Nigel Dharamlall resigns as Minister, MP amid rape allegations

Embattled rape accused Nigel Dharamlall has tendered his resignation as Local Government and Regional Development Minister and Member of Parliament (MP). This was confirmed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is presently in Trinidad and Tobago attending the 45th session of the Heads of Government meeting of Caricom and the 50th anniversary of Caricom celebrations.

“I want to address you in relation to the allegation that was made against Minister Nigel Dharamlall .From the inception, I advised the population that I would allow the system to work. I would never and the Government would never intervene in the system. We’ve allowed an independent investigation; the Minister proceeded on leave to ensure that an independent investigation was conducted,” the President stated in a release to the press.
He noted that the Police have completed their investigation and also all the other agencies, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“You’ve seen the statement from the DPP in which she has advised that she will not proceed on any charges against the Minister based on all that is before her. However, Minister Dharamlall has advised that he will tender his resignation as the interest of the Government is important to him and he will not want anyone to bring the Government into disrepute,” President Ali said.

The Head of State further added that Dharamlall has also advised that these allegations have affected him personally and as such, he has offered to resign as Minister and as a Member of Parliament.
“I’ve, therefore, accepted his resignation as a Cabinet Member and a Member of Parliament. Nigel Dharamlall has committed to me that he will continue to support and be a member of the People’s Progressive Party and also be supportive of the Government.”
The President has reminded that “as I said before, we have allowed the system to work. We have not intervened; from day one, we said we must trust the system.”
“Now that we have received the advice of the DPP, the Minister has asked to resign as Member of Cabinet and Member of Parliament and I’ve accepted that resignation,” the President reiterated.