Guyana Opposition Leader Remains Behind Bars As Protesters Clash With Police

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By NEWS AMERICAS STAFF WRITER

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Nov. 2, 2026: Guyana’s Chief Magistrate has rejected a United States bid to revoke the extradition bail of Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. Even so, he remains behind bars on separate local charges, as tensions boiled over outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today.

Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman ruled that bail will stand for Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who are both the subject of U.S. extradition proceedings. “I do not find that past conduct without a conviction or pending charges without a conviction is sufficient to warrant a revocation of bail,” Latchman said in her decision. She added that a conviction while the extradition matter is ongoing “may very well have some bearing on an application for revocation at that stage.”

Jamaican attorney Herbert McKenzie, one of the prosecutors representing the United States, had argued that bail should be revoked over several new charges recently brought against the younger Mohamed. The defense was led by attorneys Roysdale Forde and Siand Dhurjon.

Why He Is Still In Jail

The ruling, however, did not free Mohamed. He remains on remand until November 24 on separate local charges linked to an incident on October 12. Police allege he and two others discharged a loaded firearm near the home of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, the police intelligence chief and a major witness in the extradition case, in an attempt to pervert the course of justice. He also faces charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition. His family says he was also remanded under Section 9 of the Cybercrime Act, an offense they maintain is bailable.

Protesters Clash With Police

The bail ruling came as demonstrators calling for Mohamed’s release gathered outside the court, where the extradition hearing resumed this afternoon. Protesters forced down barricades, and police moved in to restore order around Brickdam and Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, Guyana. According to reports from the scene, police fired rubber bullets, and demonstrators threw bottles and debris. Police also put out a fire at nearby Stabroek Market.

Family Alleges Mistreatment; Prison Service Denies It

Mohamed’s sister, Hadiyyah Mohamed, told Kaieteur News that the family believes the opposition leader is being targeted by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. She alleged that police moved him without notice from the Kitty Police Station to the Sparendaam Police Station, and that he was brought before a magistrate after regular court hours. “It was sudden, spontaneous, unexpected, and deliberate,” she said. The family alleges he is being held in near-total isolation in a maximum-security block at the Lusignan Prison, with constant lighting, poor ventilation, and restraints that have left his hands and feet swollen. They said he initially refused prison meals out of fear for his safety.

The Guyana Prison Service rejected the claims. It said Mohamed is being managed under standard protocols and the UN Nelson Mandela Rules, and that his maximum-security housing reflects his high-profile classification rather than punishment. The service said he was seen by a medical officer and a welfare officer on admission on October 30. It also said:

relatives have been approved to supply home-cooked meals, subject to security checks;

he was allowed to telephone his son on his birthday;

a ceiling fan serving his cell block was adjusted.

Civil Society Weighs In

At a candlelight vigil on Sunday night, Ronald Bulkan said Mohamed is being held in “cruel, inhumane, and degrading conditions that even hardened criminals should not be exposed to.” The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) condemned what it described as collusion between the police and the magistracy to secure a weekend remand. It called it part of a broader pattern of political victimization. The association also said extradition is discretionary and must respect national sovereignty.

Mohamed’s family and supporters have called on the international community, including the ABCEU diplomatic corps, to intervene, and say protests outside the court will continue. The extradition hearing continues.

RELATED: As King Charles Visits Guyana, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed Is Remanded To Prison

Anguilla pursues greater share of luxury yachting market

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Fort Lauderdale meetings focus on charter opportunities as Anguilla prepares to expand maritime infrastructure

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2026) — Anguilla is pursuing a larger role in Caribbean yacht charter itineraries following meetings with industry representatives at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show as the island prepares for new maritime infrastructure.

Jameel Rochester, director of tourism, and Keri Rogers, manager of destination experience at the Anguilla Tourist Board, represented the destination at the Oct. 28-Nov. 1 show. Discussions with Fraser Yachts, BOAT International and other superyacht and charter industry representatives explored itinerary opportunities and ways to strengthen Anguilla’s appeal to luxury maritime visitors.

The engagement followed the Anguilla Tourist Board’s September participation in the Monaco Yacht Show, continuing efforts to build relationships with yacht owners, charter professionals and other industry decision-makers.

That outreach comes as construction advances at Port Nimara, a major luxury waterfront development featuring Anguilla’s first dedicated superyacht marina, a planned Equinox resort, branded residences, oceanfront villas and a private yacht club. The marina is expected to open in 2027, expanding Anguilla’s capacity to accommodate superyachts and charter vessels while creating opportunities for increased spending across the island’s tourism economy.

Rochester said the industry engagements are part of a coordinated approach to developing the market. “Anguilla is not simply seeking a place on the global yachting map; we are deliberately positioning our island to become a sought-after destination for luxury cruising and yachting in the Caribbean.

“Our engagements throughout 2026, from Palm Beach and Cruise360 to Monaco and Fort Lauderdale, have been intentional. We have invested in building relationships, creating visibility and opening doors that will support the next chapter of Anguilla’s tourism development.”

Separately, the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority’s development plans for Road Bay aim to enhance facilities for small- and medium-size luxury cruise vessels and the wider yachting sector. Government airport development plans are intended to improve connectivity and passenger facilities.

The Anguilla Tourist Board began laying groundwork earlier this year at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, working alongside YATCO and Port Nimara to promote the island’s developing marina infrastructure.

Rogers said the visitor experience and opportunities for local businesses are central to the board’s approach. “As we strengthen Anguilla’s presence within the luxury cruising and yachting markets, our focus is equally on what happens when visitors come ashore. We want them to experience the true essence of Anguilla through our cuisine, culture, coastline and, most importantly, our community.”

She said the industry outreach will help connect yacht owners, charter guests and cruise visitors with local restaurants, excursion operators, transportation providers, artisans and other tourism businesses. The board’s responsibility, she added, is to ensure that growth delivers a memorable visitor experience and tangible benefits for the people of Anguilla.

The effort builds on Anguilla’s established reputation as a luxury tourism destination, further underscored by its recent recognition as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Culinary Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards.