Supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have been relentlessly harassing businessman Azruddin Mohamed during his visits to party strongholds, but what has raised eyebrows is President Irfaan Ali’s silence in the face of growing tensions between the Mohamed family and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the PPP.
Critics argue the President’s inaction is conspicuous, especially as many speculate that a public rift may be unfolding between the Mohameds and Jagdeo.
In June 2024, the United States sanctioned Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his son, Azruddin, accusing them of large-scale tax evasion involving over 10,000 kilograms of gold, worth more than US$50 million, between 2019 and 2023. Alongside the Mohameds, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas was also sanctioned.
But it wasn’t until recently Jagdeo began his attacks on the Mohameds. Analysts are baffled by this turn of events, particularly given the Mohameds’ longstanding ties to the PPP and Jagdeo’s own alleged involvement in corruption scandals, and that it was during his presidency Guyana was ranked the most corrupt English-speaking country in the Caribbean.
Earlier this month, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) slapped the Mohameds with a $900 million bill for unpaid duties on luxury vehicle imports, threatening legal action if the debt isn’t settled. The Mohameds deny the claim and have vowed to challenge the GRA through the court.
One analyst speaking to Village Voice News, on condition of anonymity, expressed disbelief at the situation, noting Azruddin Mohamed’s charitable activities, such as distributing hampers to communities. “It’s a shame that in a country blessed with wealth, citizens are still reliant on the charity of private individuals,” the analyst said. “The PPP government’s failure to address the cost of living and implement a sustainable strategy to alleviate people’s suffering is glaring. The one-off cash grants will not cut it.”
Azruddin Mohamed’s visits have also been drawing large crowds, with PPP supporters increasingly vocal in their criticism of the party/government. Many are expressing disgust with the widespread corruption, with some accusing the government of allowing “the rich to get richer while the poor continue to suffer.”
The growing hostility towards the Mohameds was evident last weekend when Azruddin visited the Essequibo Coast, only to face protests from PPP supporters. This was not the first time such incidents occurred; during a previous visit, Regional Member of Parliament Juliet Conjah was among those who confronted Azruddin and protested his presence.
The Mohamed family’s relationship with President Ali raises further questions. The president and the Mohameds are close personal friends. Ali was even loaned one of the Mohamed family’s vehicles during his inauguration, a vehicle adorned with the presidential seal. The president’s continued silence in the face of attacks on the Mohameds by his own vice president and party supporters is fueling speculation that there may be more to this situation than meets the eye.
