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ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI (Virgin Islands News Online)- While the Customs Department and other law enforcement authorities are tight-lipped, it is our newsroom’s understanding that a few weeks ago a barge leaving Tortola to the Dominican Republic (DR) with electronic items and other goods was seized by Her Majesty’s Customs.
One local businessman, who is familiar with the incident, told our newsroom that his Road Town store was looted of computers and other electronic items and he has already given the Customs Department a copy of looted items, along with serial numbers.
It is not clear if items on the barge that was headed to the DR are associated with looted items.
Looting gone wild after Irma
Immediately after Hurricane Irma destroyed the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017 leaving death, destruction, and panic, there was widespread looting in Road Town and other areas on Tortola, Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.
It has been reported that looters included locals, expats, whites, civil servants, police and some media personality.
They took everything
Looting items included clothes, electronic items (especially computers and cellular phones), grocery store items, alcohol, chairs, cash, automobiles, gas, sporting goods, items from people’s homes, boats, generators and luxury items to name a few.
Our newsroom will investigate further on the information surrounding the seized barge.
Arrested made
Over a week ago Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews announced that seven persons were charged for attempting to loot BVI Communications in Purcell Estate.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), James Watson, 57; Montgomery Butler, 50; Dwayne Peter’s, 34; and a minor plead not guilty and were granted bail for their reappearance in October.
Kevin Stevens, 22; Mekell Delpleshe, 22; and Triston Richardson, 24 plead guilty and were sentenced to 300 hours of community service or $3,000.