We refer to a statement made by the government in reference to a United States VISA issued to the Rt. Hon. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Keith Mitchell. The statement emanating from the Government of Grenada in respect to this issue is inaccurate and misleading. The issue is a simple domestic matter. The real issue is not about a passport. It is about valid VISAS which the old or cancelled passport contains. The Rt. Hon. Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister had submitted his old diplomatic passport upon the request of the new Government for the issuance of new passport as he is still entitled to a diplomatic passport as leader of the opposition. The new passport was issued to him. The old passport bears valid VISAS on it permitting Dr. Mitchell entry to the US, Canada and other countries. Dr. Mitchell requested the return of the old/cancelled passport with the valid VISAS which they contained so that he can travel to the United States on business as per usual. The normal procedure is that passports are cancelled but the VISAS remain valid. The cancelled passport with the valid VISAS are therefore returned to the citizen to use with any new passport (This is standard). The US Consular officials confirmed that no new VISAS are necessary since Dr. Mitchell already has 10 year VISAS for entry into the US. Dr. Mitchell has on several occasions requested the return of his cancelled passport with his VISAS on them, but the Government has refused to do so. From:Senator the Hon. Dwight Horsford, Deputy General Secretary, New National Party.