Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, who is an attorney-at-law, has warned that Guyana must never become a country where witnesses are afraid to speak, as he called for the protection of the justice system amid concerns surrounding a gunfire incident at the home of a senior Police Officer involved in ongoing extradition proceedings against United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.
In a statement posted on his social media page, Ramson said no amount of wealth or influence should be allowed to undermine the country’s institutions or compromise the administration of justice.
In a statement posted on his social media page, Ramson said no amount of wealth or influence should be allowed to undermine the country’s institutions or compromise the administration of justice.
His comments follow Monday night’s incident at the Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, residence of Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch Unit, who is a key witness in the extradition proceedings.
Mohamed was among three men arrested following the incident, which is being investigated by Police as the discharge of a loaded firearm with intent and the possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
Ramson said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of witnesses participating in criminal proceedings.
According to preliminary Police investigations, Narine was at home at about 23:45h on October 12 when he observed a black Toyota Allion, registration number PXX 5300, travelling slowly along Barr Street. The vehicle reportedly passed his residence before returning to the area a short while later.
Police said that as the car approached the residence for a second time, Narine heard what appeared to be a gunshot. He took cover and discharged several rounds from his service firearm in the direction of the vehicle, which subsequently drove away.
The vehicle was later intercepted at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.
The occupants were identified as Azruddin Mohamed, 39, of Houston, East Bank Demerara; Mario Mohamed, 25, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara; and Eugene Thorne, 35, a driver, also of Timehri.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of a .32 Taurus pistol without a serial number and three live rounds of .32 ammunition. Police also recovered a .32 spent shell on the southern side of Barr Street, opposite Narine’s residence, and four spent 9mm shells.
The firearm, ammunition and spent shells were lodged for ballistic examination, while investigators are reviewing CCTV footage. The three men remain in Police custody.
Mohamed was among three men arrested following the incident, which is being investigated by Police as the discharge of a loaded firearm with intent and the possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
Ramson said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of witnesses participating in criminal proceedings.
According to preliminary Police investigations, Narine was at home at about 23:45h on October 12 when he observed a black Toyota Allion, registration number PXX 5300, travelling slowly along Barr Street. The vehicle reportedly passed his residence before returning to the area a short while later.
Police said that as the car approached the residence for a second time, Narine heard what appeared to be a gunshot. He took cover and discharged several rounds from his service firearm in the direction of the vehicle, which subsequently drove away.
The vehicle was later intercepted at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.
The occupants were identified as Azruddin Mohamed, 39, of Houston, East Bank Demerara; Mario Mohamed, 25, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara; and Eugene Thorne, 35, a driver, also of Timehri.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of a .32 Taurus pistol without a serial number and three live rounds of .32 ammunition. Police also recovered a .32 spent shell on the southern side of Barr Street, opposite Narine’s residence, and four spent 9mm shells.
The firearm, ammunition and spent shells were lodged for ballistic examination, while investigators are reviewing CCTV footage. The three men remain in Police custody.
Surveillance, intimidation
Ramson said no witness, particularly a Police Officer, should have to fear that their home, family or personal safety would be targeted because of their participation in criminal proceedings.
He also raised concerns about social media posts involving members of Narine’s family, including his minor children, saying the circumstances went beyond defending oneself in court or responding to allegations in the public domain.
“Where the circumstances suggest surveillance, intimidation or interference with a witness, the matter demands serious action from the relevant authorities/institutions,” Ramson stated.
The issue of social media posts involving Narine’s family had previously been raised in court. On September 30, Guyana Times reported that Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman had warned persons involved in the extradition proceedings against drawing children and spouses into social media exchanges surrounding the case.
The warning followed testimony from Narine, who told the court that a photograph featuring him, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the President’s wife. and Narine’s 11-year-old son had been circulated on social media with what he described as a derogatory comment.
Narine said he believed the publication was intended to intimidate him because of his testimony and expressed concern that his son’s face was visible in the photograph.
