Newly sworn-in Member of Parliament Hadiyyah Mohamed has declared that she intends to establish her own record in the National Assembly, rejecting suggestions that her entry into Parliament represents an attempt to create a political dynasty or advance a family agenda.
In a statement published on her Facebook page following her swearing-in as a representative of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party on Wednesday, November 11, Mohamed said her priority would be representing Guyanese, holding the Government accountable and defending democratic institutions.
She fills the parliamentary seat vacated by former WIN parliamentarian Dr Andre Lewis, who resigned in October amid allegations against him and an ongoing investigation.
Hadiyyah, the sister of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, also used her first public statement as an MP to demand her brother’s immediate release from detention, arguing that his continued absence from Parliament undermines his ability to discharge the responsibilities of his constitutional office.
“I call for the immediate release of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed.
His office is not merely personal or political; it is a constitutional office on behalf of the people of Guyana. An opposition leader cannot and must not be absent from the running of a country.”
Azruddin Mohamed has been on remand since October 30 following the refusal of bail on charges brought under the Cybercrime Act. The allegations relate to the alleged unauthorised access to and disclosure of electronic data from the Guyana Police Force’s surveillance system. He has denied wrongdoing, and the charges remain before the court.
Rejects claims of a political dynasty
Addressing criticism over her family relationship with the Opposition Leader, Hadiyyah said she was not entering Parliament to replace anyone or pursue a family political agenda.
“Let me be very clear: I am not here to create a political dynasty. I am not here to remove or overtake anyone or to pursue a family political agenda. I am here to do my job as a representative of the constitution, and I am here to fight for all Guyanese.”
She said her academic and professional background should be considered when assessing her suitability for public office.
Mohamed disclosed that she holds a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University and a Master of Letters (MLitt) with Merit in Global Social and Political Thought from the University of St Andrews.
She said her experience in journalism, documentary production, governmental organisations, research and advocacy had strengthened her commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and demanding accountability from those in power.
“A surname does not confer competence, just as having a family connection does not disqualify you from public service. My brother and I may share a family, but I am responsible for my own decisions, voice and actions.”
She added that she welcomed scrutiny and criticism, but urged the public to judge her by her work, policies and performance rather than her family name.
Named shadow minister of natural resources
Hadiyyah also announced that she would serve as WIN’s shadow minister of natural resources, a portfolio she described as carrying significant national responsibility given Guyana’s expanding oil and gas industry.
She said the management of the country’s natural wealth must be examined in terms of who benefits and what is preserved for future generations.
Describing herself as an environmentalist, she pledged to scrutinise government decisions affecting the country’s forests, rivers, biodiversity and Indigenous communities.
“I will scrutinize, I will ask the hard questions, challenge government decisions, and demand accountability and hold ministers to account. No ministry should escape being challenged, and no public office holder should feel that he or she is above accountability.”
Promises to represent young people and struggling Guyanese
The new MP also highlighted the economic difficulties facing ordinary citizens despite the country’s oil-driven economic expansion. She said her parliamentary salary would be used to support Guyanese citizens struggling to meet basic household expenses.
She argued that the benefits of the country’s growing wealth must reach ordinary families, rather than remain concentrated among a limited section of society.
At the same time, she described her election to Parliament as an opportunity to encourage greater youth participation in national decision-making, particularly among young women.
“I want young girls to know that they too can be in the rooms where the important decisions are made. I want young people to understand that public service is not for any one age, gender or any one background.”
Hadiyyah acknowledged that she had much to learn but pledged to remain accessible to constituents and to make her parliamentary responsibilities about more than speeches and titles.
She concluded by reaffirming her support for her brother and making his release a central part of her appeal.
“Free Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition now! Respect his constitutional rights and allow him to perform his duties as the people of Guyana demand.”
Her entry into the National Assembly adds a new voice to WIN’s parliamentary team, with her first statement signalling an intention to focus on natural resource accountability, environmental protection, youth representation and the continued detention of the Opposition Leader.
