29 Haitians found guilty of illegal entry

Twenty-nine Haitian nationals, who were charged by the Portland police with illegal entry, were placed before the Portland Parish Court yesterday.

The 24 men and five women were jointly fined after they appeared before the court. They were fined $7,000 or three days of hard labour each. Arrangements are being made by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency to have them returned to Haiti.

Thirty-seven Haitians, eight of them children, arrived at Boston Beach in Portland on July 10 about 1:40 p.m. It is believed that they embarked on their journey from Jeremie, Haiti, approximately 14 days before that.

Residents reportedly spotted a vessel carrying the group near the beach and helped them ashore. They reportedly gave the Haitians food, water and soda to replenish themselves. They were later taken to hospital to undergo screening.