U.S. Revokes Visa Of Belize’s Godfrey Smith As He Leads Guyana’s MV Barima Inquiry

By News Americas Now Staff Writer

News Americas, BELMOPAN, Belize, Weds. Nov. 11, 2026: The United States has revoked the visitor visa of former Belize Attorney General and Foreign Minister Godfrey Phillip Smith, even as the retired justice continues to chair Guyana’s high-profile Commission of Inquiry into the deadly sinking of the MV Barima.

Smith confirmed that he was notified by the U.S. Embassy in Belize that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked under Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The notice reportedly said information had “come to light” after the visa was issued indicating that Smith “may be ineligible” for the visa, but it did not disclose what that information was.

Smith later said he contacted the embassy to verify the notice and seek an explanation. According to him, U.S. officials confirmed the revocation but provided no additional reason. The former Belizean minister has said he does not intend to challenge the decision or apply for another U.S. visa.

STILL AT THE HELM OF GUYANA’S MV BARIMA INQUIRY

The visa decision carries significance beyond Belize because Smith currently chairs the five-member Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed by Guyana President Irfaan Ali to investigate the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima. The commission was sworn in on July 30 and is examining the cause of the disaster, the vessel’s seaworthiness, passenger and cargo operations, regulatory oversight, search-and-rescue efforts and whether maritime laws and regulations were followed.

The vessel capsized while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, triggering one of Guyana’s most serious recent maritime investigations. Smith disclosed Tuesday that after learning of the U.S. visa revocation, he formally offered to resign as chairman of the commission in case the development could affect his ability to lead the inquiry.

President Ali declined the offer. Smith said the president “emphatically” rejected his resignation, and the commission resumed public hearings Tuesday following a two-week recess.

The inquiry had already heard testimony from 33 witnesses before the recess, including first responders and officials from Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department and Civil Aviation Authority. Survivors and relatives of victims are among those expected to testify as hearings continue.

NO PUBLIC EXPLANATION FROM WASHINGTON

The U.S. government has not publicly disclosed the specific basis for Smith’s visa revocation. Smith has said that, in the absence of an official explanation, he can only speculate about what may have prompted it.

He pointed to his work as chairman of the University of Belize and his support for academic engagement with China as one possible explanation, but emphasized that this was his own theory and not a reason provided by the U.S. government. Smith has also served as Attorney General of Belize, Foreign Minister and a High Court judge, and has represented clients before regional and international courts and tribunals. His visa revocation comes amid a much broader U.S. campaign of visa cancellations and revocations under the Trump administration.

But for Guyana, the immediate question is whether the decision will have any practical impact on the work of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry. For now, President Ali’s answer is clear: Smith remains in the chair.