Chinese restaurant owner Yang Quen Quan yesterday defended his decision to hire Chinese chefs without work permits.He told the court they know how to cook Chinese food.Attorney Christopher Gidla, who represented the 42-year-old father of four, told San Fernando Fourth Court magistrate Rehanna Hosein that Quan did not employ Trinidadians because he wanted "people who could cook Chinese food.""That is no excuse," Hosein said."He needs to have Chinese chefs, he can find some local Chinese chefs."Quan was arrested at his San Fernando restaurant by Immigration Officer Vijay Ramsamooj and charged with employing chefs without valid work permits on May 4. He pleaded guilty.Gilda said Quan came to Trinidad in 1993 and became a resident in 2000. He said Quan knew what he did was wrong and he was sorry.
Hosein ordered Quan to pay a $700 fine or serve three months in prison with hard labour. He has until 3 pm today to pay.Police prosecutor Sgt Rudy Ali told the court that around 6 pm on May 4, Ramsamooj was on duty at the San Fernando Immigration Office when he received information.He went to Yen's Chinese Restaurant, Cipero Street, where he observed people of Chinese descent performing duties as chefs.He asked Quan if he was the owner of the restaurant and he replied: "Yes."Ramsamooj asked if the chefs had work permits issued by the National Security Ministry and if they were Chinese. Quan said they were Chinese and did not have work permits.He was arrested and taken to the San Fernando Police Station.