Irfaan Ali Rejects Godfrey Smith’s Resignation Offer After US Revokes Visa

MV Barima Commission of Inquiry chairman Godfrey Smith says he will not appeal after the U.S. revoked his visa, saying he will not “beg” for entry. The embassy cited U.S. immigration law but gave no reason; the move comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions in the region, including China’s recent sanctions on Belize’s foreign minister.

Guyana inquiry chair Arthur Smith said his U.S. visa was revoked over the weekend and he offered to resign from his posts, including leading the Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima sinking. President Irfaan Ali rejected his resignation, while Belize’s education minister also declined it and CARICOM has not responded.

The United States has revoked the visa of Belizean Senior Counsel Godfrey Phillip Smith, who chairs Guyana’s Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, according to a Belize media report. Smith said he was given no specific reason, and there is no confirmed link between the decision and his work on the inquiry, which resumes November 10.