Boat captain transporting Opposition Leader failed to produce required licences and certification – GDF

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has confirmed that Coast Guard ranks stationed at the Pomeroon Floating Base stopped and inspected a vessel transporting US-sanctioned Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his team, noting that it is part of routine operations.

The GDF also explained that the vessel’s captain failed to produce required licences and certification for its voyage to Region One (Barima-Waini).

Mohamed released a video on his Team Mohameds Facebook page on Wednesday, complaining of being stopped by Coast Guard ranks while on route to Region One (Barima-Waini), where he plans to engage in protests. Accompanying him on the boat were Members of Parliament (MPs) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Dawn Hastings.

In a subsequent statement, the GDF confirmed that Coast Guard ranks stationed at the Pomeroon Floating Base conducted routine inspections of vessels transiting the Pomeroon River.

It also noted that during the exercise, a passenger vessel destined for Moruca, Region One was stopped and inspected in accordance with established procedures, which require all vessel operators to register their journey with the Floating Base and present a valid Boat Master’s License, Vessel License, and Certificate of Inspection before proceeding.

According to the GDF, the vessel’s captain was unable to produce the required licenses and certification. As a result, the vessel was directed to return to Charity to obtain the relevant documentation before resuming its voyage.

The GDF noted that these routine inspections form part of the Coast Guard’s efforts to promote compliance with maritime regulations, enhance vessel safety, and strengthen security along Guyana’s waterways.

In this regard, the GDF encouraged all boat operators to ensure their documentation is valid and that all passengers are provided with and properly fitted with lifejackets throughout their journeys.

The Opposition Leader and his team have organised protests in various Region One communities – where President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet are conducting outreaches.

In fact, on Tuesday, similar protests were done in Linden, Region Ten where Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo held a Public Day to engage residents and address their concerns.

In a subsequent interview, Jagdeo indicated the government will not be distracted by noise from the Opposition.

“And I heard some people were making noise in the compound. It did not distract the large [number] from what was happening here, and it didn’t deter the large number of people who showed up here today. They were hoping that people would boycott coming to this activity. They failed miserably. They failed miserably. People just ignored all that they had to say,” Jagdeo said in relation to the protests in Linden on Tuesday.