US ‘concerned’ about Azruddin Mohamed getting into Parliament, private sector may cut ties with Guyana – Theriot 

The United States government is concerned about the possibility of sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed getting elected to Parliament, even in an opposition position, according to its Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. 

“Anytime a US Department of the Treasury, OFAC-sanctioned individual has the potential to become a member of government, that is concerning for us. It is problematic in multiple ways,” Theriot told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday. 

If he goes to Parliament, she explained, the US would not be able to interact with him in any way. So, support for any committees or initiatives would not be forthcoming. 

She also said that his election would have ramifications for US/ Guyana private sector relations. 

“They [the US private sector] sometimes look to derisk or to cut ties with the country.

“All these US companies want to come to Guyana… I don’t want- if he were to become a member of the government- that to change,” Theriot noted. 

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, on June 11, 2024, announced the imposition of sanctions against the Mohamed’s family, specifically targeting Nazar Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses, namely Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing. These sanctions were connected to gold smuggling and corruption. Former Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Thomas, was also sanctioned.

Because of these sanctions from the US body, business licences the Mohameds had were rescinded and their bank accounts were closed. In May, Azruddin announced his intention to run for President, and his party, We Invest in Nationhood, is one of six parties approved to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections.