In a resolute Independence Day address, Prime Minister Gaston Browne reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach. Browne declared that neither he nor any member of his household is permitted to engage in government contracts, ensuring the Office of the Prime Minister remains beyond reproach. He highlighted that all irregular transactions will be met with restitution or criminal prosecution, underscoring the administration’s dedication to integrity and transparency. Browne cited a recent case of unauthorized government vehicle transactions, where immediate corrective actions were taken, including a Ministry of Finance review and restitution to the Treasury. He stressed that no favoritism or cover-ups were tolerated. To further prevent abuse, oversight mechanisms across customs and procurement systems are being strengthened, with repeat offenses to be pursued criminally. Browne asserted that his government will never defend wrongdoing but will correct it, imposing heavy penalties and directing proceeds as monetary restitution to the Treasury. He concluded by stating that good governance is not merely a slogan but the standard by which a nation protects its integrity and earns public confidence.
分类： politics
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Mohameds’ lawyer provides evidence to rubbish Datadin’s ‘no bail’ for persons awaiting extradition
A heated legal debate has erupted in Guyana over the granting of bail to individuals awaiting extradition, following the case of Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, who are wanted in the United States for alleged financial crimes. Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, representing the Mohameds, has challenged the claims made by Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin, who argued that bail should not be granted to fugitives due to constitutional prohibitions. Mr. Dhurjon countered that the High Court, under the Fugitive Offenders Act, has the authority to grant bail, and cited Section 3(1)(b) of the Bail Act, which explicitly allows bail in extradition cases. The Mohameds were each granted GY$150,000 bail by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday, pending the hearing of the US extradition request. Mr. Datadin referenced Article 139(i) of Guyana’s Constitution, which permits the loss of liberty in extradition proceedings, but Mr. Dhurjon pointed to precedents where bail was granted in similar cases, including Junior Da Silva’s extradition proceedings earlier this year. He also highlighted Section 15(2) of the Fugitive Offenders Act, which grants magistrates the power to remand or admit to bail in extradition cases. Attorney General Anil Nandlall emphasized that the next step is for the State to disclose the US-provided evidence to the defense lawyers, ensuring a fair hearing. The Mohameds, sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in June 2024 for alleged tax evasion on gold exports, are set to return to court on November 10, 2025. Mr. Nandlall dismissed claims of political motivation behind the case, asserting that the government has engaged Jamaican lawyers to ensure impartiality.
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Guyana’s President Extends Independence Congratulations to Antigua and Barbuda
In a heartfelt message, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali extended warm congratulations to Antigua and Barbuda on the occasion of their 44th Independence Anniversary. President Ali emphasized the deep-rooted friendship and shared values between the two nations, highlighting their mutual dedication to regional unity and prosperity. He underscored Guyana’s unwavering commitment to fostering a stronger and more integrated Caribbean community, describing the partnership as a cornerstone of their collective vision. President Ali expressed his wishes for Antigua and Barbuda’s continued progress and success, stating, “May Antigua and Barbuda continue to prosper, and may the aspirations of your people continue to be fulfilled.” This message not only celebrated a significant milestone for Antigua and Barbuda but also reinforced the enduring bond between the two nations, reflecting their collaborative efforts toward regional resilience and development.
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VIDEO:PM Issues Message to ABLP Chairman About “Political Prostitutes” on WTP FM and those tearing down the government and country
In a recent broadcast on WTP FM, the Prime Minister delivered a scathing message directed at the Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), as well as other individuals accused of undermining the government and the nation. The Prime Minister labeled these figures as ‘political prostitutes,’ accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of the country. The address highlighted the government’s growing frustration with what it perceives as deliberate attempts to destabilize its efforts to govern effectively. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity and called on citizens to reject divisive tactics, urging them to support the administration’s vision for national progress. The speech has sparked widespread debate, with supporters applauding the Prime Minister’s forthrightness, while critics argue that such language exacerbates political polarization.
