Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo raised concerns Tuesday night over the frequent visits by Presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed and his family to the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown.
The family, who has been sanctioned by the United States, also applied for visas to enter Venezuela.
His remarks came just hours after Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd revealed that he had cause to summon Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, to explain the visits.
Minister Todd made the disclosure during an interview with the Department of Public Information on Tuesday while providing an update on the border case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Todd described the matter as “a serious concern” given Caracas’ ongoing threats to Guyana’s sovereignty and recent statements by members of the United States Congress linking the Mohameds to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and alleged smuggling activities.
While the Mohameds’ deny any linkages to Maduro, the Vice President on Tuesday night said there is ‘evidence of him’ going to the Venezuelan Embassy.
“…the Venezuelan Ambassador, when summoned by Minister Todd, he said, ‘oh they just applied for a visa’, which maybe more than an application for a visa; it is a more deep-seated connection we have to explore that link,” Jagdeo stated.
Azruddin Mohamed, in a statement issued on the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, denied visiting the Venezuelan Embassy. He also denied applying for a visa to travel to Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Minister Todd said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs views the situation as particularly troubling given that Guyana is gearing up for the September 1 general and regional elections.
“We cannot rule out any attempt by Venezuela to interfere in our elections,” he warned.
Azruddin, sanctioned by the U.S Department of Treasury, has formed his political party – WIN – and will be contesting the September 1st elections.
However, Todd said the frequency of these visits fits a “pattern” that aligns with concerns raised internationally.
The Foreign Minister pointed to a series of what he termed “unfriendly acts” by Venezuela in recent years—some amounting to acts of aggression—as part of an evolving strategy to undermine Guyana’s territorial integrity.
The ICJ is currently considering the substantive merits of Guyana’s case to confirm the 1899 Arbitral Award as a full, final, and perfect settlement of the border dispute. Venezuela recently rejoined the proceedings after boycotting earlier stages, a move Guyana has publicly welcomed.
Todd emphasised that while Guyana remains committed to good neighbourly relations, the government is closely monitoring any activity that could compromise its sovereignty or democratic processes.
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