Political tension as Azruddin Mohamed continues visits; AFC says PPP silent, police absent

Last Updated on Thursday, 27 March 2025, 12:57 by Writer

Tempers flared against city businessman Azruddin Mohamed as he increased his visits to traditional support bases of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), prompting the Alliance For Change (AFC) on Wednesday to point fingers at the ruling party.

In the latest edited video on Mr Mohamed’s Facebook page on Wednesday night featuring his visit to No. 43 Village Corentyne, Berbice, a woman and a man assaulted each other causing other men to come to her defence. A man was also seen admonishing the businessman, widely believed to be harbouring ambitions to contest the 2025 general and regional elections, for coming up against the PPP. “If you know that you want to be the president, you have a right… I don’t have a problem with you helping people. You help how much you want but don’t mess with the PPP. You can’t attack us, we will attack you,” the man told Mr Mohamed.

The businessman, who has been sanctioned by the United States for alleged tax evasion related to alleged gold smuggling, retorted. “Don’t worry. We gon die and leave power, buddy,” he said.

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo has already said Mr Mohamed would not pose any threat at the polls because the trend has shown that those who were turning out to the businessman’s visits were generally the same disgruntled persons at any general and regional elections.

Another man urged others gathered to appreciate that Mr Mohamed, like anyone else, has a right to pursue his political ambitions without hindrance. “Stop the intimidation! Stop the intimidation! Stop the interference! Calling people hooligan,” the man said.

Addressing people gathered inside a yard, Mr Mohamed, who has so far not stated explicitly that he would be running in the 2025 general and regional elections, said he had no problem with peaceful protests and that “democracy is the foundation of every nation”.

He said he was willing to even listen to the protestors’ concerns regardless of their political belief because he did not believe in discrimination. “It is the sacred right of every Guyanese to speak, listen and to be heard,” he said.

At Letter Kenny village earlier this week, several persons greeted Mr Mohamed with pro-PPP placards. “Irfaan Ali is our President. Az is a wannabee president”, “Azruddin we know you are with APNU/AFC. Berbicians cannot be fooled”, and “Berbicians will always support the PPP/C.” A number for persons claimed that the protesters were mainly 10-day government workers who were threatened that they would be fired if they did not protest. Mr Mohamed claimed that a number of the protesters told him that they were being forced to protest against their will.

A number of persons accused the government of neglect. A man said residents of the Afro-Guyanese villages of Alness, Ulveston and Manchester were among those not getting government support.

For its part, the AFC did not refer specifically to Mr Mohamed but expressed “growing concern” about intimidation by PPP agents as the country heads into general and regional elections expected in October or November. The AFC warned Guyanese, especially PPP supporters that it is an offence to prevent anyone from exercising their constitutional right to assembly.

“The fact that there has been no condemnation or rebuke of such behaviour by the leaders of the PPP is a clear indication that these subversive actions are not only sanctioned by the hierarchy of the PPP but, are organised and carried out at their bidding and with their full approval and support,” the AFC added.

That party also called on the Guyana Police Force to enforce the law by ensuring there is order and that no one’s right to peaceful assembly is violated. “The AFC notes the conspicuous absence of ranks of the Police Force whose duty it is to maintain peace and good order. We expect the Police to carry out its duties professionally. We call on the Commissioner to ensure all divisions protect the rights of citizens to Assembly. Failure to do so is to fail to protect the rights of citizens whom the Police is obligated and sworn to Protect and Serve.

The AFC said the general rowdy behaviour by PPP activists does not auger well for the upcoming elections climate, at a time when PPP traditional supporters are “looking for change and a better form of governance.”