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Crime/Police

World Awaits Andrew Fahie’s Sentencing as Maynard Begins Nine-Year Prison Term

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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

Man Detained in Alleged Break-In, Police Notified

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A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”

JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.

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Crime/Police

Jamari Scatliffe Charged in Free Bottom Nightclub Shooting

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A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.

According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.

A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.

“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”

The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.

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Crime/Police

Three Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI

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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.

A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.

Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.

Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.

Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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