Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.

Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.

The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.

Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.

However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.

Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.

The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.

A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.

According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.

A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”

While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Caribbean Airlines began its new route to the British Virgin Islands today, with the first flight landing at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at 11:16 a.m. The flight, which departed from Trinidad and Tobago and made a stop in Antigua, arrived with 52 passengers, including 15 who joined in Antigua.

Premier Hon. Natalio Wheatley, Minister of Communications Kye Rymer, and Junior Minister of Tourism Luce Hodge Smith were present to welcome the flight along with other officials. This new route is part of Caribbean Airlines’ regional expansion strategy, aiming to improve connectivity across the Caribbean. The airline will operate four flights per week between its Trinidad hub and Tortola, providing connections to destinations like Antigua, Barbados, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines, stated that the new service aligns with the company’s goal of enhancing regional travel. “This new service to Tortola supports our growth strategy and commitment to improving travel options for our passengers,” Medera said.

Tourism officials in the British Virgin Islands expressed their support for the new route. Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission, noted the potential for increased tourism and economic benefits, stating that the new flights will provide more opportunities for visitors to access the islands.

The expansion of Caribbean Airlines’ network is seen as an important step in strengthening links within the region and supporting economic development in the Caribbean. The new route is expected to increase tourism to the British Virgin Islands, providing more options for travelers to explore the islands.