Guyana News Trend

06/08/2025

US Government Distances Itself from Local Banks' Decision to Close WIN Supporters' Accounts

The United States Government has made it clear that it played "no role" in the recent decisions by several local commercial banks in Guyana to terminate accounts belonging to candidates of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, led by Azruddin Mohamed.

Speaking at a public engagement earlier today, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, emphasized that the actions taken by local financial institutions were entirely independent and were not influenced or directed by the US Government.

“The decision of the banks was entirely independent. The United States Government had no involvement,” Ambassador Theriot stated.

Her comments come in the wake of rising controversy and public scrutiny following reports that several WIN Party candidates had their personal and business accounts suspended or closed by local banks. Critics of the move argue that the action amounts to financial discrimination and political interference, especially since some of the affected individuals are not under any legal sanction themselves.

“The decision by the banks was entirely independent. We were not consulted, we were not asked. We have no opinion on the matter. Banks here make their own decisions,” she said.

She added that OFAC sanctions pertain “solely” to what happens in the US.

Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the WIN party, was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in July under the Global Magnitsky Act, for alleged involvement in corruption and human rights abuses. The sanctions froze his US-based assets and prohibited US persons or entities from engaging in transactions with him.

However, Ambassador Theriot made it clear that the sanctions imposed on Mohamed do not extend to the WIN party or its other members, and the US Government does not dictate how local banks manage their customer relationships.

The statement comes as political tensions continue to rise in the lead-up to the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections. The WIN party has positioned itself as a challenger to the dominant political establishment and has accused both the government and corporate institutions of coordinated efforts to suppress its campaign.

06/08/2025

Nine year old Sahil Naipaul, who was killed in an accident along the Crabwood Creek Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Condolences to his family.

06/08/2025

06/08/2025

The American Government is now going after Banks in America which would have closed accounts for clients because of Political views.

06/08/2025

05/08/2025

GECOM WARNS OF JAIL TIME AND VOTING RIGHTS REVOCATION FOR BALLOT PHOTOS — APNU POINTS TO 2023 LGE

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has issued a stern warning to all voters and stakeholders ahead of the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections: taking photos of ballot papers or attempting to reveal one’s vote is a criminal offence that could lead to imprisonment and the revocation of voting rights.

In a press release, GECOM reminded the public of their statutory duty and civic responsibility to ensure elections are conducted in afree, fair, transparent, and credible manner. The Commission emphasized the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the vote, as outlined in the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03.

Under the law, it is illegal for: Any person, including the voter, to disclose how they or anyone else voted; Anyone to influence or coerce a voter to reveal their ballot; Any individual to offer money, gifts, or loans to secure a vote.

GECOM clarified that violating these provisions constitutes a serious electoral offence, punishable upon summary conviction by a fine and up to six months’ imprisonment, along with possible disqualification from future voting.

Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had voiced serious concern over allegations that members of the disciplined services may have been coerced into photographing their ballots in the 2023 Local Government Elections, allegedly under the threat of job security.

APNU was forced to strongly condemned what it described as coercive practices” during the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE), claiming that voters were pressured to document their ballots as proof of political loyalty. The party cited the circulation of a few such photos — including one reportedly posted by Ms. Faye Andrea Matthews, a PPP candidate for Constituency #9 (Lodge North–Meadow Brook Gardens).

“Voter secrecy, also known as secrecy of the ballot, is a fundamental democratic principle that ensures voters can freely and anonymously exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or reprisal.”

According to APNU, such practices represent not only aviolation of individual rights but a direct assault on democratic values, potentially distorting electoral outcomes and undermining public confidence.

The party had called on GECOM to do the following:

1. Implement stricter measures to protect voter secrecy, including a ban on cell phones in polling booths.
2. Launch a public education campaign to raise awareness about voter rights and the criminality of coercion.

The party had urged Guyanese citizens, civil society organizations, and international observers to join in condemning these actions and ensuring that the secrecy of the ballot is upheld as a fundamental right in the upcoming elections.

05/08/2025

NEWS Source: Headmaster and candidate for the PPP/C, Daniel Williams collapsed and died while speaking at a political campaign meeting in Agatash, Region 7 earlier this evening.

Condolences to his family and friends.