German man fined for overstaying

High Court fineA German national is learning the hard way that it is not a good idea to overstay in Dominica.

Thomas Steinbach who claimed to have mistaken a two-week stay for two months pleaded guilty to that offense when he appeared before a Roseau court on July 31, 2014.

According to the facts revealed by Police Prosecutor, Corporal David Andrew (Jr.), at about 3:20 pm on July 28, officers of the Drug Squad were on duty at Woodfordhill area when they noticed two men walking and became suspicious.

One of the men was Steinbach and he was approached asked if he had any illegal drugs in his possession to which he replied “no”.

Police then searched a bag which he had in his possession and noticed it contained a large sum of money.

He then explained to the police that he was spending time at a friend’s place at Woodfordhill.

The German national’s passport and it was noticed that he was given two weeks stay in the country on June 7, 2014.

He was told that it was an offense to overstay in a country and was arrested.

On July 30,2014, further checks were made at the immigration department and it was confirmed that Steinbach had actually overstayed on the island.

Attorney-at-Law Wayne Norde who represented Steinbach told the court that his client had mistaken his two weeks stay for a two-month stay and if he had known, he would have gotten an extension.

He stated further that his client is very remorseful, so he asked to be lenient on him.

“He loves Dominica,” Norde said.

“I have taken into account that you pleaded guilty and did not waste the court’s time,” Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George said.

The matter is adjourned to August 5,2014 in order for the prosecution to review an application to have Steinbach deported.

He was also fined $2,000 which if failed to pay he goes to jail for four months.

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89 Comments

  1. Kalinago
    August 5, 2014

    All they had to do was deport the gentleman and not make such a big fuss about that. That in itself, is going to have a negative effect on tourism especially those Germans, if I was a German I would not waste my time and come to Dominica. Dominica doesn’t have many options for anyone to say they coming and visit but they keep on talking about Tourism. Take a good look at the Carib Territory.

  2. Dominican
    August 5, 2014

    idiot’s stop putting your own people down. Go and overstay in Germany and see what would happen to allyou especially a black person. Sometimes i wonder about Dominicans are you guys not exposed to world news, on a daily basis around the world they are arresting over stayers and sending them back to their country of origin. But here comes a caucasion man and every body jumping. If you guys over stayed in Germany allyou would see what would happen especially if you had weed on you. Deportation would hold all you. Folks rules are rules when you are walking the streets of Europe, America and other places if you appear suspicious the law has a right to stop and search, question what ever. how do you think they catch Dominicans over seas through the same methods.
    I am not saying that I do not have sympathy but when Haitians overstay they do not get such empathy from Dominicans. I say the gov of Dominica can never get it right with all you, Dam if you do dam if you dont.
    There are laws to follow he obviously likes Dominica but he can go about it the right way.

  3. The Facts
    August 4, 2014

    If I recall, approximately two years ago a Mexican woman overstayed her visit. She had a baby and then applied for a D/can passport for the baby. She was granted a landed stay. Some of you will recall this situation.

  4. JW
    August 4, 2014

    This is so strange because Dominica is listed 25th LEAST visited country in the World together with Afghanistan and Somalia. Go figure. IF the guy was doing something illegal, then I would understand the police action; but he was not doing anything illegal and he had nothing illegal in his possession.

    http://www.garfors.com/2013/01/the-25-least-visited-countries-in-world.html

    Check for yourself

  5. Objective
    August 4, 2014

    First of all, the law is the law. It has to be upheld.However, we must consider the long term effect whenever there’s a decision of such sensitivity to be taken. A few questions must be asked. What were Mr. Steinbach’s flight details? Was he found to be working in Dominica? Did he have enough money to sustain himself while on the island? Or did he have someone here who could legitimately sustain him on island? Was he in ,otherwise, in breach of our laws? If he did not violate any of the above, then, why shame Dominica by charging the man and on the other hand we are trying to have people come here and be recurring overnight visitors. We must ,always, take in consideration the implications of our actions especially when dealing with international visitors. We have had visitors charged with the possession of drugs, a major offence, and they’ve been given a kiss on the wrist. Always consider the facts

  6. Teddy
    August 4, 2014

    Oh my God,just because he over stay.? The man loves sweet Dominca that’s a plus to our country for spreading the word to the tourism world. What’s wrong with the Magistrates? At least just deport him, (slap on the wrist)

