Opportunities for use of firearms in Barbados are popping up “too frequently for comfort”, a newly appointed judge said on Friday as she joined in the chorus of people expressing concern about the number of illegal guns in the country.

Madam Justice Wanda Blair expressed concern about the proliferation of firearms in Barbados as she sentenced gunman Donston McDonald Powlett of 6th Avenue, New Orleans, St Michael in Supreme Court No 5a. He had previously admitted to having a Glock .45-auto calibre pistol, as well as a 9mm Luger pistol on November 14, 2018 and 18 rounds of ammunition.

“Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a firearm waiting to use it if the opportunity presents itself. Unfortunately, the opportunities have been presenting themselves too frequently for comfort in this small society,” Justice Blair said.

“I join the chorus of those who have said it before me and concerned members of the public — for the persons importing and sneaking in these firearms across our borders to be apprehended and brought to justice. We have to find the sources of these firearms coming into Barbados and root them out.”

The judge told Powlett that the offences he committed were serious and warranted custodial sentences as he had two firearms that were in good working condition without a licence and 18 rounds of ammunition without a permit.

“This court cannot give you a slap on your wrist and send you home. These offences do not qualify for a fine. These are serious offences and the courts must send a clear and consistent message that these offences will not be dealt with lightly. We have a mandate to engender confidence in the justice system …,” she said.

Justice Blair said that although Powlett had the guns at a private residence, they were loaded and the trigger of the Glock was in the forward position and pointing towards a window which she said seemed as if it was in a position to discharge at very short notice. Among the other aggravating factors, she said, was that the Glock was left exposed on a bed in a house with several people.

“Mr Powlett, you have been up to no good for most of your young life. With your antecedents, a firearm in your hand is a source of grave danger to society…,” Justice Blair said.

The judge then imposed a starting sentence of seven years or 2,557 days in prison on each firearm possession charge, from which the 1,133 days he had spent on remand at Dodds as well as a one-third discount for his guilty plea were deducted.

For the possession of ammunition, Powlett was sentenced to time served.

“It is my…hope that you will make use of every opportunity you are offered in prison to improve your skills in some areas which will better equip you to be a better and more productive member of society.

“Ultimately, to the extent that you can control it, your future is in your hands. You are old enough to understand that you have the power to choose good over evil, right from wrong, and a life which will make you a productive member of society or a menace.

“It is time for you to step up and make the right decisions. I hope that you will make those decisions which can ultimately help to save your life,” Justice Blair said.

Powlett has been ordered to attend anger management counselling during his prison term as well as participate in any skills programme that would better equip him for when he is released from prison.

— Printed from Barbados Today