BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts – JUST little more than a year after she was formally arrested and charged with gun-related offences, Vernlyn Zakers’ trial began yesterday (July 20) at the Basseterre High Court of Justice.
The Newtown Ground lady, according to the indictment, is charged with possession of ammunition, possession of firearms, importation of firearms and importation of ammunition, all arising from a June 12, 2008 incident.
Details of how the incident unfolded as the witnesses gave their evidence.
Caray Zakers, Vernlyn’s sister, told the court that sometime before June 12, 2008 she received and signed for a piece of paper from a FedEx agent which bore a name, although she did not pay particular attention to the document. Caray however said that she “glimpsed the name Zakers” on the document.
Her mother, Vernest Zakers, who is also Vernlyn’s mother, testified that she arrived home from work at about 4:20 p.m. when she was given the piece of paper by her daughter, which she noted bore the name Vernice Zakers. She also told the court that the name of the sender was Jason Thompson.
She said that after speaking with her husband, she contacted Vernlyn, who was at that time in Sandy Point, and asked if she was expecting any packages. Vernest said Vernlyn replied in the affirmative indicating that a cousin or some other relative was to send two bicycles and a swimming pool. According to the evidence, Vernlyn collected the document from her mother on the following day.
Customs Officer Ayesha Charles, during her testimony, indicated that on June 12, 2008 she was on duty at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. She told the court that while she was in the Customs Baggage Hall, Vernlyn entered and presented an invoice which was attached to an airway bill bearing the name Vernice Zakers.
The officer said she and Vernlyn proceeded to the storage room where the packages were housed and the accused took the three packages and signed for them.
Charles further told the court that while at the examination area, she was opening the container which housed the inflatable swimming pool when she discovered other items in the box.
“I started opening the inflatable swimming pool. While I was doing so, she asked me if I have to take it right out. I said ‘Yes. How am I going to examine it?’ Upon unfolding it, there were two items in the pool wrapped in black paper and heavily taped. I started opening one of the black packages and I saw what appeared to be ammunition. I asked her what they were. She said, ‘Parts for the pool.’ Then I commented and said, ‘Parts for the pool?’ Just as I was about to examine the other item, she was about to put it back in the box and I asked her to pass it to me for examination.”
The officer said she called for assistance, which was given.
According to Customs Officer Jason Christopher’s testimony, on that day, he received a call from Charles and on arrival he was shown the two unopened packages in which the bicycles were, the opened package in which the inflatable pool was and the two small packages that were found within the inflatable pool.
Christopher said the items were secured and the Enforcement Division called in to lend assistance. He said after all the packages were searched, a total of six firearms including one rifle and four 9mm pistols were found along with 400 rounds of ammunition.
According to other evidence in the case, the retrieved items, along with the accused, were turned over to the police.
The accused is represented by Barristers-at-Law Vincent Warner and Dr. Henry Browne. In cross-examining the witnesses, Dr. Browne made a point to emphasising the fact that on the airway bill was written or printed the name Vernice rather than Vernlyn, which is his client’s name. Therefore, “nothing was consigned to Vernlyn Zakers.
The case resumes today with the other prosecution witnesses giving evidence.
