Home Top Stories Minister Dharamlall to proceed on admin leave to facilitate probe into sexual...
The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, will be proceeding on administrative leave as investigations continue into allegations of sexual assault that have been levelled against him.
Although efforts by this publication to contact President Dr Irfaan Ali on the matter had been proven futile, the Head of State on Sunday confirmed to several local news entities that Dharamlall made the request to proceed on administrative leave in order to allow for a thorough investigation into allegations.
These developments follow allegations made by a 16-year-old female which have been circulating on social media over the past few days. While the President did not reveal when the leave would take effect, Guyana Times understands that it could be as early as from today.
Following the circulation of news that the minister at the centre of the allegation was proceeding on leave, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Geeta Chandan-Edmond released a statement in which she urged that a full and impartial investigation be conducted.
“While this must be seen as an important step forward, like all Guyanese, we trust that this will result in a full, fair, unbiased and impartial investigation, and that there will be compliance with the rule of law. We continue to advocate strongly for the rights of women and children. I will also continue to be an unrelenting advocate for the protection of our indigenous sisters. We must all remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that no one is above the law. We trust that justice will prevail,” Chandon-Edmonds said.
This publication understands that the teenager is in the care of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), and that a full probe has been launched. This was announced by Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud on Saturday, and she added that the serious allegations made are being handled.
She penned, “The Child Care and Protection Agency is carrying out a full investigation. All support will be provided to the young lady. Our women and girls must be safe, and no one is above the law.”
Also weighing in on this issue that has taken social media by storm, Education Minister Priya Manickchand commented on the incident via a statement in which she indicated that allegations of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence are usually made lightly, and must always be taken seriously.
“I begin by believing complainants. Always. Every time. Because the statistics are clear. Despite the myths, victims of rape and sexual assault do not lie about their experiences any more than victims of any other crime. When the complainant is a child, the complaint must take on even more urgent dimensions. I have always treated complaints of rape and sex assault urgently. Even more so when a child is involved,” Manickchand disclosed.
According to the Minister, she was about to enter a CXC meeting on Thursday when a member of the media sent her screenshots of the 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 that full support be offered to her.
The Ministry managed to locate the victim, and full support was offered to her. She chose a date on which she would avail herself of the support that was offered, and continues to be offered. That date has not yet arrived.
Manickchand disclosed 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.
President Ali on Friday told a section of the media that he would not tolerate such behaviour. He added that he has not yet received a formal or official complaint, but noted that he has seen the social media post. However, he emphasized that, once a report is made, “it will be thoroughly investigated by the relevant authorities.
“I have no tolerance for such behaviour, and anyone found guilty of such allegations will be held accountable. As a Government, we are committed to having any facts fully investigated, as we hold dearly our girls and women in every community. And we will continue to do everything to ensure their safety and wellbeing,” President Ali told the media.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the victim has denied being the centre of the allegation, while adding that the post she purportedly made was politically motivated. The Police are yet to say whether or not a report was made against the Government Minister. (G-3)
