New Providence – Today, thirty-four (34) foreign nationals appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville in Magistrate’s Court No. 4 and were convicted of immigration offences, including Overstaying, Illegal Landing and Illegal Embarkation. All pleaded guilty. Nationality Convictions:
12 Ecuadorians – 5 males, 7 females (Illegal Embarkation – 6F; Overstaying – 5M, 1F)
11 Chinese – 5 males, 6 females (Illegal Embarkation – 3M, 5F; Overstaying & Illegal Embarkation – 2M, 1F)
9 Haitians – 8 males, 1 female (Overstaying – 6M; Illegal Landing – 2M, 1F)
1 Dominican – 1 male (Overstaying & Illegal Embarkation)
1 American – 1 male (Overstaying)
The defendants received fines ranging from $300.00 to $3,000.00 and custodial sentences of one (1) to twelve (12) months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. All individuals were ordered turned over to the Department of Immigration for deportation following payment of fines or completion of sentences.
Today, the Department’s Deportation and Removal Units executed deportation orders, resulting in the removal of three (3) Haitian males to Cap-Haitien, Haiti.
On September 23, one (1) Dominican male and two (2) Haitian nationals (1M, 1F) were removed. All standard health and safety protocols were observed throughout to ensure the well-being of both officers and deportees.
Members of the public are encouraged to report immigration violations or suspicious activity by contacting the hotline at 242-604-0180 or 242-604-0172/82.
