Jamaican man in St Kitts sentenced to prison for firearm possession

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – A Jamaican man in St Kitts and Nevis has been sentenced to prison following the discovery of a firearm and ammunition at his home earlier this year.

Jamar Woodstock, who lives on Nevis, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition when he appeared in court.

Woodstock had initially appeared in court on March 13, when the matter was adjourned to allow for a social inquiry report.

According to the prosecution, police executed a search warrant at Woodstock’s residence on February 4, 2025.

When asked if he had anything to declare, he reportedly told officers, “I have a little weed.”

During the search, officers found several small packets of marijuana in the kitchen, along with cash totalling over EC$2,300 in different areas of the home.

Additional quantities of marijuana were later discovered in his vehicle.

Police also uncovered a firearm with a single round of matching ammunition on the kitchen counter, concealed among decorative items.

When questioned, Woodstock reportedly admitted the weapon was real but claimed it was not functional.

However, subsequent testing confirmed that the firearm was in working condition.

In mitigation, the defence told the court that the weapon may have been linked to a 2021 production by MSR Film Company.

He said Woodstock found the firearm in a truck he was driving for work and believed it had been left behind as part of the film operation.

The defence argued that efforts were made to contact the film company and maintained that Woodstock’s explanation had been consistent.

The counsel also highlighted that Woodstock cooperated with authorities, showed remorse, and has no prior convictions, noting the emotional toll the matter has taken on his family.

However, Crown Counsel countered that information from the film company indicated that the firearms used on set were non-functional—a claim supported by the police armourer.

In handing down the sentence, the judge said there was no clear evidence linking the firearm found to the film production.

He also pointed to the seriousness of the offence, noting that Woodstock had kept both the weapon and live ammunition at his home for an extended period.

He also noted that the social inquiry report was favourable, highlighting Woodstock’s strong family and community support and his lack of previous convictions.

Taking these factors into account, the judge reduced the initial sentence by one year.

Woodstock was ultimately sentenced to six years in prison.

Time already spent on remand will be credited, and he will be eligible for a further reduction of one-third of the sentence for good behaviour.

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