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Witch-hunt continues? Wade N. Smith arrested & charged with Breach of Trust

United Kingdom (UK) Police Officers arrested and charged Mr Wade N. Smith, the Commissioner of Customs, with one count of Breach of Trust in a Public Office on December 13, 2023. Photo: GIS/File
Many residents have alleged that UK police officers in the Territory are on a witch-hunt with a target list. Photo: VINO/File
Many residents have alleged that UK police officers in the Territory are on a witch-hunt with a target list. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- After being sent home for no reason over a year ago, leading to him taking court action against the government, it was yesterday Wednesday, December 13, 2023, that United Kingdom (UK) police officers arrested and charged Mr Wade N. Smith, the Commissioner of Customs, with one count of Breach of Trust in a Public Office.

In a carefully worded statement, Police Information Officer Akia L. Thomas-Nero said the action was taken “in relation to an ongoing investigation within HM Customs.”

She noted that because “this matter will now be sub-judice, the RVIPF will make no further comment.”

While no name was given in the press statement, information reaching our newsroom is that the officer is Mr Smith, who was released yesterday.

Witch-hunt?

It was in 2022 that Mr Smith was placed on administrative leave with no reason given to him. He then sought a Judicial Review (JR) of the Government's action in which a judge said there was enough evidence to move forward with the JR. He also sued the police for what his attorney described as an illegal search of his home and court dates have been set for both violations.

Many residents have alleged that UK police officers in the Territory are on a witch-hunt with a target list. Thus far, they have arrested and charged over four residents with Breach of Trust, including Sixth District Representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn.

It is alleged that anyone who speaks out against the injustices or double standards being practiced is targeted by UK police officers.

Mr Smith had spoken out against police double standards and the abuse of a government boat by UK police officers in a bar hopping scandal, which was swept under the rug.

Neither Mr Smith nor his high-powered Attorney Terence F. Williams could be reached for comments.

It is unclear when Mr Smith is to appear in court.

We will bring more information as the story develops.

67 Responses to “Witch-hunt continues? Wade N. Smith arrested & charged with Breach of Trust”

  • The watchdog (14/12/2023, 09:03) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    The beat goes on
    • Waiting (14/12/2023, 13:28) Like (19) Dislike (23) Reply
      The majority of people are waiting to see what action the bias UK Governor and the Policr Service Commission is going to take on the well protected evil minded and dangerous out of control Commissioner of Police with these 55 allegations of wrong doing. As the old people say this will be the straw that breaks the camels back.
    • What? (15/12/2023, 12:10) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      Their not looking for witches.... they're looking for criminals. They may well have found some.
  • Hmm (14/12/2023, 09:09) Like (91) Dislike (16) Reply
    Its always some race thing when the UK officers step in to help clean up this mess. The government is corrupt, has been and will continue to be if ayo continue to play a blind eye. I don't want England to take over but at this rate, it looking like they just need to in order to save this territory.
    • @hmmm (14/12/2023, 12:51) Like (23) Dislike (42) Reply
      Okay Jaspert and your UK bloggers. We know it is you. All of you will soon find out that God does not like ugly nor do he condone any form of racism nor abuse of power.
    • @ Hmm (14/12/2023, 12:53) Like (5) Dislike (30) Reply
      Blacks can’t be racist
      • Seamore Bush (17/12/2023, 16:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        It’s called reverse racism and a common occurrence here in the BVI, when that’s the only card they have to play.
    • To hmm (14/12/2023, 12:54) Like (9) Dislike (16) Reply
      You could stop there you few BVI haters and act as if this is not another well organized plot to destroy anyone who they fell are a threat to their unjustifiable take over plot. What they charge this man for the same Collins and his gang and the one before him did worse than this during Covid. It is not right what they are doing no matter how legit they are trying to make it seem.
      • Kid Buu (15/12/2023, 11:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        There is a word in the dictionary for you.. it's called "ignorant." straight up!
    • What a fool (14/12/2023, 13:25) Like (25) Dislike (10) Reply
      Whenever I read foolish blogs like Hmm I cringe at the ignorance. First it assumes only black people do wrong. It then assumes the only people with integrity are those from the UK. Then it assumes as if the BVI is predominantly corrupt and the UK and their officials are all people of integrity. This shows you do not watch the UK news and see the people of the UK crying out about the many corrupt acts by the same UK government going unaddressed. They are also marching and concern about the policies they have implemented causing hardship on the majority of the UK residents. They are also marching about the massive increase in crime and unsolved major crimes. So stop blogging foolishness and start to do proper research. Call this what it is --- An attempt to take over using a well organized witch hunt through abuse of power.
    • Aunty Susan (14/12/2023, 17:18) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
      Learn the difference between allegations and evidence. Anyone can make allegations.

