WIN highlights concerns over cost of living, blackouts, corruption
October 26 2026
Opening the briefing, the opposition leadership declared its commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting citizens across all administrative regions of Guyana, accusing the current administration of failing the populace while offering proposed solutions and presenting primary evidence to support their claims.
“We will, of course, be going through a number of issues affecting Guyanese all across this nation, not limited to Georgetown,” stated WINN General Secretary Odessa Prime Minister, emphasizing that the party remains focused on holding the government accountable.
Muzzling Opposition Voice and Social Media Censorship
Opposition Leader Azzedine Mohammed condemned what he characterized as systemic efforts by the government to silence opposition platforms and stifle freedom of expression. He revealed that WINN’s primary Facebook page—boasting over 540,000 followers—was taken down, forcing the party to broadcast its national press conference using a secondary page with roughly 20,000 followers.
“This is a big blow for us,” Mohammed said, contrasting his political treatment with his prior 81-hour detention. He alleged that government officials, referencing Presidential Advisor Selwyn Peters, had previously issued warnings threatening the removal of the page over critical content. Mohammed questioned the state of democracy in Guyana, noting that the removal of their main page severely restricts direct communication with citizens seeking assistance across the country’s regions.
Skyrocketing Cost of Living, Currency Shortages, and Agriculture Sector Strains
Detailing the severe economic pressures on households, the opposition pointed to soaring inflation on basic food items and accused government ministers of directly competing with local farmers and livestock producers. Mohammed cited the state-supported abattoir at Ann’s Grove/Anvawak in Region 5, alleging that instead of purchasing cattle from local farmers, cheap animals are imported from Brazil (priced around $100 GYD per pound) for local slaughter. He highlighted state involvement in commercial poultry facilities, referencing a $140 million GYD tunnel-house chicken farm on the Linden Highway that puts local producers at a severe competitive disadvantage. Commercial importers and local businesses currently face delays of two to three weeks to secure wire transfers of $20,000 USD from commercial banks. The exchange rate has inflated from $216.50 GYD two years ago to $240 GYD per USD. Despite international gold prices reaching a historic high of $4,200 USD per ounce (up from $2,000 USD two years ago), Mohammed estimated that over $1 billion USD in gold proceeds fails to enter the formal banking system annually due to border smuggling. He called for Special Branch enforcement at border points, price controls on basic food staples, and profit cap cutbacks for large retail corporations like Massy to restore exchange rates to $216.50 GYD.
Demands for Public Sector Wage Increases and Social Infrastructure
General Secretary Odessa Prime Minister highlighted the disconnect between high macro-economic growth statistics and the daily realities of public sector workers. The opposition called for an immediate 100% salary increase for the nation’s 90,000 public servants before the end of the year, arguing that the current public sector minimum wage of $102,346 GYD ($490 USD per month) and private sector minimum wage of $60,000 GYD are insufficient when a single bag of groceries costs $15,000 to $20,000 GYD. Prime Minister noted that secondary schools across the country still lack functional science laboratories and home economics departments, while healthcare facilities regularly lack basic equipment and medication. Addressing a recent engagement with visiting German parliamentarians, Prime Minister clarified that opposition members waited over two hours in Parliament before learning that the executive had scheduled a conflicting meeting at the same time. The opposition formally notified the Speaker of the House before excusing themselves to meet the delegation independently.
The MV Barima Vessel Tragedy: Compensation and Salvage Demands
The opposition offered a severe critique of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Minister Deodat Indar regarding the handling of the 87-year-old MV Barima tragedy, which sank over 100 days ago. Opposition leaders condemned the administration for failing to float the 500-ton vessel lying 30 to 40 feet underwater—where victims’ remains stay trapped—contrasting it with the four offshore FPSOs operating at depths of 6,000 feet to extract oil. The leadership criticized the lack of public timelines regarding salvage operations, noting that the involvement of VT Salvage was only disclosed during a Commission of Inquiry session. Noting that formal psychosocial and financial support through state initiatives like the HEART project has lapsed, Opposition Leader Azzedine Mohammed demanded that the government issue an immediate interim compensation payment of at least $5 million GYD to each affected family and survivor.
