Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Andrew A. Fahie’s appeal has advanced; Who will influence the outcome?

Mr Andrew A. Fahie, a former popular politician who was in office from 1999 to 2022, was sentenced for drug trafficking conspiracy in a Miami Federal court in August 2024. Photo: GIS/File
'Iron Lawyer' Benedict P. Kuehne is representing former Premier of the Virgin Islands Andrew A. Fahie during his appeal of his conviction in relation to cocaine smuggling and money laundering charges. Photo: Kuehne Law
'Iron Lawyer' Benedict P. Kuehne is representing former Premier of the Virgin Islands Andrew A. Fahie during his appeal of his conviction in relation to cocaine smuggling and money laundering charges. Photo: Kuehne Law
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom. The CoI was criticised as a witch hunt and with an objective to harm the Virgin Islands' constitutional and democratic advancements. Photo: Daily Mail/File
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom. The CoI was criticised as a witch hunt and with an objective to harm the Virgin Islands' constitutional and democratic advancements. Photo: Daily Mail/File
Mr Andrew A. Fahie was recently best remembered for saving hundreds of lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Internet Source
Mr Andrew A. Fahie was recently best remembered for saving hundreds of lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Internet Source
JESUP, Georgia, USA- It was a controversial sentencing of former Virgin Islands (VI) Premier Andrew A. Fahie in August of 2024. Mr Fahie, a former popular politician who was in office from 1999 to 2022, was convicted of a drug trafficking conspiracy in a Miami Federal court.

However, two of the jurors contacted Judge Kathleen M. Williams to tell her they really did not share the views of the others about Mr Fahie’s guilt. However, most legal experts claim that it was too late, as Judge Williams had already polled each of the 12 jurors on their unanimous decision and discharged them.

But with no case law to support a re-polling of jurors, Judge Williams noted that she had limited avenues, and Mr Fahie was sentenced to 135 months in prison and is now in a Federal Correctional Institution in Jesup, Georgia.

Good chance at appeal?

However, a reliable source in the Federal court system familiar with this case told our newsroom that Mr Fahie is lawyered up and will appeal.

It is our understanding that the process is advanced and submission of arguments is due around mid-December 2025. Mr Fahie’s appellate attorney is Mr Benedict P. Kuehne, who was assigned to Mr Fahie by the courts of the USA 11th Circuit. Attorney Kuehne is known as an iron-fist attorney, both for his successes and accomplishments in complex trials and appeals. He is well-experienced and does not compromise his clients.

Legal experts and other sources have informed that, given the particulars of the appeal, the most likely outcomes or rulings in the appeal, by the three-judge panel assigned to Mr Fahie’s appeal are (a) Dismissal of all charges. This would mean Mr Fahie would be a free man; (b) Ruling of a mistrial. This would mean that concerns about procedures, among other areas, including legal errors, will result in a retrial or (c) A ruling to uphold the decision of the verdict of the jury of the case. This would mean Mr Fahie is to serve the sentence handed down by the court in August 2024.

However, our team of legal experts and other Federal officials have informed us that there are other legal avenues the former Premier can pursue if (c) is the appeal ruling, that once pursued can also result in his possible freedom.

Of course they had knowledge

During the Fahie trial in a Miami court, it was stated that the confidential informant used by the USA law enforcement authority in the operation against Mr Fahie came to the Virgin Islands (VI)-Tortola by himself and operated without the knowledge of any VI law enforcement or officials.

However, a retired Drug Enforcement Administration Officer, speaking to our newsroom on condition of anonymity, has highlighted that this “could not be possible” and it could have been a mere shield to cover up that the British officials were also behind the operations and used the American law enforcement as a front. If this is so, then the legality of the actions could come into question.

It is important to note that nothing new can be entered in the review of the case during the appeal. Mr Fahie’s lower court lawyer was Theresa M. Van Vliet. It is reported that after the case, Vliet took a vacation to the UK.

Will there be interference in the appeal?

Supporters of Mr Fahie are claiming that there could be questionable and destructive actions in the making to try and influence the outcome of the appeal. These could include propaganda articles by international papers in the United Kingdom and the USA painting the entire VI as corrupt because of Mr Fahie’s actions. These, according to some familiar with the attempt to negatively portray the Territory and also allegedly negatively influence any positive outcome in the ruling of Fahie’s appeal, are well coordinated.

Since his arrest in April of 2022, Mr Fahie has not addressed the people of the VI. It is believed that his Attorneys have strongly advised him against making any public comments during the first case and now during the appeal. Doing so, according to one legal expert, would be seen as trying to influence the outcome of the appeal, thereby possibly jeopardising any legal strategy being used in Fahie’s appeal by his attorney.

Mr Fahie a target?

Mr Fahie was recently best remembered for saving hundreds of lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

While as Premier between 2019-2022, Mr Fahie was at the forefront in challenging the UK-appointed Governors for their double standards, lack of transparency, and lack of commitment to the rule of law. As a result, like many others in the VI, Mr Fahie became a target.