      To charge people you need evidence.

      And up in Florida the canaries are singing.
  • white collar (14/12/2023, 09:16) Like (53) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some people are good at hiding their shady activities, but in due time , things will start to come out.
    • @white collar (14/12/2023, 12:57) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
      Wait until you hear which Gov own property at oily bay and which ones have millions in accounts in different parts of the world for doing favors for the rich while serving as Gov in the BVI. Things will start to come out.
      • lodger (14/12/2023, 14:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        To @white collar. So who is more corrupt? Those giving, or those taking?
    • To white collar (14/12/2023, 13:54) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
      The reason crime is not being resolved in any meaningful way is because the focus of Mark Collins and his UK cronies is not crime but certain people.
  • Yet (14/12/2023, 09:16) Like (10) Dislike (37) Reply
    another wild goose chase
  • rattie (14/12/2023, 09:17) Like (11) Dislike (27) Reply
    We need to march fast
    • To rattie (14/12/2023, 13:00) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
      You are so correct. These people are studying how to divide us as a people by trying to make what they are doing seem correct and as if they are fighting corruption. We agree no where is perfect but this holds true for the UK also. Always be careful when one races claims to be clean and pure in everything over another race. This is the start of serious dictatorship.
    • @rattie (14/12/2023, 15:22) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      March you say? You people in the BVI is weak and spineless. The only thing you all know how to do is gossip, tear each other down, and stay up in each other’s business 24/7, talk and no action. When it comes time for action, you hide and peep out from drawn curtains in the dark or from behind the bushes. LOL one of these days you peepers behind the drawn curtains is going to catch a big rock right through the window in your face.LOL. OUCH!!!! CALL THE AMBULANCE I WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE AND CAN’T GET UPPPPPP.
  • Say No! (14/12/2023, 09:41) Like (29) Dislike (15) Reply
    Say no to that police bill. It will worsen the double standard that is already existing in the country. When will the commissioner of police be charged with Breach of Trust. How many complaints does it take for an inquiry to be launched. Why are there no other-than-white uk officers. Police Bill equals red carpet to welcome a system of apartheid (modern day slavery) in its full glory.
  • British mob (14/12/2023, 09:42) Like (17) Dislike (11) Reply
    I don’t know how Ayo see this but the day after the police commissioner was partitioned for 50 Smt counts of breaching every level of public trust without consequences at all
    They charged a local law enforcement officer with the same. That’s a middle finger to me! Not one of our elected representatives says nothing. The U.K large and in charge Mehson
    • @British mob (14/12/2023, 13:12) Like (42) Dislike (8) Reply
      You are on point. I told everyone this would come as a retaliation to anyone in BVI who is exposing their wrong and as a message to all to fear them and leave them alone. Not one of the 55 alleged wrong doing is being addressed in a meaningful manner because he is white and a critical part of the UK takeover plot attempt. But for less than that they arrest Wade and putting countless public officers on leave then investigating them. The slavery mill is indeed grinding slow but grinding still. Our elected officials on both sides are a waste of time. They do not fight for the rights of the people of the BVI. Probably that's why they organized to try to get rid of the only fighter for the people using another country to hide behind.
    • @British mob (14/12/2023, 13:40) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      It's all a distraction from the Petition and for those who ordered the arrest of Mr. Smith to send signal that they run things.
  • craziness (14/12/2023, 09:54) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    I heard is for giving permission for a boat to sail on covid lockdown. Them desperate Sah. Them give civilian white boy phil consent to give permission to do so and he was given permission to white people alone. Two years off work for a breach of trust of that nature? Nah man smt really wrong. How the heck they get the Dpp convince to do da. She must not care about her reputation. Miss dpp RUNNN from them people trying to set you up. Dem going back u.k one day and going destroy your career.
    • What career? (14/12/2023, 11:40) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      She can't win a case to save her life? What career? She needs to be replaced with a competent person immediately.
    • To craziness (14/12/2023, 13:14) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      I understand what you post to be so. If this is truly so then let us see if they arrest the former Commissioner of Police and Governor as well as that man for Visar they had doing the same thing & worse during covid what they now bogusly arrest Wade for.
      • Full of Bull! (14/12/2023, 14:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        You full of the bull mehson, and just making it up as you go!
  • BUSY BEE (14/12/2023, 09:57) Like (36) Dislike (8) Reply
    "Many residents have alleged that UK police officers in the Territory are on a witch-hunt with a target list."

