London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Aug 01, 2025

4 US citizens held for illegal entry being 'cared for with BVILOVE'- DPP

4 US citizens held for illegal entry being 'cared for with BVILOVE'- DPP

The Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a statement in response to 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.
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.


The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said all four persons detained are 'safe and are being cared for with BVILOVE and with the finances of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands.'

‘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.


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.

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.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Trump Administration Finalizes Broad Tariff Increases on Global Trade Partners
J.K. Rowling Limits Public Engagements Citing Safety Fears
JD.com Launches €2.2 Billion Bid for German Electronics Retailer Ceconomy
Azerbaijan Proceeds with Plan to Legalise Casinos on Artificial Islands
Former Judge Charged After Drunk Driving Crash Kills Comedian in Brazil
Jeff Bezos hasn’t paid a dollar in taxes for decades. He makes billions and pays $0 in taxes, LEGALLY
China Increases Use of Exit Bans Amid Rising U.S. Tensions
IMF Upgrades Global Growth Forecast as Weaker Dollar Supports Outlook
Procter & Gamble to Raise U.S. Prices to Offset One‑Billion‑Dollar Tariff Cost
House Republicans Move to Defund OECD Over Global Tax Dispute
Botswana Seeks Controlling Stake in De Beers as Anglo American Prepares Exit
Trump Administration Proposes Repeal of Obama‑Era Endangerment Finding, Dismantling Regulatory Basis for CO₂ Emissions Limits
France Opens Criminal Investigation into X Over Algorithm Manipulation Allegations
A family has been arrested in the UK for displaying the British flag
Mel Gibson refuses to work with Robert De Niro, saying, "Keep that woke clown away from me."
Trump Steamrolls EU in Landmark Trade Win: US–EU Trade Deal Imposes 15% Tariff on European Imports
ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman says people share personal info with ChatGPT but don’t know chats can be used as court evidence in legal cases.
The British propaganda channel BBC News lies again.
Deputy attorney general's second day of meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell has concluded
Controversial March in Switzerland Features Men Dressed in Nazi Uniforms
Politics is a good business: Barack Obama’s Reported Net Worth Growth, 1990–2025
Thai Civilian Death Toll Rises to 12 in Cambodian Cross-Border Attacks
TSUNAMI: Trump Just Crossed the Rubicon—And There’s No Turning Back
Over 120 Criminal Cases Dismissed in Boston Amid Public Defender Shortage
UN's Top Court Declares Environmental Protection a Legal Obligation Under International Law
"Crazy Thing": OpenAI's Sam Altman Warns Of AI Voice Fraud Crisis In Banking
The Podcaster Who Accidentally Revealed He Earns Over $10 Million a Year
Trump Announces $550 Billion Japanese Investment and New Trade Agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines
US Treasury Secretary Calls for Institutional Review of Federal Reserve Amid AI‑Driven Growth Expectations
UK Government Considers Dropping Demand for Apple Encryption Backdoor
Severe Flooding in South Korea Claims Lives Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations
Japanese Man Discovers Family Connection Through DNA Testing After Decades of Separation
Russia Signals Openness to Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Escalating Drone Warfare
Switzerland Implements Ban on Mammography Screening
Japanese Prime Minister Vows to Stay After Coalition Loses Upper House Majority
Pogacar Extends Dominance with Stage Fifteen Triumph at Tour de France
CEO Resigns Amid Controversy Over Relationship with HR Executive
Man Dies After Being Pulled Into MRI Machine Due to Metal Chain in New York Clinic
NVIDIA Achieves $4 Trillion Valuation Amid AI Demand
US Revokes Visas of Brazilian Corrupted Judges Amid Fake Bolsonaro Investigation
U.S. Congress Approves Rescissions Act Cutting Federal Funding for NPR and PBS
North Korea Restricts Foreign Tourist Access to New Seaside Resort
Brazil's Supreme Court Imposes Radical Restrictions on Former President Bolsonaro
Centrist Criticism of von der Leyen Resurfaces as she Survives EU Confidence Vote
Judge Criticizes DOJ Over Secrecy in Dropping Charges Against Gang Leader
Apple Closes $16.5 Billion Tax Dispute With Ireland
Von der Leyen Faces Setback Over €2 Trillion EU Budget Proposal
UK and Germany Collaborate on Global Military Equipment Sales
Trump Plans Over 10% Tariffs on African and Caribbean Nations
Flying Taxi CEO Reclaims Billionaire Status After Stock Surge
×