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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, today presented the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Annual Report for the fiscal year 2024 to the National Assembly, pursuant to Section 32(4) of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021 and as testament to Government’s strong commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of the oil and gas sector.

Minister Singh, on behalf of the Government and the people of Guyana, acknowledged the work done by the NRF Board, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee and the Investment Committee, for this extremely important national institution – the Natural Resource Fund.

The NRF Act 2021 came into operation on January 1, 2022, and introduced major improvements to the framework for managing oil and gas revenues and essential enhancements to the governance and transparency arrangement of the Fund. These enhancements to the NRF Act 2021 include the establishment of a Board of Directors which will be responsible for reviewing and approving the policies of the Fund and monitoring its performance, thereby separating the management of the Fund from the Minister responsible for Finance. In addition, The NRF Act 2021 requires the Government to seek Parliamentary approval for withdrawals from the Fund, and also sets out new, simplified calculations needed for ensuring that the Fund achieves its purposes. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) continues to acknowledge the progress made in enhancing the governance of our natural resources and improving fiscal outcomes. In 2022, the IMF noted that:

“The governance of the NRF was strengthened through the appointment of three critical entities in 2022: the NRF Board of Directors, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, and the Investment Committee. Furthermore, to ensure full transparency and accountability, notifications of receipts of petroleum revenues have been published in the Official Gazette.”

This year, the IMF highlighted that the “NRF and Public Accountability and Oversight Committee 2023 Annual Reports have been presented to the National Assembly, regular notifications of receipts of petroleum revenues, as mandated by law, are published in the Official Gazette, and the BoG publishes monthly and quarterly reports of the NRF’s financial performance.”

The Board of Directors of the NRF was re-appointed on August 31 2024, and the members are as follows:

1. Major General (Retired) Joseph Singh, MSS, Chairperson
2. Dunstan Barrow, A.A., Director (Nominated by the National Assembly)
3. Ramesh Dookhoo, Director (Representative of the Private Sector)
4. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Director
5. Professor Compton Bourne, O.E., Director

At today’s sitting of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the National Assembly also circulated the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee Annual Report for the fiscal year 2024, pursuant to Section 6(6) of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021. The Public Accountability and Oversight Committee of the Fund was re-appointed on August 31, 2024. The 9-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee is responsible for providing non-governmental oversight of the operations of the Fund, replacing the cumbersome 22-member committee previously proposed in the NRF Act 2019.

The Senior Finance Minister also today presented Notifications of Receipts to the National Assembly of all petroleum revenues paid into the NRF during the period April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 and July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025, pursuant to Section 33 (2) of the NRF Act 2021. The NRF balance at the end September 2025 amounted to US$3.6 billion.

It would be recalled that a key improvement to the NRF Act 2021 is that the Minister could face up to ten years imprisonment if he fails to disclose the receipt of any petroleum revenue received by Government in the Official Gazette within three months of receipt of such monies.

The PPP/C Government will continue to manage Guyana’s oil and gas sector with transparency and accountability, ensuring that the resources in the NRF are directed toward investments that deliver lasting benefits for current and future generations. [Ministry of Finance Press Release]

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has confirmed that he will deliver his address to the 13th Parliament of Guyana and his government’s vision will be clearly outlined when he does so.

“I will definitely be addressing Parliament in a substantive way,” the President assured the public in an interview on Monday.

“I will outline the vision, the strategy, and where we want to position Guyana as we move towards 2030 — building a strong, resilient, and sustainable country.”

President Ali rejected claims that the reconvening of Parliament was delayed for political reasons.

Speaking in a live interview moments before the National Assembly convened on Monday, Dr Ali said the government has consistently followed the law and administrative procedures in dealing with ongoing international investigations, including the U.S. indictment and extradition request against businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

“Constitutionally, I had up to this point to reconvene Parliament, and I said from day one that I will act in accordance with the Constitution — and I will always act in accordance with the Constitution,” Dr Ali said.

The President emphasised that the legal processes surrounding Mohamed, who is facing charges including gold smuggling and money laundering, began long before 2020 and are international in nature, involving cross-jurisdictional cooperation with the United States, Canada, and other partners.

“This notion that Parliament was delayed for an extradition is totally disconnected from the truth,” he said. “It is a narrative created for a specific intention and specific purpose.”

Dr Ali explained that once all Members of Parliament are sworn in and administrative matters such as the election of the Opposition Leader are completed, he will address the House.

