Honduran national, seeking medical treatment in Belize, sent home

Vilma Rodriguez Acosta

In the local courts, a Honduran woman, who claims she came to Belize for medical reasons over three months ago, is being sent back to her country because she doesn’t have her documents in order. Forty-one year old Vilma Rodriguez Acosta, who has been living on East Collet Canal, was arrested on Thursday and handed over to Immigration personnel. When she appeared before Magistrate Adolph Lucas today, Rodriguez was deemed a Prohibited Immigrant and an order was granted for her expulsion from the country. But according to the Immigration representatives, they are aware of Rodriguez’ medical condition, which is why they did not seek to have a fine imposed. They say she is being sent home to get her documents together and she can return to Belize to continue her treatment thereafter. She will also be provided with temporary documents to facilitate her travelling back to Honduras since she currently does not have a passport or social security card. Rodriguez arrived in Belize on April twentieth via the Banks of the Mopan River.