‘I made a mistake...’ – Skipper who failed to declare firearm
The firearm was found aboard the vessel ‘Inter Island Boat Services’ which operates between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Virgin Islands (VI).
During Mr Hodge’s testimony, he stated that approximately two minutes after he departed for the VI on November 5, 2016, he received a call from the office to turn back for two additional passengers in the USVI.
Mr Callwood and his girlfriend were the two additional passengers.
Captain should have declared firearm
Mr Hodge testified that while he was sailing towards Jost van Dyke, Mr Callwood informed him that he was carrying his licensed firearm.
“What! Are you crazy? Bring it up to me, disarm it and secure it,” Hodge told the court, adding that he placed the weapon in his computer bag which was located in the captain’s quarters of the vessel.
Thereafter, Mr Callwood instructed Mr Hodge to return the weapon back to the USVI and his son would collect it on his behalf.
The captain testified that when he arrived in Jose van Dyke, the Customs Officer did not ask if he had anything to declare, so he then sailed to the West End Ferry Terminal on Tortola.
He told the court that upon arriving at the West End terminal, officers began to question him about the firearm because they (police) received a call that suspicious activities were taking place aboard the boat.
When questioned about the weapon, Mr Hodge stated that he admitted to having it in his possession but was told by the Customs Officer that he should have declared that firearm at Jost van Dyke. He told the court he then asked if he could declare the weapon in West End, but the officer allegedly said it was ‘too late’.
‘I made a mistake’
Although Mr Hodge stated that he has many years of experience and training as a boat captain, he testified before Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards that he did not declare the weapon “because the firearm was not coming off the boat.”
“Your Honour, I made a mistake that I wasn’t aware of,” stated Hodge.
He stated that this was not the first time he secured a weapon for a passenger but it was the first time in the VI and he was unaware of the laws regarding items to be declared even if it was not leaving the boat.
Mr Hodge disclosed to the court that “there will not be a next time” accepting a firearm from a passenger, adding that next time he will return to the port with the passenger if he’s aware that they have a weapon in their possession.
Meanwhile, Mr Callwood decided to remain silent and use Mr Hodge as his witness.
Both of the accused, who were being represented by attorney Stephen R. Daniels, are expected to return to court on October 3, 2017 for the verdict.
12 Responses to “‘I made a mistake...’ – Skipper who failed to declare firearm”
You so stupid... the firearm is NOT illegal... it is registered in Callwood's name in st thomas... He was a Police Officer..... This stupid a$& case was an honest mistake and its being blown up for nothing...... I am sure many of us have ran to the ferry and forgotten to lock our cars or turn off our pot or even lock our house cause we were running late!!!!. so just hush up!!!