Dr Ali used the opportunity to wish the new Parliament success in its work over the next five years, calling on MPs to uphold their duty to the people and the Constitution.

“God bless the new Parliament. I wish the Parliament every success. God bless all those who will be representing our people, and I wish the Parliament a healthy five years,” he said.

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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh today presented the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) 2024 Annual Report to the National Assembly with the report highlighting government’s achievements in  the fight against money laundering and other financial crimes tackled under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) laws of Guyana. With the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government now having commenced its second term since resuming office in 2020, the last five years have seen significant focus and investment by the administration to ensure that Guyana’s financial system remains secure and protected from threats.

Under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyana over the last five years became recognised as the fastest growing economy in the world, given the emergence of its oil and gas sector. The government also, however, recognized the country’s growing significance in the international financial landscape and embraced its responsibility to assist in protecting the international financial system adopting a modern approach as it worked towards modernisation of its economy.

In 2024, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of a modern financial system in the country citing some of the efforts by government to make this possible.

“We enacted, for the first time, a modern central bank legislation, new financial institutions act to lay the framework for sound and strong prudential regulation and oversight of the financial sector. We have enacted a new Insurance Act. We enacted a new Securities Industry Act, and of course, subsequently, we will enact a new anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism Act, all of which comprise critical elements of the suite of legislation,” the Minister underscored.

He noted as well that government has also been keen on deploying information technology solutions to modernise government operations and enhance transparency while new laws were enacted for procurement, revenue administration, and financial sector regulations. These were all put in place to enhance transparency and accountability as the finance minister explained that Guyana’s experience in rebuilding institutions after a difficult period requires a multi-faceted, sustained effort, but can ultimately lead to significant improvements in governance and the fight against corruption.

Government’s efforts over the last five years resulted in

–           Amendments to the AMLCFT Act in 2022 and 2023 which brought it in line with international standards and requirements.

–           Enactment of the Guyana Compliance Commission Act and the Guyana Real Estate Authority Act which allowed for the establishments of additional regulatory agencies for previously unregulated sectors, as is required by the FATF standards.

–           Increased budgetary allocations for the FIU and SOCU to support these agencies’ needs in the form of human resources, training, and technology.

–           Supervisory Authorities like the BOG, Guyana Securities Council, Guyana Revenue Authority, GGB, GGMC, etc. and other competent authorities like the Deeds and Commercial Registry were provided with strong and consistent support in ensuring they are adequately resourced to support their respective mandates in the fight against money laundering and related financial crimes.

–           Guyana was accepted as a member of the Egmont Group of FIUs in February 2024, a historic achievement which now allows Guyana, through its FIU, to cooperate and share intelligence directly with counterparts in over 170 countries, on matters relating to money laundering, terrorist financing, and related financial crimes.

–           Guyana was subjected to its 4th Round Mutual Evaluation by the CFATF to assess how well the country had implemented measures (40 standards) required by the FATF to be in place to protect the international financial system from the threat of ML and TF. The assessment also reviewed the level of effectiveness of the implementation of these measuress. This review was considered very favorable for Guyana, who was commended by the CFATF membership and other international partners for the commendable efforts demonstrated by Guyana in prioritizing and implementing a robust AMLCFT framework aimed at protecting the international financial system from the threats of ML and TF.

–           Based on the above, this country now has one of the strongest AMLCFT systems in the region that has resulted in consistent progress in the investigation, prosecution and seizure of assets presumed to be linked to crime and criminals. This success was recognized in November 2024 when Guyana was the recipient of the CFATF’s Best Regional AMLCFT (BREMOLT) Case Award which recognizes the CFATF member country that demonstrated all actions required to effectively investigate and prosecute a case involving a financial crime including money laundering and terrorism financing.

In October, President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while making clear that the country will also stand firm against transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilisation threatening regional stability. The President at the time was delivering the feature address at the Commissioning Parade for Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) No 56 at Base Camp Ayanganna.

“We will protect every inch of Guyana’s territory with vigilance and resolve. We will deploy technology to make our country more secure. We will be adaptable, smart, and ready to respond, on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace,” the President affirmed.

In the PPP/C’s 2025 Manifesto, Government recommitted to combat corruption as it highlighted that it intends to ‘strengthen laws where needed; establish an anti-corruption unit: use technology such as blockchain to aid transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency; and fully enforce the Access to Information Act.

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Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, has reiterated that allegations of misconduct, particularly those involving senior Police officers, will be met with a strict, zero-tolerance approach.

