President Ali Responds to US Sanctions on Guyanese Nationals

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the United States’ recent decision to impose sanctions on four Guyanese nationals for drug trafficking, confirming that his government has already requested additional information from U.S. authorities to support a thorough local investigation.

The President revealed that he has directly communicated with the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, requesting all available intelligence to assist local law enforcement agencies. Among those sanctioned is Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh of the Guyana Police Force, who has since been placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard procedures.

“These developments are being taken seriously. I’ve already spoken with the Ambassador and requested all the relevant information so that we can take the appropriate action locally,” President Ali stated during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned ten individuals, including four Guyanese: Senior Superintendent Sawh, Paul Daby Jr., Mark Cromwell—also known as ‘Demon’ and ‘Diamond’—and Randolph Duncan. This action follows a similar round of sanctions a year ago that targeted prominent businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas.

President Ali emphasized that the latest sanctions reaffirm the importance of Guyana’s security partnership with the United States, particularly amid concerns that the country is being used as a transshipment point for narcotics. He noted that the government is increasing investments in border control, surveillance, and screening technology.

“We have a very strong bilateral partnership on security. We’re working with the U.S. on port and border security, and we’ve already started to see results,” he remarked.

“We’re also investing in scanners and other technologies that will help us strengthen our national security framework.”

When asked if he felt blindsided by the sanctions, President Ali refrained from using that term but acknowledged the complexities involved. He stressed that Guyana and the U.S. have maintained ongoing security cooperation and intelligence sharing, particularly concerning the individuals recently sanctioned.

“There has always been partnership and sharing of information. I’m sure there was engagement from the security front before the sanctions were issued,” the President noted.

He also indicated that further administrative and possibly legal actions would follow based on the outcomes of local investigations.

“The police officer will have to proceed accordingly. Once we receive the information from the U.S., we will ensure the necessary steps are taken,” he stated.

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