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‘Mr Fahie has compelling reason to fight allegations’- Hon Fahie’s lawyer

- responds to US Gov’t’s motion to keep Hon Fahie in prison during his trial
The attorney for ex-premier of the Virgin Islands Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, Theresa Van Vliet, right, has responded to federal prosecutors request to revoke Hon Fahie’s $500,000 bond, arguing that he is not a danger to the community and will not try to flee the United States. Photo: GIS/gjb-law.com
Assistant US Attorney Frederic X. Shadley has asked the court to keep Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) jailed while he awaits trial for conspiracy to import cocaine and launder money. Photo: ulmer.com
Assistant US Attorney Frederic X. Shadley has asked the court to keep Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) jailed while he awaits trial for conspiracy to import cocaine and launder money. Photo: ulmer.com
MIAMI, Florida, VI- The attorney for ex-premier of the Virgin Islands Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Theresa Van Vliet, has responded to federal prosecutors' request to revoke Hon Fahie’s $500,000 bond, arguing that he is not a danger to the community and will not try to flee the United States.

Attorney Van Vliet filed the request Monday, May 16, 2022, following a request to revoke bond by Assistant US Attorney Frederic X. Shadley.

Hon Fahie has compelling reasons to fight allegations- Van Vliet

US prosecutors have said in court documents that Hon Fahie is a flight risk but, according to the 11-page response filed by Van Vliet, the court’s conditions of release are more than adequate to ensure he’ll appear in court.

“The Government argues that Mr Fahie has a “compelling reason” to flee. Mr Fahie has, in fact, a more compelling reason to fight these allegations wherever they are mounted. Simply by virtue of this arrest and the Government’s allegations, he has been stripped of his position as the Premier of the BVI,” Van Vliet wrote.

Assistant US Attorney Shadley has asked the court to keep Hon Fahie jailed while he awaits trial for conspiracy to import cocaine and launder money. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence and the possibility of life in prison.

Hon Fahie has been jailed since his arrest on April 28, 2022, at a Miami airport. He was granted $500,000 bond and conditions of release at a detention hearing on May 4, 2022, but that order has been stayed pending an appeal by prosecutors.

Hoh Fahie can’t be considered ‘danger to community’ without evidence

Van Vliet stated that the US Government contends that it has established that her client is a risk of flight as well as a danger to the community and, not surprisingly, the Government touts as gospel its version of the events and what transpired during the referenced meeting.

“In doing so, however, the Government’s representations gild the lily based on the scantly available direct evidence.”

The attorney also said the US Government claims that Hon Fahie is charged with a crime “involving thousands of kilograms of cocaine and millions of dollars.”

“That statement is not accurate as it suggests that such cocaine or monies actually existed. This arrest is a result of a ruse and a sting operation. To be sure, conspiracy to violate such laws can exist even where there is no cocaine or money. Yet, as he stands before the Court he is presumed innocent, a presumption that cannot be understated nor disproven until the Government produces its evidence,” Van Vliet argued.

She also highlighted that the US Government touts Hon Fahie’s travel record as evidence of his predisposition to flee from prosecution. “This ignores, as the Government well knows, the fact that the overwhelming majority of such travel, primarily in the Caribbean, was related to official business undertaken by Mr. Fahie in his previous role as the Premier of the BVI,” Van Vliet responded.

Immunity issue was ‘misrepresented’

Van Vliet also said that the claim of jurisdictional immunity has been misrepresented by the press and prosecutors and that Hon Fahie has never sought immunity from prosecution as represented by the US government.

“The Government, without evidence, asserts that there are persons in Mr Fahie’s “orbit” who are willing to “procure his freedom from prosecution.” This is, at best, an outrageous claim for the Government to make based, exclusively, on a press report.

24-hour house arrest

In addition to the $500,000 bond, Hon Fahie is to be under house arrest and reside with his two daughters, both of whom are United States citizens, at their rented apartment in the Southern District of Florida.

According to Van Vliet, both of Hon Fahie’s daughters were required to surrender all travel documents and did not travel to the Virgin Islands to attend their aunt’s (Hon Fahie’s sister) funeral; however, his wife was permitted to travel for the purposes of her employment.

Van Vliet added that Hon Fahie is to remain on 24-hour lockdown at his daughters’ residence and is to wear a GPS monitor device with exceptions only for medical needs, court appearances and consultation with counsel.

The court rejected Hon Fahie’s request to be permitted to be relieved from lockdown for purposes of attending religious services.

‘Most restrictive bond possible’

According to Van Vliet, Hon Fahie has the “most restrictive bond possible and noted that the Government attempts to diminish the tie that Hon Fahie has to the jurisdiction, in saying that his daughters are merely attending online college and postgraduate courses.

