NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A magistrate’s court has ruled a teenager who was charged with intent to cause harm to an immigration officer during a “special operation” earlier this year, has no case to answer to.
Elddeanna Monica Agenor, 19, and her mother, Rights Bahamas Chairperson Mona Agenor, were detained following their encounter with immigration and police officers at their home in Bedrock Court on July 31.
According to reports, the “special operation” began around 4 am and covered Flamingo Close, Jubilee Gardens, Venice Bay, Area 51 Haitian Village, Carmichael Road, Sir Milo Butler Highway, McKinney Drive and Bedrock Haitian Village off Barcardi Road.
Agenor’s home was among nearly 200 covered by a court injunction preventing its demolition.
The teenager was charged with threatening to harm Senior Immigration Officer Vonetta Darling-Flowers, who was involved in the operation.
Elddeanna’s attorney Crispin Hall filed a no case submission before Magistrate Derrance Rolle Davis after hearing testimony from the virtual complainant.
According to Hall, the judge concurred and discharged Elddeanna as the court was not satisfied that the charges were met.
When contacted, he said the victory is vindication for Right Bahamas.
The lawyer added it should send a clear message there is still a group of attorneys who will continue to act as watchdogs on these matters.
“I think at the end of the day when persons are faced with… the circumstances of what happened, the circumstances surrounding the arrest — they start to lose hope and I think it is important for persons to have hope,” Hall said.
“I think that this victory for Elddeanna is an indication that we have a fair and impartial judicial system.
“I think it inspires confidence in the judicial system and shows that you can still get justice despite persons levying certain allegations against you.
Hall added: “In these circumstances, vindication is a word that we can use.”
Hall noted a civil action suit against the government was being explored.
Mona Agenor was charged with one count of disorderly behavior, three counts of obscene language and another count of resisting arrest.
Her trial continues of November 19.