The post was made from the “Hana Khamelia” Facebook account, which has been publicly associated with Hana Mohamed, the sister of Azruddin Mohamed and daughter of Nazar Mohamed. Similar material was subsequently shared on a Facebook page bearing the name “Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition – Guyana”.
Defence Attorney Siand Dhurjon told the court that he had no knowledge of the publication and said it would be unfortunate for children or spouses to become involved in the political fray.
Ramson said no witness, particularly a Police Officer, should have to fear that their home, family or personal safety would be targeted because of their participation in criminal proceedings.
He also raised concerns about social media posts involving members of Narine’s family, including his minor children, saying the circumstances went beyond defending oneself in court or responding to allegations in the public domain.
“Where the circumstances suggest surveillance, intimidation or interference with a witness, the matter demands serious action from the relevant authorities/institutions,” Ramson stated.
The issue of social media posts involving Narine’s family had previously been raised in court. On September 30, Guyana Times reported that Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman had warned persons involved in the extradition proceedings against drawing children and spouses into social media exchanges surrounding the case.
The warning followed testimony from Narine, who told the court that a photograph featuring him, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the President’s wife. and Narine’s 11-year-old son had been circulated on social media with what he described as a derogatory comment.
Narine said he believed the publication was intended to intimidate him because of his testimony and expressed concern that his son’s face was visible in the photograph.
The post was made from the “Hana Khamelia” Facebook account, which has been publicly associated with Hana Mohamed, the sister of Azruddin Mohamed and daughter of Nazar Mohamed. Similar material was subsequently shared on a Facebook page bearing the name “Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition – Guyana”.
Defence Attorney Siand Dhurjon told the court that he had no knowledge of the publication and said it would be unfortunate for children or spouses to become involved in the political fray.
Threat to society
During cross-examination in the extradition proceedings, Narine also testified that, based on information available to him, he considered Azruddin Mohamed a threat to society and national security. He rejected suggestions that his involvement in the case was politically motivated and denied receiving instructions from President Ali to ensure the arrests of Mohamed and his father in October 2025.
The United States is seeking the extradition of the father and son over allegations including wire and mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and customs violations linked to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax-evasion scheme. Both men have been granted $150,000 bail pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings, subject to conditions including surrendering their passports and reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station as directed by the court.
During cross-examination in the extradition proceedings, Narine also testified that, based on information available to him, he considered Azruddin Mohamed a threat to society and national security. He rejected suggestions that his involvement in the case was politically motivated and denied receiving instructions from President Ali to ensure the arrests of Mohamed and his father in October 2025.
The United States is seeking the extradition of the father and son over allegations including wire and mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and customs violations linked to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax-evasion scheme. Both men have been granted $150,000 bail pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings, subject to conditions including surrendering their passports and reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station as directed by the court.
Damage to the justice system
Ramson warned that witness intimidation could damage the justice system even when it did not result in physical violence, as it could discourage witnesses from cooperating with authorities or deter others from coming forward.
“The protection of witnesses is not optional. It is fundamental to the administration of justice,” he said.
He added that public institutions must uphold the law, safeguard citizens and ensure that justice is administered fairly and independently.
“Guyana must never become a country where witnesses are afraid to speak, where wealth or influence creates a sense of impunity, or where the administration of justice can be undermined by intimidation,” Ramson stated.
Ramson warned that witness intimidation could damage the justice system even when it did not result in physical violence, as it could discourage witnesses from cooperating with authorities or deter others from coming forward.
“The protection of witnesses is not optional. It is fundamental to the administration of justice,” he said.
He added that public institutions must uphold the law, safeguard citizens and ensure that justice is administered fairly and independently.
“Guyana must never become a country where witnesses are afraid to speak, where wealth or influence creates a sense of impunity, or where the administration of justice can be undermined by intimidation,” Ramson stated.
Contents
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, who is an attorney-at-law, has warned that Guyana must never become a country where witnesses are afraid to speak, as he called for the protection of the justice system amid concerns surrounding a gunfire incident at the home of a senior Police Officer involved in ongoing extradition proceedings against United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.
