HGP Nightly News – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has condemned the attempt by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to settle court-ordered costs using wheelbarrows filled with coins and small-denomination notes.
In a live statement, Nandlall explained that the law governing the use of coins to settle debts sets strict limits: “$100 for $1 coins, $250 for $5 coins, and $500 for $10 coins”. “So that is the extent by law to which coins can be used as legal tenders to settle debts. Unfortunately, for Mr. Mohamed, he will have to return the barrow of coins that he has brought. He will have to take it away,” Nandlall said.
Earlier in the day, Mohamed arrived at the Attorney General’s office with two wheelbarrows, one filled with $20 and $100 bills, and the other packed with coins, in what appeared to be an attempt to settle the court costs. Nandlall described the move as theatrical and disrespectful to judicial authority, stressing that compliance with the law requires proper adherence to established payment rules.
Court-ordered costs are financial penalties imposed on parties in legal proceedings, typically to cover expenses incurred by the opposing side. While payments can be made in cash, Guyana’s legal framework places limits on the use of coins to prevent impractical or disruptive settlements. The Attorney General’s intervention underscores the importance of upholding these regulations and maintaining respect for judicial processes.
The matter adds to ongoing tensions surrounding Mohamed, who has faced sanctions and legal challenges in recent months. His actions have drawn public attention, with critics viewing them as attempts to undermine the authority of the courts, while supporters argue they highlight broader disputes between political and legal institutions.
