The Guyana Police Force in a statement yesterday informed the public that, earlier Tuesday morning (July 4th, 2023) the case file in relation to the allegation of rape made against Minister Nigel Dharamlal was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), based on advise for further investigations to be conducted.
Consequently, the DPP returned the file this afternoon containing her legal opinion.
In her advice, the DPP disclosed that consideration was given to the fact that the complainant gave a further statement to investigators that she wishes to withdraw her complaint against Minister Dharamlall and that her decision was not influenced by anyone and that same was in her best interest, the police stated
According to the Police, the DPP also proffered her advice based on the fact that the virtual complainant’s statement was taken by a forensic interviewer in the presence of a parent, a Child Care officer and a Police officer and that such statement was free and voluntary.
In light of the above, the Director of Public Prosecution concluded that in the absence of the victim’s complaint, there is no legal provision for the Police to proceed with the matter.
Dharamlall is accused of raping and sodomising a minor and forcing her to have oral sex. The 16-year student who is from the indigenous community was part of an indigenous pageant last year and sponsored by Dharamlall’s ministry. The incident reportedly happened last December.
In a sudden, though not unexpected, turn of events in the face of mounting pressure for Dharmalall to resign his positions as minister and member of parliament or be fired, last evening President Irfaan Ali, via Facebook, issued a statement stating the embattled Local government minister has resigned.
The President statement follows:-
Fellow Guyanese, as you’re aware, I am in Trinidad and Tobago attending the 45th session of the Heads of Government meeting of CARICOM and the 50th anniversary of CARICOM.
Tonight 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 Police did their investigation and also all the other agencies, including the DPP.
This evening, 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 Dharamall 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.
He 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.
So, 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.
Thank you.
