Pregnant Haitian woman remanded on illegal entry charge, partner granted bail

A pregnant Haitian woman who reportedly entered Jamaica illegally and was arrested while seeking medical attention was remanded, while her partner, who is a Jamaican, was granted $200,000 bail in the St Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday.

Twenty-three-year-old Sophania Guersaaint of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was charged with illegal entry, while Sheldon Gordon is charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry.

When Guersaaint and Gordon appeared before Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle, lawyers told the court that Guersaaint would not enter a plea.

A legal representative for the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency told the court that it would take a while for the agency to confirm her identity through the Haitian Liaison Office, therefore, Guersaaint would be placed at the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre to facilitate the process.

The court was told that the accused's younger sister is in state care and that her mother is at the South Camp Road facility, therefore, it would an easier process.

It is alleged that the accused illegally landed in Portland and subsequently went to meet "friends" in Hellshire.

While in Hellshire, she met Gordon and their relationship resulted in her becoming pregnant. She was held as she sought medical attention.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Tanair Calder said members of the St Catherine South Proactive Investigation Unit were alerted by the Greater Portmore Health Centre on November 14, 2025.

This was after it was revealed that Guersaaint couldn't communicate in English.

Investigations resulted in the arrest of Gordon.

Guersaaint was subsequently charged with illegal entry and Gordon with aiding and abetting.

- Rasbert Turner

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