  7. Browne,C (Rastafari)
    August 4, 2014

    NOT only in Dominica, that does not fly! Every country has a right to practice and uphold its immigration laws. He would have been checked in any other country as well. Just because he’s a white man, the foolish sheeple think the law made a bad move. He overstayed his visit and that is what the discussion is, period! There would be no uproar or concerns if dude was African, given the same circumstances, just like the cries for Haitians to be deported. Not one of you knows where the cash he had came from, not one of you knows what mission this dude was on! I don’t know of any country that allows people to overstay, knowingly. One Italian guy said he would never visit Dominica again well, Dominica will not allow you to break their immigration laws partner, go somewhere else then!

    • Browne,C (Rastafari)
      August 4, 2014

      Ok knuckle heads, here’s a prime example of immigration work @ its best in another Caribbean island…not too very far from D/ca. After allu done reading and comprehending, please comment… :lol:

      http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/judge-sentences-man-to-4-years-for-re-entering-u-s-illegally-1.1728993

      • Anonymous
        August 5, 2014

        You’re so smart, you don’t even know the difference between apples and oranges. The article you referenced:

        “According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Ishmael Meyers, Jr., Wayne has an extensive criminal history, which warrants a harsher sentence than typically would be given for such a charge. Wayne was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after he presented a fraudulent V.I. birth certificate and driver’s license on Dec. 31, 2013, while trying to board a flight to Miami at King Airport on St. Thomas, according to court records. Court records also showed that Wayne was deported from the country six months earlier, after being convicted of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, a felony offense. Under federal law, deported felons, such as Wayne, are prohibited from re-entering the United States. On March 27, 2014, Wayne pleaded guilty to illegally entering the United States after having been deported. ”

        Did the German even have a criminal history?

  8. Anonymous
    August 4, 2014

    When will we learn that wrong will always be wrong regardless of who stop being bias and put right where it should be

  9. birdy1964
    August 4, 2014

    it is a shame. Do you know how many Dominicans around the world in other people countries illegal for years and committing crimes which make history, they don’t
    recieve such treatment. Why you all people so hustile to stranger. The truth dominica is beautiful by nature, and there is nothing else. I wonder if these people friendly. these article need to be published on all websight, The most unfriendly Island in the Caribbean.

  10. Annon
    August 4, 2014

    If one person charged for overstaying in D’a makes news, then people really don’t come here. lol

  11. August 4, 2014

    My take on it is not the law of the land..
    And so left to me all who want to come and stay are free to do so, as long as the person or persons respect the law of the land and stay out off trouble…Welcome

  12. Anonymous
    August 3, 2014

    Typical DA govt. response for someone that has some money. Get them for as much as you can and kick them out. Great PR for visitors. Instead, they could have given him the option of getting it straightened out at immigration the next day or taking a plane elsewhere the next day. Guess that they just wanted to make an example of an easy mark. The police want easy money making marks for the govt. kitty. They don’t look for all of the other illegals hiding out on the island or the ones committing actual crimes. Some people just come here and disappear into the bush. There may be more to the stop than what the article is covering. Then again real crime seems to run rampant on this island unless you are from one of the chosen families.

  13. td
    August 3, 2014

    A suspicious man was arrested along with a large sum of money. Because he overstayed. Yet he was fined in court $2,000 if he cannot pay the $2,000, he will go to jail for four months.
    My question is a large sum of money, how much is large? Oh! large does not have a figure? It is obvious he has been sentenced but, the large sum of money has never been checked.

  14. Anonymous
    August 3, 2014

    Duminicans, that’s what you all are. When the police execute their duties, they are being criticized, when they do not execute, they are being criticized. You people do not know what you want. You all are just really dumb.

  15. YES
    August 3, 2014

    I am A Dominican who lived in the USA for so many years illegal. Never been had a problem, paid taxes till I got illegal. We have to up hold laws of any country, but sometimes the law use their commonsense and weigh the situation. Once u stay out of trouble, they don’t harass u in the USA. Sometimes people overstay illegally or circumstances cause people to take a chance.

