Son of senior police officer among two charged with firearm offences

Two men, including the son of a senior police officer, were each granted EC$15,000 bail after they were charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Kemani Gould, a 27-year-old labourer and Ashano Benjamin, a 26-year-old tax officer and son of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Benjamin, both of Barrouallie, appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, November 13, where they pleaded not guilty to their gun charges.

They were charged that between October 7 and October 28, 2023 at Arnos Vale, they had in their possession one .40 S&W pistol without a license issued under the Firearm Act.

They were also charged that between the same dates and in the same place, they had in their possession six rounds of .40 mm ammunition without a license issued under the Firearm Act.

According to a release issued by the Public Relations and Complaints Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), the men were both arrested on November 11, 2023.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato gave no objections to bail.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted each of the men composite bail in the sum of EC$15,000 with one surety. She ordered that the defendants report to the Barrouallie Police Station every Friday between 6:00 a.m and 6:00 p.m. They are to surrender all travel documents, and stop notices were ordered to be placed at all ports of entry and exit.

Benjamin’s mother stood surety on his behalf while someone appeared to sign bail on Gould’s behalf as well.

Along with his mother, Benjamin was accompanied to court by over a dozen well-wishers and friends, who gathered around him while escorting him out of the courtroom, as he hid his face from photographers.

Lawyer Grant Connell, who is representing Benjamin, was granted an application for disclosure to be submitted within one week.

Gould is represented by Lawyer Israel Bruce.

The trial is set to begin on November 27, 2023.