Turning now to other news...
45-year-old Stuart Ashley Shoptaw came to Belize on Thursday, September 15, on a cruise ship, but decided he would stick around since he fell in love with the country back in 2016. But on Tuesday, Shoptaw found himself in court on a single charge of failure to comply with the conditions of a visitors permit.
He pleaded guilty to the Immigration Offense and told the Senior Magistrate that he regretted what he did and was very sorry. However, in mitigation, he explained that he didn't have a passport since he claimed it was stolen, but since he loved Belize so much, he decided the best possible way to return to the country was via a cruise ship, Liberty of the Seas.
But when the cruise ship left and Shoptaw was not onboard, they alerted the authorities and two days later, on September 17th, he was found in Hattieville, in a local store getting his hair braided.
Shoptaw also said that while in custody, he asked to speak with an attorney but was told he didn't need one. Additionally, he told the court that he wants to apply for residency in Belize because he is interested in buying property. However, the prosecutor explained that may not be so easy since he just received his first conviction.
The Belize Immigration Department also made an application for Shoptaw's removal, which was granted. However, he told the court that he has the finances to buy his own ticket to get back home.
Shoptaw was also fined $1,000 plus a $5 cost of court fine, which he was ordered to pay forthwith since he is not a Belizean, in default, six months imprisonment.
