trusts, and limited partnerships—for money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF), and proliferation financing (PF). It outlines existing threats and vulnerabilities and identifies measures aimed at reducing exposure to financial crime.

The assessment found that while legal persons in the Territory are generally subject to regulatory oversight, the global nature of financial services and the complexity of cross-border structures present inherent risks. The residual risk of misuse for money laundering was assessed as “Medium High” across most categories of legal persons and arrangements.

Premier of the Virgin Islands and Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering Coordinating Council (NAMLCC), Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, issued a statement on the report’s release:

“This risk assessment marks a significant milestone in the Virgin Islands’ journey to strengthen our anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regime. It reflects our resolve to understand our exposure to financial crime and act decisively to mitigate it. As a premier international financial centre, we are responsible for leading with integrity, upholding global standards, and ensuring that the Virgin Islands is not a haven for criminal abuse of corporate structures.”

The assessment was led by NAMLCC and developed with input from several government agencies, including the Financial Investigation Agency, Financial Services Commission, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation. Industry representatives—including trust and corporate service providers, legal professionals, and accountants—also contributed through consultation.

The findings are expected to inform upcoming legislative reforms, compliance measures, and cross-border cooperation initiatives. The full report is available through the Government of the Virgin Islands.

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New Licensing Structure for Charter Vessels Moves Forward After BVI-USVI Meeting

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The governments of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have strengthened their commitment to regional maritime cooperation following a diplomatic meeting held on April 15 in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The talks focused on refining the charter vessel fee structure and aligning operational frameworks to support growth in the maritime tourism sector.

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Governor of the USVI, Albert Bryan Jr., reaffirmed a shared vision of economic partnership and regional integration. The discussions followed initial dialogue held on March 7 in Tortola and reflect ongoing efforts to harmonize maritime policy and licensing structures between the two neighboring jurisdictions.

A key focus of the meeting was the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act of 1992, which the Government of the Virgin Islands has moved to amend. The proposed amendment bill received its first reading in the House of Assembly on January 7, 2025, and is currently listed for second reading in the present session. If passed, the changes are expected to take effect by June 1, 2025.

Under the proposed revised fee structure, term charters originating outside of the BVI would be required to pay $7,500 annually for up to seven entries, with an additional $2,100 for each extra entry. A flat rate of $24,000 would apply to vessels seeking unlimited entries. The annual licensing fee for day-trip vessels has been revised to $8,500, while the water taxi license fee remains at $2,500 per year.

The amendments are designed to modernize the BVI’s maritime regulatory system and bring it in line with regional expectations. In addition to fee revisions, the proposed changes include moving from a fixed expiration date system to one based on the anniversary of license issuance, a shift intended to reduce administrative burdens on vessel operators.

Both governments also agreed to the formation of a joint marine task force, which will focus on coordinating regional maritime policy, streamlining regulatory requirements, implementing technology to improve port operations, and enhancing coastal protection efforts.

Premier Wheatley noted that approximately 95 percent of the terms have already been agreed upon between the parties. He confirmed that the BVI government remains open to further collaboration and adjustments in the spirit of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with the USVI.

This latest round of talks underscores the governments’ continued efforts to create a stable and mutually beneficial regulatory environment for the maritime tourism industry. The initiative is expected to support charter operators and promote long-term economic growth across the Virgin Islands.

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