By Shanieka Smith

Features Writer

#BVI, June17, 2022 – After 47 days in police custody, former BVI Premier Andrew Fahie has been released on bail. This update was revealed by well-placed sources.

Fahie was arrested in the United States on charges of drug smuggling and money laundering. He was then offered bail of one million US dollars; it came with a Nebbia Proffer condition attached to $500,000.

This means Fahie must reveal the source of the half a million dollars used for his bail.

The Nebbia Proffer was made on behalf of his childhood friend and a well-known businessman, Albion Hodge.

Days ahead of the bail approval, we learned about Mr. Hodge.

As reported by the BVI News, in the 78-page of Hodge’s affidavit document, which serves as evidence of the source of funds, Hodge included that he is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States. He said he is a childhood acquaintance of Fahie and that he owns several businesses in the British and US Virgin Islands.

Included in the list of businesses were Stanley’s Welcome Villas in Cane Garden Bay, Carrie’s Comfort Inn in Cane Garden Bay, the CSY Marina where his ferry boats are moored, BVI Spring Water (a water bottling and sale concern), a 30 Hertz rental car franchise, CSY Oxygen Company, a residence in Cane Garden Bay valued at approximately $2.5 million, and Caribbean Maritime Excursions, Inc (CME). Hodge said his net worth is estimated to be more than $30 million.

In reports on the funding of the bail, it was learned that ‘Mr. Hodge used proceeds from the water business and Hertz franchise to “fund the initial acquisition,” his brother used revenue from his hotel and restaurant businesses — Stanley’s Welcome Bar, Stanley’s Welcome Villas, and Carrie’s Comfort Inn — which Mr. Hodge inherited after his brother’s death, according to the affidavit.’

The corporate bond guaranteed by Mr. Hodge is but one of the conditions of the bail.  Mr. Fahie has agreed to 24-hour GPS monitoring, he has signed an extradition waiver, and must refrain from leaving his daughters’ Miami apartment even for attorney visits — Judge Kathleen Williams also ordered a $500,000 personal surety bond to be co-signed by Mr. Fahie, his daughter and a friend.

Upon release, Fahie is required to wear an ankle monitor, he should not be found close to any transportation centres, and his wife and daughters must hand over their travel documents to US officials.

Fahie’s trial is expected to begin in the middle of next month.