North Rupununi Toshaos reject Azruddin Mohamed’s request for entry into villages

…cites US sanctions, tax evasion

Several Toshaos from the North Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have formally denied businessman Azruddin Mohamed access to their villages, citing serious international and domestic allegations leveled against him. Their decision was made in response to a request for visitation submitted on behalf of Mohamed by his representative, Charles Sugrim of Team Mohamed’s.
In a letter addressed to Mr Sugrim, the Toshaos stated that while they acknowledge Mr Mohamed’s philanthropic efforts in various parts of Guyana, they have conducted due diligence on the businessman and found his entry incompatible with their community’s best interests.
“Based on our research in considering the application to enter our Village lands, we have become aware of several international allegations of criminal activities conducted by Mr Azruddin Mohamed,” the letter states.

The Toshaos specifically referenced recent sanctions imposed by the United States (US) Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which accused Nazar Mohamed of involvement in corruption in Guyana. Among the allegations cited are claims that he evaded Guyana’s export taxes on gold, under-declared more than 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold between 2019 and 2023, and deprived the Government of over US$50 million in tax revenue.
The letter also pointed to statements by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which alleged that Mohamed was linked to unpaid duties on luxury vehicles totaling nearly GY$900 million.
“Therefore, acting in the best interests of our villages and based on precaution, permission to enter our village lands is hereby denied,” the letter affirmed.
The Toshaos underscored the legal authority granted to Amerindian Village Councils under Guyana’s law to regulate access to their lands, adding that their decision on the matter is final.
“We will continue to uphold the governance systems established in law, which guarantee the autonomy of Amerindian Village Councils,” the leaders concluded.
This is not the first time Azruddin Mohamed’s presence in an Amerindian village was not welcomed. About a week ago, Toshao Wendy Francis of Lake Capoey, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) alleged that the businessman disrespected and breached protocol during his visit to the area.
In a strongly worded statement released after the visit, Toshao Francis said that Mohamed disrespected the village council and violated the Amerindian Act by entering the community without official notice or permission.
Section 5, part II of the Amerindian Act speaks to the process for entering and accessing Amerindian Village lands.