Rise and Shine Victim Airlifted to Colombia
A 28-year-old man who sustained severe head injuries while attempting to break up fights during the Rise and Shine Tramp was medically evacuated to Colombia for specialised treatment. The victim underwent successful surgery as police continue their investigation, having already charged two men in connection with the festival violence.
A 28-year-old British Virgin Islands national who suffered severe head injuries during a series of altercations at the Rise and Shine Tramp earlier this month had to be airlifted to Colombia to undergo specialised medical surgery. The incident occurred during the early morning August 4 festivities near the Ralph T.
O'Neal Administration Complex in Road Town. According to reports, the victim was not an instigator in the physical confrontations but had stepped in to help break up the fights. Some time after the initial disturbances subsided, the man walked away from the area and was struck in the head with an unknown object.
Emergency medical teams transported him to the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, where physicians determined that the extent of his head trauma required specialised treatment not available locally. He was medically evacuated to Colombia on August 5, where he subsequently underwent successful surgery.
Details regarding the full extent of his recovery remain limited. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force confirmed that two men have been formally charged in connection with the altercations that disrupted the festival event. Raykoy Larch, 20, of Long Bush, was charged with Wounding and Armed with an Offensive Weapon.
He was granted bail in the amount of $8,000 and is scheduled to appear before the Magistrate's Court on October 8. Makai Francis, 26, of Little Dix Hill, was charged with Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm. Francis, who was also reportedly injured during the disturbances, was granted $10,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on September 24.
Police officials noted that inquiries into various public safety incidents that occurred during the recently concluded Emancipation Festival season remain active, urging anyone with video footage or information to assist investigators.
Primary source: BVI News