US Turns Away Gambis, Special Patrol Unit’s Boss

Head of the police department’s Special Patrol Unit Aaron Gamboa remains grounded at home in Belize, trying to figure out why the United States flagged his visa and stopped him from boarding a US-bound aircraft. Gamboa arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport with his wife over the weekend, ready to board his flight. However, he was stopped by airline officials who informed that his visa had been flagged, and that he could not travel to the United States. News of Gamboa’s misfortune has caused much speculation and innuendo among Belizeans, many of whom believe it has something to do with Joseph Budna’s abduction. While Gamboa confirms the rejection by the US, he denies any wrongdoing and states that he was not personally implicated in the Budna matter, even though officers from his Special Patrol Unit remain under scrutiny. Gamboa says he will consult with his lawyer and engage the U.S. Embassy, as he’s confident he will be cleared. But this is more than just a visa issue for Belize. Gamboa is entrusted with an extremely powerful policing role and a red flag by the United States has raised an alarm here in Belize. We will keep following the story.