Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond last Thursday firmly rejected claims that the extradition matter involving the Mohameds’ family was fast-tracked, insisting that the case followed established procedures despite persistent questioning from reporters.
“I will not say that the Mohameds’ case was accelerated,” Walrond said, pushing back against suggestions that approvals were granted unusually quickly. “Each extradition request is dealt with on a case-by-case basis. You cannot treat one request the same as another. It all depends on the requirements of the case.”
The Minister was responding to questions following her budget presentation, after assertions raised in court suggested that another extradition request may have been received by the government after the Mohamed matter.
Pressed on whether the government received a further extradition request on November 26, Walrond said she was not aware of any such request.
“I am not familiar with the exact date,” she said. “I do know that the ministry constantly processes extradition requests as they come in, but as to that specific request, I am not aware of it.”
She cautioned against speculation and explained that extradition matters are routine for the ministry, noting that she would verify the records before making any public disclosure.
“These things are a matter of record,” Walrond said. “I can check with my office and get back to you. If there is information that can be shared with the public, it will be shared.”
Meanwhile, Walrond further clarified that it is not unusual for the government to have several extradition requests under review at any given time, but stressed that she could not confirm names, dates, or details without first checking official documentation.
“We receive several extradition requests. That is part of the work of the ministry,” she said.
Addressing questions about the handling of extradition matters, the Minister outlined the process, noting that all such requests are first received by her office before being forwarded in keeping with the law.
“I am the competent authority, and I have to personally receive every extradition request,” Walrond explained. “What happens after it is forwarded to the Attorney General is not something I can speak to.”
When asked to identify other individuals who may have been the subject of extradition requests after the Mohamed matter, Walrond again declined, reiterating that she would not speculate.
“I am not in the office. I have just finished my budget presentation,” she said. “But it is all on record, and I will check.”
The Minister’s remarks reinforced the government’s position that the Mohamed extradition matter was handled according to procedure, while making it clear that there is no confirmed information before her about any other extradition request at this time.