“In truth, the fact that each will not be required to attend classes in Pennsylvania but rather are required by the conditions of their father’s bond to stay in the United States underscores the ties to this community.

“The Government ignores entirely that both children are citizens of the United States. The Government, oddly, makes short shrift of the ties that a parent has with his children. As noted during the detention hearing there are fewer stronger bonds, if any.”

She also noted that it was said at the detention hearing that Hon Fahie would have to flee to a destination other than the [British] Virgin Islands to avoid prosecution, which would essentially deprive him of any family connections.

Van Vliet concluded that Hon Fahie’s bond, under the stringent conditions imposed, are more than sufficient to assure his appearance and, given the current state of Covid restrictions at the Federal detention Centre in Miami, are critical to being able to prepare a defense to this case with all deliberate speed.

Meanwhile, Hon Fahie is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Kathleen Williams, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, on May 19, 2022, at 9:00 am.

64 Responses to “‘Mr Fahie has compelling reason to fight allegations’- Hon Fahie’s lawyer”

  • resident (18/05/2022, 15:46) Like (62) Dislike (7) Reply
    The head coach was fired from the bvi team
    • STILL LACKING ACCOUNTABILITY (18/05/2022, 18:33) Like (26) Dislike (8) Reply
      Miss Lawyer must not have read the so-called Immunity letter written by the rogue officer (who is currently being investigated for doing so). That letter is ALL the EVIDENCE you need!

      To make such a statement proves lawyers would say ANYTHING:

      “The Government, without evidence, asserts that there are persons in Mr Fahie’s “orbit” who are willing to “procure his freedom from prosecution.” This is, at best, an outrageous claim for the Government to make based, exclusively, on a press report.“
    • Rubber Duck (19/05/2022, 03:41) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
      Why are they still calling him “ Honourable “ ?

      A complete joke.
      • Madussa (19/05/2022, 11:04) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        Fahie, you have let the people DOWN! We would have had your back if lies were being told about you since you have done a lot of things for the BVI since you have been in office, way more than the other parties. But this went straight to our core, our hearts, our souls. We would have voted you in again, but, this, is, too much to swallow. When you come back home, how can you look at the people in their faces? You will no longer be the Honourable Premier, but a regular Joe who people will ridicule to your face. Are you ready for that? Sad sad sad all the way around.
        • do not agree (19/05/2022, 11:30) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
          agree, he let the people down big time
          do not agree he done more than other parties or even vip led by rto. nothing big except fool we the bvi ppl
          do not agree he would be premier again, 1st district yes, but premier, he was on his way out.
          agree he will come back home; in 25 to 30 years time.
      • disgraced (20/05/2022, 10:35) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        Should be Disgraced Fahie, who actually has something to be Disgraced for. Governor Jaspert should be the honorable one, he has done nothing wrong but prove the corruption he spoke about.
  • Hon Fahie (18/05/2022, 16:19) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    My a$$ re should be stripped of that title
    • Agree (19/05/2022, 10:05) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
      yes, why does vino still call him that. why not disgraced like other sites or how vino describes walwyn.
  • West side (18/05/2022, 16:21) Like (14) Dislike (13) Reply
    Good try fight on foy boy
  • HEY BIGGIE ???? (18/05/2022, 16:32) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
    WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RACISM AND
    COLONIALISM , THAT YOU AND YOUR CANARIES RECENTLY DISCOVERED ???? ( YOU HAVE JEPODIZED YOUR KIDS WELLBEING , WITH ALL THE KNOWLEDGE YOU POSSESS ) I WISH I HAD THE LUXURY OF SOME OF IT , AND EVEN WITHOUT IT , I WOULD NOT OF DONE SOMETHING SO DUMB
  • lol (18/05/2022, 16:34) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
    Last sentence under the heading: 24-hour house arrest!

    The court rejected Hon Fahie’s request to be permitted to be relieved from lockdown for purposes of attending religious services.
    • Religious service (18/05/2022, 17:44) Like (49) Dislike (10) Reply
      Every prison has religious services for the inmates. He should instead pray every day to ask forgiveness for what he did to his family, our country and the ppl in BVI
      PLS stop calling him HON!!!! He is NOT!!!!
      How on earth can he still hold the post to represent D1 and getting paid!! He owes the country millions

