The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), in a statement said the body, is appalled and disgusted at the allegations of sexual assault and grooming of a child levelled against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall. This the latest allegation against the minister who was accused of preying upon and raping a young indigenous child during the latter part of 2022 the APA noted.
The APA has since called on President Irfaan Ali to ensure an independent investigation is conducted into the allegations levelled against the minister. The organisation sought to remind the President his government is duty-bound to protect all children of Guyana and it would be a slap in the face of that duty if an impartial probe is not done.
The APA expressed its displeasure and disgusted with the allegations of sexual assault and grooming of a child levelled against the minister.
The organisation also reminded Ali, Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and that as President his actions should be fashioned to protect the victim as a citizen of this country and who is a school-aged child, and not his Minister. “This is not the time for political loyalties to take the upper hand against the life of a child which may be damaged forever. The well-being and protection of our children should be of paramount importance.”
Monday the minister was arrested by the Police who said they have begun an investigation into the allegations. Dharamlall is being represented by the Hughes Fields and Stoby law firm.
The APA’s statement follows:
Unimpeded investigation must be conducted into the allegations of child rape against Minister Dharamlall
Minister Dharamlall, in the latest allegation against him, is accused of preying upon and raping a young indigenous child during the latter part of 2022. The APA is calling on His Excellency President Irfaan Ali to ensure that an independent investigation, into the allegations levelled against Minister Dharamlall, is conducted. The APA reminds President Ali that his government is duty-bound to protect all children of Guyana and it would be a slap in the face of that duty if an impartial probe is not done.
To the victim, we commend you for your bravery in raising these allegations and wish that you will be free from fear and intimidation and that your security is not compromised. We stand ready to provide whatever support we can to ensure that you process and heal from what can only be termed the most traumatic experience of your young life.
We wish to state that the issue of alleged sexual abuse of indigenous women and girls by persons in positions of power is not a new one. Also, the lengths alleged perpetrators go to not have these horrific stories meet the stage of investigations is also known. Attention must be paid to why stories are heard, and become somewhat public, then are quickly negated by the alleged victim, leaving no space for investigations to take shape. This is the time for attention to be given to similar reports involving both boys and girls, as that allegedly carried out on the child by Minister Dharamlall.
It is simply outrageous that President Ali, despite learning of the allegations against his Minister, did not ask him to step down from the post but rather allowed the accused Minister the opportunity to “request” administrative leave. The APA reminds President Ali that Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and that as President of Guyana, his actions should be fashioned to protect the victim as a citizen of this country and who is a school-aged child, and not his Minister. This is not the time for political loyalties to take the upper hand against the life of a child which may be damaged forever. The well-being and protection of our children should be of paramount importance.
We are cognizant that both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security have intervened, but that is not enough. The APA also calls on Minister of Amerindian Affairs Ms Pauline Sukhai to condemn the alleged behaviour of her Cabinet colleague. The APA urges Minister Sukhai to step up and speak out for the rights of the abused indigenous child – as is her mandate- and advocate for criminal proceedings to be brought against Minister Dharamlall. Having monitored the situation over the past few days, the APA has learnt that the child, in her complaint, claims that Minister Sukhai “warned” her to “stay away” from Minister Dharamlall. This appears to show that the behaviour of Minister Dharamlall is known by at least one Minister within the government, and the inaction by this Minister can only lead to the conclusion of culpability. The silence of Minister Sukhai is deafening and speaks volumes as to her priorities.
The APA also called on the National Toshaos Council to condemn the allegations against Minister Dharamlall and advocate for an independent probe.
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 (UNPFII. We remind both Minister Sukhai and the NTC that they were present and participated at that meeting.
We reiterate our call for an independent, unhindered investigation as the rumour mills are already swirling about possible interference. We further urge that the Cabinet ensure that protocols are put in place to deter members from abusing their power in any way whatsoever.
We also wish to remind all citizens 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. We urge all citizens to refrain from such actions which may cause further trauma to the victim.
The APA is monitoring the government’s response to the allegations against Minister Dharamlall in light of Guyana’s reporting obligations to the subject Convention [and will be alerting our international partners on the course of action]
