US Commercial fisherman, Michael Foy, accused of illegally entering the territory during the lockdown has been denied bail.
At the time he was the captain of commercial fishing vessel “Rebel Lady” which was carrying 7000 pounds of fish and Indonesian nationals, who could not speak any English and were holders of C- 11 Transit Visas, which is only applicable to persons working on a fishing vessel.
According to the Public Prosecution report, on June 8th, 2020, the accused was caught in Territorial waters near Peter Island and Norman Island by Her Majesty’s Customs.
Once Police intercepted, Mr. Foy claimed to have had permission to enter the territory.
However the Public Prosecution report said prior Mr. Foy’s entry “permission was sought and denied by the Chief Immigration Officer as the borders of the Territory were closed as part of the Territory’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
As a result, the accused is facing charges of illegal entry, unregistered and unlicensed foreign fishing vessel and entering the territory and failing to arrive at a Customs port.
The report said “the vessel was detained and The Court made an order for the fish to be forfeited and resold to benefit the Government pursuant to section 75 of the Fisheries Act, 1997 as amended.”
Following Mr. Foy’s arrest, two US Senators had written to Deputy Governor, David Archer to request that a prompt and fair process takes place.
Within the letter they said “we will continue to closely follow Mr. Foy’s case and expect him to be treated appropriately under safe and sanitary conditions. Mr. Foy should be treated fairly, and we support a fair legal process without delay.”
It is unclear if they got a formal response.