Nepalese man fined for illegally entering country

A Nepalese man was yesterday fined $30,000 and ordered deported after he entered Guyana illegally for a vacation.

Keshad Bastola pleaded guilty to arriving at Springlands, Corentyne, on January 7, and entering the country without the consent of an immigration officer.

Keshad Bastola
Keshad Bastola

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who presided over the case in Georgetown, heard that Bastola, who is originally from Nepal, lives with his family in Suriname. The court was told he was on vacation in Guyana.

If Bastola is unable to pay the fine, he would have to serve a one-month prison term.

When the magistrate asked him if he had the money to pay, he replied yes. After paying the fine, Bastola will be deported to Suriname.

Just over a month ago, 12 Nepalese visitors, who also came here on vacation, were fined and ordered deported after they pleaded guilty to departing Guyana illegally for Venezuela.

The men had been held by authorities in Venezuela and sent back to Guyana after it was discovered that they had entered that country illegally.