Penner Sticks by Yakut Sup’s Claim to Nationality

Elvin Penner

The panel turned to other questionable grants of nationality mentioned in the Audit Report. In the case of Yakup Sut, a Turk whom Penner met in Germany, it was clear that he had not met the requirements for Belizean nationality despite vetting by Penner himself. He still contends that he was personally satisfied that Sut qualified for nationality.

Eamon Courtenay, P.U.P. Senator

“You performed the final vetting of the file, and you were the one who approved his nationality, is that correct?”

Elvin Penner, Former Minister of State, Immigration and Nationality

“I would have had to, because he applied, I believe, during the period that I was responsible for Immigration.”

Eamon Courtenay

“Did you or did you not approve of his nationality?”

Elvin Penner

“Yes, I did.”

Eamon Courtenay

“Now, with respect to your friend, Mr. Sut, your evidence is as I recall that you satisfied yourself that he qualified for nationality?”

Elvin Penner

“The way I’d be satisfied that he qualified for nationality would be by simply looking at the facts of the file.”

Eamon Courtenay

“But you see, Mr. Penner; you were boasting a short while ago when I asked you about your relationship with Minister Hulse, that you endured many long hours going through about two hundred files to make sure that they satisfied the requirements; and you were boasting earlier – you gave us a list: it starts with the clerk and then a receipt and then vetting and on and on, and then your final thing is that the Minister does a final vetting and you check – you remember?”

Elvin Penner

“Yes.”

Eamon Courtenay

“So in the case of Mr. Sut, I want to know whether you performed that audit, that extensive check on his file?”

Elvin Penner

“I went through his file, yes.”

Eamon Courtenay

“And you satisfied yourself that he qualified?”

Elvin Penner

“Yes, I was satisfied.”