A Nation of Islam member, who is pushing for the governing Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) to win Region 10, is tight-lipped on whether he thought a senior member of his organisation was unfairly locked up.

Dennis ‘Jafar’ Muhammad, a Linden-based businessman, is spearheading a civic committee whose aim is to mobilize support for the incumbent party.

Asked whether he thought the arrest and detention of International Representative of the Nation of Islam, Akbar Muhammad on May 19 on suspicion of terrorism and drugs was unfair, Jafar said “I don’t want to go into that but when the time comes I will deal with that.”

“That’s life, I don’t want to get too deep into that,” added the 43-year old Jafar. “Not at all- no conflict at all because I understand what exactly took place.”

Akbar Muhammad was freed one day earlier because police said they had no evidence to go on. Before leaving for the United States, he told the media that investigators had repeatedly grilled him about his political association here.

A Canadian-based Guyanese, who had invited Akbar Muhammad to Guyana and paid for his accommodation at the Princess Hotel, was also arrested, detained and freed without charge.

Asked whether there was a contradiction between his political advocacy and religious activity, he said “my leadership is fully aware of what I am doing.”

He described the arrest and incarceration of the senior NOI member as “unfortunate.”
Jafar said he was aware of Akbar Muhammad’s presence in Guyana but pointed out “I was never in contact with him.”

Final Call, the official publication of the organisation, has reported that the Nation of Islam has an active study group in Guyana located in Linden, which is about one hour outside of the capitol city of Georgetown. Its coordinator, Brother Dennis Muhammad upon hearing that Brother Akbar was in the country and experiencing difficulty, immediately contacted Student Regional Minister Rasul H. Muhammad who presides over the Seventh Region of the Nation of Islam, which includes South America.

Jafar also told demwaves.com the Nation of Islam is slowly growing in Guyana and intends some time in the future to go beyond religious classes and help youths out of a life of crime and drugs.