Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has drawn troubling parallels between Guyana’s current political landscape and Colombia’s historical issues with corruption and criminal influence, particularly regarding the ongoing situation involving U.S.-indicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.
At a press conference at Freedom House in Georgetown, Jagdeo expressed concerns that segments of the political opposition, judiciary, and media appear compromised by money and influence from the Mohameds. “We are watching the people who are going to not perform their duties because they are compromised… we are watching them carefully,” he stated.
Jagdeo accused certain local actors of attempting to cover up the Mohameds’ alleged activities by using their wealth and influence to manipulate public opinion. He pointed out that the Stabroek News has not reported on the Mohameds’ controversial visit to the Venezuelan Embassy, which he claims was not for a youth conference as claimed by Nazar but rather for undisclosed reasons that warrant scrutiny due to existing U.S. sanctions against the Mohameds.
He highlighted the suspicious timing of the U.S. extradition request for the Mohameds, which was finalized on October 26, coinciding with a deadly terrorist incident in Guyana. Jagdeo suggested that individuals linked to the Mohameds may have been tipped off about the extradition request, referencing a social media post hinting at “a big distraction” shortly after the request was made.
Jagdeo criticized the magistrate who granted bail to the Mohameds, labeling the decision as unprecedented and indicative of a troubling attitude towards serious charges. He described the $150,000 cash bail as convenient for the Mohameds, sending a damaging message about Guyana’s handling of extradition cases.
He also cited statements from U.S. Congress members expressing concern over Venezuelan attempts to undermine Guyana’s democracy through Azruddin Mohamed, calling the situation “not random” and indicative of broader regional networks linked to the Mohameds.
Drawing comparisons to Colombia’s Pablo Escobar era, Jagdeo warned against the dangers of criminal influence infiltrating institutions, stating, “When criminals buy influence across all sectors, the result is kidnappings, bombings, and national instability.” He emphasized the need for swift action to prevent this infiltration.
Jagdeo accused parts of the media of failing to challenge the Mohameds’ alleged criminality, criticizing the portrayal of Azruddin’s entry into Parliament as a historic day rather than a disgrace. He alleged that some members of the APNU have been “bought” by the Mohameds, softening their stance on their legal troubles.
He contrasted this current complacency with the opposition’s aggressive reaction in previous cases involving PPP officials, highlighting the inconsistency in their responses.
Jagdeo concluded with a stark warning: if Guyana fails to confront these issues decisively, it risks institutional collapse. “When people with ill-gotten wealth believe they can buy out politicians, media houses, and the courts, it marks the beginning of a failed society. We must guard against that with everything we have,” he urged.
VP Jagdeo Condemns Azruddin Mohamed’s “Brazen Act” of Driving Uninsured Lamborghini to Parliament
