After spending 25 years in the United States, Eddie Bellas, a Saint Lucian musician and self-proclaimed advocate for “love and light”, has returned to his homeland following his deportation. Now, he is fighting to rebuild his life and reunite with his four children.
Bellas, originally from Bellevue in Vieux Fort, was deported from the US on May 24. He has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise US$47 000 to continue his legal battle.
According to Bellas, his deportation resulted from overstaying a B-1 visa issued before he entered the US in September 2000. He was expected to return to Saint Lucia within six months, but failed to do so. However, he argues that the grounds for his removal were flawed from the beginning.
Bellas maintains that he was only 17 at the time, a minor under American law, and claims he never knowingly agreed to or signed a visa contract.
Now back in Saint Lucia, Bellas is seeking help not just for legal aid, but for the basic needs of reintegration. He says his former home is unlivable, and he lacks resources many take for granted, like shelter and stability.
He says critical legal questions, such as whether he was of age and whether there was proof of consent, remain unanswered.
“I just need a base where I can set up myself… and, most importantly, I just need the support so I can get restoration for my family and justice, especially my children who are away from their father.”
Bellas alleges that his children were taken from him under false pretences and that their separation was used against him in court to justify his deportation.
He says he is pursuing justice through the US court system.
“I have filed my case in there… With the proper funding, I can get legal representation so I can stand a better chance in those venues,” he told St Lucia Times.
Beyond the legal system, Bellas also claims he was beaten and placed in solitary confinement while in US Immigration (ICE) custody.
He alleges that a female officer punched him while another sprayed his eyes after he refused to consent to the proceedings.
“She was punching me in my back and telling me to keep my hands away from my face… They told me, if I do that again, they’re gonna spray me some more…They put a bag [over] my head, sprayed me again… I would not wish that on anybody.”
He says he was placed in solitary confinement for three days under harsh conditions: “They didn’t give me no toilet paper… they were just making it as miserable as possible for me.”
Bellas believes this was a tactic to pressure detainees into compliance. “ICE puts you under a lot of duress so that they can force you… to [accept] stipulated removals,” he said.
His GoFundMe campaign is titled Help Eddie Bellas Restore After Deportation. Bellas is calling on fellow Saint Lucians and anyone moved by his story to support his fight for legal representation, a safe place to live, and, most importantly, to reunite with his children aged between 3 and 12.
“I just need the support so I can get restoration and justice for my family, especially for my children.”
To learn more or support his campaign, visit his GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-eddie-bellas-rebuild-after-deportation
After all these years cutting style in the US you expect handouts? After all these years you never tried to organise your papers? Really dude? Smh. You didn’t educate yourself when school was cheap in the US? Aren’t you a musician? Go find work on a cruise ship or a hotel.
Ahhh…that’s going to be tough Sir!!! Very tough
When things was nice did you know st Lucian now as you get deported you want our little money .For so long you there why don’t look for papers you was living your best live well my friend take what you get and do what you have to do with your money and leave St.Lucian money for them to eat they fig and backs
Mr.Man , first to begin with you’re not an American, the minor laws don’t apply to you.
You overstayed your Visa, you violated their traffic laws and other incidents/ infractions you committed.
Did you remember your family and friends whilst in the, US.
Frankly, I cannot and will not encourage any, St. Lucians to aid you in your stupidity, you brought onto your own self, so face your music.
on the comments.
I need to ask Mr. BELLAS a few questions. Mr . Bellas, according to you, you said you went to New York at the age of 17. Did you go to school in New York? What is your level of education? Did you learn a skill, eg electrical, welding, IT or what ever? Can you disclose your qualifications so a business person can call you for a job. If you don’t have any of the above, what were you doing in New York? I can help you to get a job.
You stated that it is not livable in Saint Lucia , your homeland , you were born here , raised here and just because they catch you undocumented and deported [you] ! Like Buju Banton said in his tune
Deportees (Things Change)
Are any of his children American citizens? If not, he shouldn’t give any money to lawyers. If he has already done so, consider it lost. I have seen that game played before. What makes him believe that an alien minor who broke the law will be rewarded. In fact, they are getting rid of those cases. Hasn’t he heard the news? If he has American children, then he has a fighting chance.
Presently, the situation looks overwhelming. There’s is long road ahead. He needs to make a solid plan for St Lucia and stick with it. Good luck.
There are millions of people leaving in the USA without papers from all over the world. Most people go on vacation find work and stay. The mistake most people make is, they do not try to save a little money back home just should in case something like that happens. What are your skill. I can help find you a job.
