Guyana: Opposition Leader Not Invited to US Embassy Reception

US Ambassador Nicole Theriot announced that Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was not invited to the embassy’s reception celebrating the United States’ 250th independence anniversary. The reason provided was that Mr. Mohamed is currently sanctioned by the US due to financial crimes.

Ambassador Theriot explained, “He’s currently indicted by the United States and he’s sanctioned by the Department of Treasury so it would be inappropriate for us to invite him,” during a press interaction at the reception held at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel.

Mr. Mohamed, along with his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, has faced serious legal challenges. They were indicted by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for allegedly smuggling over 10,000 kilogrammes of gold out of Guyana and evading more than US$50 million in taxes owed to the Guyanese government.

In October 2025, the Mohameds were indicted on 11 additional charges, including money laundering, wire fraud, and mail fraud. Azruddin Mohamed established the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party just three months prior to the general and regional elections held on September 1, 2025, where his party secured 16 out of 29 opposition seats. The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) won 12 seats, while the Forward Guyana Movement obtained one seat.

Previously, the Mohameds were considered strong allies of President Irfaan Ali and the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). They are currently contesting a US extradition request.

Source: demerarawaves.com