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Constitution prohibits bail to persons arrested for extradition- Lawyer Sanjeev Datadin
In a significant legal development, prominent Guyanese attorney Sanjeev Datadin emphasized that Guyana’s Constitution explicitly prohibits granting bail to individuals arrested for extradition purposes. Speaking on Saturday, Datadin highlighted Article 139(i) of the Constitution, which permits the deprivation of liberty in extradition proceedings, underscoring its alignment with judicial consistency. Datadin, who is set to assume his parliamentary seat for the governing People’s Progressive Party, criticized Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman’s decision to grant GY$150,000 bail to Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, as “most unusual.” The Mohameds were arrested based on a U.S. extradition warrant. Datadin argued that bail’s fundamental purpose—ensuring a defendant’s return to court—does not apply in extradition cases, as no criminal charges are being heard in Guyana. He also dismissed the defense’s claim of filing a constitutional challenge as irrelevant to the bail issue. Article 139(i) of Guyana’s Constitution explicitly authorizes the deprivation of liberty for extradition purposes, reinforcing Datadin’s stance. The Mohameds are scheduled to return to court on November 10, 2025, to address charges of wire fraud and mail fraud. Attorney General Anil Nandlall clarified that the next step involves disclosing U.S.-provided evidence to the defense, ensuring the magistrate’s satisfaction with the extradition request. Nandlall also refuted allegations of political motivation behind the case, emphasizing the involvement of Jamaican lawyers to ensure impartiality. The Mohameds were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in June 2024 for allegedly evading $50 million in taxes on gold exports.
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FLASH : Capacity Building Program for Political Parties (video)
On November 1st, 2025, Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, alongside members of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), inaugurated the Political Party Capacity Building Program at the Karibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince. This ambitious initiative aims to empower over a thousand representatives from political parties across all ten departments, fostering a revitalized political landscape and strengthening democratic culture. The program is designed to create conditions for free, inclusive, and peaceful elections, marking a significant step in Haiti’s transitional governance. Training sessions will be conducted through three regional hubs: Port-au-Prince (West), Cap-Haitien (North), and Les Cayes (South). Developed by Haitian professionals, the program emphasizes national expertise and sustainability, structured around three key modules. The Center for the Promotion of Democracy and Participatory Education (CPDEP) will focus on organizational and functional strengthening, addressing internal governance, electoral legislation, and political ethics. Groupe Croissance S.A. will enhance leadership and financial capacity, promoting transparency and responsible resource management. Meanwhile, DAGMAR S.A. will lead efforts in communication and technological strengthening, equipping parties with digital tools and modern political communication strategies. The launch also introduced a new digital platform developed by the Information Technology and Statistics Support Group (GSIS) for registering political parties and their members. This platform aims to modernize and increase transparency in Haiti’s political system, providing the state with a reliable and secure database. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting political parties in the electoral process, urging them to embrace governance based on competence, tolerance, and transparency. The first training sessions are set to begin in November 2025. As of October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that over 220 political parties had registered for the upcoming elections, a 34% increase compared to the previous cycle.
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WIN will remain strong even if Azruddin Mohamed is extradited – party General Secretary
The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party remains steadfast in its strength and financial stability, even as its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, faces potential extradition to the United States on charges of fraud and money laundering. WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s resilience during a statement on Friday. She emphasized that WIN boasts a roster of capable individuals who have effectively engaged with supporters, ensuring the party’s continued influence. While acknowledging Mohamed’s popularity as the party’s most gravitated figure, Primus dismissed concerns about WIN’s future viability. WIN, which emerged as Guyana’s major opposition party just three months after its formation, secured 16 of 65 parliamentary seats in the recent elections, surpassing the People’s National Congress Reform-led coalition. Primus labeled the U.S. grand jury indictment against Mohamed as politically motivated and assured that the party’s finances would remain unaffected by his potential extradition. She clarified that Mohamed’s legal battles would not impact WIN’s resources, stating, ‘They are going to extradite Azruddin Mohamed, not his money.’ Additionally, Primus ruled out the possibility of the opposition leadership being assumed by other parties, such as the 12-seat APNU or the one-seat Forward Guyana Movement. Meanwhile, APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton refrained from speculating on WIN’s future support base if Mohamed is extradited. Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, were arrested on Friday following a U.S. extradition request tied to alleged wire fraud and money laundering linked to gold shipments and luxury car purchases. Both were granted bail and are set to return to court on November 10, 2025, for an extradition hearing.
