This country’s first Muslim president, Irfaan Ali, encouraged its large diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago to “come home” and work in the world’s fastest-growing economy. For 10 points each:
[10e] Name this anglophone country whose oil-rich Essequibo region is claimed by its western neighbor, Venezuela.
ANSWER: Guyana [or Co-operative Republic of Guyana; accept Guayana Esequiba]
[10h] Venezuela arrested this opposition leader’s aides for alleged sabotage of the 2023 Guayana Esequiba referendum. Both she and philosopher Corina Yonis were banned from elections despite the Barbados Agreement.
ANSWER: María Corina Machado [or María Corina Machado Parisca] (They were dubbed “the two Corinas.”)
[10m] A US–Venezuela prisoner swap exchanged businessman Alex Saab for members of Machado’s campaign and extradited this Malaysian defense contractor who bribed the US Navy. He is nicknamed for his large frame.
ANSWER: Fat Leonard [or Leonard Francis or Leonard Glenn Francis; prompt on Leonard]
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