– Minister Mustapha rejects Mohamed’s allegations
– says claims are politically motivated

MINISTER of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has firmly rejected allegations made against him by businessman and political figure Azruddin Mohamed regarding the Black Belly Sheep Project, describing the claims as “false, malicious and entirely without merit” and part of a broader campaign of politically and personally motivated attacks.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mustapha said the latest accusations represented the continuation of what he described as a sustained effort to spread misinformation and damage his reputation, as well as that of his family members and associates.
“The allegations against me are false, malicious and entirely without merit,” the minister stated, asserting that the accusations identified no wrongdoing on his part and instead sought to create public suspicion through speculation and innuendo.
Mustapha said he had largely refrained from responding to previous allegations and social media attacks directed at him and his family because many of them lacked credibility. However, he said he chose to address the latest accusations because they reflected what he described as an “emerging and troubling pattern” of public accusations aimed at advancing a narrative of political victimisation.
According to the minister, Mohamed’s public statements and social media activity appear designed to apply pressure, intimidate others, and reinforce claims that he is being politically persecuted.
“The people of Guyana should recognise these attacks for what they are,” Mustapha said, arguing that Mohamed became involved in politics long after legal proceedings and investigations involving him in the United States had already commenced.
The Minister of Agriculture further contended that Mohamed’s allegations form part of a broader strategy to frustrate ongoing legal proceedings while targeting individuals whom he believes have distanced themselves from or declined to support him.
Mustapha also addressed allegations involving his son, describing him as a successful businessman, gold miner and qualified medical doctor who has never been involved in politics.
He claimed that his son had been subjected to repeated public attacks after deciding to sever ties with Mohamed, whom Mustapha said had harboured a personal grievance against him.
“When my son made the decision to no longer keep his company and to move forward with his own life, the attacks began,” Mustapha stated, adding that his son had suffered significant reputational damage as a result of sustained public criticism and allegations.
Emphasising that his son is an independent adult with the right to choose his personal and professional associations, Mustapha argued that no individual or family should be subjected to public attacks because of personal disagreements or perceived grievances.
The minister maintained that he would not be distracted by what he described as politically and legally motivated attacks and reaffirmed his commitment to public service.
“My focus remains on serving the people of Guyana with integrity, diligence and accountability,” he said.
Mustapha concluded by calling for a political culture rooted in facts, accountability and respect for the truth, stressing that public discourse should be guided by evidence rather than misinformation, speculation or manufactured controversy.
“I remain fully committed to serving the people of Guyana with honesty, integrity and unwavering dedication,” the minister stated.