By Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News St Thomas-St John Correspondent
Email: susan@caribbeannetnews.com
ST THOMAS, USVI: Governor John deJongh Jr. on Tuesday expressed gratitude and appreciation to Premier Ralph O’Neal and the British Virgin Islands government on the granting of clemency for US Virgin Islands fisherman, Richard Baker, upon his release from prison and return home to the territory.
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USVI Governor John
deJongh, Jr. Photo:
Susan Mann |
“I am heartened by Premier O’Neal’s leadership in extending diplomatic talks with my administration and other entities in resolving this important matter. On behalf of the people of the US Virgin Islands, I would like to express my sincere gratitude on this granting of clemency for one of our residents,” deJongh said.
“I am pleased that the warm relations we share as island neighbors have so deeply contributed to the release of Mr Richard Baker, so that he may comfortably return home. His release is symbolic of the cooperative dialogue between our two communities and our shared commitment to working together towards improving the standard and quality of life for all Virgin Islanders,” deJongh continued.
Richard Baker, a 54-year-old former police officer from Arlington, Virginia, was sentenced to one year in prison after he and his wife, Deborah Barton, were caught fishing on September 24, 2007 in BVI waters without a permit. Baker was charged with unlicensed fishing and illegal entry, a fine totaling $46,000; he has served six weeks of his twelve-month sentence in Tortola’s Balsam Ghut prison.
The USVI limits imposed fines for illegal fishing in its territory waters to $400. Although Baker pleaded guilty to the charges filed, he and his wife had initially indicated that they had not caught any fish, and had not been aware that they were actually in BVI waters.
Under the British Virgin Islands Constitution, the BVI Governor may grant clemency or issue a pardon on a case-by-case basis. While clemency power rests with BVI Governor David Pearey, the Governor first hears from an Advisory Committee, the “Prerogative of Mercy Committee,” which he calls into session, comprised of the BVI Attorney General, the Director of Health Services, as well as four other members of the community before making a final decision.
Governor Pearey was installed in April 2006, and this is his first granting of the clemency power.
The case was being followed by the Associated Press as well as a mainland-based, nationally syndicated, television news magazine. According to a statement made available by his wife, the incarcerated fisherman takes ongoing medication due to a serious form of mental illness, and was having a very rough time as a result of being held in jail. It is not known what psychiatric services, if any, are made available to inmates in the BVI facility.
“While I am proud of the BVI Government’s cooperation in releasing Richard Baker and returning him home, I invite Premier O’Neal and his team to clarify the laws on this issue so that we may work together in putting forward the best cooperative agreements regarding our Virgin Islands waterways, and in service to the rightful protection of all residents in both communities,” deJongh said.
“As neighbours, we are blessed to share an ongoing friendship, and I look forward to continuing the discussion with Premier O’Neal in continuing to bring progress to our two communities,” deJongh continued.
October 20, 2007 was officially recognized as “USVI / BVI Friendship Day” in the territory.” Premier O’Neal and the BVI delegation visited St Thomas to participate in traditional Friendship Day activities, along with Gov. deJongh, his wife, Cecile, members of the administration, and hundreds of other USVI and BVI residents. |
