The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday rejected accusations by businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, who claimed that he and his son, Azruddin, were being unfairly targeted by the administration. Mohamed, who was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for allegedly evading nearly GY$11 billion (more than US$50 million) in taxes on gold sales, suggested political favouritism from the PPP due to his historical ties to the party.
Jagdeo, himself no stranger to several allegations of corruption, fired back stating the government would not jeopardise the nation’s future for personal or political allegiances. He mocked Mohamed’s assertion that the PPP would risk the country’s interests due to past connections with Cheddi Jagan, citing Mohamed’s involvement in the 1992 election and helping the PPP to win.
“We are not putting the people of Guyana at risk for anyone. These sanctions exist because of Mohamed’s actions, not because of any personal vendetta,” Jagdeo said during his weekly news conference.
The sanctions, Jagdeo explained, were a direct result of Mohamed’s involvement in alleged tax evasion and his failure to comply with U.S. regulations. In response, the government took decisive steps to limit Mohamed’s business operations within Guyana, including revoking licenses for his vessels and foreign exchange dealings. The government said the measures were designed to protect the country’s financial system from the risks of U.S. sanctions, which could include the loss of crucial correspondent banking relationships.
Jagdeo said the government’s actions were not driven by vindictiveness but were necessary to safeguard the country’s reputation and economic stability. “The government cannot engage with the Mohameds. To do so would expose us to sanctions, and we will not jeopardise the livelihoods of every citizen for one person,” he asserted.
The political tension heightened further when Mohamed’s son, Azruddin, accused the government of corruption in a public meeting with rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast. Jagdeo fired back, challenging Azruddin to focus on addressing policy issues rather than engaging in personal attacks. He dismissed the claims as distraction tactics and suggested Azruddin was more interested in showcasing his wealth than addressing the needs of the people.
Additionally, Jagdeo speculated that the Mohameds were positioning themselves to align with the opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), a party he said the Mohameds financially supported in the past. If Jagdeo’s claim is to be believed then the Mohameds are acting like the average business in Guyana- supporting both sides.
Meanwhile, Nazar Mohamed, defiant in the face of sanctions, hinted at potential legal action against the government, claiming violations of his constitutional rights. In a statement posted on his company’s social media, Mohamed denied any wrongdoing, stating, “The Constitution protects me. No one can stop me from doing business in my country.”
His grievances included government restrictions on his operations, such as denied permissions for foreign-flagged vessels and withheld mining permits. Mohamed also alleged that several individuals associated with him had their U.S. visas revoked due to their connections with his business—a development he claims he was unaware of.
