US sanctions: Gov’t will pursue ‘practical responses’ once evidence received – Benn

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn Friday said any further actions needed following United States sanctions handed down on the Mohameds and Mae Thomas will be taken once the relevant information is received by local authorities.

All evidence and other information gathered by the US authorities that prompted recent sanctions were officially requested by the Government of Guyana.

Though some actions were taken after the sanctions were instituted, Benn said any further measures, including the possible seizure of firearms used at the Mohameds’ place of business for security purposes, would be taken once the requested information is received.

“We will make decisions based on information that we have.

“We have to be careful to make practical responses to issues. It couldn’t be, in any event, while reviews are ongoing, we don’t precipitate actions that will put people at risk,” Benn told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Friday.

The sanctions on the Mohameds and Mae Thomas were instituted recently after a US Treasury Department office said it unearthed fraud and corruption.

Consequently, the government revoked the cambio licence of the Mohameds and has been determining what other measures are needed.

Thomas has since been sent on leave and she has resigned from the leadership of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

The Guyana Government also committed to investigating the allegations and as such, an official request for evidence and other information was dispatched.