In a statement posted on his social media page, Ramson said no amount of wealth or influence should be allowed to undermine the country’s institutions or compromise the administration of justice.His comments follow Monday night’s incident at the Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, residence of Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch Unit, who is a key witness in the extradition proceedings.
Mohamed was among three men arrested following the incident, which is being investigated by Police as the discharge of a loaded firearm with intent and the possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
Ramson said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of witnesses participating in criminal proceedings.
According to preliminary Police investigations, Narine was at home at about 23:45h on October 12 when he observed a black Toyota Allion, registration number PXX 5300, travelling slowly along Barr Street. The vehicle reportedly passed his residence before returning to the area a short while later.
Police said that as the car approached the residence for a second time, Narine heard what appeared to be a gunshot. He took cover and discharged several rounds from his service firearm in the direction of the vehicle, which subsequently drove away.
The vehicle was later intercepted at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.
The occupants were identified as Azruddin Mohamed, 39, of Houston, East Bank Demerara; Mario Mohamed, 25, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara; and Eugene Thorne, 35, a driver, also of Timehri.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of a .32 Taurus pistol without a serial number and three live rounds of .32 ammunition. Police also recovered a .32 spent shell on the southern side of Barr Street, opposite Narine’s residence, and four spent 9mm shells.
The firearm, ammunition and spent shells were lodged for ballistic examination, while investigators are reviewing CCTV footage. The three men remain in Police custody.Surveillance, intimidation
Ramson said no witness, particularly a Police Officer, should have to fear that their home, family or personal safety would be targeted because of their participation in criminal proceedings.
He also raised concerns about social media posts involving members of Narine’s family, including his minor children, saying the circumstances went beyond defending oneself in court or responding to allegations in the public domain.
“Where the circumstances suggest surveillance, intimidation or interference with a witness, the matter demands serious action from the relevant authorities/institutions,” Ramson stated.
The issue of social media posts involving Narine’s family had previously been raised in court. On September 30, Guyana Times reported that Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman had warned persons involved in the extradition proceedings against drawing children and spouses into social media exchanges surrounding the case.
The warning followed testimony from Narine, who told the court that a photograph featuring him, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the President’s wife. and Narine’s 11-year-old son had been circulated on social media with what he described as a derogatory comment.
Narine said he believed the publication was intended to intimidate him because of his testimony and expressed concern that his son’s face was visible in the photograph.
The post was made from the “Hana Khamelia” Facebook account, which has been publicly associated with Hana Mohamed, the sister of Azruddin Mohamed and daughter of Nazar Mohamed. Similar material was subsequently shared on a Facebook page bearing the name “Azruddin Mohamed, Leader of the Opposition – Guyana”.
Defence Attorney Siand Dhurjon told the court that he had no knowledge of the publication and said it would be unfortunate for children or spouses to become involved in the political fray.Threat to society
During cross-examination in the extradition proceedings, Narine also testified that, based on information available to him, he considered Azruddin Mohamed a threat to society and national security. He rejected suggestions that his involvement in the case was politically motivated and denied receiving instructions from President Ali to ensure the arrests of Mohamed and his father in October 2025.
The United States is seeking the extradition of the father and son over allegations including wire and mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and customs violations linked to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax-evasion scheme. Both men have been granted $150,000 bail pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings, subject to conditions including surrendering their passports and reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station as directed by the court.Damage to the justice system
Ramson warned that witness intimidation could damage the justice system even when it did not result in physical violence, as it could discourage witnesses from cooperating with authorities or deter others from coming forward.
“The protection of witnesses is not optional. It is fundamental to the administration of justice,” he said.
He added that public institutions must uphold the law, safeguard citizens and ensure that justice is administered fairly and independently.
“Guyana must never become a country where witnesses are afraid to speak, where wealth or influence creates a sense of impunity, or where the administration of justice can be undermined by intimidation,” Ramson stated.Discover more from Guyana Times
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Source: Guyana Times