    Investigate the man concerning the all the money he has, if it is legal give him a brake and let him spend the money in Dominica to help the economy. If it is illegal money, then he deserves to be punished. Everyone take chances in life hoping it is constructive chances, and not to destroy other people. Make sure all these Chinese, Haitians, Dominican Republic etc are legal. If not, send them back. What is good for one is good for all.

  16. possi in usa
    August 2, 2014

    anoynmous 7 grandbay you idiots need to take time out and study the law before belching all these hot stinking air. police was not searching the man home,and for your information,police can stop anyone and question them on suspicion..you dumb people need to read.

    • BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
      August 3, 2014

      sweety u also need to familiarize yourself with the law. Police can stop anyone and question them however they are not under any obligation to answer.

    • wow
      August 3, 2014

      OH please come on Dominica. we should be happy who knows the man was looking for a piece of land to buy. that’s why he was walking with all that money in his bag. can you believe that Haitian and Spanish stand a better chance in Dominica? papa god look at Dominica lord have mercy. one little white man walking the streets of Woodford hill and they arrest him. papa met

  17. dominicangirl
    August 2, 2014

    y d police doh go savanne pie and pickup d cubans and dem that there that overstaying and waitin to be transported to st thomas. right now it have some in d jail in tortola that d boat man dem from portmouth drop off on peter island and tell dem they in st. thomas

  18. Nel
    August 2, 2014

    schupesssssss I cannot believe the law system in this country! god!! this magistrate have me disappointed!

  19. August 2, 2014

    This story is making headline in germany now…classed as racial discrimination against someone who was not a suspect in any crime….waw now as me i will paint my skin white because if i get out where i am as the only black person in my area in europe i will be stoppped by the police…any way i have changed my mind because i see the police every time i go out and they see me also but never ask me any question nor search my bag….Little minded dominica police…they want a promotion…

    • KayCee
      August 2, 2014

      This story may not even make the local rag in this man’s hometown. Germans are not that petty, I’ve lived there for a total of 8 years. But the law is the law.

    • Anonymous
      August 3, 2014

      DA teaches its children racism so how could it not be reflective of this society.

  20. Jenn
    August 2, 2014

    This is what I don’t get. Authorities claimed the man over stayed his welcome, Courts persecutes him. Instead of having him leave by a set date you adjourn his case allows him to stay longer reminds him that if found guilty his fine will be in the amount of $2000 or time in jail.
    Only in Dominica! Antigua, St.Maartin, or any other Caribbean island deports you without a fine sometimes your ticket is purchased by the government. I have never heard more.
    The government is building a rapport where we will not be welcomed any where around the world.

    • dominicaninus
      August 4, 2014

      It would be good if they were building rapport. Stop using words out of context.. Meaning of Rapport- A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each others’ feelings or ideas and communicate well (Webster dictionary)

    • August 4, 2014

      Seriously, when one overstays anywhere they are deported immediately or held in custody until deportation.

  21. ATKINSON
    August 2, 2014

    The drug squad officers should have told mr steinbach to take the bag full of money to passport office and buy a dominican passspaort/citizenship, so we not be arrested again :mrgreen:

  22. The Facts
    August 1, 2014

    At the time especially non D/can visitors’ passports are stamped, they should be verbally informed of the approved time they are entitled to spend in D/ca. Do not simply stamp their passports. Some visitors may not bother checking their passports. Furthermore, consider that visitors have been known to overstay their visit with no hindrance.
    If this were done, he would not have stated that he thought he was given a two-month stay rather than a two-week stay.
    Foreigners love the warm climate, a place where it is supposedly peaceful. Do not blame them if they overstay their visit. Also inform them if they want to extend their stay, they should apply for it. Provide them with relevant information.

  23. C
    August 1, 2014

    There is approximately 15,000 illegal Haitians walking around Dominica and the police is not saying a thing to them, yet the they chose to pick on one German citizen to victimise.

  24. dominicangirl
    August 1, 2014

    why all the spanish that in portsmouth u all not checking and send dem back especially those from cuba that want to be smuggled into st. thomas via tortola. they spending moths down there that for all u to check

    • Anonymous
      August 4, 2014

      They will never check the Cuband because we getting a lot of aid from Cuba. Unlike Germany, we have no direct relations with them. You get where I’m coming from right? Is do for me and I will overlook your faults. That’s the type of government we have in power. These boys got to go!

  25. brois
    August 1, 2014

    Seriously. ..I guess there was no other way to handle this…and the poor decisions by the same people again. .no worries I speak for myself. ..embarrassment is where I am from

    • dominicangirloversea
      August 4, 2014

      Me too, embarassment is where am from, stupes

  26. August 1, 2014

    All you need to check those Haitians and Spanish who for them to check they don’t check come Portsmouth and check them and leave the German alone dame nonsense

  27. Sebastian Taeggi
    August 1, 2014

    Well here you go: I am Italian and live in Martinique. I was considering spending a short vacation on your island, but now I changed my mind. What does it even mean, that the man was given just two weeks to stay? When I enter StLucia, I am always given six weeks right away. Wake up, Dominica. Be more welcoming to your guests. We break no laws and spend $$$.

  28. August 1, 2014

    How we dominican going to have foreign investment , when we so hard on the people when they over stayed , because he is not from chaina, we dominican went away for vacation and never return, including the police men.

  29. Juan
    August 1, 2014

    What if someone was born on Dominica and was away for a long time and goes back and decides to stay are they going to arrest that someone who was born on the island? Even if that person can optain a Dominica passport because they were born there? They sell passports to people who do not even know where Dominica is like that China man in California who got the passport through the mail after sending the money.

    • JW
      August 4, 2014

      No one gives 2 weeks to stay. Most countries gives 6 weeks to 6 months even if you ask for one week.

  30. August 1, 2014

    Not only them Haitians, also them Spanish and the others, what else one expect from them police, based on what they are saying this guy acted suspicious and was carrying a large sum of money. Hello the guy came to the came to the island as a tourist, so he have to come with money to sustain him while on the island, regarding the money as a national of Dominica i would like to know what amount of money the guy had, give me a break

    This is b ad news for Dominic a, keep on harassing tourist/foreign nationals and you people will find out. One of my fellow Dominica outside Dominica told us that he is having a hard time at work, he is employed by an Irish business man, and because of the outcome of the case here, for the guy who was murdered and those responsible for his death are all walking free, this is not sitting well, for him at his workplace, so keep on searching and harassing tourist because they look suspicious and carrying large sum of money, keep in mind that every household in Dominica have a family member/families residing outside

    There are many Dominicans out there who overstayed their visits in other countries they are not being harassed for acting suspicious, many of them are working i know of a few from my village in a country without documents who are building houses, sending money for their families working without documents, if the guy is involve in criminal activities, yes he need to be charged and deported back to his homeland, but for searching the man, arresting him for acting strange, come on people, them Haitian and Spanish who are in the country without documents even those with documents are doing far worst to the island,

  31. # Dominican.#
    August 1, 2014

    Lord for give them for they are all practicing Law under their bed. And like former pm Charles said they are carrying their ignorance on their chest like a badge of honor and that’s `why we are in big trouble if others take a leaf from their book. Simply put “LAW AND ORDER MUST BE MAINTAINED”! It must be weekend; I need a drink. Some body please educate some of our citizens. They are crying for that knowledge I beg please help some of my brothers and sisters. Dominica will be very happy if a real Lawyer come forward and put a dent to this madness. Smfh.

  32. August 1, 2014

    Wow over staying in DA.Life most be really bad for him in Germany.

  33. concerned villager
    August 1, 2014

    Roy pascal, romain reviere, hobbs jno . baptiste and Daniel carbon I hope all of u readin this wen ppl over stay in dominica they should b brought before the court and deported. ….rather than let them commit crimes and to add insult to injury serve a prison term and still in the country. …..now again its been a year and this criminal is on remand at the state prison pending a USI trial. …..still u victimize an honest police officer……

    • August 4, 2014

      Commit what crime? The only thing he was doing was spending money in Dominica. If someone is not a nuisance or on the dole then they should remain welcome in Dominica.

      Better solution: Allow police officers to grant a temporary three day extension on the spot in common sense cases like this, so that the tourist has time to get to the police station for a proper extension if he really wants to keep spending money in Dominica.

  34. giving
    August 1, 2014

    here go’s Tourism

  35. Nonsense
    August 1, 2014

    This is one of the many reasons, I will never visit Dominica again. The people are the group of backwards people. I remembered my visit last year vividly from Guadeloupe how we were treated at the Sea Port in Roseau. It ashame. I encourage my friends from Paris and London to come down for a group trip and it was one of the worst ever.

