Two men have been arrested and charged following a physical altercation during the Rise and Shine Tramp on August 4, as the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continues investigations into other public safety incidents that marred the 2026 Emancipation Festival.
The RVIPF announced on Friday, August 21, that its investigations into the altercation have resulted in charges against 20-year-old Raykoy Larch of Long Bush and 26-year-old Makai Francis of Little Dix Hill.
Francis was charged on August 17 with Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm. He was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 and is scheduled to return to the Magistrate’s Court on September 24, 2026.
Larch was charged on August 20 with Wounding and Being Armed with an Offensive Weapon. He was granted $8,000 bail and is expected to return to the Magistrate’s Court on October 8, 2026.
The arrests come following a festival season that was plagued by several violent altercations and public safety incidents.
The East End/Long Look J’ouvert was brought to an early end after a fight and reports of gunshots sent patrons scrambling. Police later conducted searches of vehicles leaving the area, although no injuries were reported from the incident.
A major fight also brought the Road Town J’ouvert celebrations to a premature end, while another serious incident occurred outside the Carrot Bay Fiesta, where a shootout reportedly took place.
The string of incidents has renewed public concern about violence and disorder at public events, particularly during major cultural celebrations that traditionally attract thousands of residents and visitors.
In its latest statement, the RVIPF reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring peace during public festivities, while confirming that enquiries into other incidents that occurred during the festive season remain ongoing.
The latest charges represent one outcome of those investigations, as police continue efforts to identify and hold accountable those responsible for violence and disorder during the 2026 Emancipation Festival.