Dear Editor,
Five weeks ago, prominent and wealthy city businessman Mr. Nazar Mohamed has for the first time in his life, entered the political arena on the People’s Progressive Party Civics’ (PPP/C) ticket as a councillor for the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Council in the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGE).

But when asked if he would enter national politics, he quickly ruled it out and stated that he is semi-retired. However, as Chairman of the Republic Park community development group, Mohamed developed a keen interest in local politics and in the development of his neighborhood and became a strong community activist on issues affecting the people. Known to many as ‘Shell’ Mohamed, the successful businessman who lived in the community for more than four decades, is well-known and highly respected and appreciated by the people and his business colleagues.

Shell Mohamed, who came from humble beginnings, was born in the tiny village of Johanna Cecelia on the Essequibo Coast seven decades ago. And although his father was a sawmill worker, poverty was the way of life for the Mohameds who lived in a two-bedroom house with no running water, electricity, a leaking roof, and a latrine located at the back of the house. Despite being poor, Mr. Mohamed said what had mattered most was love and happiness, which was abundant in the home.

The young Mohamed was an avid sports fan who liked the outdoors: hunting, fishing, and swimming. His favorite sport was cricket and as revealed by his childhood friends, he was an impressive batsman. Even though his boyhood days were full of fun and excitement, Mohamed had showed a keen interest in Islam and like his parents, he attended Madrasa, where he read the Holy Quran, and followed the teachings of the late Prophet and Messenger of God–Muhammad. Today, he is a devoted Muslim.

Shell Mohamed loved to read, and education was and still is the foundation of his life. After primary school where he excelled in Mathematics and was a brilliant student, he attended the Anna Regina Secondary School, but was forced to drop out because his parents could not afford the bus fare to send him to school. However, he did not give up on education. He educated himself through various means; but shortly after his father, who was his hero died, Mohamed being the eldest child, was forced to work to maintain a family of nine.

If anyone knew what they wanted in life and how to achieve it, it was Nazar Mohamed. At a young age, he knew that working for someone else was not his calling, so he ventured into business and became his own boss as a trader.

He struggled for a while, but as his business flourished, he established several other companies, which ultimately shaped his future. And even though he is currently the managing director of an empire – Mohamed’s Enterprise – comprised of five companies, he remains the humble son of a sawmill worker and a family man.

As the country’s leading philanthropist, Nazar Mohamed has given generously to many charitable groups, the poor and the disabled and assisted several persons to become lawyers, doctors, and other professionals in Guyana and abroad.

Well-liked by the residents of his community, we believe that Mr. Nazar Mohamed’s election as a councillor of the Eccles/Ramsburg district is assured. He is intelligent, honest, trustworthy, and dedicated, and a remarkable person who would not tolerate any type of corrupt practices. His primary goal is to provide outstanding service to the people of the community.

Sincerely,
Dr. Asquith Rose