So the 4 gunmen who brought the guns into Great Bay were given their sentences.....

Per the Gleaner "The judge sentenced them to 15 years' imprisonment each on the firearm charges and 10 years imprisonmenteach for illegal possession of ammunition. The sentences are to run concurrently so they will serve only 15 years."

I am curious to know what the reaction is to this. I personally think they were given a slap on the wrist.

Overnight in a Jamaican jail is hell enuf. 15 years is hard-time.

My personal feelings about the whole situation is that a few more innocent life have been spare from those weapon of mass distruction.Jamaicans dont hunt animals, the only thing they hunt is human life and thats the only thing those guns were going to do. You never can tell it could be my own life am debating about right now, but never the less i sympatise for the parents of those found guilty dont matter what they are parents already.

I have acknowledge the fact that what they do is a crime that is punishable,and it would be justifies that they serve some time , but no ,take into consideration that this is their first offence, i think 15 years is too much , yes i agree that gun kill ,but look at all the untouchable affiliated don and gunmen roaming free why are they not serving time .,.
These Men used to be hard working fishermen who turn to crime because of hardship that our people(espeically our youths)has to be living under.

Hello Justice, there are plenty of hard working fishermen in TB experiencing hardship but they do not traffic in guns and ammunition. Poverty is never an excuse for crime. If you ask me, I think these fellows got of lightly. Anyone of us on this web site could have potentially lost a loved one because of the crass attitude of the convicts. I can only hope that this sentence will serve as a strong deterrent to anyone contemplating similar crimes.

Justice, I am curious to know what type of sentence you think would have been appropriate?

Justice, Justice, Justice, Your screen name implies more than the way you express your feeling for the thugs.. You do the crime, you do the time. Untouchable Dons and other gunmen will have their days as well. They will be touched sooner or later. May be free now but watch, it will happen, if they are not cut down by one of their comrades or henchmen.
No Don( crimes)goes unpunished, every dog has its day.
Hardship hit everyone of us at one time or the other, the lesson of life is to learn from it, correct, adjust, seek alternatives but not with contra bands.
Youth should not be an excuse for committing crimes.,no jungle laws should be tolerated.
Crime is not solution for hardship.
Laws are useful for some purpose, Lawless community, is a lousy community. I bet others will think twice before smuggling guns and other lethal weapons.I have no sympathy for reckless and criminals. SORRY

Justice I understand what you are saying, however I cannot agree that bringing guns into the Country was the only option they had, there many other people who are finding things hard and they have made other choices. The bottom line is guns kill and although they are not pulling the trigger personally they would have had blood on their hands had the guns got into the public arena.

I sympathize with their families 15 years is a long time. But let’s not take things out of context, had someone died from their actions that family would be given a life sentence. In view of what is happening in our Country I say thank god they are alive and was not killed with the same guns that was intended to deprive others of their lives.

Yes our Politicians have a responsibility to create employment for the masses not just for the people they are associated with or who can enhance their business activities. There is an election coming up so let’s vote on policies rather than being loyal to one party. And perhaps if we do this we can make a change and stop our young people from dying or taking part in illegal activities.

my simpthy goes to the parents,but think of the many lives that those gun would take it could be ours are a family member,thanks be to God that those gun had found before they started to kill of the nations

Just wondering. Is this the first time anyone has been sentenced in Jamaica for gun-smuggling? I can't seem to recall a prior case.

I personally think that the sentenced is pays for the crime. I also do think that they could have used those same guns and harm other people our same family members. You do wrong you pay for doing wrong.

I hear about these people involved in this gun case. I dont know there names. Can someone who knows there names kindly give me that information please?
Observer

By justice on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 10:18 am:
Overnight in a Jamaican jail is hell enuf. 15 years is hard-time.

My thoughts exactly.

Yes our Politicians have a responsibility to create employment for the masses not just for the people they are associated with or who can enhance their business activities. There is an election coming up so let’s vote on policies rather than being loyal to one party. And perhaps if we do this we can make a change and stop our young people from dying or taking part in illegal activities.


AMEN !

They should be happy they only got 15 years. They should of got life because those guns are taking our people lives. If you are able to do the crime then be able to do the time. Big up to the POLICE, please keep this up, lock up all of these people who are selling guns, who own a gun, even the ones that walk the street with a knives cutting up people. If these people are caught with a weapon, they should get 25 years to life. They are walking around with these weapons with the intention of taking people lives so lock them up and throw away the key.

Hi Nurse, Tamarind Farm and Richmond are survivable but Tower Street and Spanish Town seem
to be both a Hell and a criminal training ground.

Did you get the lifejacket for your
husband yet?


Best wishes, turey.

I totally agree with you DrO. These Thugs as most people call them are my relatives, my flesh and blood. Yet I hate to think what crimes these guns would have committed. My prayer is that someone will reach out to them spiritually. Lord knows, they need our prayers. Let's hope that when they are released they will turn to doing good and not return to a life of crime.

well i just want to say justice i think you should rename your self unjustic the sta tement you made is not really justicfied at all i really dont care who these guys are they got what they deserv if i were the judge who sentance them they would have gotten life in jail people like those you dont have mercy for them. just think about the life that these guns would have taken.I APPLAUD THE POLICE BIG TIME and also who help the police to catch them.

