Government Denies Lobbying Firm Targeted Azruddin Mohamed in U.S.

• Vice President Jagdeo stated the government did not instruct lobbyists on Azruddin Mohamed.
• Continental Strategy was hired to address Venezuela’s threats, not to target Mohamed.
• Documents confirm lobbying efforts focus on advocacy with U.S. lawmakers.
• Mohamed faces sanctions from OFAC, raising national security concerns.
• President Ali warns of potential implications on U.S.-Guyana relations.

Guyana’s Lobbying Firm Is Focused on Defense Strategy

The Vice President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, asserted on Thursday that the government did not direct a U.S. lobbying firm to express concerns regarding businessman Azruddin Mohamed to U.S. officials. Instead, he emphasized that the firm, Continental Strategy, was contracted specifically to address Venezuela’s looming threats and aggressions. “We do not provide daily directives to lobbyists regarding their activities. There was no instruction issued from the government concerning that matter,” Jagdeo stated during a press conference held by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). This clarification comes in the wake of tweets from U.S. congress members expressing apprehensions over Mohamed’s candidacy in the upcoming elections after he was sanctioned by the U.S. government.

Government Denies Lobbying for Negative Campaign

Jagdeo elaborated on the rationale behind hiring Continental Strategy, noting that it is crucial for the Guyanese government to engage effectively with U.S. lawmakers. He stated that the United States serves as a vital ally for Guyana, particularly in terms of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The documents submitted by the lobbying firm indicate an emphasis on federal interactions and advocacy, which Jagdeo believes could fortify efforts against Venezuelan threats. According to him, the firm’s established connections and presence in Washington are intended to combat the potential Venezuelan aggression. “Their expertise is valuable, and I believe they have been effective in the work they have undertaken,” he asserted.

Sanctions and National Security Concerns

Jagdeo dismissed the notion that recent tweets by U.S. officials regarding Mr. Mohamed were solely the result of lobbying activities. He noted that members of Congress receive intelligence briefings and undertakings from their staff that keep them informed. Furthermore, if ties were drawn between Mohamed and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, it is likely that this information holds validity. “If a congressman has associated his name with such commentary, it indicates a plausible connection, which may arise from the clandestine export of Venezuelan gold,” said Jagdeo. In contrast, Azruddin Mohamed responded to these allegations during a social media statement, vehemently refuting any claims of being aligned with the Maduro administration and maintaining that he remains committed to securing Guyana’s sovereignty. Additionally, on June 11, 2024, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions against the Mohamed family, specifically naming him and his family businesses.

Broadening the Focus on Geopolitical Implications

In the wake of these developments, President Ali has mentioned concerns over Azruddin Mohamed’s impact on national security, pointing out that it could strain Guyana’s relationship with its key international ally, the United States. As tensions between Guyana and Venezuela continue to be a pressing geopolitical issue, the government’s strategy to lobby U.S. lawmakers underscores the delicate balance of domestic political considerations and international relations. In light of all these events, it is clear that the situation involving Azruddin Mohamed remains fluid, and the government’s responses will likely evolve as new information comes to light regarding both domestic and international reactions.

In summary, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo firmly stated that the Guyana government did not instruct any lobbying firm to express concerns about Azruddin Mohamed. The context of hiring Continental Strategy was to tackle issues posed by Venezuela’s threats. As developments unfold, including the allegations against Mohamed and the imposed sanctions, the government appears to prioritize maintaining crucial ties with the United States while navigating complex political landscapes.