Sarah Hahk appeared resolute in her zoom press conference, her voice at times betraying the trauma of the alleged ordeal she recounted. Nigel Dharamlall, a former PPP Minister and newly elected member of the party’s executive committee, stands accused once again, of sexual assault. Ms. Hahk’s story exposed a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse of power and a system failing to protect the vulnerable.
On September 27th, 2020, Ms Hahk stated that what began as a seemingly routine meeting between herself and then Minister Dharamlall, at the Anna Regina State House allegedly turned into a nightmare for her. Mr Dharamlall allegedly guided her to a secluded room, in which she expected to discuss the details of a new role within the local government. She described a shift in Mr. Dharamlall’s demeanor, an alleged descent from cordial to predatory, which included lewd remarks and advances targeting her sexual orientation, and then a sexual assault.
Ms Hahk described growing fear with each passing moment as Nigel Dharamlall allegedly sexually assaulted her. The failure to properly investigate this incident after four years lays bare an apparent unwillingness to hold a former government minister accountable, she said. Ms Hahk’s trembling voice detailed the alleged violation, the humiliation, and the fear. Mr. Dharamlall’s alleged actions she said, stripped her of agency and dignity, a position in which far too many young women in Guyana, in desperate need of opportunity, find themselves.
Ms Hahk has refused to be silenced despite her detractors and she has become, for some, a symbol of resilience, stepping forward to seek justice in a system allegedly riddled with corruption. Though she has had to endure allusions to her mental health and questions about why now? It is clear that her resolve remains unshaken.
In a statement released this afternoon, Nigel Dharmlall stated that, “I have taken note of an event styled ‘Press Conference’ held on the 10th May, 2024 by Sarah Hakh, in which certain very malicious allegations were leveled by her against me.
From the outset, I wish to categorically and most vehemently deny each and every one of the allegations made by the said Ms. Hakh therein. For some while hitherto, I was privy to rumours that Ms. Hakh was making unsavory comments in relation to me, but I made a deliberate effort to ignore them.
I have known Ms. Hakh personally for several years and have always maintained a most civil and cordial relationship with her, including socializing on many occasions. Her demeanour towards me changed fundamentally after I rebuffed her advances and spurned her attempts to engage in an intimate relationship.
Both Ms Hahk and Nigel Dharmlall have made their statements and it is up to the justice system to thoroughly investigate the matter. Later we will ask the questions about which leaders knew of her alleged assault, and which of them allegedly contributed to a covered up? Sarah’s alleged ordeal must be thoroughly investigated and Dharamlall must be held accountable or have his name cleared.
