Pres Ali urges ‘robust debate’ as new Parliament convenes

…says PPP/C will be “more aggressive and proactive” in pursuing developmental goals
– dismisses claims of political motives in Mohameds’ extradition case

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday voiced his hopes that “robust debate that enriches the people in Guyana” will take place in the 13th Parliament, while also passionately dismissing accusations that the timing of Parliament’s opening was politically motivated. Speaking during a broadcast interview, Dr Ali congratulated all 65 members of 13th Parliament and expressed optimism about the legislative agenda ahead. “The Parliament is an important part of our Government structure. Parliament, for me, plays an integral role in any democratic society-it is where policies are tested and where debate on national development takes place,” he said.

“I wish to see robust debate that is based on facts and that enriches people in Guyana.” Though he did not make the customary President’s speech at the beginning of this Parliament, President Dr Ali noted that he will be addressing the 13th Parliament in the future to outline his Government’s vision for the next five years. “I can assure you that I will be addressing Parliament. I wanted Parliament to have its day today to have the MPs (Members of Parliament) sworn in… I definitely will be addressing Parliament in a substantive way, outlining the vision, outlining the strategy, and outlining where we want to position Guyana by 2030,” he noted. The 13th Parliament, which has been formed following the September 1 General and Regional Elections, was officially convened on Monday. The new Parliament sees the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) holding 36 seats, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party securing 16, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with 12, and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) with one. Monday’s sitting marked the swearing-in of all 65 members. However, President Ali said his Government will be “more aggressive and proactive” in pursuing development goals over the next five years, citing major infrastructure expansion, economic diversification, and investment in technology and social programmes as key priorities. “You will see the Government outlining an action plan and framework that will be presented to Parliament, programmes and policies that will increase disposable income, create jobs, expand housing, improve healthcare and water services, and build prosperity. You will see a Government that is more aggressive and proactive,” Dr Ali said.

Rejects claims of political delay
Meanwhile, in addressing criticism that the convening of Parliament was delayed to coincide with the extradition request for WIN’s leader Azruddin Mohamed, Ali dismissed the accusation as “a tactic used to generate sympathy” and “create a victim syndrome for Azruddin Mohamed.” He reminded that the investigation into allegations of criminal activities by the Mohameds, in fact, pre-dates the PPPC’s assumption of office in 2020. “This issue did not start yesterday. It started even before the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions. When we came into office, there were already reports in local and international media about the Mohameds being involved in gold smuggling, money laundering, and other criminal activities,” President Ali said.
“This investigation started long before 2020. This is not an investigation that originated from here. An investigation that has crossed jurisdiction, an investigation that is international in nature. So, this notion that Parliament was delayed for an extradition is totally disconnected from the truth. It is a notion that is created for a specific intention and specific purpose.” After being sanctioned by the United States’ (US) OFAC in 2024, earlier this month, Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were indicted by a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges ranging from wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by Mohamed’s Enterprises. However, even as the US instituted sanctions, Mohamed created WIN and orchestrated a self-funded campaign in the 2025 elections. Having gained the most minority seats, Mohamed is expected to be sworn in as the Leader of the Opposition (LOO). Last week Friday, the pair were arrested in Georgetown following a formal request by the US Government for their extradition in connection with the 11 charges. Ali emphasised that the extradition of Mohamed and his father was handled strictly through legal and administrative procedures in accordance with Guyanese and international law. “Azrudin Mohammed wants to create a victim syndrome around himself,” the President said. “This has nothing to do with political prosecution or the PPPC Government. The investigation is international in nature. Everything is in accordance with law and the administrative mechanism. It has nothing to do with political prosecution and has nothing to do with going after anyone. That is what Azrudin Mohammed wants to create.” The President noted that the timeline for convening Parliament was constitutionally compliant, and that his administration had acted responsibly and transparently throughout the process. “It is a misconception and misinformation to suggest that the opening of Parliament was delayed for the extradition order,” he said. “Constitutionally, I had until this point to reconvene Parliament, and I said from day one that I would act in accordance with the constitution and I will always act in accordance with the constitution, and that led me to this date. So, this has nothing to do with the fact that a clear case of money laundering, gold smuggling, and other criminality has been made out against Mr. Azruddin Mohammed, and that process is ongoing.” President Ali reiterated his Government’s commitment to good governance and collaboration with international partners to uphold the rule of law and pursue accountability.
He concluded by wishing the new Parliament “a healthy five years” and reaffirming his administration’s focus on building a “strong, resilient, and sustainable” Guyana by 2030.