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Local News

One Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola

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A recent federal case in the U.S. Virgin Islands has raised questions about possible migration routes through the British Virgin Islands, after a man detained by U.S. authorities said he had recently come from Tortola.

On April 25, U.S. Coast Guard officers discovered three individuals hiding in the bushes near Annaberg Beach on St. John. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations agents were called to the scene, where the men were questioned. According to court documents, one of the three individuals stated that they had arrived in St. John from Tortola two days earlier and were attempting to return. The individual was not publicly identified in court filings, and it remains unclear whether any charges are linked specifically to that Tortola-related claim.

Two of the three men—Cruz Miguel Zabala and Feliz Rafael Marquez Sanchez—were later charged with illegal entry. Both reportedly agreed to speak to authorities without a lawyer present. Zabala identified himself as a Venezuelan citizen who knowingly entered U.S. territory without authorization, while Sanchez allegedly presented a Venezuelan passport and admitted to landing in St. John without inspection. Their trials are scheduled for June 3 before Magistrate Judges Emile Henderson III and Alan Teague, respectively. The third man has not yet been charged publicly.

In a separate incident on April 28, CBP AMO agents were monitoring a Puerto Rico-registered vessel anchored at Krum Bay, St. Thomas, when it departed around 2:00 a.m. without navigational lights. The boat failed to stop when ordered, prompting CBP officers to disable it by firing at the engine. The vessel came to a stop just east of Sail Rock.

Seven people were on board, six of whom are nationals of the Dominican Republic. Among them was Jennifer Lisbet Matos, who records show had previously entered the United States but lacked legal status. She was charged with illegal entry and will also appear in court on June 3.

Also on board was Martin Ortega Adames, a previously deported individual, who now faces charges of unlawful re-entry. A bond hearing for him is scheduled for Wednesday.

Authorities are also seeking the detention of two additional Dominican nationals, Frias and Garcia Diaz, described as material witnesses who could be deported after testifying in the case.

The boat’s captain, Puerto Rican national Anibal Vega Arizmendi, is accused of knowingly smuggling individuals without proper documentation. He reportedly told Homeland Security agents, through an interpreter, that the vessel was headed to Culebra, Puerto Rico. Arizmendi, a convicted felon recently released to supervised custody, faces charges of human smuggling and failing to comply with law enforcement orders. His detention hearing is also scheduled for Wednesday.

Source: www.viconsortium.com

Entertainment

Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1

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The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will host the 2025 edition of its Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. The pageant, themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” is one of several events commemorating the College’s 35th anniversary.

Five students have been confirmed as contestants for the competition, which seeks to crown student ambassadors who will represent the institution throughout the academic year. The male contestants are Dakarai Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters. Competing for the title of Miss HLSCC are K’Meeya Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark.

The competition will take place over two days. The personal interview segment is scheduled for Friday, May 30, while the main event on Sunday will feature the Introduction and Business Wear segment, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and Question and Answer rounds.

Since its reintroduction following a brief hiatus, the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant has become a prominent student development initiative. Contestants selected as winners will receive scholarships and serve as official College ambassadors. Their roles include representing HLSCC at local and international events, participating in promotional campaigns, and engaging in leadership and public speaking opportunities.

The current titleholders, Mr. Malacoy Levons and Miss Jhadazia Lennard, have represented the College at formal engagements and outreach initiatives over the past year.

In a statement, Student Life Director Debra Hodge described the pageant as a significant part of campus culture and personal development. “What was once seen as a fundraiser event is now a celebration of identity, purpose, and student excellence,” she said.

In addition to the main titles, students and supporters will have the opportunity to select Mr. & Miss Popularity through an online voting system. Votes can be cast by liking official contestant photos on the HLSCC Facebook page between Wednesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 31 at 12 noon. Only reactions from users who follow the page will be counted.

Winners of the pageant will receive a custom-designed crown, sash, and sceptre, as well as access to professional training programs.

Tickets are currently on sale at the HLSCC Campus Store, Student Life Department, J&C Trading Ltd., and through any of the contestants. General admission is $35. Students from the Virgin Islands with valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.

For additional details, the public may contact the Student Life Department at (284) 852-7102.

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Local News

Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match

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Team USVI has withdrawn from the third-place match at the King of the Courts tournament following a disputed officiating decision in their semi-final against Team Tola, in which a final-seconds shot was ruled a 3-pointer instead of a 4-pointer.

The decision stems from a play with three seconds remaining in regulation. The shot was initially scored as three points by officials. However, after the match, video footage showed the shooter’s feet were behind the 4-point line.

“There was a controversial call involving a shot initially ruled a 3-pointer on the court,” tournament organisers stated. “After the game, video footage surfaced showing that the shot was, in fact, a 4-pointer.”

Despite the post-game evidence, the tournament’s existing rules do not permit video review or reversal of calls. “Unfortunately, King of the Courts does not utilise video review for officiating decisions, and the tournament director does not intervene in referee rulings made during the game,” the statement said.

“Under the current rules, the decision made on the court stands and cannot be changed post-game,” organisers confirmed.

Referees involved in the game have issued apologies to Team USVI. “Our referees have performed commendably throughout the tournament and have personally expressed their apologies to Team USVI for what transpired.”

In the same statement, King of the Courts referenced the challenges faced in basketball officiating. “Even in leagues like the NBA, where video review is available, controversial calls still occur.”

Organisers also stated they will review procedures going forward. “We will explore potential solutions to better address situations like this and ensure continued fairness and transparency in the competition.”

As a result of Team USVI’s withdrawal, St. Kitts — which finished third in its group — will play in the third-place match.

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Crime/Police

Deputy Commissioner Confirms 17 Gun Robberies, Two Fatalities in 2025

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.

Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.

The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.

“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.

The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.

Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”

The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.

For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.

Contact information for tips:

  • Intelligence Unit: 284-368-9339

  • Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 808-477-TIPS or 284-800-877-8477

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