Bartica Mayor accused of raping make-up artist

A Bartician make-up artist, Arian Dahlia Richmond, has taken to social media to highlight an alleged rape incident, which she claims took place when she was a teenager contesting in a beauty pageant.
The young woman took to her Facebook page and detailed the alleged rape and named Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall as her rapist.
In the post, which has since gone viral, the makeup artist states, “On the night Gifford Marshall raped me, he told me of an instance he stepped into the Bartica’s Police Station and aiding the release of (name withheld) after he was accused of beating and raping a girl who decided to leave the relationship”.
In her social media post, the young woman accused the Mayor of being “a strategic politician so he said this to ensure I knew the extent of his power”.
“I wasn’t surprised when he posted he’ll launch an investigation knowing fully well he is one of the perpetrators,” the young woman posted on her Facebook account on Friday morning.
She went on to say that during August 2018, the Bartica Town Council offered a space to facilitate 60+ students at Bartica’s Youth Camp and a part-time job for her to “uplift the image of the council”.
“Here I was stripped of my self-worth by the constant sexual and verbal abuse meted. Power drunk men will do anything to maintain their image and they do this by manipulation.

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall

Many are under the guise that I’m the only person that was harmed but the other girls and boys have been strategically stripped of their confidence so how can they speak their truth?” the young lady posted.
In a previous post on her Facebook page, Richmond also pointed out why she did not make a police report at the time of the alleged rape and other forms of harassment.
“I have not highlighted names, made a report, nor accepted interviews because I fear for my safety. Albeit, it is not an easy task to bear your truth especially in a small country and even smaller town where there is a constant fight between good and evil, may integrity prevail.”
Meanwhile, Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Kevin Adonis when contacted told this publication that there is no report of Richmond’s alleged rape.
He confirmed that he personally contacted Crime Chief and Deputy Police Commissioner, Lyndon Alves to enquire whether the said allegation of rape was reported to any other police station in the country.
However, Commander Adonis stated that after multiple checks, it was clear that Richmond is yet to make an official report to the police.
“Social media can be good and it can be bad but if you were raped, it does not matter how long ago it occurred, you can still make a report. In fact, you don’t have to go to a police station near you, you can go to any police station and make that report there, it’s your right. It will be investigated,” the Commander said.
On Saturday, the Crime Chief told this publication that the Police Force is yet to receive a report from the alleged rape victim about her allegation.

Independent probe
Meanwhile, former Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Kamal Persaud, who worked directly with Mayor Marshall, told this newspaper that an independent investigation into such an allegation needs to be done immediately.
“I am calling for a full investigation into this matter because it is not a light allegation being made, it is an allegation of rape, and, therefore, it is only fair to have an independent investigation to bring closure and justice in this situation.
I also support Dahlia for coming forward since doing so, and even going to social media as her medium to publicise it, takes courage. This is unfortunate and I understand how the Mayor would feel as well, but only an independent probe can ascertain what really transpired and if the story is true or false,” the former Deputy Mayor said.

Denial
Meanwhile, Mayor Marshall took to his Facebook page on Saturday morning acknowledging the rape allegation made against him that has gone viral on social media.
“I have since brought this allegation to the attention of my attorney and the police, it is now engaging their attention. I categorically deny any such allegation. Many thanks to all of you for your prayers and support,” Marshall’s post read.