Walrond spoke with reporters at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday and further emphasised that officers are held to a higher standard of behaviour, especially in cases involving subordinate female ranks.

Minister Walrond addressed recent allegations of sexual misconduct at the Guyana Police Force Training College, stating that the officers involved were immediately removed once the reports were made.

“Those officers are currently being disciplined. There are matters before the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), and they were removed immediately after the reports came to our attention. It was dealt with,” Walrond said.

She also noted that mechanisms are in place to ensure that senior officers who violate these standards are dealt with firmly.

“Whenever these allegations may arise, especially as it relates to subordinate female officers, they will be dealt with very seriously.”

In October, it was reported that three sergeants and an officer were transferred after an investigation was launched into the alleged ‘inappropriate conduct’ of officers at the Guyana Police Force Academy.

The incidents were reported to the Commissioner of Police, who ordered an immediate investigation. Several Academy staff members and recruits were interviewed and provided statements to investigators.

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Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has assured the public that the government will pursue all leads, local and international, in the investigation into the deadly bombing that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne, warning that all parties involved will face severe penalties, regardless of nationality.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the convening of the 13th Parliament on Monday, Dr. Jagdeo stressed that the government takes acts of terrorism very seriously.

“If anyone, a foreigner or a local, were to try to create acts of or conduct acts of terrorism in Guyana or to undermine the sovereignty of our country, they will face this similar tough approach from the Government of Guyana,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo condemned the attack as an “abhorrent” crime, noting the tragic death of the young child and the potential for even greater devastation.

“It does not matter what nationality they are; it is the crime that matters, and this is a crime that is abhorrent to everyone… Look what happened. That young child lost her life. It could have been worse for many of our people,” he said.

When pressed about the motive behind the attack, Dr. Jagdeo cautioned against speculation.

“I have my personal opinion, but I don’t think my personal opinion should matter. What we are concerned about is the apparent nature of the act itself.

“The act was conducted. We caught the people… they’re going to face the full force of the law. The investigation will go deeply after linkages. If the linkages are local, we will go wherever they take us, and if the linkages are international, we will do so too,” he said, adding that external assistance will be sought if necessary.

The comments follow ongoing investigations into the October 26 bombing at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown. Police investigators have retrieved images of the explosive device from the mobile phone of Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, who reportedly confessed to the crime.

Nine suspects remain in custody, including Peodomo, another Venezuelan man and woman, and a Guyanese hire car driver. Investigators revealed that Peodomo had entered Guyana illegally on the day of the attack and conducted surveillance of the gas station with three accomplices before detonating the device. Clothing believed to have been worn by Peodomo was recovered shortly before his arrest in Vergenoegen, Region Three.

Police Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the News Room that the case file is being prepared for legal advice to determine the next course of action, and that an extension for detaining the suspects had been granted by the High Court.aged in the dynamics of the opposition

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Guyana’s economy continues on a trajectory of strong, broad-based economic growth, underpinned by continued expansion in the oil and gas sector, alongside robust performance across the non-oil economy. At the end of the first half of the year, it is estimated that Guyana’s overall economy grew by 7.5 percent, and the non-oil economy by an estimated 13.8 percent, representing the fifth successive year of expansion in the non-oil economy at the half-year, following the contraction in 2020. Based on the developments in the first half of the year, real GDP growth for 2025 has been revised upward to 15.2 percent overall from 10.6 percent, and 13.9 percent for non-oil real GDP up from 13.8 percent.

The 2025 Mid-Year Report confirms that this Government, led by President Ali, is committed to sustaining high growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline and safeguarding Guyana’s long-term stability, with aggressive efforts to implement its ambitious policies and programmes. Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, reflecting on his 2025 Budget presentation reiterated that it provided “a clear path to ensure that the strong economic growth achieved by the domestic economy in recent years is sustained and made more resilient, and that this unprecedented economic expansion continues to be harnessed to deliver tangible and lasting benefits for all Guyanese today and for generations to come”.

Budget 2025 reiterated our Government’s aim of ensuring that the Guyanese People are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to take advantage of the vast opportunities being created by the rapidly transforming economy. This, in turn, will realise our objective of translating national prosperity into community, household, and individual prosperity in the long-term. In this regard, our Government continues to emphasise the empowerment of Guyanese citizens in multiple ways, including through increased opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, access to free education at all levels, increased opportunities for home ownership, increased disposable incomes, measures to contain the cost of living, and targeted support for children, youth, women, the elderly, and the vulnerable.

