US-sanctioned individuals must not be allowed to jeopardise vital US-Guyana relations – Congresswoman Salazar

United States Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has cautioned that “individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardize” the important Guyana-US relations.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) today, Congresswoman Salazar said “We remain deeply concerned about efforts to undermine democracy in Guyana. As a strategic ally of the United States, Guyana deserves leaders who respect democratic values.”

“Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardize this vital relationship,” she added.

Just yesterday, US Congressman Carlos Gimenez raised concerns over what he describes as Venezuela’s attempt to influence internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through a controversial figure.

Gimenez stated: “In the US Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC.”

The remark refers to Azruddin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman and political aspirant, who has been sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Back in June 2024, the US had sanctioned Guyanese businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their businesses: Mohamed’s Enterprise; its subsidiary, Hadi’s World; and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.

Mohamed has announced his intention to contest in the upcoming elections under a political party he recently formed called “We Invest in Nationhood”.