Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew Fahie was reportedly detained in the United States earlier this morning for allegedly conspiring to import a control drug and money laundering.
This is according to a press statement by the Governor His Excellency John Rankin which was issued by the Office of the Governor today Thursday April 28.
“I would like to provide an update to the people of the British Virgin Islands on recent law enforcement action taken by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency about which I have been informed today. It is my duty as Governor to inform you that this morning the Honourable Premier Fahie was detained in Miami on charges related to conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering,” Governor Rankin stated.
Not related to the COI
In the statement, Governor Rankin said while no further information can be released about the on-going incident, he can confirm that it is unrelated to the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry (COI).
He said, “As this is a live US investigation I have no further information on the arrest nor can I comment any further on it. However, what I can confirm is that the arrest was a US operation led by the DEA and is not linked to the Commission of Inquiry report. The remit of the Commission of Inquiry focused on governance and corruption, and was not a criminal investigation into the illegal drug trade.”
COI to be published urgently
Meanwhile, Governor Rankin also informed the public that he will now be pressing forward to release the COI report to the public as soon as possible.
“To avoid unnecessary speculation, I intend to move ahead urgently on publication of the Inquiry Report so the people of the BVI can see its contents and its recommendations in the areas it addresses. I will have a call with Minister Milling and the Acting Premier Honourable Natalio Wheatley tomorrow to discuss further engagement between the UK and BVI on this urgent issue. I realise this will be shocking news for people in the Territory. And I would call for calm at this time,” Governor Rankin explained.
In the meantime, until further notice, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley will remain as the Acting Premier in the Virgin Islands.