Crime/Police
Former BVI Ports Authority Director Oleanvine Maynard Takes Stand Against Ex-Premier Andrew Fahie
– Maynard Spills It All Piecing Together Prosecution’s Case
Oleanvine Maynard former managing director of the BVI Ports Authority, took the stand on Tuesday, February 6, in Miami, testifying against former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie who faces drug-trafficking conspiracy charges.
Maynard, having pleaded guilty to conspiring with Fahie to import cocaine into the United States, agreed to testify against him in exchange for a potentially lighter sentence.
Her testimony, which stretched over six hours on Tuesday and resumed on Wednesday morning, offered a glimpse into a world of clandestine meetings and coded conversations. Prosecutors played secret recordings as Maynard detailed interactions with Fahie, her son Kadeem Maynard, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operatives, shedding light on alleged drug trafficking operations.
“On the recording, Maynard was heard explaining to DEA confidential source who used the named “Roberto Quintero” what she hoped to gain from their arrangement. “There are things I want to accomplish. One is to pay off my house in Tortola. And when I retire I want to go to Miami. And in both areas, I want to be rent-free,” she said. Quintero then asked her to open her bag and he gave her $10,000, Ms. Maynard said. “It’s just $10,000: a little present for you,” he was heard to say on the tape. Maynard replied, “Thank you.”
As the prosecution’s fifth and final witness, Maynard’s testimony served to tie together pieces of evidence presented by prior witnesses, including DEA agents and digital forensic analysts. Her guilty plea in June 2023 to conspiracy charges marked a turning point in the trial, offering prosecutors a crucial insider perspective on the alleged conspiracy.
During her testimony, Maynard revealed how she first became entangled in the web of drug trafficking, describing meetings with associates and a DEA confidential source named “Roberto Quintero.” She detailed negotiations with Fahie, including discussions of profit-sharing agreements and a substantial cash “gift” exchanged between Fahie and Quintero.
As Maynard’s testimony continued, the courtroom remained transfixed by the unfolding drama, with Fahie continuing to deny any wrongdoing. Yet, her revelations painted a vivid picture of an alleged conspiracy spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Fahie was arrested on April 28, 2022 by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Fahie made international headlines, shocking many supporters in his homeland.
Maynard and her son, Kadeem Stephan Maynard, found themselves apprehended in the drug sting. Kadeem also entered into an agreement with federal authorities, resulting in a five-year sentence.
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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