By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
NINETEEN migrants found onboard a vessel at sea were charged with illegal embarkation in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court this week.
Haitians Josue Franceau, 41; Ginius Dieunicol, 59; Wadelove Gurrier, 26; Viviane Lazarre Evariste, 56; Judith Bein Aime, 35; Sgerlanda Darisma, 26; Maxeny Alce, 42; Stevens Michel, 25; Richemona Henry, 28; Bernadette Lubin, 36; Louisemene Elie Bell, 32; Veline Jacksaint, 26; Brazilians Cristiam Sairon Oliveria Souza, 30; and Silezio Pereira Ramos, 41; and Ecuadorian Pablo Eduardo Fajardo, 29, appeared in Court Four before Magistrate Simone Brown.
They all pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal embarkation.
According to the particulars, the group of migrants left Grand Bahama without leave of an immigration officer and were discovered on Thursday, July 22, on a vessel in waters off the coast of Florida.
Magistrate Brown ordered the migrants to pay a fine of $300 each or in default serve six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS), The 19 migrants were also ordered deported on payment of the fines or upon completion of serving their custodial sentences.
All the accused paid their fines and were turned over to the Immigration Department for transport to New Providence where they will be detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre until deportation to their country of origin.
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