The Government of Guyana, through Vice President and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has clarified the purpose behind hiring a United States lobbying firm, emphasizing that the engagement was aimed at safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty rather than targeting any individual, including US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

Purpose of Hiring the Lobbying Firm

• The government engaged the American lobbying firm Continental Strategy LLC to conduct federal engagements and advocacy in the United States.
• The primary objective is to counteract aggressive lobbying and misinformation campaigns by the Venezuelan regime, which threatens Guyana’s territorial integrity.
• The firm’s role is to maintain and strengthen diplomatic support from the US government and lawmakers, crucial for defending Guyana’s sovereignty amid ongoing border disputes.

Jagdeo’s Key Statements

• Jagdeo stressed that the lobbying firm operates independently and the government does not direct its daily activities or messaging.
• The firm’s connections and presence in Washington are vital in helping Guyana “fight off the Venezuelan threat.”
• Tweets and statements by US congresspersons concerning Mohamed are not solely the result of government lobbying but also stem from intelligence briefings and independent research by US officials.
• The government’s focus remains on protecting national interests and not on political vendettas against Mohamed or any other individual.

Context Regarding Azruddin Mohamed

• Mohamed, who is under US sanctions for alleged gold smuggling and corruption, has been portrayed in some US congressional communications as linked to the Venezuelan regime.
• Mohamed has denied these allegations, asserting his commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty and rejecting claims of being a “pro-Maduro puppet.”
• The lobbying firm’s filings revealed that some communications to US lawmakers included narratives linking Mohamed to Venezuela, which Mohamed has described as misleading and politically motivated.
• Jagdeo reiterated that the government’s actions against Mohamed stem from compliance with US sanctions and the need to protect Guyana’s financial system from risks associated with sanctioned individuals.

Broader Implications

• The hiring of the lobbying firm is part of a strategic, high-level effort to ensure Guyana’s message is effectively communicated to key US policymakers.
• This move is critical given the geopolitical challenges Guyana faces, particularly with Venezuela’s ongoing territorial claims and incursions.
• Jagdeo emphasized that the government prioritizes the country’s security and sovereignty above individual interests or political considerations.

Summary

The government’s engagement of a US lobbying firm is a deliberate strategy to defend Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the international stage, especially in the face of Venezuelan aggression. While the firm’s activities have included communications that mention Azruddin Mohamed, these are not directed by the government to target him personally. Instead, the focus remains on protecting national interests and maintaining strong diplomatic alliances essential for Guyana’s security and development