Guyana opposition leader released on bail following maritime confrontation
Key Points(5)
- Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has been released on $100,000 bail following a confrontation with security personnel over a vessel that maritime authorities say was being operated illegally on the Demerara River.
- Opposition MP Natasha Singh-Lewis was also reportedly released on $200,000 bail after being taken into custody at the Farm Police Station early Wednesday.
- The developments followed an incident Tuesday night involving a vessel carrying Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, and several other opposition figures.
- In a statement, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said its records show that neither the vessel nor Mohamed was licensed or otherwise authorized to operate.
- “In relation to the recent detention of a fast craft reportedly owned by Mr.
Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has been released on GY$100,000 bail following a confrontation with security personnel over a vessel that maritime authorities say was being operated illegally on the Demerara River.
Opposition MP Natasha Singh-Lewis was also reportedly released on $200,000 bail after being taken into custody at the Farm Police Station early Wednesday.
The developments followed an incident Tuesday night involving a vessel carrying Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, and several other opposition figures.
In a statement, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said its records show that neither the vessel nor Mohamed was licensed or otherwise authorized to operate.
“In relation to the recent detention of a fast craft reportedly owned by Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) wishes to clarify that, based on its records, neither the fast craft nor Mr. Azruddin Mohamed is licensed or otherwise authorised to operate,” MARAD said.
The agency warned that vessels operated by unlicensed people, as well as unlicensed or unregistered vessels, pose serious risks to passengers, crews, other waterway users, property and the marine environment.
“These activities contribute to preventable maritime accidents and incidents and compromise the safety of Guyana’s waterways,” MARAD said.
The agency added that people found operating vessels without the required licenses or authorization could face enforcement action under Guyana's laws and regulations.
Police allege vessel failed to stop
According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), a routine joint maritime patrol involving police and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard spotted what authorities described as a “go-fast” vessel entering the mouth of the Demerara River at a high rate of speed at about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Police said officers signaled the vessel by siren to stop, but it failed to comply, prompting a pursuit. The vessel was eventually intercepted at a wharf at Friendship, East Bank Demerara.
Authorities said three people, including Mohamed, were found aboard, while five others suspected of having traveled on the vessel were observed at the wharf.
Police also alleged that officers saw a bag being thrown from the vessel into the Demerara River during the pursuit. Authorities said they could not determine what was inside the bag or who allegedly threw it.
Efforts to locate and recover the bag were continuing, according to police, while the GPF and Coast Guard launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Opposition disputes police account
Opposition MPs have strongly challenged the official version of events.
WIN General Secretary Odessa Primus, who was among those traveling with Mohamed, said during a livestream that the vessel was already docked when police arrived and denied that a high-speed chase had taken place.
Primus said authorities initially indicated that Mohamed needed to produce documents for the boat. Mohamed reportedly responded that the vessel was docked and he did not have the documents with him at the time.
She said authorities subsequently searched the vessel and its occupants over suspicions that illegal substances might be aboard but found nothing illegal.
“This is harassment!” Primus said.
MPs Singh-Lewis and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley also disputed the authorities' account during the livestream.
The opposition said Singh-Lewis was later taken into custody after a bag containing a licensed firearm was found. The party said the firearm belonged to another opposition legislator, Dawn Hastings, who had reportedly stepped off the vessel and left the bag behind.
Returning from Region One
Mohamed and his colleagues were reportedly returning to Georgetown from Region One after spending the day meeting survivors and relatives of people who died in the July 18 MV Barima ferry tragedy, one of Guyana's worst maritime disasters.
Mohamed has since alleged that his vessel was damaged while in police custody, posting photographs on his Team Mohamed Facebook page.
“Photos can clearly show the deliberate act by this administration to damage Mohamed’s property. The boat was purposely left on the dock to damage the bottom or hull of the boat, with the engine foot resting on the dock too,” he said.
MARAD, meanwhile, said the Coast Guard is empowered under Guyana's Defence Act to enforce laws relating to maritime safety and security.
“MARAD urges all owners, operators, and users of Guyana’s waterways to ensure that their vessels and operations comply with all applicable legal and safety requirements,” the agency said.
