By Alric Lindsay
Today, December 6, 2024, Roland Welcome and Antascio Rankine appeared via video link in the Grand Court to face charges of conspiring to murder Sven Brett Connor and possession of a firearm. Welcome and Rankine pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Conspiracy to commit murder
Regarding the allegation of conspiring to murder Connor, this was a charge under section 197 of the Penal Code. This states:
Conspiracy to murder
197. A person who conspires with any person to kill any person, whether such person is in the Islands or elsewhere, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
The allegation was that Welcome and Rankine conspired together, along with others unknown, to kill Connor. Both men denied this.
Possession of an unlicensed firearm
Concerning the allegation of possessing an unlicensed firearm, this charge fell under section 15(1) of the Firearms Act. This states:
Possession and use of firearms and bullet-proof vests
15. (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall be in possession of any firearm except under and in accordance with the terms of a Firearm User’s (Restricted) Licence.
It was alleged that on December 7, 2023, Welcome and Rankine had in their possession a 9mm Glock handgun. Both men denied this.
Next steps
Given the not-guilty pleas, the next steps are jury selection around January 8, 2025, and starting the trial on January 13, 2025. Meanwhile, Welcome and Rankine will be remanded in custody.