I think the government should do more to try to reintegrate the recent deportees into society, not everyone has close family members who can help. If not we may end up with a social problem that will affect us all. I find the comments to be very nasty and attacking a human being who is asking for help. If we don’t agree then we do not contribute by why try to humiliate the individual after he is already down on his luck. Then we talk about mental health for men….blah blah blah
Well if you had send down something for a rainy day you would have something now to fall back on…..even if you did plan to come home anytime soon open an account and every month you send a pocket change now what are you going to do…
Dats the thing about st.lucians,we quick to press down a brother when he’s down…dats why when I in foreign and I see a next Lucian I dodging and hiding dem…
Mr. Regis
I note your generosity, Maybe he was a musician you can see his videos on YouTube, Positive music, positive Vybes.
people stop it with these negative comments…..although i disagree with the man staying up there and so long not doing anything about his stay, we not judge and jury…too many of us like to play judge and jury….all of us now have to see the bottom line trump dont care about no one…its about time we find other alternatives….thank God the USA was never on my mind…..to those who are there make sure ur waist tie and tied tight….
Give me a damn break. Ok you entered as a child so even as an adult you didn’t try to make your status right. So you didn’t accumulate any saving all the years living in the US. Bow u want hardworking people to fund your lifestyle now. Chupssss
Sorry I’m NOT moved by your story
Yes, I do feel sorry for you, but you have only yourself to blame.You left at 17, but did nothing to educate yourself in the land of opportunities.Someone must have sponsored you,why didn’t they helped you to get regularized?. You were making money as a musician,why didn’t you send money back home to maintain the family home.At least there would be a proper place to stay, You could have at least marry your children mother, assuming both are from the same person.Its not going to be easy.Forty seven thousand Us dollars ain’t 42cents.Iwish you luck.
This is so idiotic. Find you a job to help raise funds to get back on your feet in St. Lucia. You had 25 years to do whatever it takes to get your papers right . You were just too damned complacent and thought you legitimate American. Sad to say, you are not the only one in this predicament. Good luck!
What Is a B-1 / B-2 visa?
A B-1 / B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a mix of both (B1/B2). This visa category is widely used for brief visits to the U.S. B visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return to the U.S. again after that time.
Mr. Bellas read the above. Secondly $47000.00 is alot of money. Can provide the public with your legal plan for $US47000.00 (US$47000.00 x EC$2.72 = EC$127,840.00). Having said that, do you know how long your legal battle will last, I doubt that very much and because of such you still need more money to continue. Your situation is unfortunate for your overseas family but you brought it on yourself. Such are the actions that has caused the deportation process to be what it is now. May I suggest you find a job and provide support to your family from here. Seek the correct advice to retore your chances of re-applying. To conclude your wrong cannot be your right.
25 yrs in a foreign land and no saving for your home ??? Then what was the purpose of going over there??that’s a plight for many to suffer ..you all st lucians should have started packing a long time ago
Mr Bella’s. First of all. You had a Visa not a green card. You should have stayed only 6 mth in the USA. When you didn’t go back, what type of job were you doing.? Ice pick you up because you were illegal. If they hurt you it’s because you maybe was acting rude and beligent. You have no case here. You just want money to set up yourself in your homeland. You are young and strong. So seek a job or do some farming.
To mr Bellas
No one knows but you, we should not be here to judge. Who is without sin cast the first stone.
The Bible says ask and you shall receive, and so this is what you did. Pray and continue to do so, for your story will be one of many that are told, we all have our flaws and this is yours,
Again the Bible says ask and you shall receive. No matter what you’re asking.
Pray, continue to do so and don’t be discouraged
I must state the facts – you said you lived in the US since 17 years prior to your deportation – don’t get me wrong as I don’t know your entire story. You said on an interview that you had no issue with the system/crime in the US
They can be crazy in the US – but I think it a little strange that you were visited and arrested for absolutely no issue/reason.
However, what I do know is that you will not be granted custody for children born in the US if you have already been deported to St. Lucia. Do you really believe the US will send American children to live with you in St. Lucia????????? It would be in your best interest to find a skill or trade in order to make something of yourself.
$47,000.00 US – honestly that’s nerve – there are some folk who live in the US and have been working for donkey years and don’t even have that much cash on hand.
People are so cruel! You guys kick this man when he’s down? No matter what his mistakes he made by not saving money, etc., and all the other things y’all are saying… Just remember every word y’all have said and when you make a mistake and/or down, you can reflect on your words. Because Karma is what GOES around, COMES around! And God don’t like ugly behavior. May God bless this young man!
Hi, I’m Sam Michaels Franklin Hamilton.
Where do I start?
Dude, what are you smoking on? You don’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of successfully appealing your deportation, and something tells me you already know that. Don’t try to con people out of their money.
I’m sorry if I’m wrong about your intentions. If you truly believe that you have a chance at reversing your deportation through the courts, you’re being conned. Don’t let crooked lawyers gas you up.
Take down the GoFundMe, and start looking for jobs.
Regards,
SMFH
@be kind and others – you are correct, people stop all the nastiness and judgement, and those of you who offer to find the man some work, good on you. Positive comments. This is going to be a huge problem for St Lucia and the Caribbean in general. So many illegals living in the US, who will be deported. What is the St Lucian Government putting in place to address this? Dumb question – I already know the answer!!!
