Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Govt. denies new extradition requests from U.S.
(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd has denied that the Guyana Government has received another extradition request by the United States.
Under cross-examination by attorney Siand Dhurjon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand acknowledged that another extradition request for a Guyanese was received on November 25, 2025. However, no information was given in court as to the identity of that person or whether the police had acted on the request.
Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, who is currently before the local courts battling an extradition request by the United States, used his maiden budget debate speech on Friday evening to urge government Members of Parliament (MPs) to release details on the second extradition request received from the U.S. last year. “Let the nation know about the extradition request that came here… that is transparency and accountability. There is an extradition request since November and up to now, (they) cannot charge and bring these persons…” Mohamed said in the National Assembly.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd
However, despite the claims Todd told this publication that there is no new request. “There is no new extradition; it’s a supplemental package concerning the same people it’s just additional that they sent under the cover of a note verbale.” He said that the package was forwarded on November 6, 2025.
Minister of Home Affairs, Oniedge Waldron said she does not know of any new request that came in on November 26, 2025. “We are constantly processing extradition requests… I can check with my office but I can’t say that dates. I don’t have that information at hand. I have to check with my office,” Minister Waldron told reporters following her budget presentation last week.
During the court hearing last week other pressing questions were raised regarding the credibility of Roopchand-Edwards’ role in handling the U.S. extradition request documents. The defence also examined her relationship with President Irfaan Ali, suggesting that her actions as permanent secretary in processing the extradition requests were politically influenced by the president and other officials.
Minister of Home Affairs, Oniedge Waldron
The defence further placed on record its contention that the extradition proceedings against the Mohameds are not only politically motivated by the Government of Guyana, but that such political motivation also extends to the United States.
During cross-examination, Dhurjon questioned Roopchand-Edwards on whether the extradition requests involving the Mohameds was the first such request she received in October during her tenure as Permanent Secretary. She responded in the affirmative.
Dhurjon then asked whether she had received any additional extradition requests from the United States since that time. Roopchand-Edwards replied, “Yes, I received one on November 26, 2025.” He followed up by asking whether she was aware if those proceedings had been brought before the court.
However, prosecutor Herbert McKenzie objected to the question, challenging its relevance. In response, Dhurjon stated that the defence’s position is that the extradition proceedings are politically motivated and that the question was intended to demonstrate whether other requests had been treated with similar urgency. “Part of the defence is that the proceedings have been politically motivated. It goes to show whether other requests had been put to speed.”
Meanwhile, Roopchand-Edwards maintained that her involvement in the extradition process was limited to notifying the Ministers of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs of the request and handing over the relevant documents. She also denied claims that she was instructed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd to urgently deliver the extradition documents to Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond for expedited action.
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
