(Antigua Sun) – A Jamaican woman was recently severely reprimanded before being ordered deported when she appeared in the St John’s Magistrates’ Court.

Samantha Tanya Peart pleaded guilty to remaining in Antigua and Barbuda after the expiration of a permit legally issued to her by the Immigration Department. She appeared before Magistrate Joan Fung.

The court heard that on 22 June, immigration enforcement officers along with personnel from the Antigua and Barbuda Welfare Department and officers from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda acting on intelligence went on a joint operation to Peart’s home in Jennings.

The officers identified themselves to the 28-year-old woman and inquired of her status in the country. She presented to them a Jamaica passport, along with two birth certificates belonging to her children that showed Antiguan nationality.

It was noted from the passport that Peart arrived in Antigua on 24 December, 2000, and was landed until 23 January, 2001. However, the Jamaican woman remained in the state for about one year and four months after the expiration of her entry permit. On 2 April, 2002, Peart received an extension until 2 July, that year. After that permit expired, Peart again remained in the state illegally for seven months, and again obtained an extension on 7 February, 2003, until 6 August, 2003. On 12 August, 2003, she received a work permit valid until 11 May, 2004.

Reports are on 2 March, 2004, Peart acquired a temporary residence permit which was valid until 2 March, 2006. Upon the expiration of this permit the Jamaican woman remained in Antigua illegally, once again.

Peart was taken into custody and detained at the Immigration Department headquarters where she was asked to give a written statement, but she declined.

The 28-year-old Jamaican woman was later arrested and charged.

She told immigration officials, “I don’t mind going home, just give me my children.”

Magistrate Fung granted the deportation order with immediate effect and said that the Immigration Department is to allow her time to collect her personal effects.

Peart asked the court to allow her children to go to Jamaica with her, but the magistrate said the children are Antiguan nationals and their relatives, including their father, were Antiguan. Magistrate Fung told Peart that friends, through the Welfare Department, have agreed to take care of the children.