Quarantine jumper picks up court fine

An American visitor who disregarded two of this island’s COVID-19 directives was ordered to pay $3 000 to a local court for his “indiscretion” before being handed over to immigration.

New Yorker Leroy Osaruwense Oriakhi pleaded guilty to contravening Paragraph (18) clause (a) of the emergency Management (COVID-19) (Curfew) (No 11) Directive 2021, without reasonable explanation, while in a public place at Bush Hill without a face mask, face shield or face covering for his mouth, nose or chin.

The 34-year-old entrepreneur also admitted to flouting Paragraph (25) Clause (a) of the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Curfew) (No.11) Directive 2021 by leaving the room at the Hilton Barbados where he was quarantined without the consent of the Chief Medical Officer. Both offences occurred on July 12.

Station Sergeant Crishna Graham told Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes that Oriakhi arrived on island on July 9 and was scheduled to leave on July 14. After he was told that he had to be quarantined for five days however, he expressed a desire to leave the country on July 13 and had a COVID test done.

After the test the convicted man was told to quarantine at the Hilton until it was time for him to go to the airport. The police prosecutor said that officers from the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit visited the hotel after receiving information.

Hotel security had encountered him in the corridor without a mask or face covering and he was detained. As officials of the COVID unit approached he escaped from security personnel and ran through Aquatic Gap but was eventually caught.

“I do apologise. I didn’t know I was supposed to get clearance from the hotel to leave,” said the American who disclosed that his COVID-19 test was negative.

“I thought I was cleared to go back home. I do like to apologise for that. I do know that going forward and it won’t happen again. I do apologise,” said to the visitor who further disclosed that he visited Barbados “to kick back” for his birthday.

When asked whether he knew about the Bush Hill area where he was caught Oriakhi said “no”. He also said he did not know what form of entertainment was offered there and neither did he speak to any locals about the area.

“I was only trying to catch a taxi, sir,” he said.

Chief Magistrate Weekes told Oriakhi that for his “indiscretion” of not staying in quarantine he would need to contribute to the coffers of the country.

“Persons must not be allowed to think they can do what you did,” Weekes added before he imposed the forthwith $3 000 fine which had an alternative sentence of three months in prison.

For not wearing a mask Oriakhi was convicted, reprimanded and discharged before he was handed to immigration.