As Guyana prepares for its national elections, a powerful moral challenge has been issued to several Indigenous leaders, including former Vice President Sydney Allicock, Lenox Shuman, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John, and Sonia Latchman. In a strongly-worded statement, social commentator Egland Gomes has urged these leaders to reconsider their continued support for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), accusing the government of protecting sexual predators and undermining the safety and dignity of Guyana’s children.
Gomes posed a direct challenge to these leaders: “How many of you will continue to blindly support a government that protects sexual predators?” His comments reflect deep concern over the PPP’s alleged cover-up of sexual assaults within the government ranks, a sentiment shared by many in the Indigenous community who have long felt marginalized by the ruling party.
The social commentator emphasised that the root of Guyana’s geopolitical crisis lies in the removal of the PPP from office. He called for the rejection of a government that has, according to him, repeatedly failed to protect children and has instead protected those responsible for sexual violence.
“How many of you will support a government that covers up the rape and sexual assault of your children and minors?” Gomes challenged the Indigenous leaders, urging them to take a stand against the ongoing exploitation and abuse that has gone unaddressed by the PPP administration.
A Pattern of Abuse
Gomes drew attention to the long-standing pattern of allegations against PPP government officials, including Harry Persaud Nokta and former Minister of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall, both of whom have been embroiled in scandals relating to sexual assault.
Nigel Dharamlall, former Local Government Minister was forced to resign in 2023 after a 17-year-old indigenous woman accused him of rape. Although the matter was investigated, it was reportedly settled with a $50,000 payment from individuals linked to Dharamlall’s associates. A similar allegation surfaced in 2024 when 28-year-old Sarah Hakh ccused him of raping her three years ago when she worked at his ministry.
Gomes argued that the PPP has failed to act, choosing instead to protect those within its ranks accused of such crimes.
“There is no longer any doubt about the PPP’s failure to protect our children. The recent case of a young minor from Essequibo, Federicks, becoming the latest victim of PPP’s protected sexual predators** only highlights the urgency to remove the party from power,” Gomes asserted.
A Call for Political Change
In his op-ed, Gomes also stressed the need for Indigenous communities to wake up and recognise the dangers of continuing to support a government that he believes has failed them. “The PPP continues to perpetrate cronyism, corruption, and nepotism, using taxpayer money to fund substandard infrastructure projects while simultaneously protecting sexual offenders within their own ranks,” he said.
In a call for political unity, Gomes encouraged his fellow Indigenous citizens to rally behind a new third-party movement led by Azruddin Mohamed and Team Mohamed. He emphasised that Mohamed’s vision for a unified nation could serve as a transformative alternative to the racial divide and corruption that has defined Guyana’s politics for decades.
“This is about breaking free from the PPP’s stranglehold on power and protecting our children from sexual predators. It’s time for a shift in Guyana’s political landscape, one that promotes unity and safety for all citizens,” Gomes stated, urging voters to support change and embrace a new future for Guyana.
The upcoming September 1, 2025, elections are expected to be a defining moment for the country, with Gomes and others calling on Guyanese voters to prioritise justice, integrity, and accountability as they head to the polls. For many, the election is not just about choosing a new government, but also about demanding a political culture that protects the most vulnerable and ensures the safety and dignity of all citizens.
As the nation approaches this pivotal moment in its history, Gomes has sent a clear message: the time for change is now, and the future of Guyana must be built on justice, unity, and the protection of all its people.
