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Billionaire businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, were on Friday granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, following an extradition hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The court also ordered that the men surrender their passports and report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday between 13:00 and 15:00 hrs, beginning November 7, 2025.

The Mohameds, represented by Attorneys-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, Nigel Hughes, and Roysdale Forde, are the subjects of an extradition request by the United States Government on a string of criminal charges, including gold smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering.

During the hearing, the prosecution objected to bail, describing the father and son as “flight risks” given the seriousness of the offences and the active extradition request.

However, Attorney Siand Dhurjon argued that the extradition move was unconstitutional and outside the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that his clients were never questioned nor given a chance to respond before their arrest.

Forde, in support, dismissed the “flight risk” argument as baseless and noted that Azruddin Mohamed is the presumptive Leader of the Opposition. He added that both men have deep roots in Guyana and are willing to comply with all court-imposed conditions.

 

READ ALSO: https://newsroom.gy/2025/10/31/update-nazar-azruddin-mohamed-being-processed-for-u-s-extradition-following-arrest-ag-chambers/

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See below the full statement issued:

 

Citi announced Friday its intention to establish a representative office in Guyana, subject to regulatory approval from the Bank of Guyana. This strategic initiative is driven by Guyana’s exponential economic growth, particularly in infrastructure and export financing, and its increasingly attractive investment climate.

With a well-established presence in over 90 countries and jurisdictions across the globe, Citi aims to leverage its extensive scale and expertise to contribute significantly to the Guyanese economy.

The opening of a representative office in Guyana will enable Citi to help its clients and partners access global markets and help support the growth, development and financial infrastructure of the country.

“We are very excited about the prospect of establishing a presence through a representative office in Guyana,” said Pablo del Valle, Citi’s Head for Central America and Caribbean. “Guyana’s growth trajectory and vibrant investment landscape, present a compelling opportunity for Citi, and further complement our unmatched global network. We are committed to working closely with the Bank of Guyana and other stakeholders to build strong and lasting relationships.”

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Key Facts

What Is Trump’s Goal In Venezuela?

Trump has painted his efforts in Venezuela as being part of the White House’s broader crackdown on the drug trade—namely fentanyl, which experts have said does not actually appear to be trafficked or produced in Venezuela. Any land strikes in Venezuela would mark an escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts in the region, after the U.S. has previously carried out strikes on boats off the country’s coast, alleging the vessels were smuggling drugs. Foreign policy experts believe the military campaign is more likely aimed at forcing a regime change in Venezuela and toppling Maduro, however. Experts cited by BBC News noted it would be difficult for the government to force military-backed change without a clear reason, like pinning Maduro as the head of a suspected drug trade. Maduro has accused the Trump administration of “fabricating a new war” by increasing the U.S.’ military presence in the region, and his allies have accused Trump of wanting to topple the Maduro regime in order to take control of Venezuela’s natural resources, like oil. The U.S. is one of a number of countries that does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s proper leader after his reelection in 2024 was widely criticized as being improperly determined, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has long opposed Maduro’s leadership, calling him a “dictator.”

Big Number

$50 million. That’s how much the Trump administration is offering for information that leads to Maduro’s arrest and/or conviction for violating U.S. narcotics laws, after the Justice and State Departments doubled the government’s bounty amount in August.

Why Are Trump’s Strikes On Venezuela Controversial?

While the Trump administration has not yet carried out any land strikes in Venezuela, even the government’s attacks on boats in the region—which have killed 61 people—have drawn bipartisan criticism. Lawmakers have criticized the strikes being carried out without congressional authorization, and questioned what evidence the White House had, if any, to justify the strikes. Senate Democrats unsuccessfully sought to pass a war powers resolution that blocked the Trump administration from carrying out further strikes, saying Trump’s executive order declaring drug cartels to be terrorist organizations does not provide any “legal authority for the president to use force against members of designated organizations or any foreign state.” That resolution failed in a 48-51 vote, though several Republicans voted in favor of it, with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., saying on the Senate floor, “What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial.” Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, told MSNBC on Friday, prior to the Herald’s report, that lawmakers were “concerned” about the boat strikes, saying the White House gave “not very good answers” during a classified briefing Thursday about the legal justification behind them.

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Guyanese businessmen Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed will be processed for extradition to the United States, the Attorney General’s Chambers confirmed Friday, following a formal extradition request linked to allegations of gold smuggling, tax evasion and financial crimes.

Their arrests occurred earlier on Friday morning when members of the Guyana Police Force, acting under a warrant issued by the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, took the Mohameds into custody. The warrant was issued after a team of lawyers, led by Terrence Williams, KC, along with Herbert McKenzie and Celine Deidrick, presented an Authority to Proceed and an Application for an Arrest Warrant in line with the provisions of the amended Fugitive Offenders Act.