    I would encourage anyone to visit Antigua, St. Lucia or Grenada. Dominica, the service and the People not ready for tourism yet

  36. marvlyn
    August 1, 2014

    What are you Dominicans talking about? What if America started deporting all Dominicans who overstayed? Were the people going to the Promise Land deported? Better Days Must Come!! You put him in jail you still have to feed and shelter him. This man could be spending his money in Roseau market. Dominica needs to spend it’s money on more important things.

    • dominicaninus
      August 4, 2014

      If America could they would. It’s because there are too many illegals they can’t keep up. However, if you get in trouble with the law and it is found that you are illegal they might buy you a one way ticket. Most of the time ppl get away because the officers don’t check their immigration status.

    • August 4, 2014

      I wonder if they’ll give him back his money. I do not think he was involved in “drugs.” When people go on vacation they ALWAYS have a lot of money. I also do not think his overstaying was his fault. I, personally, never check my passport to see what was stamped in it. He probably had no idea that his stay was two (2) weeks as opposed to two (2) months. I think that there was miscommunication between himself and the immigration officer. Also, if he had gone home hoping to spend two (2) weeks he would not have that much money.

      You are right, the number of Dominicans that are currently overstaying in the US and EVERYWHERE ELSE if they were to be deported Dominica would have to draw back the waters or break down the mountains to lodge them. It is a shame the way that the law is used.

  37. kool
    August 1, 2014

    I cannot understand Dominica law atol, The man love the place, all they have to do is tell him go extend his stay. the man have money to spend on the Island. Come on Mr, Police man. what are you trying non.

  38. Francisco Telemaqe
    August 1, 2014

    Dominica will forever be a backward, and nasty place! I am not saying that our laws must be violated, nevertheless, there is something called discretion; and people especially the lousy police, and government must know when to use commonsense, and discretion!

    Dominicans go all over the world, and overstay, their are thousands of us in America, Canada, and elsewhere who have overstayed, hiding in holes like rats, immigration is not looking for us, and even when caught we are not instantly arrested, and dragged into court, and deportation ordered.

    I know instances where Dominican, call immigration on their very own family, as close as brothers, and sisters; those people however were not deported by immigration. They were simply given the opportunity to resolve their status, and please I do not wish anyone to challenge me and ask me how.

    I doh know!

    This person had to have known someone in the country which caused him to be there; so he made a mistake, you did not find the man involve into any illegal activity, you searched him which I believe to be an illegal searched without a warrant, and hell he is now likely to be deported, a country begging for visitors, and investors, should learn to conduct ourselves accordingly.

    If you treat people who come to our country, with dignity, and respect even when they make a simply; when they return to their country they will tell their friends and neighbors of their experience, good or bad our reputation will be known, if the experience was good and told it will encourage others to come, this is not a good experience for that guy.

    Here is the difference, I arrived in Cuxhaven West Germany on a visa, obtained in Belgium from the German consulate. I was instructed by the issuing officer, that on the expatriation, I should go the immigration in Cuxhaven and have it renewed if I wish. When the time came Teddy, and I went,when I walked up the stairs, there were about five hundred or more people (white) sitting and standing waiting to be served. An immigration officer sitting there waived to Teddy, and I, we approached him, the man took our passports, and said “you are the men on the Felskove” that is my our ship I have spoken about so many times here. The thing he asks me is ” how long do you wish to stay in our country?” Eventually, the man said I am going to give you each six month, after that if you are still here come back as often as you wish.

    Within that first six month both Teddy and I could have ended in jail, what happened all kinds of people, young people women most likely, and guys too would come aboard our ship, we party plenty, drank lots of beer, I do not use drugs, but some of the crowed indulged in hashish one night while we were having fun, the harbor police boarded the Ship, and searched it. On deck they found marijuana and hashish, they had everyone under arrest excepts Teddy and the kid; okay. When one of the officers inquired, why we were not arrested, the arresting officer, told him, they do not use drugs, it turned out that one of our visitors was a brother of the arresting officer, his brother was arrested in the crowed.

