In a significant political development, Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, has launched a forceful critique against President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for allegedly reneging on a key election commitment. The controversy centers on the promised distribution of cash grants to Guyanese citizens during the Christmas season.
During Wednesday night’s address, Mohamed characterized the government’s pre-election assurances of immediate cash payments as a “broken moral contract” rather than merely unfulfilled policy promises. He emphasized that while both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo had explicitly signaled the payout would occur, the administration subsequently announced the GY$100,000 grants would only be distributed after the 2026 national budget approval early next year.
Mohamed, whose party secured 16 seats in the September 1 general and regional elections to become Guyana’s main opposition force, dismissed the planned amount as “meagre” despite the country’s substantial oil revenues. He asserted the cash grant promise functioned primarily as a “campaign tool, not a guaranteed obligation,” directly referencing the President’s August campaign statement in Eccles suggesting payments would be contingent on proper behavior.
The political confrontation extends beyond the cash grant controversy. Mohamed also criticized President Ali for commencing his address 35 minutes late and for delivering his five-year policy agenda exclusively to diplomats and government officials rather than addressing Parliament and opposition lawmakers.
Complicating matters further, Mohamed’s potential ascension to Opposition Leader remains pending as National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir has yet to convene opposition parliamentarians for the necessary election. Attorney General Anil Nandlall has publicly opposed Mohamed assuming the role, citing ongoing extradition proceedings initiated by the United States regarding alleged financial crimes connected to Mohamed’s gold trading business and luxury car importation activities.
The Alliance for National Unity (APNU), holding 12 parliamentary seats, has concurrently demanded a larger GY$150,000 cash grant, citing the Finance Ministry’s mid-year economic report as evidence of sufficient available funds. APNU argues this enhanced amount would better cushion citizens against rising living costs and stimulate business activity during the holiday season.