Chairman of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry, Justice Godfrey Smith, said this morning that President Irfaan Ali had declined his offer to resign following the revocation of his United States visa.
Speaking to reporters before the inquiry resumed, Smith said US authorities had confirmed the decision but had provided no specific explanation. He maintained that the development would not affect the commission’s proceedings.
Smith limited the press conference to the visa issue and did not take questions on other matters concerning the inquiry.
The Belizean jurist said he received an email notification yesterday and contacted the US Embassy to verify its authenticity and seek an explanation.
The embassy confirmed that the State Department had revoked his visa, he said, but could provide no further details or a contact from whom he could obtain the reasons.
Smith said that although he did not believe the decision affected his work, he considered it professionally appropriate to inform the President, who appointed him, and offer to step aside should the President consider it necessary.
According to Smith, Ali emphatically declined the offer.
With no specific grounds supplied by US authorities, Smith said he could only offer his own assessment of what might have prompted the decision.
He identified his efforts to develop exchanges with China, including activities undertaken as chairman of the University of Belize’s board, as the only conceivable explanation.
Smith described initiatives involving academic exchanges with Fudan University and opportunities for young Belizean leaders and students to visit China.
He noted that Belize maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than China, distinguishing its position from that of Caribbean countries which already have formal relations with Beijing.
He said US authorities had not told him that the China-related activities were the reason for the revocation.
Smith also indicated that Belize’s diplomatic position was a matter for its government. He said he had spoken with the Minister of Education, who had expressed sympathy.
The chairman reiterated that he accepted the US decision and intended to move on.
A consular notice from the US Embassy in Belmopan stated that the visa had been revoked on November 7 under Section 221(i) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
The notice said information emerging after the visa was issued indicated that Smith might be ineligible, but the portion reviewed did not identify that information or specify the grounds. Smith told Belizean media that he would neither challenge the decision nor apply for another US visa.
In an interview with 7 News Belize, Smith also said he had offered to resign from his positions at the University of Belize and as CARICOM’s High-Level Representative for Law and Criminal Justice.
The five-member commission is investigating the circumstances of the MV Barima sinking, including maritime safety compliance and the search and rescue response.
Its public hearings resumed today following an adjournment intended to allow the secretariat to collect further evidence and statements from survivors in their communities. During its first seven days of hearings, the commission heard from 33 witnesses and received documentary evidence for review.
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