Crime/Police
World Awaits Andrew Fahie’s Sentencing as Maynard Begins Nine-Year Prison Term
With former British Virgin Islands Ports Authority Managing Director Oleanvine Pickering Maynard now serving a nine-year prison term for her role in a significant cocaine trafficking operation within her homeland, global attention has turned to the upcoming sentencing of former Premier Andrew Fahie on August 5.
In a final attempt to mitigate his sentence, Andrew Fahie, formerly the leader of the Virgin Islands Party, who was found guilty on February 8 of charges linked to cocaine smuggling and money laundering, has since petitioned a Miami Federal court to reduce his potential sentence.
Facing the possibility of life behind bars and a $10 million fine, the fifty-three-year-old has requested a maximum sentence of 10 years, arguing that his role in the scheme was peripheral, claiming ignorance of a side agreement between Maynard and an undercover agent posing as a cartel member, and asserting that he was not directly involved in the actual importation of cocaine.
Maynard played a key role as a witness in her former boss’s trial, providing intricate details of the drug operation to the jury.
Alongside her son Kadeem Maynard and Fahie, she was arrested in April 2022 after planning to smuggle shipments of up to 3,000 kilograms of cocaine through Tortola’s port.
As part of a plea deal, she agreed to testify against Fahie, resulting in her guilty plea for conspiring to import over five kilograms of cocaine.
Charges of money laundering and racketeering were dropped against her in exchange for her cooperation.
At her sentencing, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams also added an additional five years of supervised release.
Her son Kadeem received a fifty-seven-month sentence in November 2023.
The sentencing of Fahie is eagerly awaited, with proceedings scheduled for August 5.
Following his arrest in 2022, the disgraced politician was initially granted bail but has been in federal custody since his conviction.
His apprehension sent shockwaves through the territory, particularly among his supporters who closely followed the trial.
Fahie’s political career, documented extensively, began when he was first elected as House of Assembly member for the First District from 1999 until his arrest in 2022.
His policy emphasis was on cultivating a robust economy through tourism and financial services, while also prioritising the inclusion of young people at all levels of national development.
He later assumed leadership of the Virgin Islands Party, the oldest political party in the territory, on November 30, 2016, following a leadership contest victory over incumbent Julian Fraser.
The career politician subsequently became Leader of the Opposition on February 6, 2017, and led his party to victory in the 2019 British Virgin Islands general election, taking office as Premier the following day, February 7, 2019.
The ascent of the golden boy to the top of the political hierarchy was celebrated throughout the territory.
In November 2023, he retired from politics while on bail in the United States with restrictions to travel for him and his family.
“I humbly and respectfully request of you to please officially convey my retirement that comes into effect from November 24, 2022, to all the requisite authorities especially to all members of the House of Assembly, as well as to the people of the Virgin Islands – especially my beloved people of the First District on the floor of the House of Assembly via this letter, among other means you may deem appropriate.”
“My deepest appreciation and love I express to all. May God forever bless our Virgin Islands and the people of the Virgin Islands as our best days are yet ahead.”
Fahie still retains supporters in his homeland, particularly in the First District, who express their backing and send him well-wishes through online messages.
The wait will soon come to an end as he returns to federal court in a week’s time, not to stand trial before a jury but to hear the judge’s sentencing.
While supporting aspects of the Police Amendment Bill 2024 that aim to enhance law enforcement capabilities, Hon. Sharie B. de Castro cautioned against provisions that could grant unchecked powers to the police. Her remarks came during the continuation of the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on January 8, as she called for reforms that balance stronger law enforcement with safeguarding human rights and addressing the root causes of crime.
“The police must walk with integrity. They cannot uphold the law while simultaneously disregarding it themselves. Everyone must play by the rules,” de Castro asserted, emphasizing the importance of accountability and trust in the justice system.
De Castro voiced concern about the erosion of public trust in law enforcement and its effect on community engagement. “How many in our community trust the system of policing?” she questioned. “How many see themselves becoming a part of that system or pursuing careers in law enforcement, the DPP’s office, or defense? The reality is, not many. That is a problem we must address.”
She advocated for reforms that empower law enforcement while ensuring officers operate within clear ethical boundaries and remain accountable for their actions.
De Castro urged her colleagues to closely scrutinize sections of the bill that might infringe upon fundamental rights. She stressed that public safety legislation must include safeguards to prevent abuse of power.
“We must ensure this legislation does not give individuals immunity to act without accountability. Such provisions would undermine public trust in the very system we are trying to strengthen,” she argued.
Connecting public safety with social development, de Castro highlighted the need for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and youth programs. She emphasized that sustainable reform requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of crime and provides young people with opportunities to thrive.
“Our schools must be environments that reinforce discipline and provide opportunities, not breeding grounds for negative influences,” she said, citing her ministry’s zero-tolerance approach to serious misbehavior as part of a broader effort to guide youth toward positive alternatives.
As the bill advanced to the Committee stage, de Castro expressed confidence in the ability of her fellow legislators to refine it. She urged collaboration to ensure the legislation achieves its objectives without compromising public trust or human rights.
“This bill is a step forward, but it must be one that balances the needs of law enforcement with the rights and trust of the people we serve,” de Castro concluded, reiterating her vision for a safer and more equitable territory.
A Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officer has been charged following an internal investigation into a significant security breach that compromised a planned police operation in November 2024.
The RVIPF has assured the public that it will continue to act decisively against breaches of trust, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the force’s integrity and ensuring the safety of the community.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed the apprehension of Paul Jack, a national of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, during a coordinated operation conducted by Virgin Gorda detectives on Saturday, January 4.
The RVIPF also expressed appreciation for the continued support from the public in tackling crime in the territory. Residents are urged to stay alert, secure their properties, and report any suspicious activities to the police to assist in ongoing efforts to maintain safety.
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