T&T man fined $1000 for overstaying in VI; Was seeking work- Court
31-year-old Mr Dolphie Nedd appeared before the Magistrate’s Court held via Zoom today, April 20, 2020, when he pleaded guilty before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin.
According to Crown Counsel Mr O’Neil Simpson, Mr Nedd had entered the Territory for vacation on December 22, 2019, and granted a month’s stay by the Immigration Department; however, he subsequently had an extension to remain until February 22, 2020.
Suspicious activity
He was arrested when police visited a residence in the Reef Road area of Belmont Estate on April 14, 2020, after receiving reports of “suspicious activity.”
According to the prosecution, a number of individuals fled the scene when police arrived; however, Mr Nedd was one of the individuals who did not attempt to run away.
Investigations later revealed that Mr Nedd was staying at an apartment in Towers, West End and a check of his passport revealed he was in the Territory without permission from immigration authorities. This was subsequently confirmed by the Immigration Department, according to the prosecution.
Defendant 'took wrong advice'
Mr Nedd’s attorney, Mr Stephen R. Daniels, said his client, a mason by profession in Trinidad and Tobago and the father of a minor, was trying to source a job in the Virgin Islands. Further, he said Mr Nedd became “stuck” in the Territory due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked by Magistrate Benjamin why his client didn’t go through the proper channel to find a job in the Territory, Mr Daniels said his client “took the wrong advice.”
Magistrate Benjamin said she was not mindful to impose a custodial sentence since Mr Nedd had already spent 6 days in police custody. Police also did not find any criminal record in the VI or any other jurisdiction against Mr Nedd.
Mr Nedd was given until the end of the week to pay the $1000 fine or spend 3 months in prison.
28 Responses to “T&T man fined $1000 for overstaying in VI; Was seeking work- Court”
Some a them who run from that apartment overstaying too that’s why they don’t want go in Quarantine.
Put a picture up of all them other island people who run from that apartment
He seeking work doing crime?
WmThe man didn't burn and he stated and he didn't lie. Why you less than smart @#$% didn't say that about the Filipinos. You biased idiots. What the @#$% island people did you. The @#$%& who is always bashing island people. What the @#$% Tortola is? Go reach a book...Know thy self. Start with that one. Let it marinate. The next time you write a comment it might be different....idiot
He's one of the hit man them from trini hiding out up dey? the rest ran why is that? And he couldn't find work so he over stayed so what was he doing for money time being here. Think about it pressure he rass to see who had him staying there an cleared him at airport. Chain to big and blinging to be broke
1. Go jail get fed for 3 months. Then be deported. Will have a record so you may not be able to get a Visa or entry to wprk anywhere else if you have to provide police cert. Well of course unless you marry with a highly rated nationality then you may get some kind of break...in a few years
2. Find the money and pay. Government providing food for those in need anyway.....
Up the jail doesn’t have a million rooms
Jus saying