Dominican sisters fined for overstaying

Two sisters from the Dominican Republic have been fined by a city magistrate for overstaying in Guyana.

20160315sistersThe court heard that between October 15, 2015 and March 11, 2016, at Georgetown, Juana Mateo, 20, overstayed her time in Guyana. Her sister, Anna Mateo, 30, between July 13, 2015 and March 11, 2016, also overstayed her time. Both women pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

According to Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, the sisters travelled to Guyana last year. They entered the country via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and were granted a one-month stay. The two, however, overstayed and did not seek an extension from the relevant authorities. They were eventually arrested at Bartica by the police, the prosecutor added.

Chief Magistrate McLennan fined the sisters $15,000 each, with an alternative of four weeks in jail if they cannot pay it. Upon paying their fine, they are to be escorted to the nearest port of exit, the magistrate ordered.