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Former BVI Premier Andrew Fahie Set for Sentencing Today
– Prosecutors Seeking Life Sentence
Former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie will learn his fate today, August 5, at his sentencing hearing in the United States, with Federal prosecutors seeking a life sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Williams.
The 53-year-old, who is a father of two, was convicted in February on charges of cocaine trafficking and money laundering.
However, in June, Fahie’s lawyer requested a ten-year prison term for his client, minimising his involvement in the operation that led to his arrest.
Fahie, along with former BVI Ports Authority Director Oleanvine Maynard, 62, and her son Kadeem Maynard, 33, were arrested by U.S. law enforcement in April 2022.
The Maynards reached plea deals with the prosecution, with Oleanvine receiving a sentence of over nine years and Kadeem sentenced to nearly five years.
Oleanvine Maynard served as a key witness in Fahie’s case, linking the conspiracy to use the territory as a transshipment hub for narcotics into the U.S. Federal prosecutors argue that Fahie played a significant role in the operation as the head of the BVI.
The case has been a major embarrassment for the territory, with prosecutors naming several BVI officials who were allegedly involved in the scheme but who have not been charged.
Fahie’s arrest sent shockwaves through the territory, particularly among his supporters who closely followed the trial.
Fahie’s political career began in 1999 when he was elected as a House of Assembly member for the First District, a role he held until his arrest in 2022.
His tenure was marked by a focus on strengthening the economy through tourism and financial services, and he also emphasised youth involvement in national development.
On 30 November 2016, Fahie became the leader of the Virgin Islands Party, the oldest political party in the territory, after defeating incumbent Julian Fraser.
He was appointed Leader of the Opposition on 6 February 2017 and led his party to victory in the 2019 general election. Fahie assumed office as Premier on 7 February 2019, a milestone celebrated throughout the territory.
In November 2023, while on bail in the U.S. with travel restrictions imposed on him and his family, Fahie announced his retirement from politics. In his resignation letter, he requested that his retirement, effective 24 November 2022, be communicated to all relevant authorities, including members of the House of Assembly and the people of the Virgin Islands, particularly those from the First District.
He stated: “I humbly and respectfully request of you to please officially convey my retirement that comes into effect from 24 November 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.”
Since his retirement announcement in November 2023, Fahie has not issued any further public correspondence.
He is now set to serve his sentence in a federal prison.
The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) has strongly condemned an act of violence that occurred near the Greenland Football Field in East End, Tortola, on Sunday, February 9. In an official statement, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for players, officials, and spectators. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will be cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as they investigate this matter,” the BVIFA stated.
According to the association, the shooting took place on a public road long after the final match had ended. “By this time, the teams had already left the field, and the lights had been turned off, though some patrons were still gathered in the vicinity,” the statement read.
The BVIFA urged anyone with information to assist law enforcement and extended its thoughts to those affected. The association also emphasised its dedication to fostering a culture of respect, unity, and sportsmanship, adding that it will continue working with local authorities to enhance security measures at events.
Despite the incident, the BVIFA confirmed that regular training sessions would proceed as scheduled throughout the week. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
A Bronx man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Trevor Hughes, a 49-year-old father of four originally from the British Virgin Islands, following a dispute over a blocked driveway, police said.
Authorities identified the suspect as Lavar Davis, 36, who was taken into custody and charged with murder. The shooting occurred just before 2 a.m. Saturday on Fowler Avenue near Morris Park Avenue.
According to police, Hughes had contacted 311 and the local precinct after discovering a vehicle blocking his driveway. The situation escalated into a confrontation with two men, during which one of them allegedly opened fire, striking Hughes in the stomach.
Emergency responders transported Hughes to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The suspects fled the scene in a Jeep SUV, police said.
Investigators worked through the weekend to track down Davis, who was arrested and charged with murder. It remains unclear whether a second suspect remains at large.
The New York Police Department has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline.
Story source: www.nydailynews.com
Photo: www.amny.com
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RVIPF Refutes Allegations of Physical Confrontation Between Acting Commissioner and ACP Trevillion
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has pushed back against recent media reports suggesting that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Pam Trevillion was placed on forced leave, calling the claims “erroneous, misleading, and misinformation.”
In a statement issued Monday, February 10, Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said there was no physical confrontation between herself and ACP Trevillion while clarifying that no investigation of any kind—particularly one related to assault—had been initiated against the assistant commissioner.
Vanterpool urged media outlets to exercise diligence in verifying information before publication, emphasizing the ease with which these claims could have been fact-checked. “Disseminating misinformation and disinformation can have serious reputational consequences—not just for the individuals named, but also for the integrity of the RVIPF as a whole,” she stated.
The acting commissioner declined to comment further on what she described as baseless rumors, making it clear that she does not endorse or recognize the claims circulating in local media.
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