Village Voice News had a sit down with Ms. Simona Broomes, former minister in the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government (May 2015- August 2020)
Broomes is no stranger to many. Before entering politics, she came to public attention as an activist and fierce opponent of human trafficking. In 2013 Broomes she was one of the “heroes” honoured by United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, for her work in fighting Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
Simona, as she prefers to be called, is also a mother, gold miner, philanthropist among other titles. Since leaving active politics three years ago, Simona has been dedicating much of her energies to working with underserved communities, contributing in whatever way she can.
Within recent weeks she has commanded the spotlight by her presence on the protest line, demanding former Minister Nigel Dharamlall be held accountable for the alleged rape and sodomy of a minor, which under the Sexual Offences Act are considered crimes.
Guyanese, home and abroad, have seen Broomes on the protest line, energising her colleagues, donning a raincoat (poncho) or holding an umbrella to beat back the rain or heat- and at times without either, regardless of the weather or temperature- but never relenting in her advocacy for justice on the matter.
TIP hero: Simona Broomes with her award minutes after she became one of the nine persons from across the world to be honoured on Wednesday by US Secretary of State John Kerry as a 2013 anti-Trafficking in Person (TIP) hero. Since forming the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) a little over a year ago Broomes and her members have been fighting against TIP among other ills in the interior sometimes putting their personal safety at risk. (US Embassy photo)
Village Voice News was able to steal some of Simona’s time to have her tell her story, giving society an insight into a woman seen as steely, determined and unrelenting. Below is that exchange:
Village Voice News (VVN)- Persons who know Simona Broomes or know of Simona Broomes, hear stories of her being a miner, advocate and/or former minister of government. In your words, tell us, who is Simona Broomes?
Simona Broomes– Simona Broomes is a God-fearing woman, a mother of three, a grandmother, an advocate for the poor and down-trodden. She is resolved and passionate in her quest for justice. She is merciful. She is humble. She is kind, full of integrity and love.
VVN– Your presence has been prominent in the protest for criminal charges to be brought against Nigel Dharamlall, who is accused of raping a minor. What has driven you to be this involved?
Broomes– My involvement in this case is natural. For years, I have fought to rescue the victims of trafficking in persons, including young girls and boys, and fought to bring to justice, the individuals guilty of committing the act of modern day slavery. I am involved because of my experience, my love for people and my innate desire to offer a voice for those without a voice or whose voice is dwindling.
VVN– Can you share your thoughts, if any, regarding the refusal of the state to pursue criminal charges against Dharamlall?
Broomes- The state’s refusal to treat Dharmalall like any other ordinary Guyanese accused of a serious crime is insulting to the nation, to the accuser and her family and to victims of rape in general. The state’s clear message to Guyanese that the law is only upheld to bring to justice or oppress poor people and not applicable to the rich and powerful is deeply distressing and tells even their supporters that theirs is a government above law and order. This unfortunate outcome is another revelation for the urgency of a system that treats all citizens equally before the law, irrespective of their social status or influence.
VVN– Dharamlall resigned as a minister of government and member of parliament the evening of the police’s announcement they will not pursue the case of rape, reportedly on the DPP’s advice. What is/are your reaction(s) to his resignations, particularly given persons were calling on President Irfaan Ali to fire him from the moment the allegation of rape went viral?
Broomes– Firstly, Dharamlall’s resignation is not justice. His resignation only comes after significant public pressure and protests; without which, this matter would have been swept under the rug as all the others to the tune of President Irfaan Ali’s declaration that Dharamlall is a good man. Nevertheless, I adjure Guyanese to view this small victory as a victory the same. I plead with the people to see that nothing comes without a fight. If we had stayed at home in our beds, Dharamlall would have continued to operate with ministerial privileges and a blatant disregard for our people. I venture that if we continue to apply our rights to protest, the government, which includes the DPP, would be forced to exercise the justice system upon the accused of rape.
VVN- U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Guyana on 6th July. You were among those citizens who stage protests at Mandela Ave. among other places to attract the Secretary’s attention. What likely impact, you think, those protests had or are likely to have in pursuing justice for the minor?
Broomes– The protest that took place during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Guyana holds significant potential to bring about positive change in the pursuit of justice for the minor. By the citizens taking to the streets at Mandela Ave. and passionately expressing their disappointment even with the silence and lack of effort of the Biden Administration, we hope to motivate a second look at the actions of Dharmalall and his protection under this government. We know that the US government does not promote rape and injustice, and the people accused of such are not permitted in their country to continue such acts among their people. We are given hope remembering Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein.
VVN- Why are you and others continuing the protest even after Dharamlall’s resignation?
Broomes- Dharamalall’s resignation from his ministerial post is not justice. Imagine a world where someone was allowed to commit a crime and just resign from their job! We continue to protest because the laughable, outrageous outcome must not continue. We must put our dormant, theoretical justice system into action.
VVN- Is there anything else you would like to share with readers and your fans?
Broomes– I encourage the public: it is time that we stand up, be fearless, and protect our own rights, our people and our country. My passion for people and advocacy for the people who cannot represent or protect themselves, would not cease. My commitment to Guyana is one of truth and love. I believe that this is my role on earth; my purpose by God. I will stand for truth. I will speak for the voiceless. I will embrace and show love and mercy to all. I will feed and clothe the poor, the motherless and fatherless. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a sound mind.”