Okay....can't answer what anyone should have been sentenced to but let all of us wonder...Where are the guns that were confiscated and did you all watch disposal of them? (or do they still exist?)

By turey on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 08:52 pm:
Hi Nurse, Tamarind Farm and Richmond are survivable but Tower Street and Spanish Town seem
to be both a Hell and a criminal training ground.

Did you get the lifejacket for your
husband yet?


Best wishes, turey.

Hi Turey,
My husband is with me in Florida now. When I asked him about life jackets hi response was something like "why bother the sharks will get me any way".

One can't help but wonder if there are still buried guns for when they are released. Can't imagine what they were going to do with the guns. Some of us would still be in mourning. Their sentence was not harsh enough.

bravo to the judge, for if i was in his chair i would life without parole. the town where these people come from , dont have to have chills no more. thank you judge.

I wonder if they are allowed internet use in

the prison?

No just more guns, ganja and cocaine.

Internet in Jamaican Prison? Yuh got to be kidding.

Punishment.

Rehabilitation.

Two approaches to the prison system.

Which serves us best?

U ALL COME ON THE NET AND ACT AS SAINT.....LUCKY U!!! 15 YEARS IS TOOOO LONG FOR FIRST TIMERS!! YES CRIME IS WRONG BUT WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES.

Adding a little bit of info if you all remember when the gun court was set up along South Camp rd. some years ago it was no bail also you would be given life sentences for being found with a gun over the years it got softened up and this is the result a 15years sentenced thats cutting them some slack Mr.Justice think about it. A relative of your could hve been on the end of one of those bullets what would you want to see happen then.A little bit abuot the dons out there can any one remember what has happened to any of them recently just check the record i know your memory isnt failing because if i was a Don involved in criminal activity i would not be able to sleep soundly at nights or move around comfortably .MY UTMOST RESPECT TO OUR LAWMEN .

Rehabilitation is the operative word. BUT, their healing needs the power of God. Without Him, it will be impossible to heal. (They need a new heart, new mind).

Yes HA, it is up to the individuals to seek
healing. Our current punishments create
more pain and resentment and do not encourage
healing.

Those that administer punishment are at risk
of hardening their hearts and enjoying dealing
pain.

Hopefully more of us will let our light shine
and be vehicles for the most high to manifest
thus enabling healing.

The guys now in prison were probably motivated
by greed thus overlooking the consequences of
their actions.

Surely they would benefit more from education
and councelling than 15 years of hopelesness and
boredom.

It is healthy that we all discuss these things
and seek solutions to the above and other ills
in our midst.

WOW!! Every time I think I have heard it all.....

"15 YEARS IS TOOOO LONG FOR FIRST TIMERS!! YES CRIME IS WRONG BUT WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES."

Everyone does make mistakes, but the majority of us don't smuggle high powered assault rifle's into our country!! I started this thread wondering if I was the only person thinking that the sentence these men were given was a slap on the wrist. I now see that the majority seems to agree with me. However, I guess there are those few people who maybe would have preferred these criminals to be given community service hours. What crime would have been worth the 15 year sentence?? Maybe they not only needed to bring the guns into the country, but they needed to use them too??? Would 15 years have been enough then??

Come on ROBIN that kind of reference to the gun court is insane,those were the days when the PNP was taking our beloved JAMAICA down the communist path, long before the Americans rescued us and our courts ruled these impositions illegal. Gun running is illegal and deserves very harsh punishment but let's not surrender all rights with it; wonder if those folks can be rehabilitated and given an opportunity to make a honest,rewarding living.I find it hard to believe that these guys are criminals,but rather think they are results of a failed system that offers little or no help to it's citizens.Why is it that FISHERMEN has to travel the oceans in search of guns and drugs instead of fish?. It's ironic but those of us that lived here in the 70's will remember that it was these same GREAT-BAY FISHERMEN that supported (financially and otherwise)the honorable DONALD BUCHANAN ,that is his legacy to the people of this community,let's keep the faith, better must come to this community and country.

