GBTI Under Fire for Terminating Employee Over WIN Party Affiliation
GBTI faces backlash after terminating an employee over WIN party candidacy, highlighting tensions between banking compliance and constitutional rights in Guyana's pre-election period.
GBTI headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana, where controversial employee termination sparked constitutional debate
The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) faces mounting criticism after terminating a 31-year-old Network and System Administrator, Corwin Austin, due to his political affiliation with the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. The controversial decision comes amid broader concerns about financial institutions severing ties with WIN party candidates.
Constitutional Rights vs. Banking Compliance
The termination occurred after Austin's name appeared on WIN's Regional List of candidates. GBTI management presented him with an ultimatum: withdraw from the party's candidate list or face termination. When Austin attempted to remove his name, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) informed him the list was already finalized.
"The bank's actions raise serious concerns regarding Articles 147 and 149 of the Guyana Constitution, which guarantee citizens' rights to freedom of association and protect against political discrimination," legal experts note.
Broader Banking Sector Response
The incident is part of a larger trend, as multiple Guyanese banking institutions implement strict measures regarding WIN party associations. GBTI has reportedly closed accounts linked to WIN candidates and its leader, Azruddin Mohamed, who faces US sanctions under the OFAC "Global Magnitsky" program.
Political Implications
Attorney General Anil Nandlall and various political figures have expressed concern about potential diplomatic and financial consequences should Mohamed, a US-sanctioned gold dealer, be elected. This situation emerges as Guyana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, recently highlighted during cultural celebrations emphasizing national unity.
Adrian Singh
Business reporter focused on economic freedom, foreign investment, and institutional transparency.