Woman charged with bribery

(CNS): A civilian who attempted to bribe an immigration officer in connection with a naturalization application has denied the allegation and will be the first civilian to go on trial for offences under the anti-corruption law. Paula Yates Rivers (a.k.a. Relova-Cruz) a resident of West Bay, pleaded not guilty through a Spanish interpreter on Friday morning when she appeared in Grand Court to answer the corruption charges. Rivers is accused of offering an immigration officer $100 to ensure smooth passage of her application for Caymanian status last June.

Although the anti-corruption law applies mostly to government workers, the legislation can impact the broader public and Yates' case will be the first prosecution for offering a bribe. The Court recorded her denials and a trial date has been set for April next year for three days. Yates is represented by Prathna Bodden, from Samson and McGrath.