    Strange? I haven't heard this comment at all.

    "It is alleged that anyone who speaks out against the injustices or double standards being practiced is targeted by UK police officers."

    Alleged by whom?
    • @Busy Bee (14/12/2023, 11:05) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Nobody has heard it, except in Wiggy’s head! Everyone can see what is coming next!
    • @Busy Bee (14/12/2023, 13:19) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
      The majority of people in BVI who mostly do not blog but are watching on see clearly the UK witch hunt. So do not fool yourself to believe it is just a few. A revolution is slowly but surely brewing. Not a white person is ever investigated or arrested in the BVI and if they are involved they get away free as in the case of Frandy matter and the $7mill plane. We the majority clearly see the double standard and witch hunt by the UK Officials on the ground in BVI.
  • El Demonio Negro (14/12/2023, 09:59) Like (6) Dislike (20) Reply
    Well if the UK PO LICE going target BVI then BVI should target them.
  • This is expected. (14/12/2023, 10:00) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    He just needed to Lawyer up sit, relax, wait watch, this thing about suing was a bad move, wasn't a good legal strategy...He was getting portion of his pay. Then when the case done or his suspension completed and he returned to work then Suing will then come into play...But you can't Pinch or tease a Lion with your hand in its mouth...
  • (14/12/2023, 10:15) Like (9) Dislike (12) Reply
    While mark Collins still in office this is a double standard
  • Rubber Duck (14/12/2023, 10:20) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's finding quite a bit of spell casting, broomstick riding, pointy hats, cats and inane cackling though isn't it?

    Who is next we wonder , or maybe not as I think we know.
    • hmm (14/12/2023, 11:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      it is exactly that ---- spell casting and spell binding

      Senegalese cannot stop them .....they have the best of the craft-----you may wonder "which" craft



      • Real (14/12/2023, 12:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        no they dont if u knew the ancestors dont mingle with them in that way at all it backfires most of the time
        • @Real (14/12/2023, 14:15) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
          The colonial masters have always been masters in witchcraft. It is how they know what to do and how to do it and who to target. They even have some of their workers hired as consultants so they cannot be recognized as their magicians. They train us to watch each other but not them. The one with the 55 allegations is guided by them to protect him and his current and former boss. Ting to talk.
    • Reply (14/12/2023, 12:54) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      Rubber duck you may be next with your wig
    • @rubber duck (14/12/2023, 15:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are one of the above mentioned. Are you one of the ones that is going into the local cemeteries under the cover of darkness disturbing peoples resting places with the broo ha ha? Over the peoples graves casting your spells to destroy others? I tell you one thing, i am going to be on the look out for this and if I catch any of you disturbing any of my family resting place with your nastiness………………..
    • @rubber duck (14/12/2023, 16:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Keep the cats out of it. Cats are not evil. When a cat hiss or act strange towards a human, there is something evil about the human that they sense. My cat is nice to everyone that comes in contact with him. There was a guy that I use to date and when the cat saw the guy, my cat started hissing and started attacking the guy because the cat sense something evil about the guy. Turned out the cat was correct. The guy is now serving time up on the hill for murder.
  • All I am going to say (14/12/2023, 11:51) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    Who don’t want to believe what I said, you are entitled to your opinions. England is going to step in and take over for a while and clean things up. And whose fault is that? Every last one of you. A lot of you is calling down the UK because you don’t/afraid that the real dirt is going to be exposed.
    • @All I am going to sa (14/12/2023, 13:37) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply

