ALL 131 Hondurans who had actually been apprehended for unlawfully fishing on the Pedro Banks previously this month on Friday pleaded guilty and will need to pay the fines enforced by the courts or serve time prior to being permitted to leave. The males were apprehended on December 11 after a chase including members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard who, in patrolling Jamaica’s Exclusive Economic Zone, obstructed the Honduran fishing vessel with them aboard. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Ruth-Anne Robinson, who represented the Crown when the matter was heard on Friday, stated 5 minors (17-year-olds) who were amongst the 131 were advised and released and all the others fined $40,000 or more months in jail. The motorist (helmsman) of the boat, who was charged for damage to the JDF vessel, was fined $150,000 or 3 months’ jail time, and $100,000 for fishing without a licence. The ship’s captain was fined the heaviest of the lot and was likewise charged for stopping working to follow the command of a marine officer as under the Exclusive Economic Zone Act. All the guys will stay in custody up until the fines have actually been paid. No time at all duration was specified by the court for that payment. According to declarations supplied to the court, the coast guard officers were on task when they observed black smoke originating from a ship in the Exclusive Economic Zone, the smoke signalling that the vessel was moving far from the island. The coast guard, in calling out to the vessel to stop, was addressed by the captain who stated, “We are bad individuals. Let us go house.” The JDF Coast Guard, nevertheless, sent an interceptor (a smaller sized vessel to reach that vessel quicker) however experienced problems based upon techniques used by the Hondurans âEUR” among which ultimately led to 85,000 euros worth of damage to the JDF vessel. Following a chase, in which they fired cautioning shots and purchased the vessel to stop, JDF officers handled to board the ship which was ultimately docked at Port Royal. Amongst the products discovered on-board were 5 two-pound fish, a compressor utilized in fishing, a see-saw (bait utilized to capture worms for fishing), diving devices and safety glasses. “Once the fines are paid they will leave on their vessel. They were not charged for prohibited entry so they are not being deported. It’s a loss to the economy, however keep in mind, they are people so it’s a balancing act and the resources for the [security forces which are being utilised] to hold 131 males. They should not be here a lot longer, I expect. It is our hope they will return house as quickly as possible,” Robinson informed the Jamaica Observer. Lawyer for the males, Tom Tavares-Finson, King’s Counsel, in validating that the males are still in custody, informed the Observer that as soon as plans are produced the payment of the fines, the guys will leave.
Unlawful Honduran anglers fined $40k or 2 months in jail
