标签： Guyana

In a powerful address during the 60th anniversary religious service of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), President Irfaan Ali condemned the recent bombing of a Mobil gas station in Georgetown as an act of terrorism. The attack, carried out by a Venezuelan man on October 26, 2025, was described by the President as an attempt to sow fear and destabilize the nation. However, Ali emphasized the importance of not generalizing all immigrants as criminals, urging Guyanese to resist prejudice and discrimination. ‘Hatred is not the answer to hatred. Fear must not drive our national policy,’ he stated. The President reassured attendees, including military and police officials, that the government is intensifying its monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the law while maintaining compassion for those in need. He affirmed Guyana’s commitment to being a vigilant yet compassionate nation. The suspect, allegedly linked to the ‘R’ Sindicato gang in Venezuela, entered Guyana illegally and conducted surveillance before the bombing. Authorities are considering terrorism charges, which carry the death penalty, alongside other serious offenses. President Ali vowed to uncover the motive behind the attack, pledging to support law enforcement in maintaining peace and justice.

Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed were granted bail on Friday, October 31, 2025, despite a U.S. extradition request accusing them of wire fraud, money laundering, and gold smuggling. The duo, arrested earlier that day, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown, Guyana. The U.S. government, represented by lawyer Terrence Williams via Zoom, opposed bail, citing allegations of an ‘international criminal enterprise’ with connections to Venezuela and the Middle East. Williams claimed the Mohameds could flee to Venezuela, where they allegedly have property and ties to high-ranking officials. However, defense lawyers Nigel Hughes and Siand Dhurjon argued that these allegations were baseless and unsubstantiated. Magistrate Latchman granted each defendant GY$150,000 bail, requiring them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station. The case is set to continue on November 10, 2025, to determine if sufficient evidence exists for extradition. Outside the courtroom, Azruddin Mohamed denied all charges, accusing the Guyana government of colluding with the U.S. to prevent him from assuming his role as Opposition Leader. The defense team also raised constitutional concerns, hinting at potential appeals to the Constitutional Court.

In a dramatic turn of events, Azruddin Mohamed, the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, was arrested on Friday, October 31, 2025, just days before his anticipated election as Guyana’s next opposition leader. The arrest was made in response to an extradition request by the United States, where Mohamed and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, face 11 charges related to fraud and money laundering. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond confirmed the arrests to Demerara Waves Online News, though the Guyana Police Force has remained tight-lipped about the details. Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton, emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures in this high-profile case. The arrest has sent shockwaves through Guyana’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of the WIN party and the opposition’s leadership.

In a significant move to modernize public services and bolster national security, Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, announced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the implementation of electronic identification (e-ID) cards. These cards aim to ensure compliance with tax obligations and social security contributions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). The initiative also targets foreign nationals residing in Guyana, requiring them to register and obtain e-ID cards to validate their legal stay. Minister Walrond emphasized that the e-ID cards will serve as a secure gateway to both government and private sector services, while also addressing concerns about illegal immigration and national security. The cards issued to non-citizens will automatically expire upon the conclusion of their approved stay, ensuring that only legally authorized individuals retain access. Walrond dismissed social media claims labeling the initiative as a means to legitimize illegal migrants, calling such statements ‘misinformed and irresponsible.’ She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for border protection and public safety. Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken outlined plans to register all unregistered immigrants within the next three to four weeks, warning that failure to comply would result in deportation after a grace period. The announcement follows criticism from the opposition Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), which accused the government of reactive policymaking in the wake of a recent bombing allegedly involving a Venezuelan national. FGM leader Amanza Walton-Desir had previously raised concerns about unchecked migration and the lack of a clear policy, which were dismissed by the government at the time. The e-ID initiative marks a pivotal step in Guyana’s efforts to enhance governance, national security, and public trust.