FEDERAL MAGISTRATE IN MIAMI AGREES TO $500,000 BOND, OTHER CONDITIONS, TO RELEASE BVI PREMIER, BUT GOVERNMENT SEEKS DETENTION, AND WILL APPEAL

The cocaine trafficking and money laundering case against British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie came on for a bond hearing today in US District Court in Miami, and Magistrate Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes ruled that he could be released, but the US Attorney's Office advised that it will appeal her decision, which stays any possible release until such appeal is resolved.

The Magistrate proposed a $500,000 bond, with Fahie being required to remain in Miami while the case is pending, living with his daughters, under House Arrest (Home Confinement). He must wear an ankle monitor to track his movements, and must surrender all travel documents to the Court. He will not be free to return to Tortola to assume his duties as Premier; His position is being temporarily assumed by Natalio Wheatley, as Acting Premier. Additionally, the British Government has indicated that it may institute Direct Rule of of its overseas territory, due to rampant corruption.

The prosecutor indicated that his office will appeal the Magistrate's decision on bond to the District Judge, as he asserted that Fahie was a Flight Risk, meaning that there was a significant danger that he would attempt to flee the United States. He also stated that he believes  that Fahie might engage in additional criminal activity, which makes him a Danger to the Community, another of the grounds that require Pretrial Detention.

As soon as further information is available about the bond situation, and the US Attorney's appeal, we shall update our readers accordingly.