United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, has expressed concerns over the possible introduction of US-sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed into Guyana’s governance structure. The envoy said such a development could have serious diplomatic and economic consequences.
“Yes, we are concerned anytime an OFAC-sanctioned individual has the potential to become a member of government…It’s problematic in multiple ways… We have to be very careful if that person is involved. Let’s say we were on a certain committee; we would have to be very careful in working with that committee. We have to make sure that we didn’t work with him specifically,” Theriot stated.
She added, “When you see an OFAC-sanctioned individual become a part of an official within a government, it sends concern through the private sector of the United States. So, you see US companies are often rethinking their relationships in the country. We’ve seen it in Afghanistan and other countries’ companies … they look to de-risk or even cut ties. And we’re in such a beautiful position right now. All these US companies want to come to Guyana. I don’t want that to change,” Theriot explained.
