7 News Belize

Karol Mello Gets Permanent Residence Restored
posted (September 17, 2012)
Last month, we told you about the Immigration Department withdrawing all charges against Slovak National - and reputed mob boss - Karol Mello.

The withdrawing of the charges signaled the end of fight from the Government of Belize in trying to eject Mello from the country. Well, there was still the issue of Mello's permanent residency's revocation, which remained in effect, and which was done by the Minister of Immigration, Hon. Godwin Hulse.

Mello and his attorneys filed a claim a few months ago in the Supreme Court, in which they were going sue GOB to get back his permanent residency status.

But, before the opening arguments for the start of the trial, which was scheduled for today, the Government Crown Counsel notified the court that the Minister of Immigration reversed it.

This meant that the permanent residency was restored, and this was yet another abrupt end to the case.

We spoke to Mello's attorney outside of court to get an explanation, and here's what he told us:

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"This morning the counsel for the government informed Mr. Justice Legall that the minister of immigration would be withdrawing the letter of revocation of permanent residence of Karol Mello that had been issued on July 16th. With that development it means that the case will come to an end because by the act of the minister withdrawing his letter of revocation it means that Mr. Mello's permanent resident status will remain valid and in place. With that we will issue a notice of discontinuance and that will be the end of the matter - I believe the last chapter in this case as it were."

Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, today was set as the day for trial. Did they - the counsel for the government indicate why they withdrew their claim?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"I think it was fairly obvious, basically the same reasons why Karol Mello was able to get Habeas corpus would help in this case. It's pretty obvious that the revocation of his permanent residence was done without giving him a hearing. He has a right to be heard - those were very basic and an in-escapable point, so I think actually the matter was handled professionally and the way it ought to be in terms of not wasting court time on a fairly obvious matter."

Daniel Ortiz
"In terms of the practicality of this outcome, does Mr. Karol Mello have the document in his hand that says he is a permanent resident?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"Well he doesn't yet but by the end of today we expect that all of those formalities will be completed."

Daniel Ortiz
"What's the next step for the family? I know that they continue to reside in Belize. Will that remain the case as your indications are from them?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"That's exactly the point. They always have an interest that never flag, that never faltered and I expect them to continue to try to live and earn a living in Belize."

Daniel Ortiz
"During this trial Belize has heard some of the issues that followed Mr. Mello coming from his home country - his country of origin in which many serious and ghastly allegations were made against him and his personality and his dealings while in a country. Is there at any point that in the foreseeable future where the family will decide will speak to the public in Belize and say look this is who we are?"

Godfrey Smith, Attorney
"I imagine that's a possibility but we will have to cross that bridge when we get there."

As noted in the interview, the formalities of releasing the permanent residency card should have taken place by the end of the day.

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