Belize Prime Minister Welcomes Son Shyne Home

Dean Barrow, the Prime Minister of Belize, has released his first official statement in support of his son Shyne. The rapper, born Jamal Barrow, was deported back to Belize on Tuesday, Oct. 27, after serving ten years in prison for an infamous club shooting, involving Sean "Diddy" Combs.

"When I saw him yesterday I really was stunned," Prime Minister Barrow told Belize's 7 News. "You don't go to jail for that period of time without it obviously exacting a huge toll on you. But, I really was shocked to see what it had physically done to him and clearly it will take some time for him to be able to recover from that experience. Not having gone through it myself, I don't know whether anyone is ever able to recover."

Shyne, who has been estranged from his father for most of his life, previously criticized his father for being absent during his childhood and teenage years in the United States. However, it appears that the elder Barrow has finally made his amends.

"It was wonderful to see that [Shyne] is free at last and [it is] good to have him in Belize. Although he appeared physically frail, it was obvious that he is mentally as strong as ever and certainly kept talking to me about what his presence here at home could mean for this country."

Shyne is currently in Belize awaiting the arrival of his legal advisor, Professor Charles Ogletree. We wish him the best. It's been a long road.