Energy Crisis, Power Ships, and the Gas-to-Energy Pipeline Rupture
Addressing chronic power outages, the opposition severely criticized the administration’s management of the national energy grid and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s flagship Gas-to-Energy project at Wales. The opposition pointed out that while the initial contract signed in December 2022 with Lindsayca/CH4 for $759 million USD promised to cut electricity rates by 50% and lower 20-pound cooking gas cylinders to $100,000 GYD by late 2024, total project costs have now surpassed $3 billion USD while blackouts persist nationwide. Mohammed disclosed that a section of the 140-mile offshore gas pipeline running from the Stabroek Block to Wales suffered a structural rupture approximately two miles off the Marriott Hotel. He criticized Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat for initially denying knowledge of the incident, noting that ExxonMobil is currently repairing the damage. He demanded full disclosure regarding taxpayer repair costs, repair timelines, and contingency plans for grid stability. The opposition highlighted that the state pays $126 million GYD daily to rent and fuel two offshore power ships. Prime Minister revealed that a third power ship is scheduled to arrive in December, calling the reliance on short-term power ships a failure of long-term planning that forces citizens to cut back power usage ahead of peak Christmas demand. Mohamed further dismissed the administration’s “modern village initiative” as a rhetorical distraction from local infrastructure issues, questioning how new developments would be powered when existing communities face daily outages.
Overpriced Contracts, Infrastructure Delays, and Health Care Shortfalls in Region 10
Turning to Region 10, the opposition outlined serious concerns regarding local infrastructure projects, road safety, and medical equipment. Mohammed criticized the awarding of a $161 million USD contract to GuyAmerica and Namilco to resurface 45 miles of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. He noted that despite the high cost and a September 4, 2026 completion deadline, the freshly asphalted road remains unlit and hazardous, contributing to recent fatal crashes near Long Creek. He contrasted these dark road conditions with President Irfaan Ali’s nearby 150-acre farm, which maintains 24-hour utility access. Despite over $700 billion GYD allocated to the Ministry of Health between 2020 and 2026, a newly purchased CT scan machine at Linden Hospital remains entirely inoperable due to a lack of trained technicians, driven by public sector wage deficits. The opposition urged the government to immediately commission the newly completed two-lane bridge in Region 10 to replace the 59-year-old single-lane structure. Addressing local governance, Prime Minister noted that removing bridge tolls strips the Linden Town Council of roughly $70 million GYD in annual revenue, calling for direct budget allocations in 2027 to replace the lost municipal funds.
Allegations of State Corruption and Public Spending Mismanagement
Opposition Leader Azzedine Mohammed characterized corruption as a systemic drain on national resources, accusing government ministers of rapidly acquiring luxury homes, gold mining concessions, and apartment complexes on official state salaries.
Mohammed questioned Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s silence on procurement oversight, pointing to single-source contracts like the $121 billion GYD project for a 14-mile road from Schoonord to Parika. He estimated that contract overcharging and diversion account for up to 40% of the combined $1.6 trillion GYD national budget and supplementary allocations (approximately $640 billion GYD), asserting that curtailing corruption would immediately free up capital to double public sector salaries and upgrade healthcare and educational infrastructure.
Video Evidence Presented on Failed Assassination Attempt
During the conference, Opposition Leader Azzedine Mohammed presented CCTV footage detailing what he described as a failed assassination attempt by law enforcement officers on October 12 at the corner of Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road.
Narrating the footage, Mohammed challenged official police statements. The footage showed the opposition vehicle (BXX 5300) with clear, untinted front windows, showing Mohammed seated in the front passenger seat in a white shirt rather than in the backseat as claimed by government releases. The video captured Senior Superintendent Prem Narine exiting a police vehicle in casual wear (short pants) and firing shots at the opposition vehicle, leaving bullet holes near the roof and doors. Masked Special Branch officers were filmed pulling Mohammed and his aides (Eugene Thorne and Mario Mohammed) from the car, forcing Mohammed face-down onto the pavement, and physically stepping on him while his hands were raised. The video showed an extensive ten-minute search of the vehicle that yielded no weapons or illegal items, while Narine was filmed continuously making phone calls. Footage also documented Narine’s brother, Mark Narine, arriving at the scene, issuing verbal threats, and driving against traffic down Vlissengen Road without police intervention. Mohammed condemned official government releases shared by ministers, including Minister of Education Sonia Parag, for containing factual errors, grammatical mistakes (referring to the car as “heavily tined”), and false allegations framing him as a national security threat. He announced that his legal team intends to file private criminal charges against the officers involved by mid-November.
Economic Projections and Opening Q&A Session
Opening the question-and-answer portion, Opposition Leader Azzedine Mohammed projected that Guyana’s daily oil production will reach nearly two million barrels per day by 2030, bringing massive national revenue. He cautioned the administration against acting as though power is permanent, stating that “God is in charge” before inviting questions from the press core.
Responding to inquiries regarding an 11-count U.S. indictment and extradition proceedings, Mohammed stated that the extradition attempt is a local, politically motivated effort driven by the administration rather than U.S. authorities. He alleged that the government has spent millions of dollars in taxpayers’ funds on U.S. lobbying firms to target opposition figures.
