Main opposition, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) has expanded into the United States with the launch of its first diaspora chapter in New York, with party officials using the occasion to call on Guyanese abroad to become more actively involved in the country’s political, economic and democratic future.
The launch brought together WIN supporters, members of the Guyanese diaspora, members of Parliament and members of the movement’s leadership for an evening that combined politics, cultural performances, religious prayers and calls for greater accountability from government.
The event, held in New York, repeatedly emphasized a message that Guyanese living overseas should not be viewed merely as a source of remittances, but as stakeholders with a legitimate interest in the direction of their homeland.
Addressing the gathering, Haddiyah Mohamed, the younger sister of the opposition leader said the diaspora remained deeply connected to Guyana despite being thousands of miles away.
“Our families are there, our memories are there, our culture is there, and for many of us, our hopes for a better future are there too,” she said.
She argued that Guyana must be transformed into a country that gives members of the diaspora a reason to return, invest and build businesses without having to rely on political connections.
“The question should not simply be what can the diaspora do for Guyana,” she said. “We should be asking what kind of Guyana are we building that the diaspora will want to come home to.”
The launch also featured strong criticism of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, with speakers accusing the government of failing to adequately translate Guyana’s growing oil wealth into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
WIN officials repeatedly pointed to the country’s oil revenues, cost of living, infrastructure, poverty, access to healthcare and education as evidence, in their view, that Guyanese are not receiving a fair share of the country’s growing wealth.
The movement’s leadership said its political platform is centred on investing in Guyana’s people, communities, institutions and future generations.
The devastating MV Barima tragedy was among the most emotionally charged issues raised during the event.
A moment of silence was observed for those who died in the maritime disaster, with speakers stressing that behind every number was a human being and a grieving family.
The event’s MC questioned the condition and age of the vessel, emergency preparedness, the response to the distress call and the efforts to recover victims.
“These are not unreasonable questions,” she said. “These are questions grieving families have every right to ask.”
She also recounted her own experience while covering the tragedy, alleging that she was ordered to leave a public area while recording.
She challenged Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar over the government’s handling of the tragedy.
“Raise the boat. People are watching. Families are watching. The Guyanese people are watching. The diaspora is watching,” she said.
The tragedy was also highlighted by WIN parliamentarians, who called for accountability and greater attention to the needs of affected families.
Hana Mohamed, the elder sister of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, delivered one of the evening’s addresses.
Hana Mohamed praised her brother for what she described as his resilience in the face of political pressure, legal battles, restrictions and attacks on his character.
“You can restrict a man’s movement but you cannot restrict an idea,” she declared.
She said the launch of WIN-NYC represented the movement’s expansion beyond Guyana and into a diaspora community with significant political, economic and professional influence.
“We are building a movement, not just a party,” Hana Mohamed said. “We are building up each other, not a demagogue or a cult.”
She urged Guyanese in New York to become part of efforts to change the political landscape and said WIN intended to build a Guyana that works for the working class and poorer citizens.
Mohamed also painted Guyana as a country standing at a crossroads, arguing that its oil wealth could either finance transformational development or deepen inequality if mismanaged.
WIN MP Janelle Sweatnam focused heavily on the role of the diaspora, telling the New York gathering that being Guyanese does not end at the airport.
“Your families are there, your investments are there, your memories are there, and your future is connected to Guyana’s future,” Sweatnam said.
Opposition Leader and WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed, addressing the event virtually, said the launch represented a decision by Guyanese abroad to remain engaged with their homeland.
He questioned how Guyana could be one of the world’s fastest-growing economies while many citizens continue to struggle with the cost of living and access to basic services.
“If trillions are flowing into our small country, why do so many families still live paycheck to paycheck?” Mohamed asked.
“Why are there so many communities still without electricity and potable water? And perhaps the most important question of all is this: where is the money going?”
Mohamed accused the government of allowing politically connected individuals and businesses to benefit disproportionately from the country’s economic growth. He referenced several government officials and business dealings while alleging corruption and conflicts of interest.
Those allegations were presented as part of his broader argument that Guyana needs stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms.
He also criticized the administration’s handling of infrastructure, healthcare, education and the MV Barima tragedy.
MP Vishnu Panday also used his address to accuse the government of eroding standards of law, morality and public conduct.
He highlighted the plight of pensioners and criticized what he described as a significant disparity between benefits received by ordinary citizens and provisions being proposed for senior political officials.
Panday said WIN’s parliamentarians would remain “relentless” in their efforts to defend citizens’ rights.
“We will not retreat. We will not give up. We will not back down,” he told the audience.
The movement also unveiled the executive of its new New York chapter, led by President Yvonne D. Unaray, with other members of the executive including Vice President Edward Merton George and Secretary Padmini Renata Rambalak.
The Opposition Leader urged supporters not to wait for election season.
“The work begins now,” he said. “Do not wait until election season. Organize now. Build now. Talk to your families now. Become involved now.”
He told the diaspora that WIN would need the skills, experience and resources of Guyanese abroad if it assumes government.
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