Twenty-three Haitians, who landed in Portland on February 15 aboard a 20-foot sailing boat, were yesterday sentenced to 30 days in jail for illegal entry, when they appeared before the Buff Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

The group, which includes three women, pleaded guilty before Justice Marjorie Moisten to the offence of illegal entry, and will serve the time in prison.

It is the first time since the influx of Haitians, who began turning up in large numbers on Jamaica's shores in 2004 following the ouster of President Jean Bertrand-Aristide, that they were being charged and sentenced for illegal entry.

Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) liaison officer for the parish, Cpl. Dwane Campbell, said the Haitians were transported back to the Horizon Remand Centre, in Kingston, to serve their sentence.

Recommendations have been made to have them deported upon completion of their sentences.