Fourteen Venezuelan nationals who came to Guyana to seek employment were on Monday ordered deported from the country when they appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The nine men and five women were charged with entering Guyana illegally by sea on July 20 at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River; and disembarking without presenting themselves to an immigration officer.

They all pleaded guilty to the charges and told the court that they had come to Guyana to seek out a better life in wake of the economic crisis in their country.

They were each fined $10,000 or should they fail to pay the fine they will be sentenced to six days’ imprisonment. They will be kept in police custody until deported.

Those charged are Gabriel Cheverria, Richard Delgado, Edgar Castillo, Leonardo Liendro, Jose Sudero, Dannys Diaz, David Rengel, Jesus Figueria, Ramon Rodriquez, Kisriana Garcia, Helle Burgos, Yecser Toledo, Erik Maza and Yineurys Lara.

They were not represented by an Attorney and had to speak through an interpreter.

They told the court that they had ventured into Guyana because they had no other alternative, lamenting that there was no food or jobs at home.

Venezuela is suffering what many believe is the worst economic crisis in its history. Ordinary people in the oil-rich country are regularly going without food.

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