This was even more evident after the one-man-imposed Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which found no corruption but engineered a target list of residents who spoke out for justice, and set out on a witch-hunt to arrest and charge residents, despite little or no evidence. To date, not one of the persons they targeted was found guilty; however, they continue to abuse taxpayers funds with endless appeals in the face of lower courts reaffirming there is no case to answer.

55 Responses to “Andrew A. Fahie’s appeal has advanced; Who will influence the outcome?”

  • —————————— (24/11/2025, 07:22) Like (44) Dislike (69) Reply
    Beautiful piece vino we need the man home
    • @—————————— (24/11/2025, 08:13) Like (56) Dislike (21) Reply
      You think you French buh We …sound like you’re missing your perks from criminal activity.

      Don’t involve the rest of the BVI.
    • BuzzBvi (24/11/2025, 11:47) Like (41) Dislike (3) Reply
      So he can be put on trial for his crimes here!!

      Don't forget he was negotiating the shipment of tons of cocaine through the Virgin Islands so that he could benefit financially.

  • Jason (24/11/2025, 07:23) Like (31) Dislike (69) Reply
    Free the Drew
  • b.v.i (24/11/2025, 07:41) Like (34) Dislike (11) Reply
    Good news VINO but you drop the ball. You needed to call the names of the targeted Virgin Islanders by the UK. Claude Skelton Cline, Myron Walwyn, Wade Smith, zjullian Willock, Kelvin Thomas and the list goes on. Majority on this list has publicly crticised the UK and their cronies for actions they deemed inappropriate
    • Willy (24/11/2025, 08:30) Like (24) Dislike (32) Reply
      I agree! All I gah say is we gah move from under UK or we done for. This thing bigger than Fahie we gah stand up for our home or else we won’t have no place to call home.
    • Sick ah you (24/11/2025, 09:06) Like (45) Dislike (11) Reply
      You calling Myron name now cause it suit you. Wiggo you make me sick
    • Karl T (25/11/2025, 08:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      Heard they targeted guy hill but he was a different kinds different guy to deal with. Too much knowledge on certain enforcement details.
  • vi (24/11/2025, 08:15) Like (17) Dislike (38) Reply
    Sounds like the UK trying to take the people of the VI out of position, to replace them with their people. Especially, targeting the ones that put the people of the VI first. Free the Drew!
  • Ana (24/11/2025, 08:24) Like (24) Dislike (58) Reply
    I don’t do politics, but you can clearly see the UK was paying off people to keep Fahie in prison/jail.
  • Hum (24/11/2025, 08:43) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
    We don,t need more corrupt
  • Donald trump (24/11/2025, 08:47) Like (15) Dislike (43) Reply
    I can consider a pardon for Andrew Fahie, a leader who was douced by the sleepy Joe Biden and Britain, with trickery and deceit. He should be set FREE without a conviction.
  • —- (24/11/2025, 09:27) Like (52) Dislike (16) Reply
    If Fahie was still leading our roads won’t look like this! Whether yuh like Fahie or not yuh gah respect the way he was making sure everybody good.
  • smh (24/11/2025, 09:36) Like (22) Dislike (29) Reply
    We have to pray for Andrew Fahie because it look like the UK won’t stop until they destroy his name and reputation. I pray God will reveal the truth and expose the UK and their underhanded tactics.
    • @SMH (24/11/2025, 11:39) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
      Don’t feel bad but his reputation and name has been destroyed a long time ago by his own sons and daughters of the soil. You know how people here get down. Some of the same ones that was eating and drinking with him at the same table plotted to take him down. No one have allies, the ones that is closest to you is the enemy. I trust no one.
      • @SMH (24/11/2025, 15:28) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
        Who knows you better than the enemy? They are the closest ones to you and can destroy you, even family. For what reason the UK and the USA have for setting up Andrew.His own people set him up. Trust no one you came into the world alone and you are going to leave the world alone.
  • UK and USA power houses (24/11/2025, 09:43) Like (29) Dislike (12) Reply
    He not going win so end of story
  • Uncle big show (24/11/2025, 09:52) Like (14) Dislike (25) Reply
    Free the drew !!!!!!!!!
  • Fiction (24/11/2025, 10:05) Like (11) Dislike (10) Reply
    I bet you he will get away its all a psyop.
  • Loon (24/11/2025, 11:15) Like (27) Dislike (8) Reply
    The only thing controversial is is the sentence he received. Double that length would have been right.
  • sad sad (24/11/2025, 11:48) Like (16) Dislike (23) Reply
    So sorry for Andrew he was what the bvi needed now lost in jail
  • BUSY BEE (24/11/2025, 11:51) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why have no charges been brought against the Head Coach right here at home?
    • Stupes.. (24/11/2025, 14:09) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
      You have a charge against him. Try go sit down please...
    • Who’s going to bring them? (24/11/2025, 14:26) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not the highly incompetent and partisan Attorney General and her office. Who’s going to bring those said charges?
  • DAWSON RUNNING ATLARGE (24/11/2025, 12:16) Like (10) Dislike (23) Reply
    ANDREW RUNNING IN DISTRICT ONE 2027
    • Its not about like or hate. (24/11/2025, 15:01) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      The facts came out in court clearly shows Mr. Fahie involvement with intent in drug smuggling and money laundering, to add the other party involved said yes, they were involved. Now they may have been procedural mistakes that gave way to an appeal case...The best out come for him is a mis trial and the need for a new trial...It almost seems like a waste of money to me, and destroy what likeness and favour that good behaviour might have rewarded him, in a cut short sentence can be in jeopardy, he may be seen as to stubborn and get no mercy...
