–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.
police find arms in buxton where? where? we want to know.
to charge the only bribe taking officer the passport with the dates in them is the evidence and the passport is the property of the GUYANA GOV.
It happens everyday. We needed some documents approved right away at eve leary just over a year ago in Guyana and an officer ask us for some lunch money which we gladly gave. We were given approval in minutes. Its very unfortunate this woman got caught because everybody knows “things hard in Guyana.”
Many drive beyond and far beyond the prescribed speed limit and/or do not wear seat belts.
Only those who are nabbed are cited for the infraction. Those ‘ticketed’ may choose to pay the fine or dispute the ‘ticket’ and appear before the courts.
In matters of this nature and for the paltry sum of money, it would have been a “lone-ranger” operation or through an intermediary. US 50 between more than one officer just isn’t worth it
When will the investigations begin within the government? If this day ever arrives, then there will be no one to govern nor run government agencies. She was wrong and should pay the price for her folly, but, SHE IS ONLY SMALL FRY! Look within!