The Prime Minister of Belize has formally appealed to the Governor of New York to pardon his son, incarcerated rapper Shyne, and allow him to remain in the U.S. In 2001, he was convicted of first degree assault and reckless endangerment in relation to a club shooting in New York City, which left a woman with serious facial injuries.

Shyne is currently being held in a federal immigration detention center in Buffalo, NY following his release from New York’s Woodbourne Correctional Facility last Tuesday, where he served more than eight years for a 1999 club shooting. He is waiting to learn whether he will be deported to his native Belize over the conviction.

Dean Barrow reveals habeen pulling in as many favors as he can to help his son stay in America.
He’s even written a letter to New York Governor David Paterson requesting Shyne be officially pardoned for his conviction to avoid deportation – but admits he is still waiting to hear back from the politician.

“Obviously all sorts of things are happening in the States and it is clear a move is afoot to deport him and it is also clear that he is seeking to resist that, but I am not sure where the legal processes are at this juncture,” the Prime Minister said. “I have not had a response. I have spoken to people close to the Governor and I have been assured that the letter has been received and that it is under active consideration. But I can’t say that I am able to call in any favours such that would guarantee that he is able to remain in the States.”

Officials from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are expected to make a decision on Shyne’s case by the end of the week.