BVI Governor calls for calm following Premier’s arrest

Governor of the British Virgin Islands John Rankin has urged citizens to remain calm following yesterday's arrest of  Premier Andrew Fahie  on conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering charges in the US.

The governor says the UK will indicate today the next steps for the British Overseas Territory.
In a statement yesterday evening Mr. Rankin said he was aware that news of  the Premier's arrest would shock citizens of  the British Virgin Islands.

The governor stated that he will have discussions with Deputy Premier Natalio Wheatley and the Cabinet on  continuing to support the good governance of  the British Virgin Islands.

Premier Fahie  and Managing Director of  the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority Oleanvine Maynard were detained by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents at Miami-Opa-locka Executive Airport yesterday.

Mr. Fahie and Mrs Maynard, who are being held at the Federal Detention Center, are scheduled to appear in Miami federal court today.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. Southern District of  Florida, Andrew Fahie, requested an upfront payment of  500 thousand US dollars to let cocaine slip through the British Virgin Islands en route to Miami and New York. 

He was charged with conspiracy to import at least five kilograms of  a cocaine mixture and conspiracy to launder money.

According to the complaint, Oleanvine Maynard, and her son Kadeem Maynard, also face those charges.