Azruddin Mohamed, the Presidential Candidate for the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, expressed optimism today that the sanctions imposed on him and his father, Nazar Mohamed, by the U.S. government will soon be lifted. The sanctions were enacted in 2024 over issues related to tax evasion and gold under-declaration.
Speaking to reporters after launching his party’s manifesto, Mohamed stated, “My lawyers in the United States are currently working with OFAC to get me delisted, and I am very optimistic that this will happen soon.”
His comments come in the wake of a warning from U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, who indicated that Mohamed’s election could strain U.S.-Guyana relations. In response, Mohamed asserted that Guyana is a sovereign nation, emphasizing that his decision to enter politics was driven by the people’s demands.
“This is the will of the people. They want me to run for office, and that is why I declared my candidacy,” he said, acknowledging a rare agreement with Bharrat Jagdeo on the matter of national sovereignty.
Ambassador Theriot reiterated that it would be problematic for the U.S. to collaborate with a sanctioned individual, regardless of their position in government. However, Mohamed remained confident, suggesting that the U.S. would work with him once he is elected. He referenced past instances where sanctions were lifted, stating, “When we take office on the 2nd of September, the United States will work with us.”
When asked about his plans if the sanctions are not lifted, Mohamed hinted at the possibility that the U.S. might engage with other members of the WIN party but not specifically with him.
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