Member of Parliament for West Portland Daryl Vaz yesterday apologised to the people of his constituency, even as he started the process of renouncing his United States citizenship.
Vaz is to return to the US Embassy in Kingston this morning to hand in his American passport and other documents.
Getting ready for by-election
This is part of a process started yesterday by Vaz to ensure that he is eligible to contest an expected by-election in the constituency.
Vaz lost his seat in the House of Representatives last Friday after Chief Justice Zaila McCalla ruled that he was not qualified to be a member of parliament because of his US citizenship.
While the ruling was a blow to Vaz, he told journalists he has accepted the court's decision and is getting ready for a by-election which could be held by the end of May.
"I sought advice prior to the election and we got our own interpretation, the interpretation did not go to the extent of renewal and as such I accept the ruling of the court and I am thankful that it is back in the people's hands where it belongs," Vaz told reporters.
No easy process
RELINQUISHING ONE'S United States citizenship is a process that can last for months.
A person wishing to renounce his or her US citizenship must voluntarily and with intent to relinquish US citizenship:
Appear in person before a US consular or diplomatic officer Sign an oath of renunciationThe process of renunciation may take anywhere from weeks to over a year.
