A Nigerian national who entered Guyana illegally since 2009 was yesterday fined $30,000 after he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
An application was made by the Chief Immigration Officer for the man to be deported.
On July 9 at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice, the accused Samuel Chidi Mbasor entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of the immigration officer.
After the charge was read to the man he pleaded guilty to the offence and asked the magistrate if she can grant him a permit so that he can live in Guyana. However the magistrate informed the accused that she was not the person responsible for such matters as that falls within the scope of the Chief Immigration Officer.
The accused was also questioned by the court as to why he had never applied for the permit as he was in Guyana since 2009. The man was told by the court that because he was not granted any visa or permit he would remain in police custody until he is removed from Guyana.
According to the facts, the defendant entered Guyana through Springlands from Suriname and stayed at his girlfriend at Lot 28 Ogle Airstrip Road, East Coast Demerara. On October 16 at about 11:30 hrs the accused was arrested at Charity where police questioned him about his documentation which he could not provide. He was then escorted to CID Headquarters and after investigations he was subsequently arrested and charged.
