Andrew Fahie, 51, was arrested in Miami on Thursday for allegedly plotting to smuggle drugs and laundering money into an operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The area’s port manager, Oleanvine Maynard, was also arrested. The series of islands, inhabited by 35,000 people, east of Puerto Rico, operates under a 2007 constitution that gives them limited self-government under a governor who is the ultimate executive authority to represent the Queen. An investigation into corruption in the country, led by retired Judge Sir Gary Hickinbottom, has found that the people of the British Virgin Islands have been “badly served” by their government. In a report released on April 4, Hickinbottom advised the governor to take direct control of the territory for two years, stating: “Almost everywhere, the principles of good governance, such as transparency, transparency and even the rule of law, are ignored. ” In a statement, the incumbent Prime Minister Natalio Wheatley said he was “very concerned” about the recommendation. Wheatley said: “What this would mean in real terms is that there would be no more elected representatives representing the people of the regions and territory in the House of Commons where laws are being passed for our society. “Also, there would be no government ministers to advance the priorities of the public or a cabinet to approve the policy. All this power will be delegated to the governor. “The benefit of representative democracy for the public is the understanding and response of their elected representatives to their challenges, who also serve as conduits of their views, especially for reforms.” The survey found that elected officials “can and do make decisions – which spend huge sums of public money and affect the lives of everyone living in [British Virgin Islands] “As they wish, without applying any objective criteria, without giving reasons and without being afraid of any return”. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST The report states that these decisions include issues such as contract procurement, sale of crown land and concessions of residence. Whitley added that he believes the issues raised in the report could be addressed without immediate rules. He said: “The report makes a number of recommendations aimed at reforming and strengthening governance systems in the Virgin Islands. In my view, these can be achieved without the partial or complete suspension of the constitution in which the direct rule will apply. “The recommended reforms of the report, as well as the actions to be taken by the governor, are not mutually exclusive or contradictory to the maintenance of democratic governance in the territory. “There are already constitutional powers under the constitution that can be exercised if needed.” At a Zoom hearing Friday, U.S. Assistant Attorney Frederick Sandley asked Judge Jonathan Goodman to hold Fahi and Maynard in custody pending trial. The bond hearing is set for Wednesday. Following Fahie’s arrest, Secretary of State Liz Truss said that Overseas Secretary of State Amanda Milling would travel to the region to speak with Governor John Rankin and key stakeholders. He said: “The arrest of the Prime Minister of the British Virgin Islands yesterday on charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering is extremely worrying and underscores the need for urgent action. “THE [independent inquiry into the island’s governance] The report released by the governor today clearly shows that a substantial legislative and constitutional change is needed to restore the governance standards enjoyed by the British Virgin Islands. “I have instructed the Minister of Overseas Territories to travel immediately to the territory to talk to the governor and key stakeholders. Then we will announce a clear way forward. “The overseas territories are a key part of the UK family. “The Government of the United Kingdom is committed to the security and well-being of the people of the British Virgin Islands.”
