Former British Virgin Islands premier Andrew Fahie remains in federal custody in the United States while awaiting a hearing on the US District Attorney’s appeal of the $500,000 bond granted to him last week.
His arraignment, during which he will enter his formal plea on the drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges filed against him, has been moved to 25 May in a Miami court.
Fahie was originally expected back in court on 13 May; however, the prosecutors in his case served a notice of appeal Friday after he was granted a bond when he appeared for his pre-detention hearing last week.
A stay of his release bond was granted pending the hearing of the prosecutors’ appeal.
Fahie, 51, is facing drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges in the US after he was arrested during a sting operation at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on 28 April.
Fahie was arrested after the US Drug Enforcement Agency alleged he agreed to ensure the safe passage of cocaine shipments through BVI.
He was charged with one count of conspiracy to import more than five kilos of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to launder money.
BVI Port Managing Director Oleanvine Maynard and her son Kadeem were also arrested in that sting operation, and were jointly charged with Fahie.
Fahie was replaced as premier following a vote of no confidence by the island’s legislature on 5 May. His successor, Natalio Wheatley, was sworn-in along with a new Cabinet later that evening.
While Fahie’s legal troubles continue, his homeland is facing the threat of United Kingdom direct rule following a damning Commission of Inquiry report on corruption in the British Overseas Territory.
UK Overseas Territories Minister Amanda Milling, who held talks in BVI last week, is back in the UK to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations.
The report found widespread corruption in government and recommended audits and criminal investigations in some cases.
The imposition of direct rule is being vehemently opposed in BVI and advocates against such action have planned a mass demonstration for Wednesday at the Governor’s House.
The UK is expected to address the issue this week.
It is unclear when a decision will be made on next steps for the British Overseas Territory; however, Wheatley said in his swearing-in speech the new government’s “top priority is the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry report within a framework of democratic governance, and in close cooperation with the Governor and United Kingdom, our partners”.
This implementation will require the creation of a separate body to support and advance the work involved, Wheatley said.
Related Videos
