Two vehicles lost control and ran off the road in separate incidents Thursday morning along the Windy Hill/Ridge Road from Chalwell to Stoutt Lookout, prompting District 2 Representative Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull to issue a public advisory urging motorists to drive with extreme caution.

Hon. Turnbull stressed the importance of road safety, particularly with the increased traffic expected due to the arrival of two cruise ships in the territory. He specifically appealed to taxi drivers and other road users to drive carefully, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and remain vigilant while navigating the area.

“I am urging all motorists to prioritize safety while traveling this stretch of road,” Hon. Turnbull stated. “With the added traffic today, it is even more critical to drive slowly and remain alert to prevent further accidents.”

The District 2 Representative expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and reassured residents that efforts are being made to ensure road safety.

Former police officer Harris Walters was sentenced to 32 months in prison today after being found guilty of two counts of assaulting a minor. Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards handed down the sentence nearly ten months after Walters’ conviction, ruling that both sentences will run concurrently.

The charges against Walters stem from incidents dating back to 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors detailed that the first assault occurred in 2014, involving a child with whom Walters had a parent-child relationship. The court further heard that in July 2015, while accompanying the child to a police station on one of the territory’s sister islands, Walters engaged in inappropriate conduct. The child had traveled with him to visit a family friend.

Later that same month, prosecutors said Walters took the child to a hotel, where another act of assault occurred. The prosecution also revealed that he gave the child a sum of money.

The matter came to light when the child confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation. A subsequent medical examination at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital corroborated the allegations. Walters was arrested and charged following the investigation.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Walters was convicted in the Magistrate’s Court and was initially released on $70,000 bail before sentencing.

Isabella Merton, a woman convicted in 2020 of grievous bodily harm, has been ordered deported from the British Virgin Islands by Governor Daniel Pruce. The deportation order, signed on February 21, directs Merton to leave the territory within seven days of receiving official notice.

Merton, who lived in Josiah’s Bay at the time of her arrest, was found guilty of striking a man with her vehicle, resulting in a broken ankle.
According to court records, the incident stemmed from a dispute involving Merton’s boyfriend. On the day in question, the victim had been involved in an altercation with Merton’s partner. Later, as he walked through an area in Greenland, Tortola, Merton allegedly drove toward him at high speed.

The victim attempted to evade the vehicle but was struck on his right side. The Jeep reportedly turned and drove toward him again, prompting him to jump into a nearby ghut to avoid further injury.

While in the ghut, the victim claimed Merton pointed a firearm at him and threatened his life. Another man reportedly intervened and pulled her away.

Merton was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; however, the court dismissed that charge due to insufficient evidence.

In his official order, Governor Pruce stated that Merton is not deemed to belong to the Virgin Islands and that her presence in the territory is “undesirable and not conducive to the public good.” The order was issued under section 40(1)(b) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised Edition 2013).

Merton is required to leave the territory within seven days of receiving the order. If she does not voluntarily depart, authorities are authorized to place her on the first available departing vessel or aircraft. She may also be detained until her removal unless she files a written appeal with the governor within the specified timeframe.

At this time, it remains unclear where Merton is originally from.