Odessa Primus denied entry to the U.S; close association to sanctioned businessman cited

Odessa Primus, a Guyanese comedian-turned-political commentator, was denied entry into the United States on Friday.

Reliable sources confirm that the decision by U.S. immigration authorities is directly linked to her association with Azzurdin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman currently under U.S. sanctions.

Primus departed Guyana early Friday morning but was returned the same evening. Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she spoke briefly to members of the media but avoided directly addressing the circumstances of her return.

The News Room has confirmed that Primus’ B1/B2 visitor visa was cancelled by U.S. authorities and she was denied entry at her port of arrival – the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

According to immigration protocols, U.S. officials may deny entry for reasons including suspected visa misuse, refusal to comply with questioning, or associations deemed contrary to U.S. interests.

Multiple sources indicate that Primus’s denial was specifically related to her open support and close association with the Mohamed family. Primus has previously defended Azzurdin Mohamed on social media, reposted his videos, and criticized the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) seizure of Mohamed’s vehicles for tax underreporting.

She is also believed to have engaged in activities during prior visits to the U.S. that were perceived as representing the interests of the Mohamed family. In the past, more recently, several other individuals linked to the family have reportedly faced detention, questioning, or other immigration actions upon arrival in the United States, including head of a local security company.

In her previous trip, it was made known on social media that despite her close relations with the Mohameds, she was not detained or refused entry. However, on this occasion, it went differently.

The News Room understands that Primus did not contest the decision and voluntarily withdrew her application for entry, avoiding further legal or administrative complications. She was granted her U.S. visa nearly a year ago and has made several trips since.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Primus used humor to deflect questions at the airport and has not issued an official statement regarding the visa revocation or the exact nature of her connections to the sanctioned businessman.