Opposition politics in Guyana is at a critical juncture, with key players vying for influence while internal conflicts and controversies dominate the landscape. The primary opposition party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), an Afro-Guyanese party, is led by Aubrey Norton, while the Alliance for Change (AFC), another Afro-Guyanese party, is under the leadership of Nigel Hughes. In addition to these political figures, businessmen like Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed are barred from setting foot in the USA because of gold smuggling and money laundering. Glenn Lall emerged as a polarizing figure in the political discourse.
The recent detention of social media influencer Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security adds to the controversy. The opposition parties are in complete disarray, and it is like “The Blind Leading the Blind.”
The PNC: Internal Struggles and the Norton-Hughes Rift
The People’s National Congress (PNC), founded by the late Forbes Burnham, has historically been a dominant force in Guyana’s politics. Burnham ruled with an iron fist, ensuring his party’s grip on power by manipulating electoral processes. His governance led to the mass exodus of the 60% Indian Guyanese majority, altering the country’s demographic and political landscape. However, despite his efforts, Indian Guyanese remain the majority ethnic group in the country.
Aubrey Norton, the current leader of the PNC, faces significant challenges in maintaining party unity. One of his biggest hurdles is his rivalry with Nigel Hughes, the leader of the AFC. Though lacking a substantial voter base, Hughes presents himself as a viable alternative to Norton. His faction within the opposition is seen as a threat to Norton’s leadership, further deepening the divide within the PNC. Norton, however, holds a significant advantage with a solid voter base of 200,000 lifelong supporters, dwarfing Hughes’ limited influence.
Hughes’ political ambition appears to be driven by a belief that he is allegedly more intellectual and superior to other Afro-Guyanese leaders. This attitude has alienated many within the PNC. His attempts to portray himself as the future of the opposition have not resonated with the lifelong PNC electorate, primarily because he lacks the numbers needed to make a significant impact.
Furthermore, history suggests that the PNC’s founder, Forbes Burnham, did not tolerate Clarence Hughes, the father of Nigel Hughes’ aspirations to rise within the party, as he allegedly viewed him as a traitor to him, as threatening his control. Forbes Burnham just sacked him from the PNC and sent him into political oblivion in less than 10 minutes. Clarence Hughes remained a nobody in politics during the reign of Forbes Burnham. Aubrey Norton must read the PNC history and how the founder Burnham dealt with his opponents within the PNC party, especially Clarence Hughes.
This historical context remains relevant today as Nigel Hughes tries to assert himself as a political heavyweight within the PNC party.
Nigel Hughes wants to hijack the PNC party from Aubrey Norton. Many PNC senior members know about his motives, except Aubrey Norton.
Aubrey Norton must ask Nigel Hughes one question. Produce your AFC lifelong supporters, and the PNC executives want to see the AFC vote bank database. Nigel Hughes does not have it, but Hughes is pretending to have many followers. In politics, one needs proof.
Aubrey Norton must learn one essential criterion in Guyanese politics. PNC needs Indian votes to form a government, and similarly, the PPP needs Afro–Guyanese votes to form a government. This is the reality in Guyanese politics. For Aubrey Norton to accuse the leaders of the PPP of being racist and using the race card is a despicable accusation. In the beginning, refusing to shake the hands of the President shows that he is also a political pygmy. He still needs to learn about protocol and diplomacy. Aubrey Norton is not fit to be the President of Guyana. The Indo–Guyanese are still the majority in Guyana, and by calling them racists, they are not going to vote for PNC.
AFC: A Party Lacking Purpose and a database in the country?
The Alliance for Change (AFC) is working to maintain its significance under Nigel Hughes’ leadership. Hughes has attempted to gain credibility by courting the PNC’s voter base, but his efforts have largely been unsuccessful. His strategy hinges on convincing PNC supporters that he is a better leader than Norton. However, this approach has failed to gain traction due to the AFC’s lack of concrete policies and direction.
A significant controversy surrounding the AFC is its potential association with the Mohamed family, who have been implicated in ongoing investigations by U.S. authorities. Reports indicate that the Mohameds, who have been banned from entering the United States, have engaged in questionable business dealings.
A recent incident involving a female social media influencer who supported the Mohameds and was subsequently detained has further highlighted the risks associated with aligning with the Mohamed family. If Hughes continues to involve himself with such figures, he may face similar repercussions. The biggest problem with Nigel Hughes is that he thinks he is the cleverest man in Guyana. However, he is a political pygmy compared to Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Azruddin Mohamed is a Controversial Figure who is barred from setting foot in the USA by OFAC and the FBI. The law authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation against Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed in the USA.
Azruddin Mohamed has gained notoriety in Guyana, primarily due to his extravagant lifestyle and alleged involvement in money laundering activities. Despite his wealth, Mohamed lacks any significant political influence, as he does not have an official political party or substantial voter base. His appeal among certain sections of the Indo-Guyanese community appears to be based more on material fascination than political ideology.
