–court hears

A 40-year-old immigration officer was placed on $250,000 bail when she appeared before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of forgery and corrupt transaction by a government agent.

Jan Lovell of 119 Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to four charges of forgery and four charges of corrupt transaction by a government agent.

It is alleged that on December 9, 18, 24 and 30 last year at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, Lovell forged one Guyana immigration entry stamp by changing the date on the said stamp in favour of Deonarine Balkissoon, Passport #1187663; Andel Gibson, Passport #0793952; Abassi McPherson, Passport #0904723; and Marc Anthony Mayers, Passport #A41223, respectively.

Further it is alleged that on December 9, 18, 24 and 30 last year at CJIA, the immigration officer being an agent of the Guyana Police Force corruptly received US$50, US$50, US$50 and TT$300 from Deonarine Balkissoon, Andel Gibson, Abassi McPherson and Marc Anthony Mayers respectively as inducement or reward.

Prosecutor Denise Griffith made no objection to bail but she pointed out that the Golden Grove address provided to the court by Lovell’s attorney conflicted with the address on file. Griffith said that the woman’s address was stated as 286 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara in her file.

Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson explained to the court that when his client first started working with the force she resided at that address but it has now been changed to the one he provided to the court.

He further told the court that Lovell has been a member of the police force for twelve years and has been an immigration officer for the entire period. According to the lawyer, the woman is still a member of the force but is currently receiving only half her salary.

After listening to the lawyer’s submission Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry granted Lovell bail in the sum of $250,000. The case was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court and will continue on September 8.