      All I will say to you is get away. Clean what things up? The UK has a million times worse than what they are trying to accuse a few people in the BVI of. No one is calling down the UK. We are calling down a clear abuse of power and violation of people's democratic and human rights. So the 55 allegations of the UK Commissioner of police means nothing to simple minded people like you. If it was a BVI person you would be saying suspend them and them investigate them and clean it up. Wrong is wrong no matter whether they are UK people or BVI people or not. The one sidedness is what is appalling and wrong so just exit stage left. What about the white people in Frandy matter? Who cleaning that up? What about the white man who apparently illegally allowed boats to sail during covid? So no whites do wrong in the BVI? You better wake up and stop letting them programme you with their well organized witch hunt tactics.

  • LOLL (14/12/2023, 13:13) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    live by the sword, die by the sword, but wrong charge
    • Reply (14/12/2023, 19:09) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
      Wade will prevail racism and white supremacy will never be allowed to run the bvi
  • Meh son (14/12/2023, 13:27) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    alot moor to pick up ,government in is woserous dan fus, ain't see no future wid dem , can't even lead a cow to drink water, all ardem corrupt , so how you going get it fix
  • facts (14/12/2023, 13:43) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    If it was a black local or Caribbean person as Commissioner of Police who had 55 allegations lodged against them then for sure they would have already been put on leave and investigated. But the fact is these actions are only reserved for the black people of the BVI. This is sad.
  • history lesson (14/12/2023, 13:46) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    The only person who have the authority to pardon a prisoner is the UK Governor. Now check the record for the history of prisoners who have been pardon. Not one of them whether Caribbean or local were black. ALL WERE WHITE. This continues to happen to this day. I hope this helps to put things in perspective for the people of the BVI. To get better the people will have to rise up.
  • Yo Can't See (14/12/2023, 14:32) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Tortolians brought a curse down on this country when they messed with the wrong man. Things will get progressively worse as these islands turn into a living hell....watch and see.
  • Curly (14/12/2023, 14:49) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    I find it amusing that those of you who say this is retaliation to the accusations against Collins. You know he is not the judge in the court room right!!!! He is one man, correct court proceedings still need to be followed. Do you ever ask yourself why there has been serious corruption on this island for so many years, way before the current Commissioner was here. Wake up, this island needs to be rid of those that abuse their positions of power and take advantage of the regular person here in the BVI.
  • @yo can’t see (14/12/2023, 14:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Island is already a living hell.
  • Common Sense (14/12/2023, 15:06) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    All this noise about this being some form of UK conspiracy! Let’s see what the BVI courts and BVI Magistrates make of these cases. If the cases fail then you will have something to justifiably shout about, but like any country including the UK, let’s let our OWN BVI justice system prevail and if convictions come then so be it.
  • It will come (14/12/2023, 16:23) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    This man is a sleaze bag, he has caused more damage to the yacht charter industry and the economy than any other single thing in our history....
    • Hand Pick.. (14/12/2023, 18:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Foy two hand pick undeserving people for their position wereace there for Foy bad intent..I say no more.
  • @ CURLY (14/12/2023, 17:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    YEAH , THAT WAS NEATLY PUT / ( unless ) YOU ARE BLONDIE USING A DIFFERENT NAME , AS IN ( curly ) TRYING AH CTING FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE \ OTHERWISE , YOU CAME STRONG
  • 2023 (14/12/2023, 19:02) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    folks began to go after the commissioner of police so what you folks expected to happen they will soon go after district six

