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
Anderson Leon Browne will have to spend just over four more years in prison for dishonestly obtaining over half million dollars using forged cheques.The 68-year-old Browne, of Seaview Road, Ruby Park, St Philip, was convicted last year on 22 counts of bank fraud and one count of money laundering dating back 11 years.When he reappeared before Madame Justice Wanda Blair in the No. 5A Supreme Court today, Browne, who has several aliases including Fabian Kellman, Shortman and Andy was given a starting sentence of eight years.The sentence was then adjusted downwards by one year, leaving Browne to serve a further 2555 days.Justice Blair also took into consideration the 862 days which he had spent on remand at Dodds, leaving him to serve a remaining 1693 days of the sentence.
President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, administered the Oaths of Office to Madam Justice Wanda Blair, Justice Westmin James and Justice Anthony L Blackman.
The appointments took effect Thursday, December 1. &n
Three judges, Justices Wanda Blair, Westmin James and Anthony L. Blackman, were sworn in on Thursday as their appointments took effect.They were administered the oaths of office by President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason who said the trio was “seasoned in the law” and she expected them to do well.Justice James’ appointment is for two years while Justices Blair and Blackman are in their posts for three years.Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham, who attended the brief ceremony that was also witnessed by family members of the judges, said the judges were “excellent appointments”.