News Room Guyana Reports | Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne firmly dismissed allegations made by U.S.-indicted businessman and WIN political leader Azruddin Mohamed regarding the condition of the Amerindian Hostel. She characterized his sudden interest as a calculated attempt to gain political relevance and a diversion from his own imminent extradition issues.
On Sunday, Mohamed and his team visited the hostel on Princess Street, claiming they were invited by occupants but were denied access. They later shared a social media post portraying the facility as overcrowded and inadequately maintained.
In her response, Minister Browne accused Mohamed of manipulating this sensitive issue for political gain, asserting that he is sowing division and deflecting attention from his personal challenges. She clarified that the hostel has surpassed the capacity of its aged infrastructure due to a policy of welcoming all indigenous persons seeking shelter, rather than due to neglect. In 2025 alone, over 12,175 people utilized the hostel, many of whom were stranded patients or vulnerable individuals in need of urgent medical attention.
The Minister emphasized that the government, particularly President Irfaan Ali, acknowledges the pressures on the current hostel facility. Browne confirmed that plans are in place for a new Amerindian Hostel, detailing that land has been identified, designs completed, and funds allocated in the 2026 National Budget for construction. She noted that these developments had been publicly confirmed by the President, including at an international meeting in Morocco.
Despite the challenges posed by the aging structure, Minister Browne stated that the hostel continues to provide three nutritious meals daily, a safe resting place, welfare services, and transportation assistance back to hinterland regions. The Ministry has facilitated medical transport for sick patients and offered emergency aid through the Difficult Circumstances grant, ensuring that Indigenous individuals arriving in the city do not feel abandoned. She mentioned that she has personally visited the hostel, engaged with residents, and acted on concerns raised.
Browne highlighted that maintaining an always-full facility necessitates regular repairs and replacements for appliances, mattresses, furniture, and plumbing. Recent efforts included replacing mattresses, and she stated that financial records for dietary, janitorial, and maintenance services can be made available to counter claims of neglect.
Addressing comments made online by Mohamed’s sister, Hannah, the Minister asserted that individuals insulated from the daily challenges of hinterland life should not presume to understand the realities faced by Indigenous communities. She described Hannah’s remarks as politically motivated and asserted that neither sibling has lived the struggles of Indigenous people.
Minister Browne characterized Mohamed’s actions as a “desperate effort” to create ethnic and political division at a time when scrutiny of his legal situation is warranted. She reaffirmed that the Amerindian Hostel is a regulated government facility, not a platform for political performances or campaigns.
In her closing remarks, she emphasized the commitment of her ministry to the welfare of Indigenous citizens, distinguishing between genuine advocacy and political maneuvering. “We represent our people, we care for our people, and we have advanced plans to build a new hostel that meets the present and future needs of Guyana’s Indigenous citizens. What Mohamed is doing is not advocacy. It is politics, and it is a distraction.”