    Why are we so eager to hurt visitors to our country for a simply violation as overstaying a bloody stamp on piece of paper. I could understand if the man had remained in Dominica, and became a vagrant, and depended on the government for support, like some of those Dominican welfare recipient in Canada and America, who finds an illegal way to collect welfare!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • A Patriot
      August 2, 2014

      Whist readers may nod at your overall sentiments, however one must condemn your introduction, where you sought to curse your home land by saying: “…Dominica will forever be a backward, and nasty place!..” Sadly this is a very horrible and irresponsible statement to be uttered from a Dominicans. Your idle condemnation became worst that the actions of the officers, who you should have censured separately instead of the entire country. Unfortunately, by virtue of your flippant approach it is difficult to take any of your verbose views seriously.

      It would serve your best interest if you think carefully before you write to mediums such as this.

    • DA Native in Texas
      August 3, 2014

      Francisco sometimes I do not always agree with your comments..but I wish that this one could have been placed in an envelope and sent to directly Carbon and Skerit. There is an issue concerning over fourth thousand dollars of jewelry vanishing in customs and up to now no arrests has been made the last time I read DNO. Then again maybe arrests were made and DNO failed to let us in the diaspora know.

    • dominicangirloversea
      August 4, 2014

      Oh waw! This should be realy taken into consideration

  39. Anonymous
    August 1, 2014

    They will do it to us without hesitation! Bout time we enforce that ppl do things the proper way in Dominica..

  40. Peter J
    August 1, 2014

    What is this at all? DNO you sure that you got the story correctly? I thought Collin Piper was on a mission to get 90000, I not too sure, stay over visitors by 2015?
    The man had money not drugs, …. to be honest I cannot continue to comment on that one.
    Earlier this morning I heard an acting Chief Medical Officer announcing 3500 confirmed cases of the Chicungunya and her consolation to us is that it was spreading more rapidly a few weeks ago. More than 5% of the population has gone down with the disease and the leaders of the country are flippant about it.
    Now this arrest.
    Oh Dominica, my true confession, for what I did not do.
    How long, not long again to bring an end to incompetence in the leadership of this country. It is really difficult to stomach.

  41. hmmmm
    August 1, 2014

    I cant stand illiterate dominicans…….go and overstay in America or england , or even other caribbean islands and see how fast you all will be deported. The law is the law. stupesssss….too much illiteracy going on…..haitians are intelligent enough to be here on work permits.

    • hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
      August 4, 2014

      I think you were looking for the word “ignorant” not illiterate. hey since we are on the subject, your ignorance on US immigration astounds me. I was granted a six month stay in the US. I overstayed by THREE YEARS and was still given due time to fix my immigration status. (since technically I was not an illegal immigrant), but an out of status visitor!

      I however visited MY HOMELAND DOMINICA with my then expired Dominican passport along with my US passport which clearly lists my place of birth and was given 2 weeks to stay in the country! 8-O 8-O 8-O

    • dominicangirloversea
      August 4, 2014

      Is not illiterate dominicans friend is expirienced dominican who have been abroad and have seen different treatment than this here (unsensable), behaviors of our poor countrymen, sad

  42. In d diaspora
    August 1, 2014

    I live in a overseas and you guys should kno that if he had overstayed anywhere else the treatment would be the same. And it is also normal procedure for police to stop you and check your id and other information. Funny allu keep saying that the country backwards But is only when allu want. What allu think will happen to all those dominicans that in the US or elsewhere that “overstay” but working and paying taxes and contributing to the economy ? Don’t discriminate because allu think haitians doh have money, what is wrong is wrong no if no buts no maybes.

    • wow
      August 3, 2014

      Why would they charge the man. they should have given him time to leave.

    • hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
      August 4, 2014

      No. The police in the US cannot stop you and search you while walking the street committing no crime. Quote the constitution to these rogue cops and watch them retreat.

      In the us that would have been an illegal search. and the worst he would have gotten would be time to leave the country or fix his status.

  43. Amarossa
    August 1, 2014

    Aylas!! What a plox! But de man love D’ca….and that’s more than I can say for plenty of us that born and bred here…

  44. Confused
    August 1, 2014

    This is the way to make sure we do not encourage visitors to Sweet Dominica,if the only charge is to overstay on a visit

  45. Anonymous
    August 1, 2014

    Seriously, if the man is not engaged any illegal activity, Dominica should be happy to have other nationals visiting their island and circulating $$$$ into the economy. And, is all that has to happen is that the Drug squad become suspicious and they can stop and search anyone? What activity did they observe that made them suspicious…..that he was German? Wow!