General Secretary Odessa Prime Minister added that public scrutiny should focus on recovering missing state revenues rather than extradition maneuvers. Addressing custom payments made to police officers, Mohammed clarified that providing small financial gifts to public servants during Christmas or birthdays is a customary local practice to support low-wage workers rather than a payment for special favors.
Answering further questions Mohammed clarified that his vehicle passed through Bar Street twice while he was engaged in a 59-minute phone call with parents and teachers from Ramakrishna Primary School regarding a dangerous, broken school gate that was subsequently repaired by the government. He reiterated that Senior Superintendent Prem Narine fired directly at his vehicle even after he raised his hands. Mohammed confirmed that while he and his aides underwent gunpowder residue swab tests, his legal team has not yet formally requested ballistic reports, confirming that private criminal charges will be filed against the officers by mid-November.
Electoral Outlook and Multi-Ethnic Base
When asked about contingency plans if he faces legal removal, Mohammed expressed full confidence in his party’s multi-ethnic backing, stating “We are the only political party where we have support from all the races… And by God’s grace, I will be here. And come 2031, I will be the president of this country to ensure that our people can live a better life.” Dismissing Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent suggestions of unity talks with the PNCR, Mohammed labeled Jagdeo a “pathological liar” and affirmed that WINN will remain an independent party in accordance with voter demands. Regarding the confirmation of Acting Chancellor Roxane George and Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Singh, Mohammed noted that the opposition will address the appointments “when the right thing comes.”
Youth Unemployment, Vocational Infrastructure, and Bank Oversight
General Secretary Odessa Prime Minister criticized the government’s approach to youth crime, pointing out that state funds are directed toward building multi-story police headquarters on Brick Dam and expanding prisons rather than establishing vocational training and rehabilitation centers.
Regarding small business funding, Mohammed expressed cautious support for the newly formed Guyana Development Bank but criticized its structural framework, warning against restricting loans to political partisans.
Foreign Exchange Policies and Agricultural Grants
Mohammed further defended price controls on foreign exchange and essential goods. Recalling foreign currency management under former President David Granger and Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Mohammed noted how direct engagement with Bank of Guyana Governor Gobind Ganga and gold dealers stabilized the exchange rate at $216.50 GYD per USD. He maintained that capturing $1 billion USD in unrecorded gold trade would restore liquidity to commercial banks and curb inflation.
Public Sector Salary Proposals
Mohammed reiterated his demand for a 100% salary increase for all 90,000 public sector workers, maintaining that reducing state procurement corruption would easily supply the necessary funds. On whether a U.S. lobbying firm was engaged to seek a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, Mohammed clarified that the WINN party—not him personally—retained the firm, leaving further details to party representatives. Mohammed affirmed WINN’s readiness for local government elections, noting that commissioner nominations were submitted to GECOM Chair Claudette Singh but remain stalled due to an executive impasse. Prime Minister confirmed that WINN councilors have filed a court application to compel the clerk to convene a meeting and elect a Regional Chairman in Region 10. Mohammed supported lifting U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba in light of its healthcare support to Guyana, congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reelection while advocating for agricultural technology sharing, and expressed full confidence in Guyana’s legal position regarding the Essequibo border controversy with Venezuela.
Internal Party Accountability and Barima Relief Transparency
Addressing party discipline, Mohammed highlighted that former WINN Member of Parliament Andrew Lewis did the “honorable thing” by resigning pending investigation following serious allegations. Regarding the MV Barima relief fund, Prime Minister and Mohammed confirmed that all collected donations and personal funds were distributed directly to over 70 affected families, with records published on official social media channels.
Heated Debate Over Academic Qualifications and Leadership Vision
When pressed on his formal academic qualifications to manage the national economy, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohammed responded, “My qualification is my heart. I have a heart for the people. I’m not a cruel and inhumane person like your president… I have a heart for the people, sir. So you have a heart for the people’s qualifications.”
Mohammed contrasted his approach with the handling of national tragedies, pointing to the unrecovered remains in the MV Barima disaster and the inadequate compensation provided to families following the Mahdia dormitory fire. General Secretary Odessa Prime Minister challenged the emphasis on formal academic credentials over practical governance outcomes, stating: “We have got an economist by Bharrat’s standard at the helm of this country, and we’re in a mess. People can barely survive in this country. So how exactly is this economic degree of whichever magnitude helpful to us at this time? When people are suffering in this country, what are we supposed to do? Eat his economic degree?”
Mohamed stressed that academic qualifications are meaningless if leadership lacks vision, empathy, and strategic execution to build essential health and social infrastructure. Citing Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) data indicating that 58% of Guyanese live in poverty and 32% in abject poverty, Prime Minister concluded that leadership must be evaluated on tangible improvements in living standards rather than titles alone, after which the two-hour press conference was formally adjourned.
