Shyne Barrow has officially returned to the U.S. for the first time in more than a decade. The rapper turned politician arrived in Atlanta earlier this week and has started making rounds with hopes to “strengthen relationships and establish new relationships to further the development of Belize.”
On Wednesday (Aug. 18), Shyne — who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in Belize — shared that he met Executive Director of the Georgia Public Defender Council Omotayo Alli, who agreed “to visit Belize and do training to lend her expertise to enhance our professionals in this sector and build their capacity.”
The politician also chopped it up with Killer Mike — who helped to foster the connection with Alli — and had the opportunity to speak to Erica Thomas — Vice Chairwoman of the Georgia Democratic Caucus — about “tourism, cultural exchange, education, economy and crime.”
After serving nearly a decade in prison in connection with the 1999 shooting at Club New York, Shyne was released and deported to his home country of Belize. He’s since made a name in politics as a member of the Belizean House of Representatives and the Leader of the Opposition.
His next goal is to become the country’s Prime Minister, but his plans have been threatened by attempts to pass bills that ban ex-cons from holding the position. Until then, however, his job as a politician continues with his diplomatic trip — one that became possible after Diddy and a slew of individuals lobbied for his U.S. return.
“I’ve been reaching out to Corey Jacobs,” he said. “Reaching out to Diddy and many different friendships that I have to be able to make connections with my counterparts here in the States, in the State House of Representatives, the State Senate, as well as the United States Congress so that I could further the cause of Belize.”
See Shyne’s posts below.