A 25-YEAR-OLD Cuban national was fined $20,000 on Wednesday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for overstaying in Guyana.Luis Hernandez Rosales pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that between April 30 and May 16 at Georgetown, he failed to comply with conditions, that is to say having been permitted to stay in Guyana during March 30 and April 29, he overstayed his time.

The unrepresented man had to be assisted by a translator. He explained to the court that he came to Guyana to work and send money for his family.

Police prosecutor Dinero Jones stated that on March 30, Rosales came to Guyana on vacation and was permitted to stay for one month until April 29. However, on May 16, Police acting on information went to Charlotte Street, Georgetown where they contacted the defendant. A search was conducted on his person and the passport found on his possession revealed that he had overstayed his permitted time.

The national was then arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, where he was later charged with the offence.

The defendant, a computer technician in Cuba, will receive his passport after paying his fine. However, a default in paying the fine will result in three weeks’ imprisonment.