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.

Senior officials of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continued their scheduled foot patrols through Road Town this week, engaging with business owners, residents, and visitors as part of an ongoing community policing initiative.

The initiative, which began in December 2024, aims to enhance police visibility, strengthen relationships with the public, and improve communication between law enforcement and the community. Officers walked through key commercial areas, speaking with stakeholders and addressing concerns raised by business operators and pedestrians.

According to the RVIPF, the patrols are part of a broader strategy to foster collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Officials have indicated that these efforts will continue throughout 2025 as the force prioritizes public engagement and safety.

Local businesses and members of the public have acknowledged the increased police presence in Road Town, with officers noting that the direct interaction allows for real-time feedback and assessment of security concerns.

The RVIPF has confirmed that foot patrols will remain a key element of its community outreach strategy, with senior management continuing to participate regularly.

#RVIPF #CommunityEngagement #PublicSafety

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) took a major step toward resolving ongoing tariff concerns, with Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. committing to a fair and equitable framework that benefits businesses and residents on both sides.

The discussions, held in the BVI,  today, March 7, centred on ensuring that BVI-based boaters are not disproportionately impacted by USVI tariff structures, while also ensuring that USVI-based boaters contribute their fair share to the economies they operate in. Both leaders acknowledged their dedication to reaching a balanced solution, with Premier Hon. Wheatley reaffirming his commitment not to advance new legislation until further discussions solidify a mutually beneficial agreement.

Governor Bryan, leading a high-level delegation, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stressing that economic pressures are not unique to the Virgin Islands but are part of a global reality. “The devil is always in the details,” he said, during a press conference with Hon. Wheatley,  held after the discussions, stressing the need to refine financial calculations before finalising any decisions.

He also highlighted the necessity for fairness, stating that while many businesses profit from both territories, they must also contribute fairly to the communities sustaining them.

Premier Wheatley echoed these sentiments, recognising the challenges but reinforcing the strong relationship between the territories. “Every friendship has disagreements, but the test of true friendship is how we resolve them,” he said. While no final decisions were reached, both leaders agreed to reconvene soon, aiming to finalise a path forward before June.

The discussions also touched on broader cooperation, including increasing the greater Virgin Islands’ share of the global tourism market through joint initiatives.