A 69-year-old grandmother, Mary Robinson from Oklahoma, made headlines after being arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition while attempting to board her Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the Bahamas. Robinson was found carrying a loaded gun in her purse on the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship docked near New Providence Island on December 2. This shocking discovery led to her spending about five days in Nassau’s notorious Fox Hill Prison, known for its harsh conditions.
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Despite her attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, confirming that Robinson was issued an $8,000 fine for the crime, which could have potentially carried a prison sentence of up to 10 years, her granddaughter, Graci Exendine, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds. Exendine shared on the fundraising page that Robinson, who usually brings some form of protection on her trips, accidentally left the weapon in her bag instead of in her car. This oversight led to the firearm being discovered during security checks.
The Bahamas, where Robinson was charged, has strict laws regarding firearms possession, with the possibility of facing severe penalties such as imprisonment for up to 10 years. Ferguson negotiated a deal where Robinson paid the $8,000 fine instead of serving time in prison, but the family struggled to come up with the funds immediately. As a result, Robinson had to spend time in the Fox Hill facility before the fine was eventually paid, securing her release.
Fox Hill Prison, the primary correctional facility in Nassau, has faced criticism for its harsh conditions, including overcrowding, poor nutrition, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient medical care. Reports have even described rats running rampant within the prison, leading to concerns about its suitability for housing inmates. Robinson’s experience sheds light on the challenges visitors may face when found violating the country’s strict laws, even unintentionally.
Robinson appeared before Magistrate Lennox Coleby on December 4, where she pleaded guilty to the possession charges. She attributed the oversight to her familiarity with her home state’s open carry laws, expressing remorse for the situation. Despite the ordeal, Exendine’s GoFundMe campaign successfully raised over $12,000 to cover Robinson’s fine, allowing her to be released from custody.
Following her release, Robinson expressed gratitude for the support received and shared plans to arrange for her return home. Exendine updated well-wishers on Facebook, confirming Robinson’s release and temporary stay at a hotel before finalizing travel arrangements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations when travelling abroad, as even inadvertent violations can lead to serious consequences.
The situation involving Robinson highlights the potential legal pitfalls faced by travellers when carrying firearms across international borders. It serves as a cautionary tale for tourists to familiarise themselves with the laws of the countries they are visiting to avoid unintended violations and legal repercussions. Despite the challenging circumstances, the support shown to Robinson through the fundraising efforts demonstrates the power of community and compassion in times of need.