In a significant diplomatic engagement, numerous high-ranking foreign envoys stationed in Guyana convened with House Speaker Manzoor Nadir at the Parliament Building in Stabroek. This gathering occurred in anticipation of Monday’s pivotal National Assembly session, which will feature both the presentation of the 2026 National Budget and the election of Guyana’s next Opposition Leader.
United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot characterized the encounter as an informal exchange, noting that the initiative originated from within the diplomatic community. “The Speaker generously accommodated our request for dialogue,” Ambassador Theriot explained to journalists, despite repeated attempts by her security detail to limit media interaction. She emphasized that the discussion centered on parliamentary procedures, budgetary considerations, and the impending opposition leadership selection.
The diplomatic contingent included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Venezuela, and several other nations. When questioned about Speaker Nadir’s recent criticisms of American and Canadian political systems—made in response to diplomatic calls for electing an Opposition Leader to strengthen Guyana’s democratic institutions—Ambassador Theriot declined to disclose specifics. “It would be inappropriate for me to characterize his remarks. That conversation remains with him,” she stated, adding that she did not perceive Nadir’s comments as targeted criticism but rather as legitimate expression of personal perspective.
The upcoming parliamentary meeting is expected to result in the appointment of Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood party, as Opposition Leader. This anticipated outcome faces resistance from both the ruling People’s Progressive Party and Speaker Nadir, citing Mohamed’s ongoing legal challenges. The United States has sanctioned and indicted Mohamed for alleged financial crimes, and he currently contests extradition proceedings alongside his father.