Several Jamaicans deported from Antiguan shores

Two Jamaican citizens, Alicia Ricketts and Renea Nelson, found themselves in legal trouble in Antigua.

They were denied entry into the country due to illegal entry and subsequently got involved in a physical altercation with an immigration officer at VC Bird International Airport.

According to reports, the situation escalated as Nelson became increasingly disruptive even while in custody, and Ricketts allegedly assaulted an immigration officer, tearing her uniform blouse in the process.

As a result of these events, Ricketts pleaded guilty to battery and was fined EC$400. Additionally, she received an extra fine of EC$500 for resisting arrest. Meanwhile, Nelson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was fined EC$250.

Following these legal proceedings, the Immigration Department sought and obtained court approval for their immediate deportation back to Jamaica, which was granted.

In a separate incident, 62-year-old Corrol Lee Gayle, who had been residing in Antigua since 2018, was also deported after illegally entering the country. Gayle entered by boat on August 18 and disembarked without immigration authorization.

 Subsequently, he faced charges of unlawful entry, using an undesignated port, failing to report to immigration, and overstaying his permit, which had expired in December 2018.

Despite admitting to these charges and being reprimanded and discharged, immigration officials ordered his deportation from the country.

In yet another case, the Immigration Department is seeking the assistance of the public to find Sanjaye Kemar Morgan, a Jamaican national who escaped from their detention center around 6 am on Sunday, September 8.

The circumstances leading to his escape are currently under investigation. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact Immigration at 764-3240 or 562-8620.