Lamaha Park Resident Granted Bail on Gun, Ammo charges
November 28 2024 – Jason Carmichael, a 36-year-old labourer from Lot 17 Lamaha Park, Georgetown, was granted bail after facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty.
The charges stemmed from an incident on November 24, 2024, when Carmichael was reportedly found with a .38 revolver and a spent .38 shell during a police operation at Lamaha Street, Georgetown.
Law enforcement officials stated they received a tip-off around 3:10 a.m. regarding a man carrying a firearm in the area. Upon their arrival, officers allegedly saw Carmichael holding a revolver.
When questioned, Carmichael reportedly admitted to not having a firearm license. He was arrested, cautioned, and charged at the Alberttown Police Station.
Carmichael’s attorney, Siand Dhurjon, contended that his client’s actions were not criminal but protective. According to Dhurjon, the firearm had been taken from another man during a confrontation outside Montra Restaurant & Lounge.
The individual had allegedly pointed the weapon at Carmichael’s partner during an argument, prompting Carmichael to intervene and disarm him. Dhurjon emphasized that his client acted to safeguard others and argued for bail on these grounds.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing the severity of the charges and the broader implications of unlicensed firearm possession for public safety.
They also referenced Carmichael’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for possession of narcotics. Additionally, it was disclosed that during his arrest, Carmichael claimed to have received the firearm from an unidentified “Rasta man”, refusing to provide further details.
After reviewing the arguments, Magistrate Azore granted bail, ordering Carmichael to post $150,000 for the firearm possession charge and $50,000 for the illegal ammunition charge.
While granting bail, the court stressed the gravity of the charges and warned Carmichael of the consequences of violating bail conditions.
Carmichael is scheduled to return to court on December 18, 2024.
