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'My country has a lot of problems but send me back' – Venezuelan

- Rafael J. T Guerrero fined $1K for illegally entering Territory
Venezuela national Rafael J. T Guerrero, seen here at the Magistrate's Court on February 6, 2020, has been fined $1000 for illegally entering the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Venezuelan native Rafael J. T Guerrero, who was caught entering the Virgin Islands via a speed boat at Trellis Bay, Beef Island on the night of Monday February 3, 2020 without the permission of immigration officials, told the Magistrate's Court that although his homeland is problematic at the moment, he longs to return to his family.

Guerrero was spotted on a white vessel without lights entering the harbour a stone throw away from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, along with two others, by police.

The men were seen entering two parked vehicles in the parking area and heading towards East End, Tortola.

The police stopped the vehicle in Lambert’s area and subsequently took the occupants, which were two Virgin Islanders, and the defendant to the Road Town Police Station for probing.

While there, police confirmed that the defendant had no entry stamp in his passport and formally arrested and charged him with illegal entry.

Venezuela has a lot of problems

“I really want to apologise for entering illegally. I ask for an opportunity, send me back to my country and I will not do it again. Venezuela has a lot of problems but I would not do it again. My family depends on me,” he told the court via a Spanish-English translator during his maiden appearance on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

Lawyer for the 31 year-old electrician, Mr Leroy Jones stated that his client had no previous antecedents, pleaded guilty early, and was sorry for his actions.

He told the court to impose a fine as opposed to a prison sentence on his Spanish-speaking client.

Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin, who presided over the matter replied that she would impose a non-costodial sentence and fined him $1,000.

He has to pay by today, Friday February 7, 2020 or he would be made to spend 60 days at Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.

The south American country, Venezuela, has been labelled as one of the worst performing economies and experiencing one of the "deepest recessions in modern world history" according to the economist.com.

Political corruption, food and medicine shortages, human rights violations are just some of the issues plaguing that country which has contributed to the crisis.

18 Responses to “'My country has a lot of problems but send me back' – Venezuelan”

  • Too true (07/02/2020, 05:50) Like (65) Dislike (0) Reply
    So who were the Virgin Islanders who assisted him? Have they been charged? They should, this is serious...
  • teacher john (07/02/2020, 06:29) Like (16) Dislike (9) Reply
    Blame trump and the cia for destabilizing that country
    • Hmm (07/02/2020, 08:55) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      I won't put this one on trump. Their politicians been corrupt for so long you don't even know who to blame.
  • DAUBBED (07/02/2020, 06:57) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
    Police SCREW UP again .The fact that Police was at Beef and saw a lone occupant enter WITHOUT lights on a speed boat in the night should SAY something WRONG .Set up a “sting” call for back up : see what is going on : Collecting STUFF ? Making a “ jail break “ for one
    Of his partners up at Balo? What happen to the 2 locals ? barge with harboring / aiding an “ illegal “? Where is IMMIGRATION on this? Which island did he come
    From ? ANNDDDD the Court is Full of shi- $1000.00 bail ? He will pay his fine and be back tonight to finish conduct his business . The SYSTEM. SUCKSSSS
  • People Full of Sh*t (07/02/2020, 08:15) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    Why fine him when the WORLD knows the condition of his native land. How will he get back if he just has enough for the fine or does not have funds for the fine. He would end up in jail anyway and who will pay to send him back? The Government will send him back? Sick judges and magistrates. Book sense is really no common sense.

    On another note, what procedures BVI have in place for refugees and asylum seekers? Things only going to get worse. More of him already in the Territory. And then what? Inhumanely send them back to a destroyed country lacking basic needs?
    • guy hill (07/02/2020, 09:20) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      @people full of s****. There are laws/ procedures in place in the VI to deal wIth refugees and asylum seekers. From the article, this young man did not, did not make a request for either status. The court made its ruling in this case. He can apppeal if he so desires.
  • Really??? (07/02/2020, 08:37) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    So those VIslanders were not detained arrested nor charged.?
    S
    The VI and Government is collapsjng...little enforcement of laws and Giv agencies in full dysfunction.
    This is serious...it says to the US that our borders are wide open and the world should take notice as thupus poses a threat to security.
    .
    • @Really??? (07/02/2020, 09:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You really think only the US knows that the BVI boarders is wide open? That word around the world is that you can get into the BVI real easy. They bypass the US because they know Homeland Security is always watching, who is watching our shores?
  • Real Tool (07/02/2020, 08:41) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    You will be suprise what our own local people will do for the american dpllar it will shock you .
  • JA (07/02/2020, 08:46) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    @DAUBBED, did you really take time to read the story and to understand fully what went on. For your information the persons were caught and the foreigner was charged but as someone asked above, what happened to the two locals? $1000 of 12 months in jail is the maximum the Magisrtate can impose for this offence. Will you prefer he get the 12 months in jail and your tax dollars feed him. Sometimes we have to seek to know before we post foolish comments.
  • Hmm (07/02/2020, 11:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    According to the article, the men were seen entering two .vehicles. At Lambert,,one vehicle was stopped....so what happened to the other vehiicke,occuoants etc...funny peculiar ah ah wha goin on..
  • Hmm (09/02/2020, 03:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    He come here to kill an for drug? send him out

  • hmm2 (09/02/2020, 03:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A lot of them here to do dirty work!!
  • tom (11/02/2020, 08:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is your compassion.Have mercy lord.


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