Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has dismissed allegations made by United States (US) sanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed, who is also the leader of the Opposition, regarding the Black Belly Sheep Project, describing the claims as “false, malicious and entirely without merit.” In a statement issued on Monday, Mustapha said Mohamed’s latest accusations is part of what he described as a continuing campaign of misinformation and personal attacks directed at him, members of his family and others. According to the Agriculture Minister, the allegations contain no evidence of wrongdoing and instead rely on “speculation and insinuation” to create public suspicion. “Let me state unequivocally that the allegations against me are false, malicious and entirely without merit. They identify no act of wrongdoing on my part because none exists,” Mustapha said.

He argued that Mohamed has increasingly turned to social media and public accusations in an effort to pressure and intimidate others while promoting what Mustapha described as a narrative of political persecution. The Minister said the public should recognise the allegations as part of a pattern, noting that Mohamed entered politics after legal proceedings and investigations involving him in the US had already begun. Mustapha further claimed that Mohamed’s public statements are intended to reinforce claims of political victimisation while targeting individuals whom he believes have distanced themselves from him. The Minister also addressed references made to his son, saying he is an independent adult who has never been involved in politics. Mustapha described his son as a businessman, gold miner and qualified medical doctor, adding that he became the subject of repeated public attacks after deciding to end his association with Mohamed. He maintained that no individual should face public attacks because of personal decisions regarding their associations.

Turning to the allegations surrounding the Black Belly Sheep Project, Mustapha reiterated that no evidence had been presented to support claims of misconduct on his part. He said he would not be distracted by what he characterised as politically and legally motivated attacks and stressed that his priority remains serving the people of Guyana. “The people of Guyana deserve a political culture built on facts, accountability and respect for the truth,” the Minister stated.