U.S. Revokes Smith’s Visa, But Guyana Stands Behind Him

A revoked U.S. visa has put Belizean attorney Godfrey Smith in the spotlight, but he says it will not derail his work in Guyana. The chairman of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry says he even offered to step aside after learning that U.S. authorities had cancelled his visa, concerned that the decision could affect the commission’s work. However, President Irfaan Ali reportedly rejected his offer and reaffirmed his confidence in Smith’s leadership. Smith says he has also repeatedly challenged U.S. authorities to explain publicly why his visa was revoked, but so far, those questions remain unanswered. Speaking with reporters in Guyana today, Smith addressed the controversy and made clear where things stand.

 

Godfrey Smith, Chair, MV Barima Commission of Inquiry

“Yes, I confirm that as a matter of professionalism, even though I acted in no on toward way whatsoever, the professional thing to do, because it is not my decision, I did not appoint myself. Somebody else appointed me, the President, is to inform him of what has happened and to offer to him to resign in the event he believes that in anyway, hinder, hamper, taint, my role as Chairman of the Commission and he emphatically declined the offer.”

 

Reporter

“Do you think you want to find out?”

 

Godfrey Smith

“I have said elsewhere that I welcome the United States Government to publicly state what the reasons are. And I do that again today, I wish they would state it plainly so that everybody can know the reason, certainly me included. But I already asked them if there is anything I could do to find out and they said no.”

 

As we have reported, Smith believes that the decision to revoke his U.S. Visa was based on his pro-China stance.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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