Chess

CHESS is described as a board game for two players, involving an abstract strategy game with no hidden information and no elements of chance. In a game of chess, the player must show foresight and plan. He must be vigilant over the whole chessboard, guarding against making moves that could be detrimental in the end. Additionally, a good chess player is expected to show no restraint. He is expected to make the difficult yet nasty moves if they are rewarding.
According to Philosopher Blaise Pascal, “chess is the gymnasium of the mind”, while Writer Savielly Tartakower says it is the use of strategy when there is nothing left to do in the game. Finally, another philosopher, Emanuel Lasker, said, “When you see a good move, look for a better one”.
Chess is being played right before our eyes. The game is never over until the fat lady sings! The public has learnt that in politics, anything is possible under the law. And, in the end, the best politician who understands political strategy, politics, and the Rules of Engagement will be the victor.
On Friday last, Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed were arrested by members of the Guyana Police Force. A duly authorised warrant was issued by a Magistrate of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court that facilitated their arrests.
A press statement coming from the Attorney-General’s Office stated that on the 30th October, 2025, the Government of Guyana received a request from the Government of the United States of America to extradite the two Mohameds pursuant to an extradition treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom, which extends to and remain in force in Guyana under the provisions of Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitives Offender Act, Cap. 10:04 as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024.
High drama broke out in Georgetown. A few groups, mostly curious ‘career’ opposition protestors, showed their support for the Mohameds. Their families, WIN party supporters and members were there, too, with puzzled and concerned looks on their faces. The Mohameds looked frightened and bewildered as they entered the courtroom, but somewhat relieved when they emerged after it was all over.
Azruddin spoke to the media. He blamed the PPP for political persecution. He said that the sanctions were the PPP/C’s doing, intended to keep him back from being sworn in to parliament, and stop him from being declared opposition leader.
He said he is innocent and the sanctions do not concern him, but his father’s business, if he is guilty. Mohamed invoked his faith in the situation, and said he would fight the extradition. They were granted bail in the sum of $150, 000 after lodging their passports.
The action was condemned by the PNC and certain other opposition politicians. It equally attracted the attention of several prominent attorneys and lawyers who were of the opinion that bail should not have been granted.
Firstly, the Mohameds always knew that the US would make that extradition request. They always knew that the government would grant the US request once it was valid and legal. Azruddin and the WIN party always knew that he and his father were indicted on 11 charges and sanctions along with others in the US. Even if they become politicians and parliamentarians, this would not stop the US from seeking their extradition. In fact, winning the September 1st election was the only way to escape the US grip, and this would only delay the inevitable.
So, it was disingenuous to say that the PPP was behind the extradition and the PPP was behind the sanctions. It is annoying to hear that narrative being spun by the Mohameds.
It’s politically immature to blame the PPP for the Mohameds’ problems, and even more embarrassing to say that this is political persecution. The Mohameds are not a threat to the PPP/C as a government and political establishment. The PPP is an institution that lives through many generations. The Mohameds is a criminal enterprise that got lucky at the last elections through bribery, thuggery, and using its dirty money to influence the voters.
And, let’s be clear – the Mohameds are always whinging and crying for public sympathy. They must face the full extent of the law. The Mohameds and WIN are lawless and dirty. Now, they want to distract the public with their crocodile tears. They should surrender themselves to the US and prove their case and innocence. Instead, they are scared and crying out loud when met with pressure.
Secondly, a large section of the population was stunned at the magistrate’s ruling and decision to grant the Mohameds bail. They are right to criticise the unusual and questionable decision of the court.
After all, isn’t bail supposed to ensure the defendant returns to Court for the hearing of the criminal charge against him? The Mohameds are not being tried in Guyana in this case. They’re not being charged in this particular case. It is an extradition hearing, and the charge is going to be in a court in the United States. The Magistrate is supposed to concern herself with the evidence and such matters brought before her.
The constitutional challenge that the Mohameds claim they intended to file does not change the position of not granting or granting bail in this case. The right to liberty by the Mohameds was lost. The laws and constitution must be applied to all Guyanese equally, regardless of political affiliation and wealth. There should be consistency in the way that the extradition proceedings take place.
Thirdly, the government is duty-bound under its treaty obligations and international law to follow up on this matter. If an extradition request for action came during the PNC or APNU+AFC Administration, they would have followed through with the US request, once it was proper, legal and wholesome.
It is, therefore, likely the PPP will do the same. The US is watching with bated breath. The criminals who commit other similar crimes across the region and world are looking on interestingly.
It is noteworthy to realise that these indictments were part of lengthy investigations that spawned both the previous APNU+AFC and PPP/C Administrations. And, it could have been for more than two decades. The Mohameds know this and want to insult the public’s intelligence by spinning the truth with their alternative facts.
Fourthly, the Mohameds do not deserve the support of any upstanding citizen or organisation that loves the law and justice. Do not perceive that they have the love and support of Guyanese by the show of support they received in Georgetown. Those were career protestors, mostly made up of vendors and other curious people. Half of them do not even know what the word extradition means, but were blindly cheering and demanding the release of the Mohameds.
The PNC and AFC have to be more careful about what they are supporting. Criminality and citizens who break the law either at home or abroad should not receive the love of the PNC-led APNU. They should not comment on how the police executed the warrant when they have done worse and traitorous things against the people of Guyana.
The main opposition party, WIN, cannot do much but defend their leader, the best way they know how – distraction. Muslims in and out of Guyana that respect the truth, law, justice and peace should not support the Mohameds and their wrongdoing. They must be smart and read between the lines.
Finally, politics is like chess. One wrong move by a player could cost him the game. Therefore, the next move will be played by the government in the coming weeks.