First, I must say that I had refrained from making any statement on this matter as I wished to observe developments, and think carefully about the issue before taking a public position.
Today, I hereby state the following:
1. President Ali, having failed to take any decisive action so far, must remove Mr. Dharamlall from ministerial office forthwith. Such an act by the Head of State in no way presupposes the guilt of Mr. Dharamlall – who is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Instead, his removal from ministerial office is simply an acknowledgement of the fact that, under the circumstances, Mr. Dharamlall – who has lost all credibility – just cannot perform the duties of a minister of government.
2. President Ali’s failure to take any action whatsoever – in light of such serious allegations against one of his ministers – is a damning indictment of his mindset, and that of his fellow party officials. His refusal to heed overwhelming public opinion and remove Minister Dharamlall from office indicates contempt, disrespect, and disregard for the will of all Guyanese. And most importantly, his willful neglect to fire Dharamlall is a slap in the face of the alleged victim, and that of all women, whether they are of indigenous heritage or not.
3. I note that Mr. Dharamlall is said to be on “administrative leave.” With regard to that matter, I urge President Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other occupants of political office to refrain from insulting the intelligence of Guyanese. Citizens are quite aware that Mr. Dharamlall is a political appointee; he is not a public servant. Hence, there is no such option of “administrative leave” available to Mr. Dharamlall. The options open to him is his appointment to be revoked by the President or his resignation with immediate effect.
4. I call for a full investigation of the implications of any settlement.
5. I call for a thorough probe into the conduct and behavior of Regional Commander of Region # 2, Mr.Khemraj Shivbarran who is bound by the Oath of Protection of our Guyanese women.
6. I am disappointed by the deafening silence of the Private Sector Commission for being selective on the matter in which they have the authority to make unbiased statements without a political alignment. Clearly, the public is convinced that the PSC is no other than a political arm of the PPP. I am also appalled at the religious groups, business organisations, women’s representatives – such as the Women’s Progressive Organisation (the women’s arm of the People’s Progressive Party) – and others. I urge such groups and individuals of influence to state their positions.
7. There appears to be a trend of tolerance for Women’s abuse from the Men in the People’s Progressive Party with many instances of such allegations that were never rightfully addressed.
8. I call on President Dr.Mohamed Irfaan Ali to – in the interest of our first people, women and our country – do the only honourable act, and dismiss Mr. Dharamlall who is no longer fit for public office including his Parliamentary seat.
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Mayor
City of Georgetown
