Last Updated on Saturday, 24 January 2026, 1:46 by Writer
President Irfaan Ali and several government ministers left the British High Commissioner’s residence hurriedly after presumptive Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed arrived at the United Kingdom envoy Jane Miller’s farewell party at her residence.
Mr Mohamed and General Secretary of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Odessa Primus attended the event.
Recently, Ms Miller was among several Western diplomats who called for Guyana to have an opposition leader as part of a functional democracy.
Word was quickly circulated among the ministers present and they all left the Bel Air Springs residence.
The governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has made it clear that it opposes Mr Mohamed becoming the Leader of the Opposition, a sentiment also expressed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.
They cited the fact that Mr Mohamed was sanctioned and indicted by the United States for financial crimes linked to his and his father’s billion dollar gold trading business.
The Mohameds are fighting extradition proceedings in Guyana’s magistrate and high courts.
Speaking with reporters briefly, Mr Mohamed expressed confidence that he would be voted in at next Monday morning’s election by the 29 opposition members of parliament.
He said he was already preparing to contribute to the debate on the 2026 National Budget. “We have a lot of persons on board with us so that they can contribute meaningfully,” he said when asked whether he had sectoral advisors.
Finance minister Dr Ashni Singh is scheduled to deliver his hours-long budget speech on Monday.
The WIN Leader reiterated that “my first priority” is to continue holding the government accountable, and improving health and education. “We have so much problems in this country, it’s unbelievable,” he added.
Recently, President Ali delivered an outline of his five-year plan to a gathering of government officials and diplomats outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Conventionally, after a general and regional election, the President would deliver such an address to the Parliament which includes government and opposition members.
On that occasion, the opposition was not invited.
Discover more from Demerara Waves Online News- Guyana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
