Guyana: Washington Revokes Visa of Belizean Judge Chairing Inquiry Into Barima Sinking

The United States has revoked the visa of Belizean jurist Godfrey Smith, chairman of the commission of inquiry into the deadly sinking of the MV Barima ferry in Guyana. He announced it in Georgetown on Tuesday, November 10, just before the commission's hearings resumed, and offered to resign. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali turned down the offer.

No Reason Given

Godfrey Smith received the notification by email on Saturday, November 7. The document says only that information suggests he may not meet the conditions of the visa. According to him, US officials confirmed the revocation but could not tell him the reason. Washington has made no public comment.

The former attorney general (1999-2003) and former foreign minister of Belize (2003-2005) links the decision to his ties with China. As chairman of the board of the University of Belize, he has developed exchanges with Chinese universities and organized study trips to China for young Belizeans. Belize recognizes Taiwan and has no diplomatic relations with Beijing. In January 2026, Godfrey Smith held talks at China's foreign ministry.

"The US government has said very clearly that it wants to reduce China's footprint in Latin America," he said. He says the decision has "absolutely" nothing to do with any illicit activity, and rejects any link to drug trafficking, money laundering or terrorism.

Three Resignations Offered

Godfrey Smith considered it "professional" to offer his resignation as chairman of the commission: "it's not my decision, I did not appoint myself." Irfaan Ali turned it down. He made the same offer to Belize's education minister regarding his post at the university, who also declined, and to CARICOM, where he is high representative for law and criminal justice. The Caribbean community has not yet responded.

He will not appeal and will not apply for a visa again. "I'm not going to beg them to let me into their country," he said.

The Inquiry Continues

The MV Barima, a public ferry that ran between Georgetown and Port Kaituma, capsized on July 18, 2026, killing dozens. The five-member commission appointed by Irfaan Ali opened its public hearings in October. It resumed its work on Tuesday with testimony from survivors and relatives of the victims.