Seven Cubans appeared yesterday before Magis-trate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on charges of overstaying their time in Guyana without seeking an extension.
The individuals – Yaima Stevens, Lourdes Leonard Carabolla, Atletis Batista, Yamilou Regla Boza, Luis Rodriguez, Yunier Artigas, and Haciel Antonio Rosa Rodriguez – all admitted to the offence. Following their guilty pleas, the magistrate approved the deportation application filed against them.
However, attorney-at-law Melvin Duke, representing Yaima Stevens and her son, Haciel Antonio Rosa, made a special request for the duo to be allowed to leave voluntarily instead of being deported. Duke argued that this arrangement would facilitate their return to Guyana in the future, as Stevens’ husband is employed as a miner in the country.
The court heard testimony from the owner of the mining company, who assured Magistrate McGusty that arrangements would be made for Stevens and her son to return to Cuba on the earliest available flight.
After consideration, the magistrate deferred signing deportation orders for the pair and instructed that an update on their travel arrangements be provided by Wednesday. Both Stevens and her son will remain in custody to ensure compliance.
