Journalist and former politician Kit Nascimento has issued a sharp warning that Guyana could face serious economic and security risks if a United States-sanctioned individual is allowed to assume the post of Leader of the Opposition.
In a recent letter, Nascimento said he had cautioned before the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections that while Guyana’s prospects for prosperity were “immense,” the country also faced a “stark and dangerous” threat if voters made the wrong choice.
While welcoming the PPP/C’s electoral victory, he pointed to the strong showing of the WIN party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, which secured just under a quarter of the popular vote, making Mohamed eligible through parliamentary process to become Leader of the Opposition.
Nascimento reminded readers that he had previously flagged this outcome as a danger, noting that WIN is led by “a person sanctioned by the US Government, accused of gross criminal activity and who is before our own courts charged for further criminal activity.”
He said concerns were reinforced after the elections by responses from the US Embassy, which made clear that while Guyana itself is not broadly sanctioned, American investment would be problematic if a sanctioned individual were involved in transactions. “If Mr Mohamed becomes directly involved in any investment or transaction in Guyana from the US, we have a problem,” Nascimento wrote, adding that broader implications for investment were left “wide open.”
He also cited comments by US Ambassador Nicole Theriot, who reportedly described Mohamed’s participation in Parliament in an official capacity as “concerning” and “problematic” for her government.
Addressing public criticism of Speaker Manzoor Nadir over delays in convening the National Assembly to facilitate the election of an Opposition Leader, Nascimento argued that such caution was justified. He said the potential elevation of Mohamed could have “very serious destabilising consequences” for Guyana.
He posed what he called a fundamental question: “Is it not the first and absolute priority of any Government and the president who leads it to do all in their power to protect their country” from threats to economic stability, national security, particularly amid Venezuela’s claims to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, and the risk of being labelled a high-risk destination for investors?
Nascimento also challenged Mohamed directly, questioning why, if he is confident of his innocence, he continues to resist extradition rather than face trial in the United States. He suggested that Mohamed should step aside and allow his deputy to serve as Opposition Leader while he clears his name.
“If, indeed, Mr Azruddin Mohamed is truly and genuinely a political leader concerned for the future and well-being” of Guyana, Nascimento argued, standing trial would allow him to return “as the conquering hero” and then assume opposition leadership without controversy.
