Azruddin Mohamed formally signals interest in Guyana’s leadership

April 30, 2025

For the first time, city businessman and philanthropist Azruddin Mohamed has signaled his interest in being part of Guyana’s leadership as the country navigates what he describes as a “turning point”.

“In the days ahead, we will need leadership that does not react, but restores. Leadership that can bring healing, build trust, and can guide us forward with integrity. I am committed to being part of that leadership; not for power, but for progress,” he said during a video message posted on his ‘Team Mohamed’s’ Facebook page last evening.

The video message sought to address national issues including the recent death of 11-year-old Adriana Young whose body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in the pool at Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, EBE, one day after she was reported missing.

That incident sparked public protests countrywide, resulting in deadly riots and looting.

Mohamed’s sister, Hana, also weighed in, in the comments section of the post, suggesting that a new mandate may be forthcoming for that leadership. She said: “The time is near when a new mandate will allow for a rebuilding of the confidence in our state apparatus.”

For months, there have been speculations about the businessman’s interest in running for office, after his philanthropic activities across the country morphed into massive community meetings which provided citizens with an opportunity to air their concerns.

At one meeting in Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice (EBB) in March, the businessman contended that if he was to run for public office, he would defeat the incumbent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the main opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

““The first thing is I haven’t even launched out as yet so how can I beg persons to vote for me. I want to make this clear that I am not aligned with any political party. I am not aligned with the PPP. I am not aligned with the PNC. I am not aligned with the AFC. It is clear I can stand alone and defeat them any day,” he said.

His father, Nazar Mohamed, has indicated that he would support his son if he decides to run for office.

The businessman, along with his father and their companies, were sanctioned by the United States (US) government in June of last year for tax evasion, money laundering, and gold smuggling in Guyana. The US alleges that they may have evaded as much as GYD$11 billion in taxes in Guyana.

Although the duo continues to enjoy widespread public support, they are also facing a number of challenges related to the operations of their businesses here, including the revocation of their cambio and security licenses, loss of their license to operate vessels in Guyana, and suspension of their mining operations.

They are also being investigated by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for alleged tax evasion involving several luxury vehicles.