US Traveling Light with Visa Revocations: Vaz and Paulwell among victims

On Friday, November 1, a senior Jamaican Cabinet minister and a high-ranking opposition parliamentarian were advised by the United States (US) Embassy that their visas have been revoked and that they would need to reapply for a US visa.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz; recently appointed campaign director for the People's National Party (PNP), Phillip Paulwell; and several members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) had their visas cancelled in October. This was disclosed by the Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang on Friday evening.

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz, confirming that his US visa was revoked.

There were rumours that this action taken by the US Government could be a retaliation on the Jamaican Government after Dr. Chang disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2006, between the US and Jamaica was "unsatisfactory and inadequate". According to Dr. Chang, the then Government, which was led by the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, signed an "unlawful" agreement. “An inadequate legal agreement is unlawful. I can tell the public it is unlawful," stated Dr. Chang in response to questions posed by the Opposition in Parliament on Tuesday, October 29.

He has been asked to further clarify his statements as the President of the PNP and Opposition Spokesperson on National Security, Fitz Jackson, has taken issue with this unjustified accusation. Nonetheless, people have pointed out that this could possibly be a reason for the revocation. Dr. Chang dismisses these claims and said that it was the US prerogative to issue visas to travellers, and he did not believe that Washington was targeting the Holness’ administration.

However, Minister Vaz has informed the media that this came as a surprise when he received a letter, about a week ago, advising him “that subsequent to the visa issuance, information has come to light that you may be ineligible for a visa. If you would like to travel to the United States, you must reapply.”

Vaz, who is also the West Portland Member of Parliament, 2008 renounced his US citizenship following the issuance of a ruling in the dual citizenship case. It was decided that members could only sit in the Houses of Representatives and Senate if they have Commonwealth citizenship.

He said that he informed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, about the development and that he would have to resign from his ministerial position if his visa was not reinstated, as he would be unable to perform his duties.

A similar case was that of James Robertson, a former JLP Candidate Minister who had his visa revoked in 2011 and had to resign from the Bruce Golding-led Administration.

Paulwell, who is also the longstanding Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, informed the media that he is away in Cuba and that he was unaware if his visa was revoked; until he did some checks and found out that it was indeed cancelled. He said that when he returns, he will be seeking clarification as to why his visa was revoked, as no explanation was provided.

Reports are that in 2017, several prominent members of the Jamaican society had their visas revoked as well. For whatever reason, the US Government has made its decision. It can be appealed but normally no explanation or reason is provided.

Take, for example, an ordinary citizen applying for a US visa, he or she wakes early in the morning for a 7 a.m. appointment, leaves home and stands outside until his or her time is called. He or she enters the building fully aware of all requirements and practiced every question and response that is possible. The time is now, as the lights go off at the window and the legs start moving. He or she is asked the same questions that were practiced, the interviewer stares intently at the documents and looks up at the individual and says, “So sorry but you do not meet the requirements for the visa.”

That pain and confusion are evident because he or she would have been positive that a green sheet was the last colour to be seen.

In the case of Paulwell and Vaz, I support them inquiring about the reason for revocation but I do not anticipate a timely response from the US Government. Paulwell, Vaz and others, just hope for the best.