The family of a man confined to the island for almost a year while awaiting trial have beseeched Government House to intervene.

Merrill Boyd has awaited trial with his fellow traveller from New Orleans, Thaddeus Ramsey, since the two were stopped at LF Wade International Airport in April 2023.

The pair are accused of conspiracy to commit a money-laundering offence. Both denied the charges in an appearance last September at Magistrates’ Court.

In an article with the New Orleans publication The Lens, Mr Ramsey is described as the leader of a popular group, the Big 6 Brass Band.

The article said Mr Ramsey had been curious about promoting the band for Cup Match in Bermuda and paid the island a visit, only to book a flight home shortly after to attend the funeral of a friend.

The Lens said US Customs found him carrying $10,445 in cash, in breach of the $10,000 limit.

Mr Ramsey was reportedly unaware of an infraction and accustomed to carrying cash as the head of a band.

The report said the cash was seized along with passports, leaving him in “legal limbo”.

Brendon Boyd, the brother of Merrill Boyd, said the pair had come to Bermuda last year mainly for a vacation.

In a series of appeals to Rena Lalgie, the Governor, Mr Boyd was described as “an excellent craftsman”.

The two travellers were said to be sharing a room with another homeless man at a shelter, and were performing “community services such as picking up trash” in return.

The appeal said: “Governor, please encourage a change in their bail status.”

It requested that the two be allowed to “return home, to be with their families, to work, and prepare for the legal proceedings ahead”.

Mr Boyd’s brother told The Royal Gazette: “Merrill and Thaddeus have already told the courts and prosecutors that they are more than willing to return to Bermuda for their trial

“However, they seem to be being denied their day in court.

“The legal experience so far has brought nothing but trial postponements and delays.

“This is very saddening and frustrating for my parents, who are both elderly.”

He said he had been told by lawyers in the US that there was an extradition agreement with Bermuda.

Mr Boyd added that his parents were in contact “daily” with his brother and had sent support for the two for their first eight months in Bermuda.

He said a local lawyer was believed to be acting on their behalf.

“Our family hopes that their bail will be adjusted so that their passports are returned back to them,” Mr Boyd added.

“They should be able to return home to their families instead of being stuck in Bermuda without housing, limited meals, and no means to earn a living for themselves.”

The United States Consulate in Bermuda stated that it could dot provide “any information on private American citizens nor ongoing law enforcement matters”.

The consulate acknowledged that citizens arrested overseas might be “initially confused and disoriented”, as well as unfamiliar with the legal system.

Its abilities include providing lists of lawyers and contacting friends, family or employers of the detained.

The consulate cannot give legal advice, cover legal fees or state to a court that “anyone is guilty or innocent”.

Maxanne Anderson, the senior magistrate, declined to comment as the matter was active before the court.

The Gazette understands that the men were offered a previous warned trial date but did not wish to proceed at that time.

At present, their trial is scheduled for June 18 and 19.

Government House did not respond to queries yesterday.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.