-slams WIN as a ‘party born out of criminality’

ADDRESSING a large crowd at a recent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) public meeting in Black Bush Polder (BPP), Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, praised President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s handling of the longstanding border controversy with Venezuela.

He also launched a scathing attack on We Invest in Nationhood’s (WIN) presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who has been sanctioned by the United States of America (USA) for gold smuggling and tax evasion.

Locally, Mohamed has been charged by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with tax evasion and making false declarations, which allegedly allowed him to pay reduced duties on a Lamborghini, a luxury car.

He was released on cash bail by a Georgetown Magistrate, pending the hearing and determination of his trial.

Speaking against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, Nandlall told supporters, “We have been the closest to war than we have ever been in 100 years of this border controversy. Dr. Ali has steered us clear and has put us in a safe place. That is the quality of leadership that we are offering.”

Highlighting President Ali’s calm and strategic approach during the recent flare-up with Venezuela, Nandlall emphasised the importance of experienced leadership in safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty. “We have a plan, and we have a team. Dr. Ali is a leader of world-class ability,” he declared.

He emphasised that the President commands attention whenever he speaks on the international stage, including at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth.

Turning to domestic politics ahead of the September 1 polls, Nandlall was unrelenting in his criticism of Mohamed and the newly formed political party, WIN.

Nandlall warned voters not to be fooled by WIN’s tactics, insisting that the party was built on deception and has nothing credible to offer the nation.

“But let me tell you something — that party is born out of criminality. It has no future. A vote for Azruddin Mohamed is a waste of time. Do not waste your time on September 1.”

He urged voters not to be swayed by what he called false promises and gimmicks.

“The lines are drawn; there is no match,” Nandlall insisted. “But we cannot afford to be complacent. Every single one of you must go to that polling station and make sure you mark that ‘X’ next to the cup. We cannot afford to waste a single vote. This election is one of the most important elections in the history of independent Guyana.”

The PPP/C symbol is a cup.

During his remarks, Nandlall spent some time reminding the supporters about the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). The Attorney-General told the crowd that the country experiences a breakdown in democracy and the rule of law during the party’s time in office.

He specifically pointed to the period between 2015 and 2020, under the leadership of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), reminding listeners of the coalition’s attempt to rig the March 2020 elections in plain sight of the entire world.

At the core of APNU is the PNC, which is the largest and most influential party within the coalition.

Nandlall emphasised: “Every time the PPP is out of government, democracy is stolen, your freedom is taken away, your rights are trampled upon. The PNC can never be trusted with democracy in this country again.”

Using neighbouring Venezuela as a reference, the Senior Counsel highlighted the breakdown of democracy and the rule of law in that country, which has led to millions of Venezuelans fleeing in search of a better life.

Black Bush Polder (BBP), known for its rice farming, has been feeding Guyana for more than seven decades, according to Nandlall.

“Because of your indomitable spirit, because of your tremendous hard work and dedication, under the leadership of Dr. Ali, you are poised to feed the Caribbean over the next five years.”

With just under two weeks until election day, the PPP/C is intensifying its push in key regions, leaning heavily on its record in office and President Ali’s international stature to rally support.

During the PPP/C’s time in office, Nandlall reminded the audience that Guyana has emerged as the leading voice on energy security in the Caribbean, the fastest-growing economy in the world, an attractive destination for investors, and a key advocate on climate change, among other important issues.

The AG also lauded the PPP/C’s top leadership team, referencing Prime Minister, (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, whom he called a “Champion of the Earth.”

After the election victory, we will come back to Black Bush Polder, and we gon sport like hell—night and day,” Nandlall declared.