–says Mohamed’s candidacy poses serious risks to country’s governance, international standing; cites his alleged links to organised crime, U.S. sanctions

AS Guyana approaches general and regional elections on September 1, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, is urging voters to weigh the country’s geopolitical and security environment when deciding whom to elect.

Speaking during his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday, Nandlall highlighted the need for experienced leadership capable of managing both domestic and international challenges, particularly amid the ongoing territorial controversy with Venezuela, now before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He pointed to recent developments in the region that could affect Guyana.

The United States (U.S.) has dispatched warships and more than 4,000 personnel near Venezuelan waters as part of an anti-narcotics operation. Venezuela responded by deploying military units to strategic locations, raising tensions in the region.

The United States has offered a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, corruption, and organised crime that threatens regional stability and international security.

The U.S. has warned that Venezuela’s Cártel de los Soles and other criminal networks continue to exploit regional air and sea routes for drug trafficking, which threatens regional stability and indirectly impacts Guyana’s security and economic well-being.

As such, Nandlall expressed alarm over Azruddin Mohamed, presidential candidate and founder of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, who is currently sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department along with his father, Nazar, and several associated companies.

He also highlighted visits by Mohamed’s father to the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown as further cause for concern.

Nandlall noted that U.S. congressional members have described Mohamed as a “puppet” of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a confederate in criminal activities across South America.

Nandlall cautioned that Mohamed’s election to parliament could pose significant risks to Guyana’s government, financial systems, and international standing, while asserting that he is unlikely to win the presidency.
He asked: “Do you understand the damage that will be done to Guyana, to our governmental structure, and to our financial architecture if this man is ever elected and becomes part of the formal state structure of this country or part of our legislature?”

“The next government of Guyana has a new challenge to deal with. That is to say, how it will navigate and manage this issue, because the entire southern Caribbean has been identified. The U.S. has already indicated its intention to address this matter. You need statesmanship, mature leadership, and diplomatic skills to ensure our national interest and territorial sovereignty are protected, and that we continue to maintain good relationships with our closest and strongest allies,” the attorney general explained.

He questioned whether Azruddin Mohamed, or other opposition leaders, including A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader Aubrey Norton, has the expertise to manage the country’s affairs.

Nandlall stressed that the outcome of the elections will shape not only who governs but also the long-term security, stability, and direction of the nation.

He concluded by urging voters to support President, Dr Irfaan Ali, citing the need for capable leadership to navigate Guyana’s evolving challenges.