Travelers heading to and from the British Virgin Islands are facing delays today as Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas remains temporarily closed following an emergency landing by a private aircraft.

The closure, which began last night, has disrupted regional travel, with airlines forced to reschedule or cancel flights. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is working to clear the disabled aircraft from the runway, with reopening expected by 2:00 p.m.

Passengers relying on St. Thomas as a transit point are urged to check with their airlines for updates as authorities work to restore normal operations.

Source: VI Consortium

A private aircraft en route from Martinique to the British Virgin Islands was forced to make an emergency landing at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas after reporting a fire in its hydraulic system.

The plane, carrying one pilot and two passengers, was nearing the BVI when warning indicators signaled a critical issue. With safety as the top priority, the pilot made the decision to divert to St. Thomas, where the aircraft landed safely.

While there were no reported injuries, the disabled plane remains on the airport’s sole runway, causing temporary disruptions to flights in and out of St. Thomas. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has deployed resources to remove the aircraft as quickly as possible, with the airport expected to reopen by 2:00 p.m. today.

Travelers with connections through St. Thomas are advised to stay updated on flight schedules as officials work to restore normal operations.

Source: VI Consortium

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.