-visa cancelled
Local comedienne Odessa Primus returned to Guyana on Friday night after being denied entry to the United States and having her US visa cancelled.
Primus, who had travelled to the US earlier that day, arrived back in Guyana on a JetBlue flight and was met at the aircraft by a local immigration officer for processing.
According to US immigration protocols, a visa cancellation accompanied by a “withdrawal of application for admission”, typically allows the traveller to voluntarily withdraw their request to enter the country rather than face an official revocation and possible future penalties.
When contacted by the Sunday Stabroek, Primus confirmed she was denied entry upon arrival in the U.S “The United States reserves the right to decide who is allowed entry. Even with a visa, entry is not guaranteed,” she said.
Primus, who had travelled to the US just a month ago, said she was surprised by the visa issue but suspects it may be linked to her public support of businessman Azruddin Mohamed. Mohamed, along with his father, affiliated companies, and Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas, were sanctioned by the United States in 2024.
The activist also disclosed that she is pursuing legal action against social media commentator Mikhail Rodrigues, and a number of other media entities after a page from her passport was leaked on Facebook. She said the Guyana immigration officers had assured her that her belongings, including her passport, were safe and would be handed over to the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for collection.
“I don’t feel okay leaving my stuff there,” she said. “But the immigration officers, three of them and one senior officer, told me it would be safe.”
Primus declined to provide details about the questioning she underwent in the US but described the officers as “very nice.” She emphasised that the incident would not deter her political activism, alleging that government officials have been quietly advocating for action against her due to her public support for the Mohamed family. “The government gotta do what they have to do. I’m unbothered,” she said.
Authorities in Guyana have not issued a formal statement on the matter.
