Has the U.S. Embassy revoked United Democratic Party Cayo Northeast Representative Elvin Penner's visa? It's a valid question because in 2003, after his Immigration scandal, the former PUP Minister Maxwell Samuels had his visa revoked, and public announced it. 7News put that question to a reticent US Ambassador Carlos Moreno in a media round table today at the US Embassy in Belmopan. But, regrettably, we don't have any video of it tonight because the shy ambassador did not allow the media to record the session. The embassy said they would tape it and provide video, but at newstime, we were still drumming our fingers on the desk, and waiting in vain for the official, embassy edited video.
But we can tell you what the Ambassador did say in response to our question: that he can't discuss any individual's visa status - and we would best refer our question to Penner himself. That doesn't put us anywhere really because Penner hasn't granted any interview since last year when the scandal broke.
The Ambassador was also asked about the status of Dr. Errol Elrington, brother of the Minister of Foreign Affairs who is a US fugitive now living in Belize. When asked if a request would be made for his extradition to the US, the ambassador said he could not discuss specifics of that case either, and would only re-iterate what the Prime Minister has said - that there is a treaty between Belize and the USA for the handling of such cases.
Turning the tables on the Belize press, the journalists attending the press conference were not allowed to bring the tools of their trade. Cameras, sound recorders and video cameras were banned. Pen and note pads were provided and censored images and videos taken by the embassy staff were provided one day after the event to the media. With the exception of one media house, the Belize media houses sent junior staff to cover the event.
"Belize Freedom Of The Press" images taken by embassy staff of event here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/75712775@N03/sets/72157646061386870/