New Amerindian Hostel already in the works, Mohamed shifting attention from extradition troubles
Browne dismisses Mohamed’s claims, says Amerindian Hostel being used as political distraction
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne, on Sunday pushed back against accusations from U.S.-indicted businessman and WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed, saying his sudden interest in the Amerindian Hostel was nothing more than a political ploy aimed at shifting attention from his own extradition troubles.
Mohamed and his team had turned up at the Princess Street facility claiming residents invited them and accusing the hostel of overcrowding and poor care in social media posts. But Browne described the move as a deliberate attempt to stir division and exploit a sensitive issue for political mileage.
The Minister explained that the decades-old building has been stretched beyond capacity because the Government maintains a long-standing practice of never turning away any indigenous person seeking shelter. For 2025 alone, the hostel saw over 12,175 people pass through, many of them patients stranded in the city, vulnerable persons, or those seeking emergency medical help.
Browne noted that the Administration, including President Irfaan Ali, has long acknowledged the strain on the current facility. A new hostel has already been committed to, with land identified, the building designs completed, and funding secured in the 2026 National Budget. She added that Mohamed is fully aware of these plans since the President spoke about them publicly, including during an international engagement in Morocco.
Despite the limitations of the old structure, Browne said the hostel continues to provide daily meals, safe accommodation, welfare support, and transportation, by both air and land, for residents returning to hinterland regions. The Ministry has also provided counselling, emergency financial help and regular assistance to ensure no indigenous visitor is left on their own in Georgetown. Browne said she personally visits the hostel and intervenes to address concerns.
She added that because the building is constantly full, appliances, mattresses, furniture and plumbing need frequent replacement. Mattresses were recently changed, and she pointed out that financial records for dietary, janitorial and maintenance services can be presented at any time to counter claims of neglect.
Responding as well to online comments made by Mohamed’s sister, Hannah, the Minister said individuals who grew up far removed from the daily realities of hinterland life cannot assume authority on indigenous experiences. She described the remarks as purely political and stressed that neither sibling has lived the struggles they now claim to represent.
According to Browne, Mohamed’s appearance outside the hostel was a desperate effort to ignite ethnic and political tension while avoiding scrutiny of his legal troubles. She said his social media narrative about “representing” Amerindians ignored the fact that the hostel is a regulated Government institution, not a backdrop for political theatrics.
In closing, the Minister stressed that the Government is focused on delivering for indigenous citizens, including advancing the new hostel project to meet current and future needs. She maintained that Mohamed’s actions are not advocacy but a clear distraction from the issues he faces.
