Melly Mel’s Facebook post confirms her detention in US; blames Guyana gov’t; Ali, Jagdeo say little

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 March 2025, 21:58 by Denis Chabrol

Well-known Guyanese social media activist, Melissa Ann “Melly Mel” Atwell’s Facebook page confirmed that she is custody of United States (US) authorities, but there was no indication of what she was being held for.

“Today, I find myself in a fight for my own freedom. But let me be clear—this fight is not just about me. This is about every person who has ever been silenced, targeted, or wronged by a corrupt system that seeks to crush those who stand against it.

Importantly, she was being held by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal law enforcement agency under her married name, Melissa Ann Holder.

It is unclear whether Ms Atwell posted the statement herself from ICE’s Richwood Corrections Centre in Louisiana or someone did so on her behalf.

Saturday’s post is the first on Ms Atwell’s Facebook account since reports surfaced on Thursday that she was arrested by US law enforcement agents.

The Facebook post, which was aimed at verifying the authenticity of an online fund-raising venture for her legal fees, suggested that the Guyana government was behind her arrest. “Every dollar is going toward legal fees and the fight to secure my freedom. Your help is not just appreciated—it is necessary,” the post states.

“The Guyana government may try to silence me, but they cannot silence all of us. We will not back down. We will not be intimidated. The truth will always rise, no matter how hard they try to suppress it,” the post also states.

President Irfaan Ali on Saturday brushed off a question on whether his administration had requested the return of Ms Atwell to Guyana. “I don’t know. I’m not aware of the intricacies in this issue. Whatever I have seen is what I’m seeing on social media. I have no comment on that matter,” he said. PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday afternoon took a similar position.

Ms Atwell is known for be highly critical of the Guyana government, accusing the administration of rampant corruption and discrimination.

In a number of instances, she had posted purportedly official government documents, claiming misuse of funds or the award of contracts to favoured persons by the People’s Progressive Party Civic-led administration.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Public Works Minister Deodat Indar have filed separate defamation lawsuits totalling GY$150 million against Ms Atwell.