I know at least two of the convicted men from back in the day, and I cannot comprehend what would channel them down such dark roads. I mean, Treasure Beach used to be just a handful of families, most of whom were related by blood or marriage. I'm from Great Bay and I can find my relatives in every corner of Treasure Beach. So what is it that makes one of us (yes they are) decide to trade in tools of death that may eventually be used against another one of our own? My initial reaction was astonishment that this could happen in my hometown, and that anyone of my family or friends could have received a bullet courtesy of these guns. But the more I analyze the situation, the more I believe that these men are caught up in something that they themselves may not even understand. They are sitting in prison right now asking themselves the same questions that some of us are now asking: "How could this have happened?" None of us know what kind of situation we will find ourselves in tomorrow. We would like to think that we would be able to say no to certain things, but who amongst us have never done something we later regretted? We may never have done anything to land us in jail but as Human Beings we have all come short. These fellows went too far and now they are paying the price. Remember that folks: THEY ARE PAYING THE PRICE. With that in mind, my initial reaction has turned to a deep sadness for these guys and the families that are hurting. This reminds me of a public service announcement here in FL which states that when you commit a gun crime, your family serves your sentence along with you. If it is true that we are products of our environment, then we the people of Treasure Beach should make an attempt to understand how this could have happened in our midst; nothing happens in a vacuum. Lets try to realize that either way, murder or prison, there is now the inevitable heartbreak and anguish among us. This is one homeboy who must condemn the crime but must always LOVE the people. In times like these, there's no need for finger pointing. I won't print names in this public forum, but to the families that are grieving, I too share your pain.

Re Virginia Tech shooting a young man took up several weapons never had a problem with the law before went on a rampage and how many people are dead in the short moment ,the worst shooting in American history the family of this young man came out and made some very brave and courageous statement to all the families that lost a loved one they did not seek to sugar coat anything they called it as it is .Island wide since the begining of the year how many people have been murdered and is it taking place in one spot or is it spread out all over the country ,the point is poor or rich we have to represent our self in a more positive & productive way those high powered weapons wernt intended to go deer hunting or to be polished and hung onthe wall as ornament.

Justice responding to all those who were displease with my comments, there were some remarkable responses ,which i am happy to know that Treasure BEACH HAS a voice .
Anyway i did acknowledge the fact that gun kill , and they committed a crime ,and should serve some time ,i guess most people were in disagreement with me because i said 15 year were too much . If 15 ;20 or whatever the appropriate time the system required they serve it would\ve been fine with me but if you read the news paper you would see where criminals are getting of lightly for gun charges and with that in mind i said what said ,example earlier this year a gun man who was also Mico College graduate was kill by the police in St James he was on nine months parole for gun charge another one was kill in a mini-bus he was out on bail for gun crime ,so if that the standard of the justice system then thats how they should be judge under.
DR.O hardship dont give anyone the right to commit crime, i agree but on a wider scale if the poverty level keep escalating then you see more crime being committed ,you and i may not know what it is to have nothing ,until we exprience that we should\nt be quick to bring down condemnation . Mother has her 12 year old daughter sleeping with a 32 year old man because she has live on his land (hardship ),high school girls selling their body ,look in the employment section of the new paper girls between 18 and 27 wanted for intimate pleasure its was all in the paper .

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR TRAFFICKING GUNS OR DRUGS.
MY PRAYERS WILL GO TO THE HARD WORKING HONEST PEOPLE WHO DESPITE HARDSHIPS KEEP AT IT EVERYDAY
I HAVE NO SYMPATHY FOR THESE MEN,THEY WERE TAUGHT RIGHT FROM WRONG.(AND DONT SAY THEY WERN'T BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW BETTER).

ROUNDROCK: Lets not point finger if i remember correctly those guys are all supporters of the JLP...And those guns lord forbid what they where gonna be used for as another election draws near cock mouth kill cock as we Jamaicans would say ..and i personally dont think it has nothing to do with "honest,rewarding living" because thats something WE THE JAMAICAN PEOPLE SEEM TO FORGET ABOUT ALOT OF THE TIME we sit and wait for politicians to give us everything and then when we put all our faith in them what happens? these are the out come people and we need to recognize ..and to answer your question "Why is it that FISHERMEN has to travel the oceans in search of guns and drugs instead of fish" greed and evil doings they cant seem to be satisfy with the little they have.. GREED:An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth: “Many . . . attach to competition the stigma of selfish greed” (Henry Fawcett)...I hate anything to do with Drugs and Guns i personally knows what it feel like for a love one to be taken by these Guns...15 years is alil bit too! short...

As a close family member of 2 of the guys and I must say thanks to the few people on the net that have a heart!!It is SAD that we as a people don't share in other persons greives!!!!

prison guard,throw the keys where you will never find them again to let them out,evn after time served

Close Family member, my heart goes out to you and your family. It is truly difficult when these things happen within families... and you are correct, we often times forget that these people have families who are left to pick up the pieces, one day at a time. Not an easy task, but you can always know that we don't need to worry about the future, because God is there...Hang in there, okay.

I have to add that what they were doing was wrong, but it does affect their families who love them unconditionally, and we cannot forget that. These things become a vicious cycle of pain on all sides, but the healing will come with time.

I feel sorry for the families of these victims, but I'm sorry "you do the crime, you do the time".
Whose to say these guns that they imported into the country wouldn't be one of the same guns that down the road would even injure one of their own family members. People have to learn to work with what they got. You have these guns traders and drug dealers out there that go after GREED and never think the law will catch them...Reality check wake up...eventually you will be caught, one way or the other. Live with what you have and be happy with it.

Thank you for all the various comments on the original question. However, there are more and more posts coming in that are outside of the guidelines and not dealing with the original question, so we are going to close the thread to new messages.