@kingpinnewsnetwork2: Chairman of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry, Belizean Justice Godfrey Smith, has confirmed that his United States visa was revoked over the weekend, prompting him to offer his resignation from the Commission. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of the resumption of public hearings into the deadly ferry disaster, Smith disclosed that President Irfaan Ali had “emphatically declined” his offer to step down. Smith believes the visa revocation is linked to his engagement with China, including visits to the country and facilitating educational opportunities for Belizean students. “I am aware that the United States government has indicated that it frowns upon any expansion of China’s footprint in Latin America,” Smith stated. According to Belizean media reports, Smith also offered to resign from his positions with CARICOM and the University of Belize. His resignation was rejected by Belize’s Education Minister, while CARICOM has yet to respond. Smith will therefore continue chairing the inquiry into the July 18 MV Barima tragedy, which claimed more than 100 lives. #news #breakingnews #newsguyana #guyanesetiktok🇬🇾 #carbbeantiktok🇬🇾🇯🇲🇹🇹🇧🇸🇧🇧🇱🇨

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Tuesday 10 November 2026 13:36:03 GMT