    • charles
      August 1, 2014

      If u go to gwda sxm the us england and anywhere else and u are given 2weeks and u overstay if u are caught you will be deported and some of the countries u will be banned from reentering for a period of time so idont see your point its persons like u that think dominica is worthless and so anyone can come and live as they wish .is not overstaying without an extension breaking the law..why should u all try to make belive that dominica is less of a country than anywhere else.? DOMINICA IS A COUNTRY LIKE ALL OTHERS AND ITS LAWS SHOULD BE OBEYED LIKE ANY OTHER

      • De Caribbean Change
        August 4, 2014

        that’s america and england – but, dominica needs money, dry cash for that matter. no nefarious activities, no trouble; stay on for another ……………,mr tourist. maybe you can help take down the berlin wall between skerrit and lennox.

    • SweetSopPunch06
      August 2, 2014

      I don’t normally respond nor pay much attention to post on forums such as this, but this time I feel compelled to give my two cents.
      First and foremost that just proves your ignorance as a people that you’d advocate that as you say, “those Haitians for them to deal with”, and turn a blind eye to others. I’ll say no more on this bit.
      Secondly, just because someone wasn’t engaged in illegal activity, [you or I honestly don’t know this, but those were your assertions], doesn’t negate the fact that an immigration law for the island was violated/ignored, and as a result should be dealt with accordingly, regardless of who or where one’s originally from. Immigration guidelines are put in place for a reason. Can you lot not see that?!
      As a [British born] – Dominican citizen who is resident in the England, I assure you, that whether or not one engaged in as you say, [illegal activity while they overstayed the stipulated leave to remain period for visitors] or not, is irrelevant and still an offence under most, if not all immigration laws, around the globe, not just in Dominica, particularly in these times of protecting borders.

      It astounds me that you find it tolerable/satisfactory for one set of visitors to breach the island’s immigration laws, yet you advocate that others are the ones to go after or pursue. What a prejudicial and discriminatory statement!

      I have friends who are also British born citizens who went travelling across the United States, and after the [3 months – 90 days visa] programme, ended up leaving just [1] day over the stipulated 90 days stay, because they were exploring so hard the forgot.

      The US Immigration authorities stamped their passports to reflect them as “over-stayers”, which they in fact were, stated every subsequent visit to a US port they will be stopped, detained and question, will not be permeated back in without a US visa, and there was no guarantees they’d get one, nor will that exempt them from being stopped and interrogated if they entered a US port of entry.

      It’s been over ten years since that happened and they are still paying for this now, and choose not to go through all the hassle, [so don’t make out that Dominica shouldn’t deal with matters as well, just because they are in your mind dependent on $$$$$$$$].

      Do you reckon, particularly for a non-US, Canadian, UK, German, French, any other non-European/World citizen, that one would get off with a mere slap on the wrist, because they claimed to forget and weren’t involved in crime?
      I have news for you, as before you could pass go, one would be deported on the first available plane, with an immigration record that will follow you for years to come.

      It saddens me that we’ve made so many strides, yet in areas such as this, we seem to revert right back to our socialised, indoctrinated, colonialised mindset. :-? :-? :-?

      • HMMM
        August 4, 2014

        you dont normally comment but you write a whole book. stupes

      • Anonymous
        August 5, 2014

        It’s too bad that you normally don’t respond, because the one time that you did, I did not understand a word you said!

    • cj
      August 4, 2014

      We need to take in consideration Dominica is Country with laws like every where else. We need to send a message that we are a Sovereign State “is a nonphysical juridical entity of the international legal system that is represented by one centralized government that has supreme independent authority over a geographic area”. How ever, the judge ruling did not put any clarity specifically relating to Dominica immigration law. I think any individual who over- stay on his visa has clearly violated immigration laws and should be held by immigration awaiting deportation. The law is the law and should be enforced on any individual, race or nationality who disregard it. “Fair and impartial”.

