Two Men Charged and Bailed Following Rise
Two men have been charged and granted bail in connection with a physical altercation during the August 4 Rise and Shine Tramp. Raykoy Larch and Makai Francis face multiple charges and are scheduled to appear in Magistrate's Court in September and October.
Two men have been arrested, charged, and granted bail in connection with a physical altercation that took place during the Rise and Shine Tramp on August 4, 2026. According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the charges follow ongoing investigations into violent disturbances that occurred during the festival season.
Police confirmed that 26-year-old Makai Francis of Little Dix Hill was charged on August 17 with Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm. He was granted $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on September 24, 2026. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Raykoy Larch of Long Bush was charged on August 20 with Wounding and Being Armed with an Offensive Weapon.
Larch was granted bail in the amount of $8,000 and is due to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on October 8, 2026. The altercation during the Tramp has heightened concerns regarding public safety during cultural festivities across the Territory. The Rise and Shine Tramp is traditionally a vibrant highlight of the Virgin Islands festival season, celebrating music, culture, and community spirit, but the festive atmosphere was marred by several violent incidents.
In addition to the tramp altercation, police reported that a firearm was discharged into a crowd during a fight at Long Bay Beach on Beef Island on August 5, 2026. The following day, on August 6, at least two people sustained injuries when a gunman opened fire at the festival village in Carrot Bay.
The RVIPF reiterated its commitment to preserving peace and maintaining public safety during major events across the British Virgin Islands. Law enforcement officials emphasized that investigations into other public safety incidents that took place during the festive period remain active and ongoing.
Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to practice vigilance and work collaboratively with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities or information related to recent incidents to the police.
Primary source: BVI Platinum