Prosecutors dropped charges against a Jamaican national accused of living illegally in Bermuda after it was confirmed that an order had been signed for her deportation.

Gabrielle Gangadhar, 40, pleaded not guilty this week to a charge of staying on the island without permission between November 2022 and March 2023.

Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, told Magistrates’ Court yesterday that the Crown would offer no evidence in the case.

She said: “There has been a signed deportation order from the Governor so there’s no reason to proceed with the criminal offence.”

Ms Clarke said that Ms Gangadhar would be held in custody until next week, when she is set to be removed from the island.

The court heard that a flight has already been scheduled for March 15.

After magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo discharged Ms Gangadhar from the case, she urged the court to allow her to remain on the island so that she can continue to pursue a case with the Human Rights Commission.

Mr Tokunbo responded that he was not able to assist as it was beyond his powers.

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