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Richard Lewis: Happy Independence Antigua and Barbuda
As Antigua and Barbuda commemorates its 44th Anniversary of Political Independence under the theme “Solid – Stable – Soaring,” the nation reflects on its historical resilience, economic challenges, and aspirations for a brighter future. While the theme symbolizes a robust historical foundation and economic stability, the reality paints a contrasting picture. A significant portion of the population struggles with poverty, living paycheck to paycheck, and enduring widening income inequality. These issues raise critical questions about the nation’s claim to economic stability. To truly soar, the country must address these pressing economic and social challenges collectively. Integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance are essential to combat corruption, which undermines national development and exacerbates poverty. Strengthening legislative frameworks and fostering a culture of good governance are imperative. As citizens celebrate the vibrant colors of their flag, there is a collective prayer for enduring peace and genuine economic and social stability. Richard S. Lewis, MP for Rural West, extends heartfelt Independence Day greetings to all, emphasizing the need for patriotism over partisanship and a united effort to prioritize the nation’s well-being.
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‘I am preparing for government,’ Friday says of talks with Canouan investor
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines gears up for its general election on November 27, 2025, a heated exchange between Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Opposition Leader Godwin Friday has brought the political spotlight to the island of Canouan. The dispute centers on land leases to foreign investors and the government’s handling of development projects in the region.
Prime Minister Gonsalves has publicly questioned Friday about his recent meetings with investors in Canouan, suggesting that the opposition leader is aligning himself with developers who have allegedly failed to fulfill their commitments. Gonsalves criticized the lack of progress in the northern part of the island, where two-thirds of the 1,800-acre land is leased to investors, leaving the indigenous population sandwiched in the middle. He emphasized that his Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration is committed to reclaiming land if developers do not meet their obligations.
In response, Friday defended his actions, stating that he is preparing for governance by engaging with various stakeholders, including businesspeople, farmers, and fishers. He accused Gonsalves of hypocrisy, pointing out that the ULP has leased even more land to investors than the previous New Democratic Party (NDP) government. Friday also criticized the government’s lack of action over the past decade, questioning why Gonsalves waited until now to address the issue.
The debate highlights broader concerns about economic development and land use in Canouan. Gonsalves has expressed frustration over the limited revenue generated from the leased land, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 volcanic eruption. He has threatened to reclaim the land if developers do not resume activity.
As the election approaches, the political rhetoric intensifies, with both leaders vying for public support. Friday, who has represented the Northern Grenadines since 2001, is making his second attempt to lead the NDP to victory after a failed bid in 2021. The outcome of the election will determine the future direction of development in Canouan and the broader interests of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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Senator questions transparency in HOPE housing deal with Guyanese firm
A recent revelation that Modular Builds Guyana (MBG), a newly registered Guyanese company, has been contracted to construct homes under Barbados’ state-run HOPE housing project in St Lucy has sparked significant controversy. Democratic Labour Party Senator Ryan Walters has called for full transparency from the government, accusing it of operating in secrecy. The issue came to light after a social media video surfaced, showing MBG claiming to build 86 houses for HOPE Inc. using concrete board and galvanized steel frames. This disclosure has ignited public debate, as no prior announcement had been made regarding the company’s involvement in the project. Senator Walters expressed deep concern, questioning the transparency, accountability, and potential misuse of taxpayers’ funds in the housing program. He highlighted the government’s failure to act on promises made over 18 months ago to investigate HOPE Inc.’s operations and finances, referencing a special audit by the Auditor General in April that revealed mismanagement and wastage. Walters also pointed out that Modular Builds was registered in September 2025, raising questions about how a newly formed company could secure a large-scale government contract so quickly. In response, HOPE Inc. stated that MBG was awarded the contract through a rigorous tendering process and is constructing ten of the planned 86 steel-framed houses at Fustic Gardens, St Lucy. HOPE’s CEO, Mark Williamson, emphasized compliance with procurement regulations and noted that the project involves local labor and materials, with Guyanese artisans handling the erection of imported steel frames. Barbadian workers are also being trained to assist in future phases of the project.