World News: British Virgin Islands premier not subject to pre-trial detention, US judge rules – Gulf Digital News

World News: British Virgin Islands premier not subject to pre-trial detention, US judge rules – Gulf Digital News

MIAMI: A U.S. judge on Wednesday ruled that Andrew Fahie, premier of the British Virgin Islands, will not face pre-trial detention while awaiting proceedings on charges that he conspired to launder money and traffic drugs into the United States.

Judge Alicia Otazo Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, contrary to the request of a U.S. prosecutor, sided with Fahie's attorney Theresa Van Vliet that he will not flee because he has ties to the United States, where his two daughters live.

Fahie, 51, was arrested at a Miami airport along with the managing director of the territory's Ports Authority, Oleanvine Maynard, according to a complaint by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

That came the day before a commission of inquiry recommended that the British Virgin Islands, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, have its constitution and house of assembly suspended due to dishonesty in governance.

Otazo Reyes said Fahie would have to post a $500,000 bond and will remain in monitored confinement in the apartment where his daughters live.

"I do believe that ... the terms that I have imposed will ensure his appearance," Otazo Reyes said.

U.S. prosecutor Frederic Shadley said he plans to appeal the decision.

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