Pregnant Haitian freed on $1m bail after months in custody

A Haitian woman who entered Jamaica illegally, became pregnant, and was later held during a routine health check has been granted $1,000,000 bail, with the court citing humanitarian grounds.

Sophonie Guersaint, who is in an advanced stage of pregnancy, was freed when she appeared in the St Catherine Parish Court on March 24, after spending four months in custody.

The accused, who is facing a charge of illegal entry, had her bail application strongly argued by Attorney-at-Law Dr Marcus Goffe, who told the court that his client was at the mercy of the judge.

Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle questioned the status of Guersaint's asylum application, but a representative from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency indicated that more time was needed to process the matter.

Despite this, the judge granted bail, noting that the decision was made on humanitarian grounds, given the woman's condition.

As part of her bail conditions, Guersaint is to reside with her child's father, who was accepted as surety.

Dr Goffe welcomed the ruling, stating that his client can now experience motherhood outside of custody after months behind bars.

Reports are that on November 14, 2025, Guersaint visited a health centre in Greater Portmore for a check-up. During attempts to communicate with her, it was discovered that she was from Haiti and had entered the island illegally.

She was subsequently taken into custody, and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency was contacted. Following investigations, she was arrested and charged.

Her child's father, Sharrodon Gordon, has also been charged with aiding and abetting.

- Rasbert Turner

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