Forde Demands Ali Govt Provide Evidence on Mohammeds–Venezuela Allegations

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde is calling on the Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration to produce concrete proof to support its claims that the Mohammeds applied for Venezuelan visas or traveled to the neighbouring country. He warned that failure to do so would amount to a serious betrayal of public trust and set a dangerous precedent for Guyana’s democratic governance.

The allegations surfaced just over a month after two United States Congress members, Carlos Gimenez and María Elvira Salazar, described local businessman and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leader Azruddin Mohamed as “Maduro’s puppet.” Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, has reportedly confirmed that Mohamed applied for a Venezuelan visa.

The disclosure came from Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, who also stated that Mohamed and other members of his family have made frequent visits to the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown.

Forde stressed that under common law, every citizen is presumed innocent and the burden of proof lies with the accuser. He emphasised that this principle is fundamental to justice and must be upheld, particularly in matters involving national security and public confidence.

“If the government claims to possess evidence, it must bring it into the light of public scrutiny,” Forde said, noting that the absence of such proof would raise serious questions about the administration’s motives.

The senior counsel pointed to statements reportedly made by the Venezuelan Ambassador regarding visa applications, warning that if those claims were fabricated or misrepresented by the PPP/C, it would indicate a willingness to manipulate the truth for political persecution.

According to Forde, allegations that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs propagated an unsubstantiated narrative to discredit political opponents go beyond partisan politics, striking at the heart of Guyana’s sovereignty at a time of heightened tensions with Venezuela.

He cautioned that falsely linking citizens to a foreign adversary weaponises patriotism for political gain, risks dividing the nation, and undermines Guyana’s moral standing internationally.

“The people of Guyana deserve answers, not ambiguity,” Forde stated.

Forde urged the administration to present passport records, flight manifests, border entry documents, or visa applications if they exist—or retract the allegations entirely.

“Silence,” he said, “would only confirm suspicions of a calculated smear campaign. These are consequential times. In matters of national trust, the truth is not optional—it is imperative.”

Time will tell whether President Ali, in the interest of transparency and national security, will provide the evidence or allow for growing suspicious the issue with the PPP/C and Mohamed is more about political warfare than truth, law and order.