Mohamed’s ability to influence voters has been questionable at best. His past connections to illicit financial activities have put him under scrutiny by international agencies, particularly the U.S. government. Despite his attempts to cultivate political relevance, he remains a divisive figure with more financial influence than electoral. His primary role in the political landscape appears to be that of a disruptor rather than a serious contender for power.
Glenn Lall: The Publisher of Kaieteur News Turned Political Critic
Glenn Lall, the owner of Kaieteur News, has made a name for himself by aggressively criticizing Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Glenn Lall was once a simple salesman selling Pants length and other clothing materials to the people in Leguan and Wakenaaam. He has now positioned himself as an outspoken commentator on Guyana’s oil and gas sector and political affairs. However, his transition from a merchant to a self-proclaimed expert on oil and gas has raised questions about his credibility. Lall has no qualifications in oil and gas and pretends to know about this sector.
Glenn Lall should know that the voters in Guyana know he is allegedly unable to write two journalistic paragraphs but is using a ghostwriter to write for him.
Lall’s primary objective appears to be undermining Dr Jagdeo’s legacy. While he portrays himself as a champion of the people, many have questioned the source of his wealth and the motives behind his relentless attacks on the government. His credibility as a political commentator is further diminished by his lack of formal expertise in the subjects he discusses. The fundamental question remains: How did Lall amass his fortune, and why has he turned his media platform into an anti-government propaganda machine?
The answer is clear. He wants Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo as his role model but does not know how to do it. In Hinduism, we believe in reincarnation. Glenn Lall must be reincarnated three times before he can even kiss Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s feet and achieve just one-tenth of the economic progress Dr. Jagdeo did for the people of Guyana in a few years. Glenn Lall can keep dreaming but will never be a Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. In the world of politics, Dr Jagdeo is a unique phenomenon in Guyanese Politics.
Adding to the controversy, Lall has been linked to Azruddin Mohamed, raising further concerns about his motivations. If Lall advocates transparency and accountability, he must address these lingering questions about his financial dealings and political affiliations. Lall cannot be a public figure without disclosing his past and present position in Guyana. The people of Guyana deserve to know who Glenn Lall is if he wants to be in the public eye.
Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell: Detained by U.S. Law Authorities
In a shocking development, social media influencer Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell is still detained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Atwell, known for vocal criticisms of the government and opposition in Guyana, has established an activist reputation with no purpose.
Her activism, however, has not come without consequences. The Guyanese government has filed multiple complaints against her, leading to legal troubles that culminated in a $100 million lawsuit filed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall and another minister in November 2024. The lawsuit accused Atwell of defamation, further escalating tensions between her and the political elite.
Her detention in the United States raises significant questions about the reasons behind her arrest. While official details remain unclear, speculation suggests that her connections to controversial figures and outspoken nature may have upset the law authorities in the USA. Racecards, Woke, and Diversity will not work in Donald Trump’s world. Some people who utilize these left-wing dogmas have nothing to use as excuses anymore. Donald Trump has clarified that he will appoint people based on merit, not race. So, the Woke and diversity dogma is dead.
Conclusion: The Future of Opposition Politics in Guyana is bleak, and they know it. However, they will use all types of dirty tricks and fake news, including the Race card, to discredit the PPP party. Why? Because they have nothing to offer the people of Guyana.
The state of opposition politics in Guyana remains fragmented and uncertain. Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes continue to battle for dominance within the PNC and AFC. At the same time, figures like Azruddin Mohamed and Glenn Lall attempt to shape public opinion through wealth and media influence. Meanwhile, social activists like Melissa “Melly Mel” is in detention in the USA.
As the 2025 elections approach, the opposition parties must address their internal divisions and present a united front if they hope to challenge the ruling government. As the leader of the PNC, Norton must consolidate his voter base and broaden his appeal to secure a viable path to victory. On the other hand, Hughes must prove that he has the support necessary to be a credible political force. The biggest irony is that Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes are fighting for support from Afro-Guyanese voters, the second-largest community in Guyana.
The role of external figures like Mohamed and Lall will continue to be debated, but their financial or media-driven influence cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, the Guyanese electorate will have the final say on the future of the opposition parties. Whether they rally behind Norton, embrace Hughes, or seek alternative leadership remains to be seen. However, one thing is sure: the road ahead for opposition parties in Guyana is bleak, with no policies to guide the country and improve the lives of its citizens.
Who will vote for the opposition parties, which are fighting amongst themselves and have no hope of offering the voters a better standard of living in Guyana?
The PPP has been improving the lives of its citizens for the past five years. It plans to continue with its momentum of economic progress under the leadership of Dr. Irfaan Ali, Mr. Mark Phillips, and Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, whom most Guyanese have recognized as “The Father of The First Economic Miracle in Guyana.”
Voters have decided they want five more years of PPP government, economic growth, and improved living standards for all Guyanese. Furthermore, the PPP party must remain focused on winning the general elections with a large majority and not lower its guard.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Democracy Guyana, an online newspaper.