Haitians convicted for illegally entering Guyana

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 September 2016, 16:44 by Denis Chabrol

Five Haitians, who were caught in Guyana heading to Brazil, were Tuesday fined for illegal entry and ordered deported.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann Mc Lennan, they were convicted for entering Guyana by sea and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer.

Jean Eliofene Emila, 25, Fequiere Emila,27, Panel Mondesir, 24, Wilner Choisy, 24, and 19-year old Robinson Thermidore were each fined GYD$20,000 or two weeks imprisonment.

After they pay the fine, they would be deported.

Police Prosecutor, Dinero Jones said they entered Guyana illegally on September 23, 2016. They were caught hours later at Wisroc, Linden as they were heading to neighbouring Brazil.

The arrest, charge and conviction of the Haitians in a Guyanese court followed Suriname’s recent announcement that Haitians would need visas. Surinamese authorities are concerned that numerous Haitians are landing in that former Dutch colony with no proper explanation to immigration authorities there.

Surinamese authorities say most Haitians’ final destination is French Guiana.