  • Disinterested (15/12/2023, 09:30) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    The white planter class bolted from territory leaving it as a poverty stricken, poor house of the West Indies and good only a a bird sanctuary. Slaves and descendants blood, sweat and tears built something of it and cabal reemerged, locals lost focus, took their eyes off the ball, the prize, got too comfortable, forgot that unity is strength, and that resources and power follow their the numbers. Locals start behaving like Benedict Arnold, getting afflicted with the Stockholm syndrome and believing that the colonialists have interest at heart. Worst of all they get caught in meritorious many manumission and believing that snakes are anything but snakes. They ignored history. History demonstrates that anywhere the Brits, the Limies, went they left it in shambles, ie, Guyana, Palestine, AngloCaribbean, etc. Now, that the nest is feathered, ie, the same nest which they fouled, the cabal is back with a vengeance, ie, FCO, Governor’s office, and CoP. Virgin Islanders disunity, materialism, lack of fight, selfishness, etc, fueled this untenable situation and one can say they say foul their own nest and were players in the current situation. There are no more Dolph Faulkner,,Noel Lloyd, Christopher Fleming, etc. No one wants to fight but wants things to happen. Ayu wait for tings to happen. Harry the judge say you will hear!!!
    • Sambo (16/12/2023, 17:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ““A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.” ——Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon in Selma, Alabama (1965.

      We as a people are too fragmented, selfish, etc, wanting change but don’t want to fight for change as our forebears have,,ie, Dolph Faulkner and the massive 1500 protestors in the Great March of 24 November 1949, Noel Lloyd and Positive Action Movement protests over the disenfranchisement of Virgin Islanders in the colonialists give away of Wickhams Cay and 80% of Anegada to Kenneth Bate-Hill, a British company for 199 years for only a measly $30,000 per annum, nothing else. We want the Brits to change things; we will waiting for Vick to grow teeth, or us seeing a green mule parading around the sky. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass: “ If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” George Hegel, German philosopher, says “ he who values life over liberty is the slave; and he who values liberty over life is the —-Master.” Our forebears were forcibly enslaved. Today, though l, we, Virgin Islanders, are voluntarily enslaving ourselves through our disunity, etc.
      • @Sambo (16/12/2023, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        This is some powerful stuff my brother that is worthy of a thorough read and paying heed for corrective action. The Virgin Islands did get to where it is by being soft, nonchalant, lackadaisical, selfish,, leaving the way forward to those with power. The progress had to be fought for as noted, ie, Faulkner, Lloyd and others. Here is a news flash. Those with power don’t wake up one day and proclaim they have too much power and control and want to give some up. Instead they try to procure more power, by legislation, by force etc. we must be vigilant. Waiting for the powerful to change and release power is like/akin as rust to metal or potholes to street. The rust and potholes are indications that deep problems have already occurred beneath the metal and street. And if not addressed can lead to bigger and more costly problems. We better wake up and get woke and stay woke in a preventative, not reactive mode. The reactive mode may be challenging to overcome. A few people doing well at the sacrifice of others
        is but little comfort to many. In fact, it results the social, political and economic growth of the territory. Growth is a function of unity and group effort. There is no substitute for this. All hands must get on board and how in unison to the projected destination. We need less talk and bellyaching and more unified concrete action. As the saying goes talk is cheap but money buys land. Let’s closed the talk shop and open the unified action shop.
  • Native Tongue (15/12/2023, 11:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fleeting Illusions to be pursued.
    Removing an inmate from the prison without the Superintendent knowledge is also Breach of Trust. Investigate and arrest the Governor Mr.Collins.
  • Secret Ways (15/12/2023, 16:56) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    How come they can find the way to arrest Government Senior Officers or Officials but they can find the damn Murderers to arrest them.

    It have over One Hundred (100) Unsolved Murders in the British Virgin Islands and no arrest is being made for the many young men who have been gunned down or those who have been killed or murder by other means.
  • Bois (15/12/2023, 19:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Eel was put in place by Foy ..henchman
  • Native Tongue (17/12/2023, 08:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The CoI found no wrong doing g or Corruption during their ill and onesided investigation of the department. Where the government come with this new? It is a dam witch hunt. Virgin islanders killing each other.
  • de silent one (26/12/2023, 15:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are trying to even the playing field, since he has sued them. It seems like a desperate move to get something stick


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