THE sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana face unprecedented challenges that require constant attention from every citizen.
Recent developments involving US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his political ambitions through the “We Invest in Nationhood” (WIN) party pose a direct threat to our democratic foundations and important international relationships, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and other foreign and local officials.
This situation is serious. When the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the Mohamed family in June 2024, it was not a routine action.

These sanctions arose from claims of evading over US$50 million in taxes on more than 10,000 kilograms of gold exports between 2019 and 2023.
This type of financial misconduct threatens the core of our economic system. President Ali has made this very clear: “OFAC sanctions are not ordinary sanctions. They are sanctions that seek specific measures.”

The implications go beyond financial wrongdoing. US Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has issued a clear warning that highlights the urgency of our situation.
Her statement that “individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise this vital relationship” addresses the real danger of letting compromised individuals gain political power.

This is not just political talk; it reflects serious concern in the US Congress about Venezuela’s efforts to undermine Guyana’s democracy through what Congressman Carlos Gimenez referred to as a “pro-Maduro puppet candidate.”

We cannot dismiss the Venezuelan connection as a coincidence. At a time when our country faces its greatest external threat from Venezuela’s aggressive territorial claims over the Essequibo region, the rise of a US-sanctioned political figure with alleged ties to the Maduro regime represents a dangerous mix of internal and external threats.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent warning that any Venezuelan attack on Guyana would lead to severe consequences for Caracas highlights the importance of maintaining strong US-Guyana relations. Yet, Mohamed’s political activities threaten this crucial alliance when we need it the most.

Further, the response from the financial sector shows the systemic risks involved. Local banks have cut all ties with Mohamed and his businesses not because of political bias but because working with OFAC-sanctioned individuals could expose them to secondary sanctions.

Insurance companies have also distanced themselves, and tenants have left buildings owned by the sanctioned entities. This is not victimisation; it is simply the result of engaging in activities that place one outside legitimate international commerce.

President Ali’s description of Mohamed as a threat to national security is not exaggerated or politically driven.
When our key ally in defending against Venezuelan aggression labels someone as so compromised that they warrant sanctions, that person automatically becomes a security risk to our nation’s defence.

The president’s comment that “our greatest threat to our national security is Venezuela” and that Mohamed is a risk “because our key ally has identified him to the extent that he is sanctioned by them” reflects a serious geopolitical reality.
Guyanese voters should see that the September 1 elections are more than just a choice between political parties.
They represent a critical moment for our national security, international reputation, and future development.
President Ali’s warning that “leadership must not fall into the hands of those whose affiliations and agendas may compromise Guyana’s territorial integrity” highlights the stark reality of our current situation.

The choice is clear, we can protect our democracy by rejecting those identified as threats to our national interests by our closest allies, or we can allow sanctioned individuals to possibly endanger our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Guyana’s significant progress in recent years, from our growing oil wealth to our improved international profile, has come from careful management of relationships with democratic allies.
These achievements are too valuable to gamble on the political ambitions of those operating under international sanctions. Our democracy deserves leaders whose integrity is unquestionable and whose commitment to our sovereignty remains unaffected by foreign entanglements.
The warning from Congresswoman Salazar and her colleagues should alert all Guyanese. When our strategic allies express concern about threats to our democratic institutions, we ignore their warnings at our own risk.

The way forward requires vigilance, wisdom, and a strong commitment to the principles that have guided our nation toward prosperity and security. We must not allow sanctioned individuals to endanger the vital relationships that safeguard our sovereignty and ensure our future.