    • @LOL (18/05/2022, 17:47) Like (38) Dislike (7) Reply
      So I wonder which religious service he wants to attend? A Christian one, or a green flag one?!
      • @LOL (18/05/2022, 22:13) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        I’ve been laughing for 5 minutes. Very clever! He seems to have lots of friends in high places from working in this realm for 20 years as he himself boasted to the DEA. With the amount of drugs headed for the USA. This story is way bigger.
    • dndn (18/05/2022, 18:33) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      to pray for forgiveness?
  • BVI Future (18/05/2022, 16:49) Like (29) Dislike (7) Reply
    Of course, every one has a right to fight the charges against them. But, that does not mean he is going to win. He needs to start calling names.
  • y (18/05/2022, 16:51) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Nice try me son you need to apologise you to stubborn
  • BVI Future (18/05/2022, 16:55) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    What religious services? He was praying with the DEA.
    • @ BVI Future (18/05/2022, 18:36) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
      He’s probably trying to find a witch and claiming religious services.

      He don’t seem to fear Almighty God and continues to make a mockery.
  • kk (18/05/2022, 17:01) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    It have an old saying what come out of a man mouth defile them and this is no jokes
  • News (18/05/2022, 17:47) Like (5) Dislike (12) Reply
    BUT I THOUGHT HIS CHILDREN WAS BRITISH BORN , THAT IS BORN IN TORTOLA, V.I
  • jokes (18/05/2022, 17:58) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
    Throw away the key
  • ??? (18/05/2022, 17:59) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    religious services, what's next. nice try

    seems like he really wants to run, religious he say
  • Ho,ho (18/05/2022, 18:44) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Want,s to pray for$
  • bbc (18/05/2022, 19:54) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    his lawyer is trying diligently to free fahie all i will say andrew had no calling in this mess 2 old of a cat but got fooled by a kitten. Should he have to do jail time that will mess with his mind it can not be much fun to go from freedom to incarceration

    don’t jump in the water if you can’t swim
  • A SET OF JOHN CROW (18/05/2022, 20:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    gathered for the feast.
  • Smh (18/05/2022, 21:05) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Skelton Cline...you next.
  • strip (18/05/2022, 22:35) Like (1) Dislike (28) Reply
    They should strip the children of their US citizenship and send them back to BVI
    • motherhen (19/05/2022, 09:55) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      What does his children have to do with his criminal activity? Leave them out of this nonsense please
    • Alamandah (19/05/2022, 10:41) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      All yoh Jokey. People can strip you of your birth nationality? You sound xtra dumb.
      • Slim Jim (19/05/2022, 13:26) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
        That's an interesting question.... perhaps we should ask those children born in the BVI to non-nationals, but are denied a BVI passport. Instead they must acquire a passport from their parents birth place, and are given the 'opportunity' to apply when they turn 18.

