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.
Crime/Police
Deputy Commissioner Confirms 17 Gun Robberies, Two Fatalities in 2025

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.
According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.
Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.
The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.
“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.
The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.
Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”
The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.
For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.
Contact information for tips:
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Intelligence Unit: 284-368-9339
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Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 808-477-TIPS or 284-800-877-8477
Crime/Police
Manhunt Underway for ‘Small Brent’ in Nyron Erickson Murder Case

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has intensified its search for a suspect known as “Small Brent,” wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Nyron Erickson.
Authorities released additional images of the suspect, emphasising distinctive tattoos that could aid in his identification. The RVIPF has warned that Small Brent is considered armed and extremely dangerous, urging the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
Those with information on his whereabouts are encouraged to contact the RVIPF at 368-9339, 311, or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or (284) 800-8477.
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Crime/Police
Police Seek Public’s Help in Locating Armed and Dangerous Fugitive Known as ‘Small Brent’
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive known as “Small Brent,” who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The suspect, identified as John Dawn Emmanuel, is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent murder in the British Virgin Islands. Police believe Emmanuel also has ties to violent crimes in Trinidad and Tobago, including kidnapping, extortion, and multiple murders, making him a significant threat to public safety.
Authorities warn that Emmanuel may still be using a previous alias, Brent Dain Danglade, and could have access to identification or travel documents under that name.
In a statement, the RVIPF cautioned, “Anyone found to be harboring, facilitating, or assisting this suspect will face the full force of the law.”
Residents are urged to secure their homes, vehicles, and boats to prevent this individual from using their property as a means of escape or concealment.
The RVIPF continues to work closely with regional and international law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend Emmanuel.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
“Your safety is our priority,” the statement added. “Please allow trained law enforcement officers to handle the situation.”
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