Sexual assault probe: Minister Nigel Dharamlall arrested, questioned by Police

…lawyers up as ‘every protocol’ being followed

Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall, who had allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him last week, has retained the services of Hughes Fields & Stoby to represent him.
The allegations, which first surfaced on social media, have attracted the attention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA).
On Monday, the Guyana Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been launched in relation to an allegation of rape against Dharamlall.
In a statement, the GPF said that “…on Monday the 19th day of June, 2023, Mr Dharamlall presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his attorney, where he was told of the allegation and subsequently arrested. The probe is ongoing.”
A statement from the law firm informed on Monday that Dharamlall remains willing and disposed to assist in a full investigation of the matter. All the allegations have been denied, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes indicated.
“In the interest of a fair investigation and the necessity to protect the interests of all parties concerned, we urge that speculation, wild accusations, pre mature judgements and unsupported conclusions be avoided,” the law firm stated.
The Minister has since made a request to proceed on administrative leave as investigations continue, which was confirmed by President Irfaan Ali.

Protocol
This publication understands that the 16-year-old in question is in the care of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), and that a full probe has been launched.
Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud added on Monday that this investigation is still ongoing and every protocol is being followed in the case of such allegations.
She told media operatives, “The Child Care and Protection Agency, which falls under the Ministry of Human Services, has embarked on an investigation as I had committed to. That investigation is ongoing. To date, a statement has been given and a forensic interview report has been compiled and will be submitted. We’re following every protocol like we usually do whenever any such allegation is made.”
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,” Chandan-Edmond said.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand also commented on the incident via a statement in which she indicated that allegations of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence are not 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.

Support
Meanwhile, the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) in a statement on Monday called for an unimpeded investigation, while offering support to the victim.
The organisation has positioned that the issue of alleged sexual abuse of Indigenous women and girls by persons in positions of power is not a new one.
In addition to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Guyana is also signatory to Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations has passed a resolution for the General Recommendation 39, which speaks to the rights of Indigenous women and girls, to be implemented. That call was reiterated at the recently concluded United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
The Association also reminded that Article 62, subsection 1 of the Sexual Offences Act of Guyana states that the publication in any document, the broadcasting, or transmission in any way, of any information that could identify the complainant or witness to such offences under this Act is prohibited. Any person who is found doing so commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of two million dollars. (G12)