Two Vincentian men on criminal charges in the BVI

Two Vincentians residing in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), specifically Tortola and Virgin Gorda, have found themselves on the wrong side of the law in two separate incidents.

Firstly, Earlando Baynes who chose to become a lawman in Tortola, has been arrested and charged by his peers for breach of trust following what police in that territory said was “a significant security breach that occurred during a planned operation” in November, 2024.

The specifics of the offense that led to Baynes’ arrest were not revealed.

However, a BVI police statement said Baynes was involved in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information that “compromised the success of the operation and raised serious concerns about the integrity of law enforcement protocols”.

What police said was “a comprehensive investigation, led by a specialized team within the force” resulted in the arrest of, and charge being laid on Baynes.

“The investigation underscored the gravity of the breach, and the necessity for stringent accountability measures within the organization. As a result of the investigation, Police Constable, Earlando Baynes, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines native, was arrested and charged with breach of trust by a public officer,” a BVI release stated.

A police official went on to say, “We are dedicated to eradicating corruption within our force and ensuring public trust in our law enforcement capabilities”.

Meanwhile, another Vincentian, Paul Jack, was arrested in Virgin Gorda on January 5, 2025, in connection with robberies, burglaries, and other serious criminal activities.

Jack was apprehended during a police operation on Saturday, January 4, 2025, and police are investigating several crimes linked to the Vincentian, but have so far charged him with illegal entry, criminal trespass, armed with an offensive weapon, assault on police, resisting arrest, and aggravated burglary. Investigations into Jack’s involvement in more burglaries and robberies that disrupted and caused fear within the Virgin Gorda community are ongoing.

Jack was convicted and deported from the Virgin Islands in 2021 for Proceeds of Criminal Conduct but re-entered the country illegally. He is said to have used heavily bushy areas between Crooks Bay and Copper Mine as his hideout.

Police also claim that Jack, had an accomplice, 29-year-old Devonte Joseph, of no fixed place of abode. Joseph has also been charged with robbery, two counts of burglary, and aggravated burglary.