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Premier Wheatley Extends Condolences to Family of Late Attorney Jamal Smith
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, conveyed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Mr. Jamal S. Smith, Esq, following his untimely passing. Dr. Wheatley’s sentiments echo those of the entire Virgin Islands community, as they collectively mourn the loss of a cherished member.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, I wish to join with the entire community in extending condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Mr. Jamal S. Smith, Esq on his untimely passing, especially his father Roy Smith, siblings Jarel, Sarai, Rokeem, Romoy, and Kayasha Smith,” stated Dr. Wheatley.
Mr. Smith’s contributions to the Virgin Islands were vast and impactful. As the founder of Thornton Smith, a respected law firm specializing in corporate law and intellectual property rights, he left an indelible mark on the legal landscape. His firm served as a beacon of excellence in the Sea Cows Bay Community, and his absence will be keenly felt.
In addition to his legal endeavors, Mr. Smith dedicated himself to public service, holding positions such as Chairman of the Social Security and Labour Department Tribunals, member of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Virgin Islands, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, among others.
“Mr. Smith was also well known as a commentator on social and political issues in the Territory. His voice and his views will certainly be missed in the conversations currently taking place on the revision of our Constitution and reform of government systems, processes, and laws,” remarked Dr. Wheatley.
While refraining from speculation on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Smith’s passing, Premier Wheatley reiterated his condemnation of violence and crime in all its forms, emphasizing the Virgin Islands’ commitment to peace and harmony.
“I also wish to support the call from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for anyone who may have seen or heard anything relevant to this and any other crime in the Territory to come forward and assist the authorities,” Dr. Wheatley affirmed.
In closing, Dr. Wheatley extended prayers for eternal rest for Mr. Smith’s soul and comfort for his loved ones, emphasising the profound impact of his loss on the Virgin Islands community.
“I extend condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Smith. May he Rest in Eternal Peace,” concluded Dr. Wheatley.
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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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