Yolanda Schakron is no longer a PUP Candidate - she was disqualified because of her dual citizenship on nomination day. But, by our reckoning, she's still a public figure - as she has said that a vote for her brother Martin is a vote for her.
And so, we wondered, has she gone ahead with the process of renunciation? She initiated the process before the nomination - on the grounds that it was irrevocable - so even though she was still a US citizen at the point of nomination, she could argue that it would only be a matter of time before it was fully renounced.
But, the logic didn't work; her candidacy was rejected, and so maybe there was some wiggle room in that "irrevocable process."
But we couldn't find out from the US Embassy, because she has revoked the permission she gave them to speak about her case.
So when we met her at a COLA press conference today, we asked her about it and here's what she said:
Jules Vasquez
"You have not - to my knowledge - made a formal complaint of burglary or theft about your passport."
Yolanda Schakron - Did She Renounce?
"Jules, you know what? I know that it's a family member that was involved. I know who in the United Democratic Party has the passport, but you know what, I have realized that under this Dean Barrow Administration, you can't go and make any complaints. Nobody listens to me who has stood up to him. They will not listen to me. That passport doesn't belong to me; it belongs to the United States of America. It's a shame that they had to stoop so low. I am a single mother; I live with my two children, and they had to go into my house and steal a US passport, which is a federal crime. So I hope that the United States remembers that when they go to get Visas when they are in the Opposition."
Jules Vasquez
"I contacted the US Embassy. They can no longer speak about your renunciation because you have revoked the permission. Have you taken an oath of renunciation that was scheduled for Tuesday, February 21?"
Yolanda Schakron
"Jules, I will tell you this: right now, I am not in the public light. I am not a candidate, and I will let you guys know when that time is right. I believe that the US Embassy - if I took the oath, or I didn't take the oath, it doesn't matter. I am not a candidate anymore, and the US Embassy will not give information."
Jules Vasquez
"But I'm asking you, Yolanda. I'm just saying that you said you would. I would be happy if you didn't, you know. I think it would be a terrible thing to lose if you are not a candidate."
Yolanda Schakron
"Well I can tell you one thing right now, Jules. Belize is my country. I cannot go to the United States; I don't have a visa or a passport. I have finished taken the oath - if that's what will make you happy - I have. And I am not a US citizen. I don't have a passport. I can't go to the States right now, so I will stay right here in Belize."
After the oath of renunciation is taken - the papers have to go back to the US State Department in Washington, and if all are approved, then a certificate of Loss Of Nationality is issued...
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