Demion Percival who was described by his former boss and colleague Floyd ‘Heritage’ Burnette as a rising star in talk radio, has been hired by the Government of the Virgin Islands. He now holds the role of Economic Planning Officer at the Public Works Department, and today Monday January 6th, would be his third (3rd) day on the job.
Who Is Demion Percival:
Former Government Employee
Demion Percival is a former civil servant, and last served the territory as Commissioner of the Taxi and Livery Commission, a position he occupied from 2012 to 2019.
Percival had claimed VIP Government victimization after the elections of 2019 as he was perceived to be a strong critic of the VIP on the 2019 campaign trail. He publicly said he was relieved of his position and was subsequently denied other government jobs, and a taxi license which he applied for in 2022.
Upon our investigations, we found that Demion Percival’s contract as the Taxi & Livery Commissioner had actually come to an end in 2019, and that he was not fired from his job. We understand that his contract was not renewed based on certain complaints from the community, community businesses, members within the taxi industry and tourism insiders.
He vehemently and publicly, via Tola Radio’s ‘The Morning Braff’ show, accused the Minister of Communications and Works, the Honourable Kye Rymer of firing him, and blocking his application for a taxi license. An application that to date, no one can locate. When prodded further on the taxi license matter by then Hosts Heritage and Cindy for evidence and more information, Percival resorted to no longer discussing the accusation publicly as it was now with his lawyer, and his lawyer had advised him against any further public debate on the matter. A lawyer who we would later find out had never represented Percival on any matter.
Demion Percival is now hired under the Portfolio of Honourable Kye Rymer, the Minister he has accused of victimisation.
Community Rallies To Save Demion’s House
In June of 2023, Percival’s home went into foreclosure for none payment of his mortgage. A plight his Co-hosts on the Morning Braff Show empathized with, given his constant cry of victimisation making it difficult for him to survive. A live radio telethon was planned and executed on June 28th, which raised over some $30,000. The amount Percival stated would save his home. To date however, the house remains in foreclosure and Demion Percival has been unable to tell the public exactly what has happened to the funds raised. The debacle caused Hosts Heritage and Cindy to part ways with Percival.
Following the incident, Percival disappeared from public, fully resurfacing one year later, still unapologetic and unaccountable for his actions, and quietly attempting to return to talk radio.
On his attempted return to radio however, his tone in debate, and posture specifically on matters related to the Premier had noticeably changed. His conversation had become more in support of the Premier. Whispers began of his attempts to be hired by Government.
Demeon Percival and CCT
Percival was a CCT Sales Rep in November 2008 when he was accused of falsifying invoices, enabling him to steal several cell phones and a modem. He was arrested in January 2009 and charged with theft and false accounting.
However, on July 15, 2011, CCT Global Communications decided to drop the charges against Percival. He was accused of stealing more than $18,000 in phones and equipment from the company.
Former Talk Show Host
Percival was also a former Host on the Morning Braff Show up until the summer of 2023 when the show parted ways with him based on the fundraising debacle.
We do understand the owner of Tola Radio and Host of the Morning Braff Show, Floyd ‘Heritage’ Burnette was in conversation with Percival for a hopeful return to the show, with Burnette citing disapproval of the new cohosts. However, Percival showed no interest in returning to the platform.