Crime/Police
Masked Vandals Snatch Marckenson Flag from Mr Nice Guy Virgin Gorda Premises
In a daring act of vandalism, the flag bearing the insignia of Marckenson Airconditioning was forcibly removed from its pole last night, March 29, in front of Mr. Nice store in Virgin Gorda.
The perpetrators, three masked men dressed in black, brazenly cut the ropes securing the flag and made their getaway at the back of the premises.
The circumstances surrounding the flag’s disappearance this morning were captured in detail by CCTV camera footage.
Markenson Tima, the visionary behind Marckenson Airconditioning, had recently inked a distribution agreement with Mr. Nice Guy. As part of their promotional efforts, a brand flag was installed in front of Mr. Nice Guy’s store just last week.
For Tima, this incident strikes at the heart of his deeply held commitment to the British Virgin Islands (BVI). “BVI is my second home,” he declares, his voice resolute. “Everything I can do for BVI, I will do to make BVI great.”
Undeterred by the setback, Tima reaffirms his dedication to serving the people of the BVI. “I want everyone in the territory to know that whatever I bring is not to compete with anyone,” he asserts. “I created a brand for the people of the BVI so that we do not have to go off-island like Puerto Rico and other places for AC units. We have our own.”
Acknowledging potential dissent towards his brand, Tima extends a message of unity. “I understand that some people do not like my brand, but do not take it personally, it’s all about the BVI,” he emphasises. “I believe that once you live here, you need to build the country.”
Drawing parallels with successful ventures in Puerto Rico, Tima underscores the economic potential of locally-owned enterprises. “Puerto Rico has TGM, AirCon, Madea, Gree. They belong to a man like me,” he notes. “And we are going to them to shop. If I can do it for us in the BVI and generate external business, people should know that this will only benefit us in the long run.”
As Marckenson Airconditioning grapples with the aftermath of the flag theft, Tima remains steadfast in his mission to elevate the BVI’s economic landscape.
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.
Crime/Police
RVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
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.
Crime/Police
Police Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
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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