By News Americas Now Staff Writer
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Wed. Nov. 11, 2026: Hadiyyah Mohamed has officially joined the National Assembly as her brother, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, remains incarcerated. The newly sworn-in parliamentarian utilized her inaugural day to advocate for her brother’s immediate release.
Hadiyyah Mohamed was sworn in as a Member of Parliament representing the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, taking over the seat left vacant by Dr. Andre Lewis, whose resignation was enacted on October 7th. During the ceremony, Speaker Manzoor Nadir welcomed her to the assembly, while Prime Minister Mark Phillips extended his greetings from the government benches.
Hadiyyah’s entry into Parliament coincides with her brother’s remand at Lusignan Prison, where he is facing allegations related to cybercrime involving the unauthorized use of CCTV footage from Guyana’s Safe City program. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 24.
“NOT A POLITICAL DYNASTY”
In her initial statement as an MP, Hadiyyah Mohamed addressed accusations regarding the establishment of a political dynasty within her family. She asserted that familial ties have historically existed in Guyanese politics and should not disqualify anyone from serving in public office.
“A surname does not confer competence, nor does family connection disqualify individuals from serving the public,” she stated. Hadiyyah emphasized her desire to be evaluated based on her own qualifications, conduct, and performance as a legislator.
She holds a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University and a Master of Letters with Merit in Global Social and Political Thought from the University of St Andrews. Her research interests encompass political accountability, corruption, postcolonial governance, social justice, and power dynamics. Additionally, she has been appointed as WIN’s Shadow Minister of Natural Resources, a vital role amid Guyana’s oil-driven economic evolution.
Hadiyyah plans to focus on the management of the nation’s natural wealth, scrutinizing who benefits from these resources and the impact on the environment, rivers, biodiversity, and Indigenous communities.
HER FIRST FIGHT: FREE AZRUDDIN MOHAMED
The focal point of Hadiyyah’s advocacy on her first day was her brother’s continued detention. She called for Azruddin Mohamed’s immediate release, arguing that his role as the Opposition Leader involves essential constitutional duties, including government scrutiny and constituent representation.
Describing his detention as unjust, she urged that his absence from the political sphere be treated as a significant national concern. These assertions reflect Hadiyyah’s political stance and are yet to be validated in a court of law.
Azruddin Mohamed was remanded on October 30 after facing charges along with Police Constable Ryan Greene for allegedly unlawfully acquiring CCTV footage from the Police Command Centre and facilitating this transfer for a fee of $800,000. Both individuals were denied bail in this case. Azruddin is also involved in extradition proceedings alongside separate criminal matters. Although he has been granted bail in the extradition case, he remains in custody concerning the cybercrime allegations.
His legal representation is pursuing relief in the High Court, questioning the legitimacy of the bail application and the nature of his confinement.
A NEW VOICE IN A HIGH-STAKES PARLIAMENT
Hadiyyah Mohamed made it clear that her parliamentary role will extend beyond advocating for her brother. She is committed to scrutinizing government decisions, challenging ministers, demanding accountability, and addressing economic issues impacting everyday Guyanese amidst the nation’s oil boom.
She has positioned herself as a representative for youth and young women aspiring to enter the political realm. “I want young girls to know that they too can sit at the table where critical decisions are made,” she emphasized.
Her arrival enhances WIN’s representation in Parliament at a crucial time as its leader contends with ongoing legal challenges. Hadiyyah welcomes the scrutiny that accompanies her new role, reaffirming her intention to distance herself from dynasty-building narratives.
However, on her inaugural day in the assembly, the intertwining of personal and political challenges was evident: her brother remains incarcerated, and advocating for his release has already emerged as one of her main public objectives.
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