WINSTON ‘Wee Pow’ Powell, CEO of the sound system Stone Love Movement, is reeling from the shock of having his and his team’s American work permit and visa denied on Thursday, April 4.

“I can’t get no answers. After all, the seniors in the group were denied. I tried to get an explanation but all I was given was the ‘white paper’ given to everyone who has been rejected,” he told the Jamaica Observer, adding that his visitor’s visa was also cancelled.

POWELL… I can’t get no answers

He said the ‘white paper’ requests proof he does not want to stay permanently in the States.

“But after going back and forth for over 30 years, how much more proof do they need than that?” he asks.

Powell said his earnings from overseas shows have been significantly affected.

“It will definitely affect our earning power because we rely on the overseas markets. Because of the Noise Abatement Act in Jamaica, nothing much is happening,” he said.

He said he has been noticing a trend as another of his senior selectors’ work permit was not renewed last year.

“Since March last year, we noticed a change in the way we were treated at the port of entry. We experienced lengthy delays due to secondary interrogations,” he said.

“I feel upset. We have never been involved in anything illegal, never had an incident at any of our overseas engagements. So this is totally puzzling for us,” he said.

In an email response to queries, the American embassy said: “Visa applications are adjudicated in accordance with provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”

According to the embassy, Powell was provided with a written explanation of the decision at the end of the interview, and the interviewing officer’s decision was reviewed by a supervisor.

“Refusal of a visa application is not permanent, and applicants may reapply at any time. However, we would recommend individuals reapply only if new evidence becomes available to overcome the previous grounds of refusal,” the email said.