Payne remanded on illegal firearm/ammo charges

A St Michael resident is now in custody following his arrest on serious weapons violations, highlighting ongoing law enforcement efforts against illegal firearms in Barbados. Keimar Orlando Payne, a 42-year-old from Tudor Bridge’s 1st Avenue Eckstein Village, faces formal accusations of possessing a firearm without the required license and eight rounds of ammunition. The alleged offenses occurred on March 14, leading to his subsequent apprehension. Payne appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court, where the gravity of the indictable charges meant no plea was entered at this initial stage. The magistrate ordered his immediate remand to Dodds Prison, denying bail. Judicial proceedings have been officially postponed until April 16, when the case will be heard again to determine the subsequent legal course of action. The case represents the judiciary’s firm stance on upholding strict penalties for gun-related crimes, which are a significant focus for Caribbean authorities combating organized crime and violence.