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DR man overstayed in VI to escape abusive wife- Court hears

Dominican Republic national Felix Rodriguez, seen here being escorted from the Magistrate’s Court on October 10, 2019, said he remained illegally in the Virgin Islands because his wife, who lives in his home country, was abusive to him. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Through an interpreter, Dominican Republic national Felix Rodriguez said he remained illegally in the Virgin Islands because his wife, who lives in his home country, was abusive to him.

Rodriguez was caught “swerving dangerously” on Waterfront Drive on Tortola by police on Monday, October 7, 2019, and raked up several traffic violations, including for driving an unlicensed vehicle, driving an uninsured car, driving without a valid driver’s license and driving recklessly.

Following investigations, police found out the defendant was residing illegally since March 2, 2019.

Traffic violations dismissed

Magistrate Samuel Jack Husbands fined Rodriguez $500 for overstaying after Rodriguez entered a guilty plea at his first opportunity before the court on Thursday, October 10, 2019. If Rodriquez does not pay the fine today, October 11, 2019, he will spend seven days at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut.

Seemingly touched by the man’s admittance to the court, Magistrate Husbands convicted, reprimanded and discharged Rodriquez for driving an unlicensed vehicle and driving without a driver’s license.

For the traffic violations of driving recklessly and driving without insurance, although pleading not guilty to the offences, the matters against Rodriguez were dismissed.

The unrepresented Rodriguez will remain in custody until the fines are paid.

16 Responses to “DR man overstayed in VI to escape abusive wife- Court hears”

  • HMMM (11/10/2019, 10:23) Like (23) Dislike (6) Reply
    We dont want to hear no more sad stories PUT HIM ON THE NEXT FLIGHT TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
  • One eyel (11/10/2019, 10:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hear thing...
  • FlyByNight (11/10/2019, 11:11) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    As big as the DR is no excuse. He coukd have returned and she would not be the wiser, Adding insult to injury he here putting people life in danger with his driving and also driving an unlicensed vehicle,improper drivers license and no insurance. See how they does come to build up the country.?A thorough background check should be done on people entering, He seems to be comfortable wuth breaking laws and have no concern about going to prison. He probaly living under a different name and with bogus documents. The sooner he gone the better.
  • What a Donkey.. (11/10/2019, 11:22) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    So you're here illegally having overstayed by some 6 months and rather than lying low and humbling yourself you drive around on one of the town's main roads recklessly? Smh.
  • Lolll (11/10/2019, 12:57) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Oh Please. It probably all a lie. DR so big ... you couldn't find somewhere there to hide out? Lie lie lie on the woman. Plenty men give abuse ... and when you turn round and give back, they lap their tails between their legs and cry MURDER .... If outsiders only hear the other side of the story, they will cry DOUBLE MURDER. Set of wimps.
  • Curious (11/10/2019, 13:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please clarify. So this is saying once he pays the fine he will be released; released where back into our society or released to board the next flight to DR?
  • Quick one (11/10/2019, 14:14) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    He need his wife to discipline him send back
    I see why she is abusive
    You out of control
  • hm (11/10/2019, 15:00) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    what about all those expats here in the BVI paying Immigration officers money for triple months here in the BVI. I've Known Numerous of person here on vacation some 6 and 8 months going.
  • Glen (11/10/2019, 16:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wait, how were the traffic violations dismissed?
  • shark (11/10/2019, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only in the B.V.I if it was someone from here they would have been up Balo
  • Binocs (11/10/2019, 22:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is time we step up. People may say you are difficult but it's time you ask persons for identification in dealing with the simplest business. People are giving so much pet names and trying to disguise them selves and true identity. Stop taking people at face value not that you are saying they are criminals but old time days are gone. Them to lie. Previous business called me to identify one recently after the individual put my name as a reference. I couldn't because that is not the name I know. False pretense time for proper identification. This territory has become to friendly and invaders are taking over our territory. Tighten up immigration end. Time for immigration, customs and police to collaborate and conduct some serious crackdown. Lots of them are here taking away people simple jobs. Who vex vex this is true.

    You telling me you got to bring people for simple little jobs in supermarket and other we need to stop this foolishness. I dont want to hear about locals dont want jobs. All are not the same labor need to step up and place all job openings on the media find a way to educate the public.

    Yes businesses have to publish ads in news paper but you need to go a bit further. What I find is that not enough ground personnel to inspect these businesses who applying for work permits. Time for a change need personnel for nights also cause it's in the dark when a lot of hidden secrets are revealed.
  • enough (12/10/2019, 21:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The person he is saying with should be arrested also. When will we get it right.


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