  46. Anonymous
    August 1, 2014

    Dem Haitians allu have to check….what allu arresting d man for…..and even putting it on dno we like a set of Maggie….if is money allu want to make the amount of Haitians dat living in dno and over stay…dem for allu to check….sot…..boy dat make me vex

    • August 2, 2014

      I do not think that Haitians are the only people overstaying in Dominica. Everyone is suspicious in the eyes of the police, except those that are really suspicious.

  47. Grand bay
    August 1, 2014

    Wow! Police can just stop you and search your bag, no warrant. Now should that not be the responsibility of custom and immigration to deal with folks who overstayed their welcome in Dominica? This country does everything inside out.

    • change is a must!
      August 1, 2014

      Exactly!Thank you…………………. :lol:

    • The Facts
      August 1, 2014

      Yes, many things appear to be that, upside down – topsy turvy as the opposition presenting a budget and prior to the PM’s budget, even after the PM presented his. There are many strange occurrences in Dominica which surprise us and shockingly so who especially reside abroad.

    • Duh!
      August 2, 2014

      Immigration officers are policemen And yes. If the policemen believe that you look suspicious they have the legal authority to search you.

    • d/a guy
      August 2, 2014

      My friend as time gos you will get to know your laws please don’t take to long to find them out that way you wont just say want you want the law man has the right have you been to st.maartin you can b stop at any time on the road so why cant our police do the same please get to know laws of the land the law man all over do the same to us when we in there place good job police I just think my good friend don’t see D/A to be a place we people should obey the laws in d/a as we a to busy playing RED/BLUE/and GREEN lol lol

    • Shameless
      August 2, 2014

      Partner, Dominica has a NATIONAL POLICE FORCE and therefore the police can enforce any law they choose to unless prevented so by an act of parliament or court of law. This is not an American territory where the various branches are different and enforce different statutes.

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

    • Juan
      August 2, 2014

      What are the police going to do when they stop and illegally search the bag of a white men and arrest him and find out that that white old man was born on Dominica years ago and is visiting the place of his birth before he dies and has more right to be there than they do? How many of those policemen are really from Dominica or were born there? Someone should check their credentials and birth certificate, they may be from Haiti or somewhere else and owe allegiance to another country like the PM.

  48. van
    August 1, 2014

    How can you possibly mistake two weeks stay for two months? Was he not the person who booked his original stay?

    Does loving Dominica cancel out the offence? What was the explanation given for the large sum of money found on this individual? So many questions, yet very few answers.

  49. first lady
    August 1, 2014

    This is so unfair to ask this man to pay all this money for overstaying in Dominica, what message are we sending to the world and trying to boost tourism; look at the situation all these Domininicians who overstay caught by immigration they are not treated like that, in this case this young man has a return ticket just ask him to leave why put him and the courts through that stress and expense of country tax payers money it’s absolute rubbish.

  50. pusss
    August 1, 2014

    The man did not have any drugs. All that money just for overstaying. The number of Haitians that overstaying in Dominica. Dominican overstaying and they are just deported from other countries. Because the police see the money and they could not take it they charge the man. They could not put that money to dry.

  51. eyes open wide
    August 1, 2014

    de man love de country let de man free up ,he must have eaten some good food here and drink fresh water and eat none stop mango, that he doe want to go back hahahaah :-P

  52. Educator
    August 1, 2014

    This got me thinking: how many Dominicans are living illegally in foreign countries? These same people remit millions of dollars into Dominica.

    Bottom line, if these people overstay, report them. There is no need to prosecute these cases in the courts.

  53. August 1, 2014

    Hope the same thing is done to all those Haitians in Possie who over stay for months and years.

  54. FORKIT
    August 1, 2014

    what about all those Haitians that walking about scamming people while they overstaying…

  55. lang Mama
    August 1, 2014

    Yes I the Dominica weed is so good that the German lost count of the weeks. Hey may be we should advertise our Country on the basis that our weed takes your worries and care away- going thru a divorce get the Waitikubuli weed; Israel killing your people come to Dominica for the weed; congress suing you come get our weed; Your Bird escape from the cage and then injected by a vet in the valley go smoke some Dominica weed; Another man driving your range rover while you in lying to the people and conniving with other corrupt men – smoke some Waitikubuli weed and you wont remember that the other man was driving your Range Rover. Waitikubuli weed will make you forget that you were once a priest; My husband is not gay – damn I need some Waitikubuli weed to open my eyes

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