Crime/Police
Masked Vandals Snatch Marckenson Flag from Mr Nice Guy Virgin Gorda Premises
In a daring act of vandalism, the flag bearing the insignia of Marckenson Airconditioning was forcibly removed from its pole last night, March 29, in front of Mr. Nice store in Virgin Gorda.
The perpetrators, three masked men dressed in black, brazenly cut the ropes securing the flag and made their getaway at the back of the premises.
The circumstances surrounding the flag’s disappearance this morning were captured in detail by CCTV camera footage.
Markenson Tima, the visionary behind Marckenson Airconditioning, had recently inked a distribution agreement with Mr. Nice Guy. As part of their promotional efforts, a brand flag was installed in front of Mr. Nice Guy’s store just last week.
For Tima, this incident strikes at the heart of his deeply held commitment to the British Virgin Islands (BVI). “BVI is my second home,” he declares, his voice resolute. “Everything I can do for BVI, I will do to make BVI great.”
Undeterred by the setback, Tima reaffirms his dedication to serving the people of the BVI. “I want everyone in the territory to know that whatever I bring is not to compete with anyone,” he asserts. “I created a brand for the people of the BVI so that we do not have to go off-island like Puerto Rico and other places for AC units. We have our own.”
Acknowledging potential dissent towards his brand, Tima extends a message of unity. “I understand that some people do not like my brand, but do not take it personally, it’s all about the BVI,” he emphasises. “I believe that once you live here, you need to build the country.”
Drawing parallels with successful ventures in Puerto Rico, Tima underscores the economic potential of locally-owned enterprises. “Puerto Rico has TGM, AirCon, Madea, Gree. They belong to a man like me,” he notes. “And we are going to them to shop. If I can do it for us in the BVI and generate external business, people should know that this will only benefit us in the long run.”
As Marckenson Airconditioning grapples with the aftermath of the flag theft, Tima remains steadfast in his mission to elevate the BVI’s economic landscape.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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