The key macroeconomic highlights in the Mid-Year Report for 2025 are as follows:

ECONOMIC GROWTH

• Overall real GDP grew by an estimated 7.5 percent in the first half of 2025.
• The non-oil economy grew by an estimated 13.8 percent in the first half of the year.
• The revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2025 is now 15.2 percent overall and 13.9 percent for non-oil real GDP.

 

SECTORAL PERFORMANCE

Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry

The agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector expanded by an estimated 9 percent in the first half of the year:

• The sugar industry expanded by 136.7 percent when compared with the first half of 2024, with the full-year growth projection maintained at 115.4 percent.
• The rice industry grew by an estimated 13.9 percent in the first half of the year and is now expected to grow by 12.4 percent for the entire year.
• The other crops subsector is estimated to have grown by 7.4 percent in the first half, with a revised growth projection of 11.9 percent for the entire year.
• The livestock industry expanded by an estimated 11.7 percent in the first half of the year, driven by increased output across all products. The subsector is now expected to grow by 7.2 percent for the entire year.
• The forestry industry is estimated to have grown by 6.2 percent in the first half, and growth is expected to remain unchanged at 1.3 percent for the year.

Extractive Industries

The mining and quarrying sector is estimated to have grown by 5.9 percent in the first half of the year, driven by increased output across all subsectors – bauxite, gold, other mining and oil and gas.

• The petroleum subsector grew by an estimated 5.5 percent, with 115.7 million barrels of oil produced in the first six months of this year. The industry is now projected to grow by 15.6 percent for the entire year.
• The bauxite industry is estimated to have grown by 133.1 percent in the first half of the year, and the sector is now projected to grow by 65.9 percent for 2025.
• The gold industry grew by an estimated 10.9 percent in the first half of 2025, with higher declarations from the single large producer and the small- and medium-scale miners. The sector’s growth target for 2025 remains unchanged at 17.2 percent.
• The other mining and quarrying industry – which comprises sand, stone, diamonds and manganese – is estimated to have grown by 24.2 percent in the first half, driven by greater activity in the construction sector. This industry is now expected to grow by 21.2 percent in 2025.

Manufacturing, Services and Construction

• The manufacturing sector is estimated to have grown by 26.8 percent in the first half, driven by growth across all subcategories – other manufacturing, rice and sugar. The sector is now projected to grow by 14.9 percent this year.
• The services sector is estimated to have expanded by 6.6 percent in the first half of the year, primarily supported by growth in wholesale and retail trade and repairs, administrative and support services, financial and insurance activities, professional, scientific and technical services, and information and communication. The overall 2025 growth target for services is now 8.6 percent.
• The construction sector is estimated to have grown by 29.9 percent in the first half of 2025, supported by Government’s expanded Public Sector Investment Programme, along with robust private sector investments across several sectors. The sector is now expected to grow by 26.2 percent in 2025.

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

The overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$10.3 million at the end of the first half of 2025, with the current account recording a surplus of US$197.9 million.

The merchandise trade balance registered a surplus of US$3,180.2 million. This mainly reflects the fact that, while crude exports grew by 2.6 percent, less favorable oil prices prevailed. Non-oil export earnings, however, increased by 12.5 percent to US$919.7 million, mainly supported by gold and bauxite expanding by US$147.5 million and US$31.1 million, respectively.

Total import payments stood at US$5,894.6 million at the end of the first half of the year, growing by 81.1 percent. Growth was mainly attributed to the expansion in the imports of capital goods, which rose to US$3,881.7 million and accounted for 95.8 percent of the overall increase. A significant portion of this increase can be attributed to the importation of the One Guyana FPSO, which valued US$2,534.1 million. 

MONETARY DEVELOPMENTS

Domestic Credit

At the end of the first half of 2025, net domestic credit stood at $1,015.5 billion, exceeding the December 2024 position by 17.7 percent. Total credit to the private sector grew by 7.7 percent to $485.4 billion at the end of the first half of the year.

• Credit to households rose by 7.3 percent to $51.8 billion, with notable growth of 20.3 percent observed in lending for motor cars.
• With respect to credit to business enterprises, there was notable growth in lending for services, manufacturing, and agriculture, of 4.9 percent, 12.4 percent, and 1.1 percent to $165.6 billion, $48.7 billion, and $31.9 billion, respectively.
• Real estate mortgages expanded by 11.4 percent to $173.5 billion, driven by increases in mortgages granted for private dwellings and industrial and commercial properties

Inflation

Consumer prices rose by 2.9 percent when compared with the end-2024 position. While energy prices – prices at the pump for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene – declined in the first half of the year, accounting for -0.2 of a percentage point, food prices increased. The prices for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene were reduced by 20.9 percent, 32.8 percent, and 34 percent, respectively, when compared with the position at the end of 2024, bringing significant relief to Guyanese producers and consumers. The 12-month inflation rate stood at 4.2 percent at the end of June and is now projected to be 3.1 percent for 2025.

