Seven Cubans who were arrested at the Mabura Police Station while on their way to Lethem were fined on Wednesday after they all admitted to overstaying in the country.
Alda Chavez, 53; Joaquin Gamboa, 50; Yannai Pizarro, 33; Vincent, 49; Indri Raytor, 44; Elizabeth Alberto, and Roman Danieve all appeared before acting chief magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.
The charge against Chavez stated that between June 30th, 2019 and January 3rd, 2019, in Georgetown, she overstayed in the country after she was only being permitted to stay from May 29th, 2019 to June 29th, 2019. She pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read.
Gamboa also admitted to a charge which stated that between July 14th, 2019, and January 3rd, 2020, he overstayed after only being permitted to stay from June 15th, 2019 to July 13th, 2019.
Meanwhile Pizarro was charged with overstaying from August 9th, 2019 to January 3rd, 2019, after he was permitted to stay from July 9th to August 8th, 2019. He admitted to the charge.
The charge against Vincent stated that between August 14th, 2018, and January 3rd, 2019, at Georgetown, having being permitted to stay from July 15th, 2018 to August 13th, 2018, he too overstayed.
Indri also admitted to a charge, which stated that between 24th February, 2019 and 3rd January, 2020, he overstayed after he was only permitted to stay in the country from January 25th, 2019 to February 23rd, 2019.
The charge against Danieve stated that between July 14th, 2019, and January 3rd, 2020, he overstayed in the country after only being permitted to stay from June 15th, 2019 to July 13th, 2019. He pleaded not guilty.
According to Prosecutor Quinn Harris, upon entering the country via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, each of the seven Cubans was given a one-month stay. He said on January 13th, police conducted an operation at Mabura Police Station on a Route 94 mini-bus, which was heading to Lethem. The Cubans, who were passengers on the bus, were asked to present their passports and travel documents. After doing so it was discovered that they all had overstayed. They were subsequently arrested.
The acting chief magistrate then told them to pay a fine of $30,000 each or serve a default sentence of 40 days in prison after which they will be escorted to the nearest port of exit.
