WIN takes its movement to New York

Sep 01, 2026 News

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…Mohamed urges diaspora to help build a ‘world-class Guyana’

(Kaieteur News) – The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) NYC Chapter held its inaugural launch on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Long Island, New York, marking a historic milestone for the movement and its growing presence across the Guyanese diaspora.

The sold-out event welcomed Guyanese patrons from New York and beyond for an evening of patriotism, culture and fellowship, united by a shared commitment to building a better and more prosperous Guyana.

The highlight of the evening was the feature address delivered by the Leader of the Opposition of Guyana, Azruddin Mohamed who spoke to WIN’s vision for Guyana, the importance of the diaspora and the growing movement for national change.

In video message to his supporters, the opposition leader reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding a Guyana that is people centered.

He called on those present to join him on a journey as he puts in the work   to build a world-class Guyana where every citizen is treated equally.

The politician noted that the nation’s founding leaders Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham dreamed of a better Guyana, where each citizen is given an equal opportunity, and ensuring no one is left behind.

“These are the leaders who understood that the nation’s strength comes from its people. Not its politicians. They did not close the doors behind them nor did they pull up the ladder so others couldn’t follow. They laid the foundation for future generations to build on.

Now more than ever we need an independent nation with people-centered leadership that can transform the lives of the citizens forever…I have seen my people oppressed and I want more because Guyana deserves better,” Mohamed said, adding that his party is ready to rebuild trust and forge genuine harmony among the people.

Joining the opposition leader’s guests of honour were WIN Members of Parliament Vishnu Panday, MP, and Janelle Sweatnam, MP, both of whom delivered presentations to the gathering, reinforcing the party’s commitment to representation, accountability and a new direction for Guyana.

The occasion also recognised WIN NY chapter founders, Hana Mohamed and Charles Sugrim, whose work, alongside the chapter’s executive, members, volunteers and supporters, helped, bring the vision of an organised WIN presence in New York to fruition.

In her remarks, Hana Mohamed said the launch marked an important moment in the WIN journey. Despite the resistance from political operatives of the day, she said WIN has persevered.

“A movement that has completely transformed the political landscape of Guyana…” Hana stressed that despite adversary, the opposition leader has kept his vision for Guyana as a priority.

She told the gathering “He has faced relentless political persecution and intimidation, oppression, attacks on his character … He has been forced to fight battles in the court while simultaneously carrying the vision entrusted to him by the Guyanese people. Through every attempt he remains standing and keeps moving forward.”

The evening’s programme celebrated the rich diversity and spirit of Guyana, featuring interfaith prayers, the national anthems of the United States and Guyana, cultural performances, and the formal installation of the WIN NYC chapter executive committee.

Hadiyyah Mohamed, who hosted the event, noted that the vision of the party is to have Guyanese near and far have a significant role in rebuilding the nation.

She asserted, “For far too long the diaspora has been overlooked, unheard and treated as though your contributions to Guyana began and end with sending money home. Too often the PPP government has forgotten that the Guyanese diaspora is an integral part of our nation with a voice, a stake and a vital role to play in Guyana’s future.”

Haddiyah stressed that the diaspora is not “separate from Guyana you are an extension of Guyana beyond its borders.”

“Our vision must be bigger than simply asking the diaspora to send money home, we must build a Guyana you a reason to come home…A Guyana where you can return to invest, knowing your investment will be protected, where you can build a business without being connected to the right people. We must create a country where coming home is not a sacrifice but an opportunity,” she added.

Meanwhile amid the celebration, attendees also joined in a solemn candlelight observance in remembrance of the lives lost in the MV Barima tragedy, honouring those who perished and standing in solidarity with their families and the communities affected.

WIN extended heartfelt congratulations to the NYC chapter committee, founders, members, volunteers and supporters, and sincere gratitude to the patrons whose overwhelming support made the inaugural launch a sold-out success.

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• New York, We Invest in Nationhood, world-class Guyana

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