Colombian charged for entering Guyana illegally

A Colombian was on Thursday remanded to prison by acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus when he appeared before her charged for illegally entering Guyana, and a psychological evaluation was ordered.
Jose Valencia, a 32-year-old cook, admitted that he entered Guyana without presenting himself to an immigration officer on October 22, 2018 at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu). He was, however, arrested by Police on January 19, 2019, and taken to the Rose Hall Police Station, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where he failed to hand over his passport.
According to the prosecution’s case, an investigation confirmed that Valencia entered Guyana illegally.
In court on Thursday, with the aid of an interpreter, the defendant told the court that upon his arrival in Guyana, he was taken to the Immigration Office where he presented himself and was granted a three-month stay.
Further, he explained that he was sleeping at the Stabroek Market during his stay when his suitcase containing his documents and belongings were stolen. After observing the defendant and listening to his claims, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus asked that he be psychologically evaluated after which she would hand down her sentence.
As such, he was remanded and expected to return to court on February 12, 2019.