Cuban fined for overstaying in country

A Cuban national was yesterday fined after he overstayed on his vacation in Guyana.

The charge against Wilfredo Perez, 20, stated that from June 15 to July 26, 2015, he failed to comply with the conditions under which permissions was granted for him to stay in Guyana.

Through an interpreter, the unrepresented security guard, who was seen crying before the charge was read to him, pleaded guilty to the charge, which was read by Magistrate Ann McLennan in George-town.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on May 15, 2015, Perez came to Guyana on vacation and was given one month to stay in Guyana. However, on July 26, police, acting on information, went to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where they contacted Perez. Jones added that a search was conducted on his person and his passport was discovered after which ranks discovered he overstayed.

He was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters and later charged.

When asked if he would like to say anything, Perez requested to make contact with his family in Cuba and the court ordered for this to be arranged. He also explained with the aid of the interpreter that he did not have money to return to Cuba so he was working to earn it.

Perez was ordered to pay $30,000 or serve two weeks in jail.