GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – The Cabinet of the Cayman Islands has not yet considered the Court’s recommendation for the deportation of Ato Modibo Stephens, despite media reports to the contrary.

Mr. Stephens was sentenced to 18 months in prison on 3 August, 2017, and the Court recommended his deportation following completion of his sentence. His case was heard by the Conditional Release Board in November, 2017, and Mr. Stephens was granted conditional release from prison until the completion of his sentence on 4 February, 2019.

Mr. Stephens’ sentence resulted from a guilty verdict on one charge of using an information and communication technology network to annoy, harass or abuse an underage female. He was found not guilty of indecent assault or gross indecency.

The Court does not make deportation orders; only recommendations. When deportation is recommended by the Court, Cabinet considers the circumstances of the case, the law, any connections which the convicted person may have to the Cayman Islands and the rights, including the right to family life, accorded everyone under the Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities enshrined in the Cayman Islands Constitution. The Cabinet is also required to take into consideration the seriousness of the offence, the risks posed to the community by the continued residence here of the convicted person.
Based on all these factors, Cabinet then makes a determination as to whether or not it is appropriate to make a deportation order.

This is the process that will be followed in Mr. Stephens’ case as it is in every case where deportation is being considered.