Chief Magistrate sentences illegal migrants; 16-Year-Old Girl among them

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, November 10, 2023 – A record number of Illegal Immigration cases are making the docket at the Magistrate’s Court and Hon Mr. Jolyon Hatmin told defendants who appeared before him recently that he has the legal prerogative to send violators to prison for as many as two years.

Chief Magistrate Hatmin warned the accused, that they cannot continue or expect to break into another country and not go to prison. He told them he can and will give discounted sentencing for those enter a guilty plea at first opportunity but they must still expect to go to prison.

Some of the defendants admitted that they paid to come to Turks and Caicos and some say they caught a ride and did not pay.

In the end, the Chief Magistrate sentenced VICTOR ROLDOLPH, 25 to eight months imprisonment for being a fourth time illegally entry person. The man admitted entering Turks and Caicos Islands illegally in 2021, 2022 and earlier in 2023 and now again 2023 on 15th/16th September. He also had a different name for each time he was captured by Immigration officials. His reasoning, as explained to Chief Magistrate Hatmin, “things are not good in my country.”

RENAND LOUIS, 35 pleaded guilty to Unlawful Entry and was sentenced to five months imprisonment. Louis has come into Turks and Caicos illegally before; in 2017 and 2019.

He accepted this is his third time entering illegally on 15th/16th September 2023.

MAX BEREUS, 33 entered illegally on the same date. He  told the Court “yes I’m guilty.” He said he did it for a better life for his three young children ages 13, 9 and 4. He told Court if sentenced to prison, his kids will suffer. He said I came twice before but immigration documentation to the court showed this was his fourth trip ILLEGALLY in the TCI. Sentencing for him was nine months imprisonment.

Nineteen year old woman, MICHAELE DUVERT admitted guilt and was sentenced to “Time served” as this was her first time coming into the Turks and Caicos illegally.  The court consented to time spent in detention center from 15th/16th September to her court appearance date of Tuesday October 3, 2023 as her final sentence. Her sister DELDINE JEAN also entered as an irregular migrant on the date in question; the younger female told the Court she was 16-years-old and requested legal assistance through legal aid.

The Chief Magistrate acquiesced; however only three days later, the teen girl was sentenced to “time served.”