Jamaican given 4 days imprisonment for overstaying in Territory
Senior Crown Counsel Sarah Benjamin told the court that on January 14, 2013 the accused went to the airport to collect a ticket and enquired of an agent about the possibility of travelling on an expired passport. She was informed that she could not do so and was directed to an immigration officer.
Acting Surveillance Officer Rawlston Williams of the Immigration Department enquired of Ms Campbell’s status in the Territory and she allegedly responded that she had overstayed in the Territory for a few years. Upon inspection of her passport it was discovered that she had entered the Territory since July 2003 and there were no other stamps present to indicate that she had entered or left the Territory.
She was told that it was a violation to remain in the Territory beyond the period granted and it was related that she would be charged for the offence and placed before the court as a result. She was later taken to the Road Town Police Station and formally charged for the offence.
Attorney at law, Ruthilia Maximea, in offering mitigation for the defendant, told the court that the young woman had entered the Territory at the age of 18 as a visitor and had resided at East End for some time. The court was also told that Ms Campbell was the mother of a 10½ year old daughter who resided in Jamaica at present.
Ms Maximea told the court that her client was very sorry and was trying to leave the Territory at the time to go back to Jamaica and was faced with several difficulties.
In handing down his sentence and fine, Alternative Magistrate, Mr Richard Rowe told the defendant, “I take no pleasure in sentencing you…” and also related that since 2003, the Territory had instituted a policy of visas for Jamaicans.
He noted that he was mindful of the current overcrowding conditions at the prisons but felt a sentence was necessary in the situation, at least until the circumstances surrounding her ticket could be sorted out.
The defendant was initially scheduled to leave the Territory on January 17, 2013 but should now be doing so on January 22, 2013 instead.
She was then ordered to pay the fine and to secure her passage at her own cost through an airline or ferry to depart the Territory.
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21 Responses to “Jamaican given 4 days imprisonment for overstaying in Territory”
Pardon me but I think we need to realize something wrong with our Immigration office. She was here for 10 years illegally. Big up to the woman as she managed to stay here for 10 years illegally and looking damn good.
How many of you would be able to stay in another country illegally for 10 years or more?