The Mid-Year Report underscores Government’s wide-ranging measures to boost disposable incomes and cushion households from the impact of rising cost of living, including:

• Introducing no new taxes in Budget 2020 to 2025.
• Doubling the income-tax threshold to $130,000 per month.
• Reducing income tax rates.
• Introducing tax relief for persons with children, persons who earn overtime for work beyond their normal working hours, persons who have a second job, and persons who are paying premiums for life and medical insurance.
• Distributing a $100,000 cash grant to every adult citizen.
• Doubling old age pension (OAP) from $20,500 per month in 2020 to $41,000 now.
• More than doubling Public Assistance grants from $9,000 per month in 2020 to $22,000 now.
• Maintaining the zero percent excise tax on petroleum products to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices globally, saving consumers $560 per gallon currently.
• Extending freight charge reductions.
• Continuing the part-time job programme.

The Report highlights that across every single sector of government activity, there has been substantial progress and development. In education, Government has advanced universal access to education, as well as expanded technical and vocational training. In health, Government completed regional hospitals, expanded diagnostic services, and continued the digitalisation of patient care systems. Further, social protection programmes, such as cash grants, school uniform grants, and increases in pension and public assistance, have directly increased disposable incomes at the individual and household level, particularly for the most vulnerable.

“Government remains committed to prudent management of our natural resources while continuing to invest in people and communities so that the benefits of our national transformation are shared by all Guyanese. While challenges and risks remain, our Government will continue to ensure that these are met with resolve, charting a steady course toward resilient prosperity.” the Senior Finance Minister noted.

To view the entire Mid-Year Report 2025, click here: Mid-Year Report 2025. 

[Ministry of Finance Press Release]

 

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Despite being under U.S. sanctions, criminal indictment and facing extradition to the United States on serious charges, businessman Azruddin Mohamed of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party was on Monday sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP).

WIN, in a string of press releases, sought to cast the moment as “historic,” but some say it is nothing to celebrate. Instead, it marks a low point, the first time in Guyana’s history that an individual sanctioned and indicted by the United States Government for gold smuggling, money laundering and other related crimes has taken a seat in the National Assembly.

The opening of Guyana’s 13th Parliament took place on Monday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where all Members of Parliament, both government and non-government, took their oaths of office.

Mohamed arrived in the Lamborghini, which is the subject of the U.S investigation for evading millions of dollars in taxes; his driver revved the vehicle upon arrival, which some say is a show of defiance to his pending extradition.

As a Muslim, Mohamed used the Quran while taking his oath.

Leader of the APNU parliamentary team, Dr Terrence Campbell, has said that Mohamed should be guided by the Westminster convention, which dictates that politicians facing criminal charges should resign.

Mohamed arrived in the Lamborghini, which is the subject of the U.S investigation for evading millions of dollars in taxes; his driver revved the vehicle upon arrival, which some say is a show of defiance to his pending extradition.

Mohamed’s WIN party secured 16 of the 29 non-government seats in the new Parliament, putting him in line to be elected Leader of the Opposition once the administrative processes are completed. But his elevation comes even as he remains before the local courts fighting extradition to the United States, where he is wanted on multiple criminal charges.

Some sources close to WIN have suggested that Mohamed hopes his status as an MP will strengthen his fight against extradition. But legal experts have dismissed that notion outright.

Members of Parliament, including the Opposition Leader, have no immunity from criminal prosecution under Guyana’s Constitution. Being sworn in as an MP does not shield anyone from extradition or ongoing court proceedings.

Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were arrested in Georgetown last Friday following an extradition request from the U.S. government. Both men, who were previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, are currently on $150,000 bail each, have lodged their passports, and must report weekly to the police as the extradition case proceeds.

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Manzoor Nadir was re-elected Speaker of the National Assembly, while Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Both men were elected on Monday at the first sitting of the National Assembly of the 13th Parliament.

Nadir, who served as Speaker from September 2020 to 2025, was nominated by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. That nomination was seconded by Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira. No other nominations were made.

