Why is Azzrudin Penalized?

Dec 22, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I echo the sentiments of Mark Anthony Rodrigues (Dec 18) praising Mr. Azzrudin Mohamed’s charitable giving and kindness during this season. He has brought much joy to families and children in particular during this festive season. Mr. Mohamed and his father, Nazar, have been known for years to generously support worthy causes to aid the less fortunate not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. His kindness has also made him a victim especially from our government that has sought to stop his acts of charitable giving.

Azzrudin’s charitable giving over the years has made him enormously popular among the lower-class masses as acknowledged by a PPP aligned pollster in reports in the media. Azzrudin’s growing popularity and calls by the public for him to enter politics have irked the government. He is certain to take support from both major parties and will guide this country in the right direction providing better governance and ending widespread corruption.

Unexpectedly, Azzrudin and businesses tied to him and his family were sanctioned by American authorities last June. Was it meant to shut down any ambition to enter into politics? Azzrudin and family did not run afoul of American laws. They were accused with allegedly violating Guyana’s tax laws. They were not given a day in court and their right of innocence was taken away from them. Violating Guyana’s laws is a matter for the Guyanese authority not America. Azzrudin’s tax files were in order as per Guyanese authority. His licenses and permits were in order. Yet the Guyana government proceeded to sanction the Mohamed’s who have not been able to conduct any business since last June and who have lost millions of American dollars. Their permits and licenses to operate various businesses were also revoked, costing them tens of millions of American dollars. The companies are losing money and many have lost their jobs and the government has lost millions in dollars in taxes. I am sure the Guyana government actions has led to stress and sleepless nights for the Mohamed’s.

The government has been unfair to the Mohamed’s. It is about time Irfaan and Jagdeo come clean and say what is going on with the Mohamed’s. What is the issue? Where does this stop? Why should the Mohamed’s live in fear?

Are the sanctions intended to silence Azzrudin and deter any plan to run for office? What kind of democracy are we living in? Is it democracy for PPP only? The country yearns for change, an end to corruption that is widespread. The people are in support of Azzrudin and the Mohamed’s. He will bring change! Is this why government penalizing him?