The Return of Nigel Dharamlall – A Shameful Reflection of PPP’s Priorities

The inclusion of Nigel Dharamlall on the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) candidate list for the upcoming 2025 elections is a shameful move that sends a dangerous message to the people of Guyana—especially to our children and Indigenous communities. It reveals the deep-rooted disregard that the PPP government continues to show for victims, justice, and the moral responsibilities of leadership.

Let us not forget: Nigel Dharamlall was forced to resign as a minister of local government and regional Development under the Ali-led PPP Government following serious allegations of rape involving an Indigenous teenager—an allegation that shocked the conscience of our nation. His resignation was not just political—it was an admission that such an alleged scandal could not coexist with public office. The mere presence of such accusations, whether legally pursued or politically dismissed, demanded accountability and integrity from both the individual and the party.

But today, Dharamlall’s name has reappeared on the PPP’s official list like nothing ever happened. This is not just tone-deaf—it is a betrayal. A betrayal of the trust Guyanese people place in those who lead. A betrayal of the Indigenous community, whose daughters were once paraded as symbols of PPP inclusiveness but are now shown that their dignity can be cast aside when political loyalty is more valuable than justice.

By welcoming Dharamlall back into the political fold, the PPP has revealed its priorities: power over principle, loyalty over law, and cover-up over accountability. How can any parent feel safe knowing that someone accused of such a horrific act is once again being propped up as a representative of the people? What does this say to the young girls across Guyana who look to our leaders for protection, not predation?

This is not an isolated oversight—it is a pattern of disregard. The PPP government, through this action, has shown that it is willing to rebrand the disgraced, recycle the accused, and ignore the voices of the vulnerable, especially when those voices come from the hinterland, from Indigenous communities too often sidelined in national discourse and developments.

The PPP is asking for your vote while it openly reinstates a man who resigned in disgrace. That is not leadership. That is not justice. That is not acceptable.

The people of Guyana must not remain silent. We must demand better—leaders who respect our children, defend our women, and honour the truth. If this is the calibre of candidate the PPP is willing to promote, then they have proven beyond a doubt that they are not fit to lead a nation that seeks fairness, safety, and dignity for all.

The time has come to say enough is enough.