By Latrishka Thomas
A 26-year-old Cuban woman’s impromptu party boat adventure has led to an unexpected detour and legal troubles in Antigua and Barbuda.
Maria De Las Nieves Jimenez Lopez found herself in hot water with immigration authorities after arriving in the country under unusual circumstances.
According to the authorities, between April 1 and September 22, Lopez disembarked from a vessel in Antigua and Barbuda without proper authorisation from immigration officials.
She allegedly failed to enter the country through a designated port, and did not present herself to an immigration officer for examination upon arrival, as required by law.
The court heard that Lopez had overstayed her visa in St Kitts before boarding a ‘party boat’ which brought her to Antigua’s shores.
In an attempt to rectify her situation, she purchased a ticket to return to St Kitts via VC Bird International Airport. However, she was apprehended at the airport before she could depart.
Appearing before the court before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, Lopez pleaded guilty to all charges. In light of the circumstances, the court reprimanded and discharged her.
The court then granted a deportation order, mandating her departure on an InterCaribbean Airways flight on Friday of this week.
Until her scheduled departure, she will be housed at the immigration detention centre.
