By Roysdale Forde S.C- In the sacred covenant of public service, truth is not a mere convenience; it is the bedrock of the social contract binding those who govern to the governed. When this covenant is breached, particularly by a government entrusted with the stewardship of the state, the repercussions reverberate across the fabric of society, eroding trust and imperiling the democratic order.
Recent actions of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government have cast a long shadow over Guyana’s democratic integrity. In a calculated move to ensnare private citizens, the administration propagated a baseless narrative alleging that Guyanese businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed engaged in inappropriate dealings with the Nicolas Maduro Government of Venezuela, in the prelude to the General and Regional Elections held, here, September1, 2025. This accusation, devoid of evidence and steeped in political desperation, constitutes not only a vicious assault on private individuals and a political opponent but also a reckless affront to Guyana’s national sovereignty.
The gravity of this scandal deepened with Mr. Carlos Amador Perez Silva, the Venezuelan Ambassador’s unequivocal rebuttal. The diplomat publicly denied any meetings, collaborations, or interactions with either of the Mohameds, dismantling the government’s narrative with authoritative clarity. As the eminent jurist Lord Denning once observed, “Silence is not always golden; it is often an admission of guilt.”
The PPP/C’s refusal to respond – whether through retraction, apology, or clarification- speaks volumes. This deafening silence is not neutral; it is complicit. It betrays a government that holds transparency and accountability in contempt, prioritising political expediency over the public good. This is an important point because this entire episode raises a profound question: if a government can so cavalierly fabricate allegations involving a foreign state, in the instant case, one with which there is an on-going border controversy, and remain mute when confronted with a contradiction, what trust can the people of Guyana place in its stewardship?
Can we rely on the veracity of government’s economic data, the integrity of its oil contracts, the security of our borders, or the sanctity of our electoral processes? The answer, in the absence of accountability, leaves little or no room for speculation.
The PPP/C’s conduct exemplifies an extremely dangerous trend toward governance by deception. As Justice Louis D. Brandeis warned, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.” Yet, this government seeks refuge in the shadows, wielding silence as a shield against scrutiny. Such tactics not only undermine public confidence but also risk destabilising Guyana’s international relations. By implicating a foreign embassy in a fabricated scandal, the administration has recklessly jeopardised tensions that could have far-reaching diplomatic consequences.
And, this is not merely a matter concerning the Mohameds, nor is it a partisan squabble. It is a question of the very soul of our democracy- a test of whether Guyana will be governed by truth, fairness, and justice or succumb to a regime of rumour, fear, and propaganda. The collective conscience of this nation must awaken. We cannot allow this scandal to fade into obscurity, buried under the weight of political convenience. To do so would be to abdicate our duty as citizens, compromise our dignity as a people, and jeopardise our future as a sovereign state.
The path forward demands action. The media must amplify this issue with unrelenting scrutiny. Civil society must mobilise to hold power to account. Every citizen who cherishes truth and justice must raise their voice. We must demand answers: Why was this false narrative propagated? Who authorised it? What steps will be taken to prevent such egregious abuses of power in the future? Without these answers, the PPP/C’s silence will become a doctrine of deception, and its inaction a policy of impunity.
Guyana’s place in the international community hinges on its reputation as a nation of integrity. We cannot afford to be perceived as a state where governance is reduced to machinations and misinformation. The principles of transparency, accountability, and truth are non-negotiable. They are the pillars upon which democracy stands, and they must be defended with vigilance.
This is a clarion call to all Guyanese – to reject a government that hides behind lies and silence and to demand one that serves with honour. The people of Guyana deserve better. Guyanese deserve a leadership that upholds the social contract, not one that betrays it. A government that promotes truth and integrity; not falsehood and disrespect for its people. Let us insist on better. Let us insist on the truth. Let us insist on a government that governs not in shadows, but in the light of accountability and justice.