The U.S. government, on October 30, 2025, requested the extradition of the father and son under the extradition treaty between Guyana and the United Kingdom, which remains in force in Guyana under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitives Offender Act, Cap. 10:04, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024.

The Mohameds are facing multiple charges in the United States, unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a Southern District of Florida Grand Jury. The indictment includes wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

According to the indictment, between 2017 and June 2024, they allegedly conspired to defraud the Government of Guyana by evading export taxes and royalties on over 10,000 kilograms of gold, using falsified customs declarations and reused export seals. The indictment also references an attempted shipment of US$5.3 million in undeclared gold seized at Miami International Airport and the under-invoicing of a luxury vehicle valued at more than US$680,000.

Investigations by U.S. authorities reportedly began in the mid-2010s, with law enforcement cooperation with Guyana dating back to 2016–2017. In June 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Mohameds and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, citing tax evasion, trade-based money laundering, and gold smuggling allegations.

In March 2025, Guyanese authorities received a comprehensive evidence dossier from U.S. counterparts under mutual legal assistance arrangements, detailing gold export irregularities, falsified customs declarations, and undeclared shipments seized in Miami.

The Mohameds will now be formally processed for extradition to the United States under Guyana’s amended Fugitive Offenders Act, in full compliance with the Constitution and all relevant laws.

The post UPDATE: Nazar, Azruddin being processed for U.S. extradition – AG Chambers  appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Ackeem Auguste and Roston Chase struck fifties to help West Indies to a five-wicket win in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram.

Romario Shepherd’s hat-trick had earlier helped their cause for the 3-0 triumph, after Bangladesh were bowled out for 151 runs.

The series sweep comes at the right time for West Indies, who had lost seven bilateral T20I series in a row, coming into this series.

Auguste and Chase put on 91 runs for the fourth wicket, after they lost three early wickets. Auguste peppered the leg-side with five sixes against the Bangladesh spinners, while the stand-in captain Chase got his boundaries all around the wicket.

Bangladesh had earlier collapsed from 107 for 2 in the 15th over, to be bowled out for 151 in 20 overs. They lost eight wickets for 44 runs in the last 5.3 overs, including Shepherd’s hat-trick spread over two overs. He was unaware of his achievement, until Jason Holder happily informed him from mid-off.

Bangladesh restricted West Indies’ openers in the first three overs of the chase. The returning Mahedi Hasan got Alick Athanaze stumped for 1 and Amir Jangoo was also struggling to get going. But he had luck on his side. A mix-up between Litton Das and Saif Hassan gave him a let-off in the second over, before substitute Towhid Hridoy dropped a skier at mid-off.

Jangoo then took on Taskin Ahmed in his first over. He started with a crisp flicked six off the first ball, before driving and pulling for three more fours in the 18-run over.

Bangladesh hit back with Nasum Ahmed removing Brandon King in the sixth over. Jangoo struck two more fours before Rishad Hossain had him lbw in the eighth over. Jangoo’s 23-ball 34 provided West Indies the boost their 152-run chase needed after a slow start.

Auguste built on Jangoo’s innings. Like Jangoo, his first six was also a beautifully flicked six off Taskin. Chase, who was dropped on 10, struck three boundaries to get going, before Auguste took on Rishad. He used the flick off the first ball of the 13th over, before hitting him for two more on the leg-side. Rishad though was unlucky, as substitute Tanzim Hasan dropped Auguste at the covers, on 27.

Auguste hammered Nasum’s first ball next over, before Chase took over in the boundary-hitting. He struck three more in the next two overs, on the way to completing his fourth T20I fifty.

Bangladesh had some respite when Rishad removed both Chase and Auguste in the 16th over, but West Indies were already comfortably placed to complete the win. (ESPNcrcicinfo) 

The post Shepherd’s hat-trick and fifties from Auguste and Chase seal West Indies’ 3-0 series sweep appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Government of Guyana has moved swiftly to coordinate humanitarian relief for Jamaica in the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which left widespread destruction and displaced thousands across the island.

Through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana is mobilising essential relief supplies and preparing emergency response teams to assist the Government and people of Jamaica as they begin recovery efforts from the Category Five storm.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is currently performing the functions of President, convened a high-level coordination meeting on Wednesday with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the CDC to finalise Guyana’s immediate support actions.

The government’s initial response will include the deployment of critical relief items such as generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws to support emergency recovery and restoration of essential services in Jamaica. This initiative is being executed under a collaborative Government–Private Sector framework, coordinated by the CDC under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

According to the CDC, the agency continues to work closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and other regional partners to ensure an effective and coordinated regional response. The Director General has confirmed that Guyana stands ready to provide further logistical, technical, and humanitarian assistance as the situation develops.

