News Source Guyana Reports : US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, stated today that the decision by local banks to sever ties with candidates of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, was “entirely independent” and not influenced by the US government.
Speaking at a US Peace Corps Volunteer Programme event at the Umana Yana, Ambassador Theriot clarified that the banks’ actions were unrelated to the sanctions imposed by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). “There is absolutely no association. The OFAC sanctions pertain solely to what happens in the United States,” she emphasized.
Since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) published the approved list of WIN candidates in late July, over 30 candidates have had their accounts closed by several banks, including Demerara Bank, GBTI, Citizens Bank, and the New Building Society (NBS). Demerara Bank was the first to cut ties, informing WIN candidate Natasha Singh of its decision to discontinue services “in compliance with our internal policies and banking requirements.”
Ambassador Theriot noted that the local banks did not consult the US Embassy before making their decision. “We were not consulted. We have no opinion on the matter. The banks here make their own decisions,” she stated, emphasizing that this issue falls strictly within the private sector’s purview.
When questioned about the potential influence of US sanctions on the banks’ relationships with corresponding banks in the US, the Ambassador refrained from speculating on any discussions that may have occurred.
Regarding Azruddin Mohamed’s candidacy, Ambassador Theriot reiterated her earlier statements that his election could impact how the US government engages with Guyana. “I was stating facts,” she explained, referencing how previous sanctions have affected US relations with other countries.
Ambassador Theriot also affirmed that the US has no interest in interfering with Guyana’s electoral process. “This is a sovereign country; you run your election as you see fit,” she remarked, while highlighting the US’s support for election security at the request of Guyana.
Mohamed, alongside his father and their businesses, was sanctioned by the US government last year due to allegations of tax evasion and gold under-declaration. He has denied these allegations and is contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections under the WIN party.
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