4 US citizens held for illegal entry being 'cared for with BVILOVE'- DPP
![The Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has labelled as 'erroneous' an article that appeared in a US publication raising concerns about the conditions of four US citizens held for illegal entry in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: WJLA](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_a_article_02.jpg)
Erroneous news article
“There is an erroneous news article titled: “Virginia woman worried about safety of sister detained in British Virgin Islands” by Scott Taylor, ABC7 WJLA, November 26, 2020,” the statement from the Office of the DPP on Sunday, November 29, 2020, read.
According to the article Lynn and John Hines claimed they, along with a friend and the boat captain, were sailing from St Thomas to St John when their boat entered 1.5 miles into the Virgin Islands water by accident. The article said it was after the captain of the boat turned back toward United States water that’s when the VI custom agents boat approached the sailboat.
“This is where they took our passports and all the boat's documentation and then stated that you are being charged with trying to enter the country illegally, not coming to a port of entry and they carry two $10,000 fines," says Lynn Hines, according to the article.
The Hines couple, from Manning, South Carolina, alleged Custom agents demanded they hand over $20,000 in fines before they are allowed to leave.
‘We are hostages being held for ransom’ US couple alleges
Additionally, Mr Hines said “We are hostages being held for ransom and not being charged. The only one charged is the boat owner. We have been informed because we were on the boat we were also in territorial waters and also being detained," says John Hines.
The Hines claimed their captain attempted to pay the $20,000 fine with credit cards but custom officials want cash.
"I am very concerned as I have seen the conditions of the accommodations they were given for their detainment. I don't understand why my sister and brother-in-law who were not charged are being held with no real resolution," adds Sue Carlin.
Detainees placed in mandatory quarantine
But, according to the Office of the DPP, the four persons were apprehended by the Joint Task Force, particularly Customs and Immigration Officers on November 19, 2020.
It said Nicholas Cancro, John Hines Jr, Lynee Ann Hines and Jeanne McKinnon were on board a vessel that entered the Territorial waters without permission from the Ministry of Health and the Chief Immigration Officer, while the Territory’s Borders remain closed.
“The persons were charged with illegal entry without the permission of an Immigration Officer contrary to section 20(3) of the Immigration Ordinance Cap 130 as amended.
Pursuant to the Public Health laws of the Territory that were introduced to protect the Territory's citizens from the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus, the four individuals have been placed on mandatory quarantine for a period of 14 days at a local hotel.”
All persons safe & receiving BVILOVE- DPP
The Office of the DPP said all four persons are “safe and are being cared for with BVILOVE and with the finances of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands.”
The matter, according to the statement, was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution on November 27, 2020, by the Commissioner of Customs at 11:15 a.m., following which the matter was processed and forwarded to the Magistrates' Court via the Police Prosecution Unit, for an urgent hearing date.
The Office of the DPP also reminded the public that the Territory reserves the right to apprehend and prosecute any person regardless of nationality, race, gender etc., who violates the laws of the Virgin Islands.
“The allegations being circulated by the press and persons are without merit and can easily attract civil and criminal liability.
The Government of the Virgin Islands through its law enforcement officers remains committed to keeping the Territory safe. Additionally, the Territory looks forward to its reopening of its borders on December 1 when it will welcome visitors in a safe and controlled way,” the statement said.
.png)
Follow Us On
56 Responses to “4 US citizens held for illegal entry being 'cared for with BVILOVE'- DPP”
@ I'll say, who are the wrong people who have power? Shut your %^&! Who are these people that they should be sent off with a warning? Everyone they have been catching from other places entering our waters illegally have been fined and jailed. Why should these people be treated any different????? Yes our Premier has been keeping us safe for your information and you need to go sit down in a vat of acid.
COVID 19 or white America.
Possibility of a covid 19 is there but the persistent lies and beastly composition of the human plague is anathema to all .
The captain if he was experience in sailing these waters fully well know the boundaries. I suspect he did this before and got thru so try it again. Check some of these websites and you will see them advertising day trip to the BVI.
The W**** w*****y most recently started coming to the VI in modrn times and the VI was not needing nor seeking them.
Since they start com I ng, their as usual destructive presence is a force against our corals,, marine life and beaches Their presence is a constant reminder of man's inhumanity to man and other earthly ,creatures, except dogs whose bodily odor they share . No joy.
However, it would be interesting to know if their vessel was actually heading further into BVI waters or if it was heading out - as stated - towards St Thomas. If the latter case, do Customs and Immigration officials not have the flexibility of just warning them - and escorting them out of BVI waters? It would appear to be the most measured response in this instance.
Of major concern, however, these people were apprehended on November 19th a THURSDAY. However, the matter was submitted to Director of Public Prosecutions on FRIDAY November 27th. That is EIGHT full days after the incident during which time the participants have been incarcerated. So the questions are:
WHY WAS THIS NOT ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY????
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INEXCUSABLE DELAY?
This does not reflect well on the territory... Yes we are fully within our rights to apprehend anyone, but the matter should be handled expeditiously rather than taking weeks. Quite possibly it should have been handled the day following the incident rather than committing BVILove resources to quarantine this group
The DPP only got involved due to the lies being published by the people from the vessel and informing them if they keep up with the lies and media attention they will be charged
This is what the Premier was talking about when he said they cannot come to the do as the please. To my fellow Virgin Islanders, please follow the laws of any country you chose to visit or reside in. Remember it a privilege and not a right.
And, as one commenter stated, the USVI could close the BVI yachting industry down overnight if the arrested every vessel that entered USVI waters in Drake Channel. Sooner or later this abuse will backfire.
I wish they would repeat those lies under oath.
The dam borders closed where the hell they were going?.
Or maybe the friendly faces at HM Customs are merely trying to shore up their Christmas Bonuses?
New leadership for Customs required as soon as possible.
or in this case - over reacts to their so call U.S. neighbors? Just goes to show and as the saying goes - Money talks and BS....walks! But remember, what goes around eventually comes around! Never seek to bite the hands that feed you.
I was treated worse when I went off to college by the "W....... p......" Look at the Republicans MEGA" residents of St. Thomas?/St. John and the ways they behave and treat the locals. No respect for anyone but themselves.
The fine can only be paid in CASH????
They could not catch the locals smuggling people right onto these islands bringing COVID but they able to catch people straying 1.5 miles across a border that a BVIslander self say a strong chicken could fly across??
USVI and VI are family. Priviledge Americans think they run the world and they are free to do what they want. Tourism economy or not they were not in US waters. Let's face the facts Privileged Americans travel all over the world and believe they have no boundaries. This will stop the next set when the borders are closed again. They knew exactly what they were doing and I have no sympathy for them.
No Covid-19
Paradise!!!!-