        Hmmmmm....
        • @Slim Jim (20/05/2022, 03:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
          Wow....it is so crazy that people keep bringing this up as if the BVI is the only territory/country/nation that does this and that the process is so unfair. Are you familiar with the term "birthright citizenship"? It means that you are automatically granted citizenship in that country when you are born there. Guess what? There are ONLY 35 countries in the world as of 2022 that practice it. The UK is NOT one of them, therefore as a territory the BVI cannot practice birthright citizenship. It seems that the proximity to the US (the ONLY "superpower" that practices birthright citizenship) has some people foolishly believing that the BVI is somehow doing an injustice to others. If you have a child in China, Germany, or most other countries as a non-national they would have to go through the SAME THING!!!
    • Moesha (19/05/2022, 12:43) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Don’t be foolish. Those kids have nothing to do with what their dad did. Why should they be strip from where they were born . Can they go back into his wife’s womb and be reborn. If you don’t have anything to say keep your stupid comments to yourself because you sounds STUPID. Just saying
    • sample (19/05/2022, 13:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      you sound so stupid (strip) think before you type please.......
    • To Strip (19/05/2022, 20:59) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      How will you strip the children of their US citizenship when they are US citizens? Y’all need to stop hiding behind these bogus names and learn some sense! Idiot!
    • fool (20/05/2022, 08:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Strip them for what them kids ain’t got nothing to do with his actions yes the kids pay for the sins of their parents but they making a life for themselves if anything let them kids spread their wings hold the parents
  • SAY (18/05/2022, 22:40) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Innocent until proven guilty.
  • Linda (18/05/2022, 22:58) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Stop calling him Honorable. Even if he wins his case, we all now know he is NOT Honorable. He lost that title!
  • ONE CROOK (19/05/2022, 05:45) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Black man in the amerikan judicial system? Good luck.
  • Vino remove comments (19/05/2022, 06:30) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
    Vino needs to remove comments sections. police and bad minded people does be posting and spreading rumours.
  • Not from hare (19/05/2022, 07:25) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    Hope we expats see where his children are born in the USA them nit from HARE so after college do we think the not from hare rule would have applied to them
    • Your Grammar Teacher (19/05/2022, 09:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      The fact that you don't know the difference between "Here" and "Hare" to even use in a proper sentence says a lot about you. Baby let's get back to the books before minding other people business and commenting where we can't even find the right words to do so. Reading is fundamental kids.
    • Stupes (19/05/2022, 10:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      You have a bad case of the "not from here blues". The children's parents and grandparents are "from HARE". Where are you and yours from?
      • Your I.Q Teacher (20/05/2022, 16:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        We're all FROM HERE, thank god intelligence isn't based on where you were born because at least that could of been an excuse you could use. It's poor IGNORANCE how you can't even stay on topic of your incapability of using words in the right context to where your "I.Q Teacher" was born. I think we've discussed enough lessons for the day, I know it was too much knowledge for you to take in all at once. Enjoy Love, I pray you challenge yourself to read a book a day. Blessing :)
  • Children (19/05/2022, 08:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now listen please keep off them children they have nothing to do with what is happening. They had no control of where they were born. Do not put more pressure on them. While mention has been made of where he will reside if he gets bail and the holding of documents let's not get carried away with insensitive comments. I you have feelings and has children don't throw stones
  • braff (19/05/2022, 08:36) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    FREE THE DREW!
  • Children (19/05/2022, 08:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please leave them children out of this. They are not responsible for what has been happening. Not because mention was made of where he would reside if he gets bail and their documents been held. Please don't put insensitive comments on here. Those children are going through enough. Pray for them
  • Lillian (19/05/2022, 09:29) Like (4) Dislike (22) Reply
    hon. andrew fahie is a good boy someone set him up to remove him from his chair jelous envios NDP people we dont want them skelton smiths or what ever we want andrew back!!
    • @lilian (19/05/2022, 10:27) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      You mean they set him up knowing how he was? because nobody could set up an honourable man. Fahie shows his greed and criminal behaviour in all he said and did.
    • HMMM (19/05/2022, 11:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Girl go siddung!!
  • maybe (19/05/2022, 10:38) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well she has to keep his hope alive so he can keep paying her. And as a good lawyer she has to keep trying to find a loophole.
  • The TRUTH (19/05/2022, 10:40) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lie-yers will say anything as long as they're paid.
    • @ The TRUTH (19/05/2022, 13:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I saw first hand some lying through their teeth for their clients and called them out in Court.
  • sorry (19/05/2022, 10:56) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow Lillian! You are indeed brainwashed. He was indeed set up, but not by NDP or any other P. It was the DEA and the FBI. There are no P's in those.
  • Lily Ann (19/05/2022, 11:02) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    You does only catch fish when they bite the bait right ???? Ok same with fahie .... stop talking shot bout he get set up!!!! It was about time someone get rid of him !!!!
  • Big Slick Willie (19/05/2022, 11:30) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    And the mighty shall fall. Shameful.
  • Elmo's World (19/05/2022, 12:55) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    America want Andrew Fahie locked up so bad they ain't even want to give him breathing space lol. Any lil breathing space they give he will be a free man and they know it. So they steadily rejecting every request he and his lawyer attempts. I didn't know you can be arrested for taking money as a GIFT or handling imaginary drugs. Dangerous to the community?? Any evidence to back up this statement? I think not. You can see the devil in the US Attorney Frederic's eyes.
    • BVIslander in USVI (19/05/2022, 15:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Elmo's World, I agree with you , you could see and feel the prejudice of that US Federal attorney because he is after a young black man in power. They came to the BVI because of the English man to destroy not only him but all of us. We true BVI Islanders are God fearing, hard working , loving and caring people, always willing to help others. Because my people , they were trying to get to others even before and after we were born as was told by my ancestrals who has moved on to a better place. Becareful for when we wish destruction for others it may come for us through our own back doors. Keep ???? praying for our beautiful Bristish Virgin Islands , one ❤.
  • from buckingham palace (19/05/2022, 13:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Call UK to help Mr.Fahies.
  • Guilty. Guilty. Guilty.. (19/05/2022, 16:57) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dave the man his money and let him plea guilty. U lawyers like to take as much as you can when you all know the accuse don't stand a chance..Once those recorded are accepted in evidence is best bet will be to plea guilty, try cut a deal and plea for the court's mercy...The best way out...The last thing Fahie or his lawyer want is for the world to hear his voice saying all those horrible and increminating statements..
  • join (21/05/2022, 11:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fools these children was born in the us virgin islands and they not going to come with this dump. Idea that if you're parents not from you have wait for a while before you get a passport


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