Guyana’s president disputes using US lobbying firm against opponents

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday firmly denied that his administration used government resources to politically target presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed through a US-based lobbying firm.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying about a lobbying firm being hired to target anyone. The government has hired no lobbying firm for that purpose. The premise of your question is wrong,” Ali told reporters when asked about a $50,000-per-month contract with Continental Strategy LLC.

Documents filed by the firm with the US Justice Department confirm it was hired by Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and submitted a six-month agreement. The filings include email exchanges with a US Congressman’s office and “draft tweets” accusing Mohamed of ties to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro regime.

The tweets sparked public statements from US legislators. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar said individuals sanctioned for illicit activity must not “jeopardize” Guyana-US relations. Congressman Carlos Gimenez also weighed in, calling Mohamed a “pro-Maduro puppet” and warning of Venezuelan interference in Guyanese politics.

Mohamed swiftly rejected those claims. “I reject Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo. I stand firmly for Guyana’s sovereignty,” he said, accusing the ruling PPP/C government of orchestrating a smear campaign. He said he is exploring legal and diplomatic action against the administration for allegedly using a foreign agent to spread falsehoods.

Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed were sanctioned by the US Treasury’s OFAC, which accused them of evading $50 million in taxes through gold exports.

President Ali dismissed the allegations, saying the government’s relationship with Continental Strategy was focused on diplomatic strategy amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela. “Mohamed is no saint. He’s been sanctioned by the US, and the documents show clear fraud. He poses a risk to Guyana’s national security,” Ali stated.

He insisted his party is not misusing state resources. “The PPP doesn’t need government resources for its campaign. We are strong and will win with the people behind us,” he added.

Mohamed is expected to challenge Ali in the upcoming elections. Nomination Day is set for July 14.

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