The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE TRIAL of Canadian resident Bruno Rufa, who has been charged with working illegally in the Bahamas, was adjourned yesterday to early December following a request by the Bahamas Department of Immigration in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court.

In the matter before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson, the Immigration Department had indicated that August 18 was not convenient and suggested an alternative date in mid-September or early October 2015.

It was granted and the hearing set for December 6 and 7.

Fred Smith, QC, assisted by senior associate Carey Leonard, of Callenders & Co, is representing Mr Rufa, who is on $2,500 cash bail. Mr Smith said he has filed an application in the Supreme Court objecting to the adjournment.

Mr Rufa, an owner of a condominium at Coral Beach Hotel, was arrested by immigration officials on January 30 alleging that he was working at the pool bar without a work permit.

He was charged on February 2 with engaging in gainful occupation contrary to Section 29 (1) and (2) of the Immigration Act.

Mr Rufa was granted bail, but was immediately taken into custody and deported back to Canada after officials informed the court that the Director of Immigration had decided that Mr Rufa was an undesirable and was to be deported as soon as possible. Mr Smith later obtained a Supreme Court injunction restraining Mr Rufa’s deportation, allowing him to return to Freeport.

Mr Smith was granted leave for judicial review proceedings against the government over the decision finding that Mr Rufa was an undesirable under the section 40 of the Immigration Act, and deporting him from the Bahamas.