By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAGISTRATE handed down a $1,000 fine to a Haitian man yesterday who was residing in the country on an expired work permit.
Isnert Blanc, 53, was charged with overstaying after he was found in the country past the expiration time granted to him by the director of immigration.
The court was told that officials found Blanc on a property near Love Beach around 8pm on November 25.
The prosecution said when immigration officers approached the accused and asked him to identify himself, he was unable to do so. He was then cautioned and taken to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre for further processing.
When officials made checks there, they discovered Blanc had a work permit which had expired on June 17 this year. The court was told the accused made no attempts to renew his permit.
During the hearing, Blanc’s counsel told the magistrate his client had been living in The Bahamas for 24 years. He claimed Blanc’s wife had status in the country and that all three of his children were born here.
In response, Magistrate Forbes said Black placed himself in a “precarious situation” by failing to follow the laws of the country, adding that 24 years gave him ample time to apply for permanent residency.
As a result, he fined Blanc $1,000 or 12 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He said once the fine was paid, Blanc would be released to the director of immigration who would determine whether the accused would be deported or allowed to apply for status in the country.
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