Jamaican women fined over confrontation with immigration officer in Antigua, to be deported

ST JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC – Two Jamaican women are scheduled to be deported from Antigua after arriving in the country on Sunday and becoming embroiled in a physical confrontation with an immigration officer at the VC Bird International Airport.

The women, identified as Alicia Ricketts and Renea Nelson, were denied entry upon their arrival but allegedly became involved in disorder, with Nelson becoming increasingly disruptive even while in custody.

The situation escalated when Ricketts assaulted immigration officer Tiffany Ramsey, tearing her uniform blouse in the process.

Ricketts later pleaded guilty to battery and was fined EC$400,

She was also fined an additional EC$500 for resisting arrest, while Nelson, who pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, was fined EC$250.

The Immigration Department then asked Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel at the District B Magistrate's Court, for their immediate deportation, which was approved by the court. 

The two women are to be sent back to Jamaica on the next available flight.

Meanwhile, another Jamaican was deported arising from illegal entry.

The authorities said that Corrol Lee Gayle, 62, who had been residing in the island since 2018, was sent home after entering the country illegally.

Gayle is reported to have entered by boat on August 18 and disembarked without immigration authorisation.

He was subsequently charged with unlawful entry, using an undesignated port, and failing to report to immigration as well as overstaying his permit, which expired in December 2018.

Gayle admitted to the charges and was reprimanded and discharged, but immigration officials ordered his deportation.

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