NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, NOV 7 – NOV 13, 2019 | VOL. 16 NO. 44
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He’s Back Congressman Alcee Hastings To Seek Reelection
U.S. VISAS OF PAULWELL AND VAZ
REVOKED! by Sheri-Kae McLeod
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Speculations abound as to why the U.S. has revoked the visitor's visas of Daryl Vaz, Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and Phillip Paulwell, Vice President of the opposition People's National Party (PNP). The news became public last week when both high-profile politicians confirmed the cancellation. Vaz was the first to confirm the news in a public statement indicating he would resign from his ministerial position if his U.S. visa was not reinstated.
He has also shared correspondence from the U.S. Embassy which informed 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 re-apply.” Paulwell, on the other hand, was in Cuba on business at the time of the news report and had to make checks with the PNP to confirm that his visa was indeed cancelled. Following the reports, National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang confirmed both politicians had their visas cancelled, along with several high-ranking members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Chang said he believes the United States is acting on the basis of individual merit, rather than targeting the Holness administration. Contrarily, former Jamaican ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Curtis Ward, said that the Trump administration may be using visa revocations as a warning to the Holness administration and other Caribbean governments that have diplomatic ties with
Cuba and Venezuela, both of whom the U.S. has strained relations. While neither minister has publicized the specific reason for the U.S. Embassy's revocation of their visa, it is a fact that being unable to travel will put a strain on their duties. If Vaz and Paulwell now have official duties in the United States, they will have to send a representative on their behalf.
Ministers Express Shock Over Visa Cancellations Several senior politicians of the Holness administration, including Vaz himself, have expressed shock over the United States' decision to cancel the minister's visa. In 2008, Daryl Vaz famously renounced his U.S. citizenship after his election to the House of Representatives in 2007 was deemed ineligible by virtue of his dual citizenship. Phillip Paulwell, who was initially not aware of the revocation, said that he will be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Kingston to seek clarity on the issue.
Contrary to earlier predictions, veteran South Florida politician Congressman Alcee Hastings will be seeking reelection to the US Congress to represent Florida's 20th congressional district in the 2020 general elections. When Hastings, 83, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last January there was rampant speculation about whether he would seek reelection to the seat he has held since 1993. But on October 27 at an event held jointly by the Caribbean American Democratic Club and the Caribbean Democratic Caucus of Florida at the Krave Banquet Hall in Sunrise, the congressman confidently announced he is back and cautioned those who thought he was down and out, that he's running for reelection. Representing District 20, which includes sections of Broward and Palm Beach counties, Hasting is responsible for a large African- and CaribbeanAmerican community. continues on C4 He’s Back
Hastings
continues on C4 – Revoked
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER
RETURNING RESIDENTS GUIDE
SPORTS
JAMAICAN SCIENTIST MAKES STRIDES AGAINST PANCREATIC CANCER A3
MOVING BACK TO JAMAICA? HERE IS A GUIDE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW B1 – B8
Jamaica's Britany Anderson Named Among IAAF Female Rising Star Finalists d3