Guyanese Man Charged in Road Town Assault
A 57-year-old Guyanese national has been charged with assault after an alleged domestic incident in a Road Town restaurant and subsequent attack in a vehicle. The victim reported the matter to police and was taken to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force station, where officers observed facial swelling and a blood clot in one eye.
A 57-year-old Guyanese national has been charged with assault following a reported domestic incident at a popular restaurant in Road Town last weekend, police say. According to sources, the woman with whom the man is in a relationship stepped aside in the restaurant to take a phone call.
The man allegedly questioned her about the call and, dissatisfied with her explanation that it was a family member, the pair left the premises and drove home. While en route, the questioning continued and the situation escalated. The man reportedly shouted expletives at the woman, stopped the vehicle and told her she would not be allowed into the residence they shared.
He allegedly demanded house keys and other personal items. When the woman reached into her bag, the man is accused of grabbing it and striking her multiple times in the face. The woman exited the vehicle and contacted police immediately. Officers responded and transported her to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) station in Road Town, where officers observed swelling to her face and a blood clot in one of her eyes.
The suspect was later arrested, formally charged with assault and granted bail. He is expected to appear before court later this month. Police have not provided additional detail on the specific charges or the exact court date. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in the territory.
The RVIPF has repeatedly urged victims to come forward, noting that domestic-related matters account for a significant proportion of reported assaults in the British Virgin Islands. Under BVI law, assault causing actual bodily harm is a serious offence that can result in a custodial sentence upon conviction.
Local residents are reminded that the police encourage reporting of domestic incidents so that alleged victims can receive protection and access to support services. The RVIPF continues to investigate the matter, and further updates will be provided as the case progresses through the courts.
Primary source: BVI News