Specialised units, including the Guyana–CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (G-CDRU) and the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST), remain on standby for deployment to assist with on-the-ground response and recovery operations.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission has issued a national appeal for contributions to support communities affected by the hurricane. Businesses and citizens are encouraged to donate cash, cheques, or wire transfers to aid in the purchase and delivery of essential supplies for impacted families.

Donations can be made as follows:

• Payable to: Private Sector Commission
• Contact for monetary donations: +592-614-4625
• Bank: Demerara Bank
• Account Name: Private Sector Commission
• Account Number: 4023420

The CDC, in partnership with the private sector and with the support of the Office of the Prime Minister, reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity with Jamaica during this difficult time, pledging continued partnership and assistance as the recovery progresses.

The post Guyana mobilises humanitarian aid for Jamaica following devastating hurricane Melissa appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Nine suspects held in connection with Sunday’s bombing at the Mobil Gas Station at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, remain in custody as investigators continue to probe the deadly attack that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the News Room that investigators made an application to the High Court to extend the detention period for eight of the nine suspects in custody.

The extension was granted by Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh.

The ninth suspect remains in custody, as his detention period has not yet elapsed, Blanhum said.

Those in custody include the prime suspect, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan man, another Venezuelan man and woman and a Guyanese hire car driver.

During the course of the investigation it was revealed that Daniel entered Guyana illegally from Venezuela around 08:00 hrs on Sunday, the same day of the attack.

He and three accomplices traveled to Georgetown between 11:00 hrs and noon on Sunday where they conducted a surveillance of the gas station before the attack was carried out.

The car used by the group has since been recovered.

Following the attack, they fled to Region Three, where Peodomo was later arrested in Vergenoegen, Region Three. Clothing believed to have been worn during the incident was also recovered by Police.

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has since confirmed that the government intends to pursue the death penalty in the case.

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In an extraordinary year marked by economic expansion and rapid digitalization, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has solidified its position and emerged as the driving force behind Guyana’s financial momentum, delivering record profits and lending national credit growth across multiple sectors. Through unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, the bank has positioned itself as a formidable force in the country’s financial progress, setting new benchmarks for performance and shaping the future of banking in Guyana.

Dominating National Lending

According to the Bank of Guyana’s Statistical Abstract (September 2025), total commercial-bank loans and advances across the system stood at approximately G$510 billion, reflecting a 13.8% year-on-year growth from October 2024 to September 2025, an expansion of roughly G$62 billion.

In comparison, Demerara Bank’s loan portfolio surged by 32%, more than double the national average, reaching G$126 billion by the end of the 2025 Financial Year. This equates to an increase of approximately G$31 billion in just one year, demonstrating that DBL accounted for about 50% of all new lending within Guyana’s financial system over the past twelve months.

This extraordinary achievement highlights the Bank’s central role in financing national development and supporting the country’s rapidly expanding economy.

DBL’s impressive lending growth is a testament to its prudent and well-managed expansion, underpinned by a disciplined credit culture and the acquisition of new Tier-One corporate clients; many of whom have transitioned their banking relationships to DBL in recognition of its exceptional customer service, reliability and technologically advanced delivery channels.

The Bank’s branch network has also significantly contributed to retail portfolio diversification, with strong growth across agriculture, residential housing, automobile financing, and credit cards. This balanced approach to corporate and retail lending has ensured sustained portfolio quality and broad-based support for Guyana’s economic development.

By embedding automation, analytics, and digital monitoring into its core operations, the Bank has achieved faster decision-making without compromising credit quality. As a result, DBL has maintained zero non-performing loans (NPLs) for the fourth consecutive year; a distinction unmatched in the local financial sector and a testament to its disciplined lending culture, robust credit governance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Without DBL’s contribution, overall banking-sector lending would have grown by only 7%,” the Bank’s report highlighted.

 

 

Demerara Bank Achieves Record G$8.41 Billion Profit, the Highest in Guyana’s Financial Sector

 

For the financial year ending September 30, 2025, Demerara Bank Limited recorded a Net Profit After Tax of G$8.41 billion, representing a 50.5% increase over the previous year and an impressive 184.7% growth over the past five years. This performance not only underscores the Bank’s exceptional profitability trajectory and prudent management but also cements Demerara Bank’s position as the most profitable financial institution in Guyana for 2025, achieving the highest net profit among all local financial institutions.

Return on Assets reached 3.8%, and Return on Equity climbed to 24.2%, both well above the local banking sector averages.

