guess he assumes they're much cheaper here in the US
Or he assumes it will be free since you are bringing it for him. You can get phones in JA for cheap. You can also buy used ones on sites like Ebay for cheap.
All of Us long timers know all the angles of our local "friends"..we help a little here a little there where we can...but there will be no free phone this friend..my 6 week stay in Negril isn't free so sure.