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
Why Is Oleanvine Maynard Set for Release on March 21?

Just over a year after pleading guilty in the high-profile drug trafficking case, Oleanvine Pickering Maynard, the former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, is set to walk free much earlier than expected. But why?
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Maynard, 63, who is currently incarcerated at Baltimore RRM, is scheduled for release on March 21—a short cry from the nine-year sentence she received in June 2023 for her role in a DEA-led drug trafficking conspiracy. The abrupt reduction raises questions about what factors contributed to her early release.
Now, with Oleanvine Maynard’s sudden release date just days away, speculation grows over whether her cooperation with U.S. authorities played a larger role in the case than previously known. What did she reveal, and who else might be implicated? Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor the BOP has publicly addressed the specifics of her shortened incarceration. However, it is common for federal inmates to receive sentence reductions for substantial assistance in ongoing investigations or for participating in rehabilitation programs.
Her son, Kadeem Stephan Maynard, 33, who was convicted alongside her, is also due for release soon—on April 6. He is currently being held at Miami FDC. Kadeem was sentenced to 57 months but will serve just over two years since his guilty plea in 2023.
Meanwhile, former BVI Premier Andrew Alturo Fahie, convicted in February 2024 on charges of conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering, faces a much longer road. He remains incarcerated at Jesup FCI, with a release date currently set for May 30, 2033.
Maynard’s upcoming freedom is bound to spark debate in the BVI and beyond. As she prepares to return to society, the public is left with a lingering question. If she truly struck a deal, what information did she provide, and how deep does this case go?
Oleanvine Maynard, her son Kadeem Maynard, and former Premier Andrew Fahie were arrested in April 2022 in a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sting operation in Miami, Florida. The case stemmed from an undercover investigation in which DEA agents, posing as members of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel, approached the officials with an offer to traffic thousands of kilograms of cocaine through the British Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland.
During the sting, Fahie and the Maynards allegedly agreed to facilitate the drug shipments in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Court documents revealed that Oleanvine Maynard was eager to play a key role in the operation, referring to the opportunity as her “blessing.”
The arrests exposed deep concerns about government corruption and drug trafficking links in the territory. In June 2023, Oleanvine Maynard pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering, while her son Kadeem also pleaded guilty to drug charges.
Fahie, who initially maintained his innocence, was convicted in February 2024 after a trial in Miami federal court. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Crime/Police
Four Arrested, Firearms and Ammunition Seized in BVI Police Operation
Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted targeted searches at two residences, in a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, March 11, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of an AR-15 rifle, a 9mm Glock pistol, 52 rounds of ammunition, and 260 grams of cannabis. The arrests bring the total number of firearms recovered in 2025 to eight.
Following the operation, all four individuals were taken into custody for questioning, with subsequent investigations resulting in formal charges. Raheem Blyden, 32, of Crabbe Lot, has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, keeping an unlicensed firearm, three counts of possession of explosives, and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another. Meanwhile, Shaika Jeffers, 31, Ayana Lennard, 29, and Chad George, 21, all of Sophie Bay, have each been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of explosives.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool underscored the urgency of addressing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the territory, stating that while the number of ammunition rounds recovered in just ten weeks reflects the dedication of RVIPF officers, it also highlights the alarming presence of illegal weapons. She urged citizens to recognize the gravity of the situation and support law enforcement efforts to combat gun violence and criminal activity.
“The reality should serve as a wake-up call to all law-abiding citizens. It is imperative that we unite in support of the RVIPF and other law enforcement agencies in their relentless efforts to combat gun violence and criminal activity. Only through collective action can we ensure that the BVI remains one of the safest places to live, work, and vacation,” Vanterpool stated.
The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to removing illegal firearms from communities and maintaining public safety. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Individuals with information can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or, for overseas callers, at (284) 800-8477.
Crime/Police
Akeem Hopkinson Sentenced to 32 Years for 2021 Murder of Catherine Pickering

Akeem Hopkinson has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for the April 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering after being convicted on all four charges: murder, robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
At the High Court on Monday, Judge Rajiv Persad imposed the sentences following Hopkinson’s conviction. He was sentenced to 32 years for murder, 19 years for robbery, 17 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and 7 years for possession of a prohibited firearm. The judge ruled that all sentences would run concurrently, meaning Hopkinson will serve a total of 32 years, including time already spent in custody. The sentencing came after a 10-member jury found Hopkinson guilty on February 25 following approximately three hours of deliberation.
The case stems from a deadly attack on April 18, 2021, in Paraquita Bay, where Catherine Pickering was fatally shot in the head and chest inside her home. The incident unfolded after her daughter, Maricel Pickering, was ambushed and robbed in the family’s driveway upon returning home from work. According to Maricel’s testimony, she had just exited her vehicle when she heard a voice demanding money. Gunshots rang out, prompting her to throw a bag of cash and run for cover. After the assailant fled on a motorcycle, she discovered her mother wounded inside the house. Catherine Pickering was later pronounced dead at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
Hopkinson’s trial began in late January at the High Court, where he was represented by Phoenix Law. During the proceedings, prosecutors argued that Hopkinson played a central role in the robbery and shooting. Testimony from witnesses, including Maricel Pickering, detailed the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath.
Shemar Richardson, who had been employed at Big Brother’s Gas Station at the time of the robbery, pleaded guilty to his role in the crime and was sentenced separately. He received a term of five years and nine months, factoring in time served, with the possibility of parole after three years, provided he undergoes counseling. During the trial, Richardson admitted to providing information that facilitated the robbery, which ultimately led to the murder of Catherine Pickering.
Hopkinson had initially been charged alongside 28-year-old Shameek Grant. However, Grant was acquitted after the court upheld a no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to support a conviction.
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