Deposits rose 19.5% to G$ 208 billion, while the Bank’s loan book expanded by G$ 31 billion in a single year.

“In just thirty years, Demerara Bank has achieved what no other bank in Guyana has: record profitability, zero NPLs and the strongest growth in national banking history,” the CEO noted.

 

Efficiency and Innovation

Demerara Bank continues to operate as Guyana’s most efficient financial institution, maintaining a cost-to-income ratio of just 28%, compared with a sector average of roughly 45%. This efficiency is not merely due to cost restraint but rather is a result of exceptional income growth outpacing expenditure; a direct outcome of its digital transformation and technology-driven operating model.

By automating processes, integrating digital platforms, and expanding service delivery through innovation, DBL has enhanced productivity and revenue generation across all business lines. The result is a model of modern banking efficiency, where technology and prudent management combine to deliver sustained profitability without compromising on service quality, investment, or growth.

In 2025, the Bank has also completed several landmark digital integrations, enhancing customer service and demonstrating its commitment to innovation. These integrations position the Bank to support customers with advanced technological solutions. Building on this success, the Bank announced that it will soon launch new platforms, including a mobile banking service. These additions will enrich its suite of services, offering customers a seamless banking experience.

“Our digital-first model enhances customer trust while achieving operational excellence,” stated the Chairman. “It’s the perfect balance between innovation and prudence.”

The post Demerara Bank records $8.4B profit in landmark year appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Christina Arjun, the mother of 15-year-old Navindra Mahes, wants nothing but justice after her son was struck and killed by a car driven by a female Police Corporal along the Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Thursday morning.

The single mother told News Room that her son was a well-mannered young man who had dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. He was a fifth form student at the Annandale Secondary School and was preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.

“My son was a jolly person, he was respectable and well-mannered,” Arjun said.

Arjun recounted that her son left home at 7:15 hrs, as he normally does every day to attend school, but just 15 minutes later, she received the devastating news that he was involved in an accident.

“I was getting ready to go to work when I got a phone call saying my son got hit down at the road and they were taking him to Georgetown Public Hospital. I cut off the phone, got a taxi, and headed down there,” the woman explained.

“My last conversation with him this morning was him calling for me two times – ‘Ma, ma, I am leaving,’ – and I said, ‘Okay, take your time on the road,” Christina recalled.

The accident was captured on CCTV footage

According to her, the young man has been taking the bus to school every day for the past four years and he was always careful on the road.

“The main thing right now, I need to see justice for my son. That is all I am looking forward to,” she said.

The accident occurred at around 07:30 hrs at a time when the “third lane” system was active.

The accident was captured on CCTV footage and shows Mahes standing on the median that separates the two carriageways, facing north. He then attempted to cross the road using the pedestrian crossing when he was struck down.

The impact flung the teenager several feet into the air before he landed on the roadway, sustaining severe head injuries and a fractured right leg.

Public-spirited citizens rushed the injured teen to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors tried to save his life.

The Police Corporal involved in the accident has since been placed under close arrest as investigations continue.

 

The post ‘Take your time on the road’ – Mother’s final words to student killed by Police Corporal appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Jemimah Rodrigues hit a remarkable unbeaten century as India completed a record chase to claim a stunning five-wicket win over Australia and reach the Women’s World Cup final.

Set 339 to win after a wonderful hundred from Australia opener Phoebe Litchfield, India held their nerve in a mammoth pursuit, with Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur leading the way with a 167-run stand.

Harmanpreet fell for 89 with 113 still needed but Rodrigues remained, reaching her hundred from 115 balls, and she was there at the end as the highest successful chase in women’s one-day international history was achieved with nine balls to spare.

Rodrigues was in tears as the India players streamed on to the field after Amanjot Kaur hit the winning runs in front of a delirious home crowd to set up a final against South Africa on Sunday.

This game in Navi Mumbai will go down as an instant classic and with the defending champions dumped out, there will be a new name on the trophy this weekend.

It could all have been so different had Australia taken their chances but a missed stumping gave Harmanpreet a life on 10, while the simplest of catches was put down to reprieve Rodrigues on 82.

Australia captain and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy was the guilty party both times with Alana King the unfortunate bowler.

But both batters were ruthless in making the most of their good fortune as they timed the chase to perfection, with Rodrigues showing intent from the off and Harmanpreet gradually building into her innings after the openers fell in the powerplay.

After Harmanpreet’s dismissal, Rodrigues benefited from another dropped catch with Tahlia McGrath letting the ball slip through her fingers from what seemed a straightforward chance at mid-off.

For all that Australia can point to costly errors, it is the brilliance of Rodrigues and her all-time World Cup innings that will live long in the memory. (BBC)

 

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