Is there any empathy on this platform? Smh. You think this guy does not know he’s wrong? I think he does. The hypocrisy of this nation! If you can’t give the assistance that he needs or a word of encouragement, I think you owe to God, him and your conscience to keep shut! You know how stressful that can be ? Come on Lucians, we can do better using our influence on social media to do something good; for once! What is government doing? Some of those useless projects and vote scoring plans they have can be held back to at least make his home liveable, provide a job and basic needs; especially psychological/ mental! As for the cost of the legal fees, after he,settles here, he can consider that! Until then, show love and empathy my people! We got this!
Maysyay you all St Lucians bad. Mama ….
With all these posts, Mr Bellas should consider becoming a blogger and raise the money that way. All jokes aside, this is a serious issue. I agree that we should not judge – the situation is what it is. So many of the commenters said that he should save some money and sent back home, but the fact remains that he did not have a life back home. He got accustomed to life in the USA and lost himself in the system like many of you all family and friends who sendingdown the barrels and everything else you all sponging off them for.
You all think America is heaven or what? A lot of people catching their Nenen up there. First of all, the rent is sky high. Nobody hands you a breadfruit or mango if you don’t have. In the heat of the summer, you must have A/C, in winter you must have heat. Many, if not the majority of Lucians up there living from hand to mouth, especially if they illegal. What you all talking about saving money and sending back home. Give the man a break – you all asking about what education he has? Don’t forget that without papers, he is very limited in what he could access. It’s a dread situation. That could be the reason why he was trying to make it as a struggling musician.
I must admit though that Mr Bellas I do not think that trying to raise that amount of money from the public is realistic. Things are already so hard for the average man, you think if they have to give a contribution to someone travelling on medical reason they would give it to you instead? That claim about being a minor at 17 is a weak point and any lawyer advising you to go that route just wants to eat your morney. I feel your pain. It is going to be rough, but you better take your mind off returning to the States.
Life goes on my brother. You not the first nor will you be the last. It is rough but try and stay focused otherwise you can end up in a depression or bad mental state. Surround yourself with supporting and positive people. One day things must get better according to Buju Banton.
In the meantime other St Lucians in the States in your similar situation should start packing their bags and prend douvan avan douvan prend. Bellas the first mistake you made is to come on TV for people to see who you are and to pappyshow you. Sa pas gwav quan meme.
This is the story of so many people who come back to the islands after their stay abroad. They hardly touched base with family..never changed a hinge for their parents house..did not rich out to them for birthday or christmas or ‘jus because’ moments to say how u doing.
The same house you say unlivable is the house you left behind in 2020..did you send money for your father to fix the house? No..but now … you coming back into that same house and complain.
If you spend 25 years in states, then what did you do to help yourself .. now u have 4 kiddos who long to hug their daddy.
Where the money you make playing music? Did u send $ back home? And now the people have to help you raise $ to do it all over again. NOT ME! cause you not learning. U use the system for 25 years.. I will not help you use another set a people again.
The skill u pick up in States use it to work to help Lucia.
Boss you just have to ride this out it’s going to be tuff reintegrating into St Lucian life……leave your children where they are but keep in touch with them and maintain good standing later on down the line they will file for you. Seek help from your local MP in reintegration
All of them in New York with no papers. When they in America they forget about the family. Now you back you want help . I need more help.
There are a number of comments that is tough and somewhat hard on Mr Bellas. But honestly they pertinent question that must be asked of the gentleman to jolt him back to reality.
What he mean he cannot live or settle in St. Lucia – thats is a mindset not a disability. St. Lucia he was born and raise until he was 17yrs not 7 years. The USA was never his home and if you scratch the surface from the info he shared he did not have luxury and comfortable living conditions in the USA he was a tenant without aircondition just heating in the winter and mostly just a room in a shared house.
He needs to be realistic, all he needs to start in St. Lucia is nice little secure shelter
That can withstand the strongwinds and rains. Then he can start using his skills to rebuild his life again. It is responsibility to be inovative, adaptive and creative to change his situation and yes he tried this first enterprise go fund me and yes we all have reservations about that but who is to say it will not work?
My suggestion to him in summary is do not put your eggs in one basket learn from your previous mistakes and embrace the opportunity this has offered to you as he can make it even bigger right there in his homeland St. Lucia if he frees himself mentally from that illusive think that the USA is the only place he can make it. Because he didn’t in 25yrs.
So let me get this straight. You spent 25 years in a country knowing you were undocumented. You had time to pursue your music. Make children. Most likely you had a vehicle since you were caught in a traffic stop. You did all that but yet You never saved up or tried to fix the home in your home country or put things in order for if you were sent back .You totally forgot about st. Lucia. And now you’re deported you want us to help you. St Lucian’s please do not donate to this man go fund me.