Over the past few months, the main island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands has been shaken with a series of deaths, some classified as homicides while officials struggle to classify others. The majority of these incidents remain unsolved, which has left many wondering what’s the big secret in Nature Little Secret? Why is it that a small territory continues to see record numbers of unsolved deaths and homicides? The seven (7) deaths that have occurred within the past in six (6) months are:
Waleid Kachhour
The body of a man found floating in the vicinity of the Valerie O. Thomas Community Center in Sea Cow’s Bay on Friday February 19th, 2021 around 8:30am was identified as 40-year-old Waleid Kachhour, a Brazilian who resided in Manuel Reef, Tortola. Kachhour was found with his hands and feet bound together and his death is being treated as a homicide. Since his death, no statement or leads have been forthcoming from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (‘RVIPF’).
Earl ‘Bob’ Hodge
Earl “Bob” Hodge, co-owner of L&B Stables and popular Virgin Islands horseman known across the BVI/USVI, Caribbean and US Mainland was shot and killed at his home in Hannah’s Estate around 8pm on the night of Tuesday, February 9th, 2021. Since his death, no statement or leads have been forthcoming from the RVIPF. Hodge will be laid to rest on Saturday March 20th.
Rodney ‘Mileage’ Simmonds Sr.
A prominent businessman and horseman known across the BVI/USVI, Caribbean and US Mainland for his contributions to horseracing. Rodney ‘Mileage’ Simmonds Sr., co-owner of The Boys Gas Station and The Boys Stables, was found riddled with gunshots at his Thread Falls home on Friday, February 5th, 2021. The incident which was witnessed by workmen at his residence, has left family, friends and fans shaken. Mr. Simmonds was laid to rest this past weekend on Saturday, March 13th, 2021. He was 56. His death has been termed by RVIPF officials as unclassified.
Andrew Skeritt
Also taking place on Friday, February 5th, 2021 in what police have termed as a murder-suicide, Andrew Skerrit, the alleged executioner of Rodney Simmonds Sr. was found dead at his Carrot Bay residence. While many in the community are calling it a crime of passion, suspicions loom as to what exactly led to the death of both men. Detectives of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force say that they are actively continuing their investigations into the circumstances which led to their deaths. Officials did say both fatal shootings of Simmonds and Skeritt are related and do not pose any threat to the wider BVI community. The deaths were also the first of their kind in the territory for 2021.
Everton ‘ET’ McMaster
Popular businessman and community member of District 6, Everton McMaster, 47, of Baughers Bay, was shot and killed just after 2pm on Friday, November 6th, 2020 in broad daylight. McMaster, who was rushed to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in critical condition, later succumbed to the gunshot wounds. Since his death, no statement or leads have been forthcoming from the RVIPF and officials remain tight-lipped on details surrounding the incident.
Matthew ‘Shorty’ Daly
55-year-old Matthew D. Daly, also known as ‘Shorty’, was another well-known businessman as well as footballer. Daly was shot to death in broad day light on September 10th, 2020, after allegedly being shot multiple times to the head. Despite the RVIPF taking three (3) persons into custody in relation to the murder of Daly, no arrest has been made.
George ‘Shawala’ Burrows
Popular softball sportsman George ‘Shawala’ Burrows of Purcell Estate was gunned down in home on September 2nd, 2020. Burrows was the first murder victim for 2020. Ex-Felon Royden Sebastian, 37, of Free Bottom was later arrested and charged for the gruesome murder or Burrows. Burrows was 54.
While several investigations have been launched, the high level of gun violence rocking the BVI Community continues to see the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force requesting community assistance in coming forward with information that could assist. Yet, many residents question the genuineness of the Force as they do not believe the local agency always acts in fairness and truthfulness towards the families of the victims and in some cases, many say, “withholding information.”
In speaking to a close family member of one of the seven men who lost their life, she said, “We no longer trust the police, we know they are not telling us the truth and are withholding information from us, we need closure, and they can’t even give us that.”
In an official comment on the recent drug seizures, outgoing Police Commissioner Michael Matthew said, “We remain committed to the battle to make it difficult for those who want to use the Territory as a transshipment point for illicit drugs. It is a war that we must continue to wage and win, in order to maintain our enjoyed level of security and safety both in our waters and on land. There can be no compromise, no middle ground,”
Second (2nd) District representative Hon. Melvin Mitch Turnbull in a recent message to residents has publically denounced the violence and said, “In response to the recent acts of violence, murder, hurt and abuse in our territory, I want to let you know that I stand firmly to oppose every aspect of it. These deaths have shaken the Virgin Islands to its core and is affecting us adversely, causing many of us to reconsider the way we live in these islands.”
The territory has also seen an unprecedented rise in other major crimes, such as illegal firearm seizure along with major drug busts and seizures of large amounts of cash, which continue to unearth deep rooted criminal activity which cause a domino effect of arrest and other related crimes in the territory.
As a result, many have since cast aspersions and categorized the territory of the Virgin Islands as corrupt. So, has the big secret hiding behind the curtains of Nature’s Little Secret been corruption all this time?