Woman loses job, remanded for alleged over-staying

A woman from the Dominican Republic was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison when she appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday for remaining in the British Virgin Islands without a valid permit.

Thirty-four-year-old Fior Feliciano pleaded not guilty during her appearance before Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste DaBreo, and will face trial tomorrow, January 19.

Allegations are that the Feliciano lost her job as a waitress at a bar in Sea Cow’s Bay back in October 2016.

With her work permit immediately becoming invalid, she went to the Immigration Department and sought a new permit to stay in the territory.

The court heard that immigration officers instructed the accused woman to submit a few documents in order for the new permit to be processed.

It is reported that, on November 10, Feliciano submitted some of the required documents and was told to return with the others.

The court heard that she didn’t return, and instead cut off communication with the Immigration Department.

It is reported that immigration officers held the accused on January 13.

She was subsequently charged with overstaying.

In court, Magistrate DaBreo said the Spanish-speaking accused does not qualify for bail.

“If she still has no time in this jurisdiction; which means I have to send her up to Balsam Ghut (Her Majesty’s Prison.”