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Andrew Fahie Requests Leniency Ahead of August 5 Sentencing
Andrew Arturo Fahie, the former Premier of the British Virgin Islands, has formally objected to his presentence investigation report and requested a reduced sentence ahead of his August 5 sentencing. This follows his February conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering.
Fahie, arrested in April 2022 during an elaborate DEA sting operation, faces significant prison time after a jury found him guilty on four out of five counts of a superseding indictment. The charges include conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, attempted money laundering, and foreign travel in aid of racketeering.
In his objections, Fahie challenges several aspects of the presentence report, particularly the characterisation of the offense and his alleged role. He argues that the operation was a law enforcement sting involving purported drug dealers using the port at Tortola in the BVI as a temporary storage facility. Fahie maintains that there were no laboratory tests proving the presence of cocaine and that the substances involved would not test positive for cocaine until they reached Puerto Rico, thus disputing the importation charges.
Additionally, Fahie contests the inclusion of Lebanese Hezbollah operatives in the report, noting the government’s lack of evidence connecting him to these individuals, a point he claims is highly prejudicial. He also disputes his involvement in a “side deal” between his co-defendants and a confidential source, which the government acknowledged at trial.
Fahie argues for a mitigating role adjustment, highlighting his lesser involvement compared to his co-defendants, Oleanvine and Kadeem Maynard, who he claims played more substantial roles in the scheme. Notably, Kadeem Maynard received a two-level reduction for a minor role and was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment, a factor Fahie emphasises in seeking a similar reduction.
Despite these arguments, Fahie’s legal team acknowledges that even with a mitigating role adjustment, the advisory guideline range might be higher due to the money laundering guidelines. Nonetheless, they argue for a sentence at the statutory minimum of 120 months, citing his previously unblemished record, his contributions to his community, and the non-violent nature of the offense.
Fahie, who has been in custody since his conviction, asserts that a 120-month sentence would be sufficient to reflect the seriousness of the offense, promote respect for the law, and provide just punishment without being greater than necessary. He emphasizes the need for individualized sentencing, considering his background, character, and the unique circumstances of the case.
As sentencing approaches, the court will weigh these objections and the motion for a downward variance against the guidelines and the statutory requirements, with the potential to set a precedent in how similar cases are adjudicated in the future.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority has recorded 10 vessel-grounding incidents between February and December this year, including four between October and December, prompting Chief Marine Accident Investigator in the Premier’s Office, Jerome Padmore, to call on vessel owners and operators to heighten vigilance while navigating Virgin Islands waters.
“This is a significant number and it is concerning, especially given that the marine tourism season is just beginning,” Mr. Padmore said. “It highlights the urgent need to reinforce strict situational and navigational awareness when operating in local waters.”
He said the incidents primarily involved bareboat charter catamarans and occurred under varying conditions, but all shared common contributing factors: reduced situational awareness, inadequate passage planning, and over-reliance on electronic navigation systems.
Mr. Padmore said most groundings are preventable and typically result from human error rather than mechanical failure. Common causes include lapses in concentration, misinterpretation of navigation tools, incorrect assessments of shallow areas, and excessive dependence on electronic charts.
“In regions like the Virgin Islands, operators must remain vigilant due to the complex geography, which includes numerous islands, cays, reefs, shoals, and submerged rock formations,” he said. “These elements can change with tides and weather, making attention to detail essential.”
He also warned that groundings pose serious environmental risks, including damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats. Even one incident, he said, can cause long-term ecosystem harm and require costly restoration efforts.
The MSIRA is urging all vessel operators—including charter crews, private owners, commercial operators, and bareboat charterers—to reaffirm their commitment to safe navigation. Recommendations include reviewing bareboat charter qualification criteria, ensuring proper briefings, consulting cruising guides and local charts before departure, following designated channels, monitoring water depth, observing navigational buoys, and reporting hazards.
All marine accidents, including groundings, must be reported to the MSIRA within 24 hours, as required under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2020.
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National Parks Trust Marks Arbour Day With Native Tree Planting at The Baths and Spring Bay
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands observed Arbour Day 2025 on Nov. 21 with native tree plantings at The Baths National Park and Spring Bay National Park, part of an ongoing effort to restore natural vegetation and strengthen coastal ecosystems.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Trust said the plantings support the replacement of invasive species and the long-term health of two of the Territory’s most visited natural sites. Officials said the initiative aligns with broader conservation priorities across the national park system.
“Arbour Day is an opportunity to give back to the land that sustains us,” the Trust said. “These plantings contribute to the resilience of our coastal landscapes and help ensure these sites remain healthy for generations to come.”
Alongside the plantings, the Trust’s annual Arbour Day Plant Sale is being held at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 28. The sale features a variety of fruit trees, including Suriname cherry, lemon, sugar apple, sugarcane fruit, and starfruit, as well as other native species. The Trust also made available the Ylang Ylang tree, known for its fragrant yellow blossoms used in perfumery.
Residents were encouraged to take part in Arbour Day by planting trees in their communities or visiting the Botanic Gardens to purchase native species. The Trust noted that public participation plays a vital role in advancing environmental stewardship across the Territory.
Arbour Day observances highlight reforestation, biodiversity, and the importance of native vegetation — key components in safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Virgin Islands.
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Government Retracts Bulletin on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions Amid Public Confusion
The Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development of the Government of the Virgin Islands has officially retracted a bulletin issued yesterday November 11, regarding the status of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions.
Individuals previously granted indefinite exemptions under the categories of Marriage or Minister’s Discretion were instructed to submit renewal applications, while those under the Education category must now apply for a standard work permit. The Ministry emphasized that work permit exemptions are a privilege, not a status, and encouraged eligible residents to apply for residence status instead.
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