Crime/Police
Wade Smith Wins Legal Battle Against Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards and CoP Mark Collins
All Seized Items to Be Returned
Former Customs Commissioner Wade Smith, who faced breach of trust charges in 2023, has won one of two judicial reviews brought before the High Court of the Virgin Islands against Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards and Commissioner of Police Mark Collins.
Judge Justice Sonya Young on April 24 delivered the decisive verdict, ruling that the search warrants executed at Smith’s residence in February 2023 was devoid of merit.
She also denounced the actions of the Senior Magistrate as unreasonable, unsupported, and unjustifiable.
The warrant, which was executed on February 14, 2023, resulted in the confiscation of Smith’s documents and belongings, including cell phones, as well as sensitive items such as the death certificates and funeral expenses of Smith’s parents.
In her ruling, Justice Young noted that the Senior Magistrate’s omission of an inter-party hearing, despite requests from Smith’s legal team, a procedural lapse that facilitated the return of the confiscated items.
Additionally, it came to light that Magistrate Richards instructed court personnel to seize communications between Smith and his legal advisors.
Justice Young stressed the warrant should have explicitly state the alleged offence and condemned the arbitrary confiscation of documents from Smith’s property.
She also ruled that the confiscated documents hold no relevance to the case at hand and consequently, all seized items are to be promptly returned to Smith.
The search was reported in the news and compelled Smith to resign from his position and be placed on administrative leave.
He Smiths is yet to have a High Court decision for the second Judicial Review, in this instance, its against the Governor, the Public Service Commission and the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Human Resources Manager.
The outcome of the second judicial review filed by Smith against the Governor xxxxxxx, the Public Service Commission, and the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Human Resources Manager xxxxxxxx, is still pending.
The East End Police Station, previously closed due to ongoing sewerage works, is set to reopen its doors today, Friday, May 3.
The closure had been necessitated by sewerage works conducted by the Government of the Virgin Islands in the station’s parking lot.
Despite the station’s closure, law enforcement services in the East End district remained uninterrupted, with officers maintaining 24/7 patrols to ensure community safety. Residents were encouraged to contact officers directly at 368-9704 for immediate assistance or to report emergencies.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this time,” stated a spokesperson for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
With the reopening of the East End Police Station, residents can once again rely on the presence of local law enforcement for their safety and security needs.
Following a tip-off received on Thursday, April 25th, the Department of Immigration has activated a coordinated effort to locate suspected illegal migrants, with Peter Island emerging as a focal point in the ongoing investigation.
Prompted by this information, the Department of Immigration engaged HM Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to form a Joint Task Force. Their collaborative efforts have been directed towards Peter Island, where two Indian nationals have already been apprehended. However, it is suspected that additional migrants, possibly of various nationalities, remain at large on the island.
Members of the Joint Task Force are committed to thoroughly conducting searches, not only on Peter Island but also across other potential locations, as authorities intensify efforts to locate the remaining migrants.
Anyone with relevant information should contact the Department of Immigration at 468-4705, 468-4717, 468-4754, or the RVIPF at 311.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested and charged 32-year-old Vernon Bernard from Manuel Reef and 28-year-old Jelani Marquis from Hannah’s Estate with the murder of Kemo Lettsome. The arrests were the result of an investigation spanning nearly a year.
Lettsome lost his life during a family gathering when he was fatally shot.
Commissioner Collins of the RVIPF praised the dedication and tenacity of the officers involved, stating, “I commend the exemplary dedication and tireless efforts of our officers who have been instrumental in reaching this pivotal stage of the investigation. Their commitment to justice and community safety has been unwavering, and it’s their hard work that brings us closer to justice for the victim and his family.”
While the investigation continues, the RVIPF assures the public of their commitment to gather all necessary evidence while respecting the integrity of the process.
Expressing gratitude for the community’s support and cooperation, the RVIPF urged anyone with information about this or any other murder within the territory to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-8477(TIPS) or the RVIPF Intelligence Department at 368-9339. All information provided will be treated as confidential.
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