  • pat (24/11/2025, 13:10) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
    The UK are evil they want all of us looked up but jahavour will see us through
  • Colonialism (24/11/2025, 13:12) Like (7) Dislike (10) Reply
    Many of us know that the UK has been targeting and destroying locals for centuries. This is how the colonial game is played. Over a hundred and fifty million people around the world have been victims of their bloody tactics. The saddest part is the contribution of natives who sold out for fame and fortune.
  • mercy (24/11/2025, 13:38) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    Have mercy on the BVI, we're so ignorant and foolish that we can't even see their master plan . Do you think it's a coincidence that customs , police and possible immigration is under attack? Wake up cause the " Old Slave Mill is Grinding Slow but Grinding Still"
    • Yeaeeaah!!@ (27/11/2025, 15:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Perfect Timkng...The Caribbean ia ensnared with accusations of evil and sinister dealings announced worldwide...Andrew guilt and details of his doings at this time as reminders evidence underscores Trump' accusations.
  • Question ... (24/11/2025, 14:14) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is "the court" appointing an attorney for him? Is he too broke to hire his own lawyer? And does he really expect to make any headway with a court-appointed attorney? Sometime last year a lawyer was on a local radio station trying to convince the local population that he had sufficient grounds for a successful appeal; what became of him?
  • Not from Here (24/11/2025, 15:14) Like (5) Dislike (12) Reply
    They need to free Hon. Fahie ????????????????
  • Even (24/11/2025, 15:32) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    If Fahie appeal was advanced, that does not mean it will be approved. Appeals are hard. But he have a right to file for an appeal
  • Truth (24/11/2025, 15:33) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    All Fahie needed to do was be an honest man of God and not engage in criminal activity. No mater if he did good things, is that too much to ask?
  • Cindy (24/11/2025, 15:33) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    SEEMS LIKE WE WILL NOT SEE HIM HOME ANYTIME SOON
    • @ cindy (30/11/2025, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He might be home before many of you living your own life in the prison of ignorance
  • Uber Cruise (24/11/2025, 15:45) Like (5) Dislike (20) Reply
    I can't understand how our people are making g noise about the money spent on Uber Cruise and no noise about the money spending on legal fees trying to lock up our own people. We are a set of brainwashed people in a lost community
  • WEST DIRT (24/11/2025, 16:29) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
    Free Da Drew!!!!!!!! We need da man bak home asapp!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2024 (24/11/2025, 17:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    where is the affiliate after being set free
  • head couch (24/11/2025, 20:13) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
    My people i am comimg home soon, pray for me please
  • Observer (24/11/2025, 20:24) Like (9) Dislike (16) Reply
    Cindy and others haters of Andrew FAHIE.
    FAHIE never committed any offenses in the BVI. All those recording in the BVI are illegal to the BVI. Those evidence collected in the BVI are illegal. You cannot listen to people phone calls in the BVI and go into court with that matter. If FAHIE returns he can run for elections and no one can stop him.
  • Changing Paradigm. George K, USA (24/11/2025, 20:27) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
    Imo. I do not trust the UK approach to solving crime. Not then, and not now. Corruption must be eradicated at its "Source." The oppressors have no legs to stand on. Soo many of our people have become puppets to "their games" for material gains, losing their Souls. It's all an illusion. Cryptic writing for those who can discerned. "Daylight will always shine on that which grows." Keep the Faith. George, K
  • if you ask me (24/11/2025, 21:48) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's the same politicians who got us all in this mess with years of abuse and self pockets filled and family ab friend eating big. Now everyone feeling the licks
  • YESSA (24/11/2025, 23:30) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    Free the Drew. Rep District 1
  • HMMM (25/11/2025, 09:38) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    It look like dem 2 jurors conscience bite dem, whatever done in the dark must come to light! Jah know.
  • Mark (25/11/2025, 12:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see so many posts on fb saying how much they missed Andrew but he let greed overwhelm him
  • God son (25/11/2025, 14:39) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    A F I'm sorry u got into that, good AF bad AF if he was here he would have done better for the country, I will still give him a chance
  • White power in action (26/11/2025, 09:57) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heard the new police chief going lay charges against Fahie in the bvi ….what a thing to tell the king
  • de silent one (28/11/2025, 15:09) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    A part of the apparatus are in place should he get release and return home for criminal charges to be laid against him. White Governor, white COP & a white Supt of Prison, that a lot to go up against.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.