– as Police complete investigations
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday confirmed that the probe into allegations of sexual assault levelled against Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall has been completed, and the file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, for advice on the way forward.
“The file is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice,” the Police stated in a release to the media.
A source at the DPP Chambers has since confirmed that the file was hand-delivered to the DPP’s office on Thursday morning. The official did not give a timeline for when the DPP would pronounce on the matter, but noted it can be very soon.
Days after the allegations against the minister surfaced on social media, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) sprang into action. On Monday, the Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been launched in relation to an allegation of rape against Dharamlall. In fact, the sitting minister had presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his lawyer, Nigel Hughes, where he was told of the allegation and subsequently arrested.
The defense attorney related that his client has since denied the allegations, and wishes to clear his name. The minister in question has since proceeded on administrative leave, following a request which was granted by President Irfaan Ali. However, on Monday, he was released on $1 million bail.
Since the allegations hit social media, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud and Education Minister Priya Manickchand have both stated that if found culpable, their colleague must face the full brunt of the law. In fact, Manickchand has detailed in a statement that she was sent screenshots of the victim’s statement, which documented the alleged assault.
According to the Minister, the information was eventually passed on to the Chief Education Officer, who has statutory responsibility for learners in the country.
A request was made for the child to be found, and for full support to be given her.
She added that the Ministry of Education would be offering whatever support is needed or requested, and would act only in the best interest of this child, and in accordance with her wishes, as is mandated by law.
On Wednesday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has a tough stance on sexual abuse. According to the Vice President in a broadcasted interview, all the processes outlined in the Sexual Offences Act have been followed from the time the allegations were made. Jagdeo echoed sentiments earlier expressed by President Ali in making it clear that, should the minister be found guilty, he would have to face the consequences. “We have no tolerance for any abuse of women or children in our midst. Secondly, that there must be a full investigation of the allegations, and if the Minister is found guilty, he faces all the consequences associated with the charge and the court imposed,” Jagdeo was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, several organizations have called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations. In some cases, calls have been made for the minister to be dismissed from public office. Callers feel that without an independent investigation, the truth of the alleged sexual misconduct would not come to light.
Now with the file being perused by the DPP Chambers, the country awaits the final developments.