Nadir is a former five-term Member of Parliament, first being elected in 1992 after the October 5th General Elections as former Leader of the United Force political Party.

Meanwhile, there was a vote for the Deputy Speaker. Dr Vishwa Mahadeo was nominated by his colleagues from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government.

Tabitha Sarabo- Halley of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party was nominated by WIN’s Natasha- Singh Lewis. However, Dr. Mahadeo was elected as Deputy Speaker by a majority vote. A total of 17 members voted for Sarabo-Halley, while there were 36 votes for Dr. Mahadeo.

 

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President Dr Irfaan Ali has dismissed as “totally disconnected from the truth” suggestions that there was any deliberate delay in reconvening Parliament, making it clear that every step taken by his government is within the bounds of Guyana’s Constitution.

Speaking with journalist, Fareeza Haniff, during an interview moments before the 13th Parliament convened on Monday, the Head of State shunned what he called a “misinformation campaign” by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and others seeking to politicise an ongoing international criminal investigation.

“Constitutionally, I had up to this point to reconvene the Parliament and I said from day one that I will act in accordance with the Constitution and I have,” the President affirmed.

Under Article 69(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must be reconvened within four months of its dissolution. Parliament was dissolved on July 3, 2025, meaning the government had until November to act, a timeline that the President said has been strictly observed.

President Ali strongly rejected claims circulating online that the reconvening of Parliament was delayed due to the ongoing extradition process involving businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed.

Azruddin is the leader of WIN and will take his Oath as a new Member of Parliament today. He is also tipped to become the next Leader of the Opposition.

Calling the assertion “mischievous” and “politically motivated,” the President said the investigation into the Mohameds’ activities began long before his administration took office in August 2020 and that his government merely continued a legal and administrative process already underway.

“This is not an investigation that originated from here (Guyana); it is international in nature,” he said. “So this notion that Parliament was delayed for an extradition is totally disconnected from the truth. It’s a narrative created for a specific intention and purpose.”

The President stated that the United States government has been collaborating with the Government of Guyana on the case, which involves allegations of gold smuggling, money laundering, and other criminal offences. He emphasised that indictments and extradition requests go through a rigorous legal process that has nothing to do with politics.

“An indictment is not arrived at in a simple way. The court has to be convinced that a clear case has been laid out,” President Ali said. “This has nothing to do with political persecution or victim syndrome — it’s a straightforward legal matter.”

EVIDENCE SHARED, GRA PURSUING CASES

President Ali disclosed that the United States Government has shared evidence with Guyanese authorities showing that the Mohameds deprived the country of significant tax revenue.

“We have evidence where the country was robbed of taxes and the GRA is pursuing those matters,” he stated.

“We also have evidence of undervalued invoices for vehicles, and the GRA is handling that as well; everything in accordance with the law.”

He accused Azruddin Mohamed of attempting to create a “victimhood syndrome,” which he said forms part of a broader disinformation campaign.

“Some of this misinformation is designed for a specific purpose,” the President warned. “We are now living in what the world calls a ‘pandemic of misinformation and disinformation’.”

GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING THE LAW, NOT POLITICS

The President reiterated that his administration has a responsibility to cooperate with international partners on issues of criminality and to uphold the rule of law.

“This investigation started long before 2020. We came in and met it; we cooperated and followed all the legal and administrative mechanisms,” Dr Ali explained. “The People’s Progressive Party/Civic government is a responsible one. We are working with our international partners and fulfilling our duty to the people of this country.”

 

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See below full release from the Shipping Association of Guyana: 

The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) wishes to update the business community and the general public on the recent regional disruptions affecting the flow of containerised cargo to Guyana.

As a result of Hurricane Melissa, the Port of Kingston in Jamaica was closed for approximately five days, significantly impacting regional transhipment operations. This closure has compounded existing congestion across major Caribbean ports, affecting the timely movement of containerised cargo destined for Guyana.

In addition, the Port of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago experienced operational congestion over a four-day period, further limiting the loading of transhipment containers bound for Guyana. These combined challenges have resulted in temporary shipping delays and increased turnaround times for vessels servicing Guyana.

The Shipping Association of Guyana is actively engaging with the Port Authority of Port of Spain and regional shipping lines to secure priority berthing and loading for vessels bound for Guyana. These collaborative efforts aim to clear the backlog and restore normal cargo flow as quickly as possible.

SAG remains committed to supporting its members, importers, and exporters through open communication and continued dialogue with regional partners to mitigate the impact of these disruptions on the national supply chain.

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