Mr. President – all Guyana is watching, fire the PPP Minister facing rape allegations

Jun 22, 2023 Letters

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Dear Editor,

The front-page news report of rape and sodomy of an Amerindian student by an alleged predator, pervert PPP Minister is quite shocking, and the nation expects that the top Government leadership will not circle the wagons this time, but show some moral leadership, in this matter that can tarnish the Irfaan Ali Presidency (“Indigenous girl, 16, details alleged gruesome rape and sodomy by Govt. Minister,” KN, June 17, 2023). Everybody is talking about it and newspapers across the world have carried this story.

The PPP does not like to admit mistakes or censure wrongdoers in its ranks. Instead, they circle the wagons around them. The only time I recall the removal of a Minister was under the Ramotar Presidency when the Health Minister was dismissed over offensive remarks made to a woman protester. And that was election time. Those remarks were mild compared to the allegations of rape, sodomy and brutality in this case before us. This front-page story is as nasty as it could be – rated “X.” President Ali must step in, draw the line, and save the reputation of his administration. Allowing the Minister to apply for leave is a lame response. He should be fired.

I recall when this Minister made obnoxious remarks to a female PNC Member of Parliament during a sitting that she needs a “dildo,” no one on the Government side rebuked that Minister– not even the PPP women Ministers and MPs, nor the women’s groups. The President must cut his losses now by sending that Minister packing, or face continuous ridicule. The President must also consider the alleged victim in the story is a minor – a 16-year-old Amerindian girl. Don’t forget the 20 Amerindian children burnt as a result of the failure of Governmental systems. It is better to expunge this erring Minister, than risk antagonizing the Amerindian community which is the swing vote that can cause the PPP to win or lose. Even if the girl is paid off as is being alleged, and the family refuses to file a Police report out of fear, this Minister will be a drag on Dr. Ali’s regime. This Minister is damaged goods. Who will listen to him and show him respect as he moves around the towns and villages? How can he show his face anywhere?

President Ali, you must set a good, moral tone in your Government. Wrongdoers and corrupt Ministers or officials must be dismissed when wrong doing is found. Watch out for those drinking rum and behaving badly. If Ministers don’t measure up, they must be terminated. There are others waiting to serve. Mr. President, your statement that you are waiting for a complaint to be filed with the Police is quite lame. If social media is filled with reports that there are assault weapons stockpiled in a house, will the Police do nothing? Will they not look into it? If social media is filled with reports that someone has a ton of drugs in a building, will the Police ignore that or will they check it out? People want to know why did the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social Protection not report the matter to the Police right away, as is the proper protocol. This Minister was cited in news reports: “New York-based woman accuses Minister Dharamlall of harassing her for sex” (SN, April 2, 2022). “Accusation against Minister Dharamlall” (SN, April 4, 2022). “$300M fraud charges against former GRDB directors thrown out” (NR, Oct 17, 2019). “US revokes visas of MPs Seeraj, Dharamlall” (SN, June 16, 2017).

Mr. President, the FB post of J.C. Bhagwandin sums up what people are saying. JC said “As someone who engages in public debates on national issues, let me state categorically that there is no place for sexual predators in our society in the same way there is no place for election riggers and racists. I’m a father of a one-year-old daughter and if anyone ever preys on my daughter in such a manner, I’m prepared to send them to their graves, and do the time. We can’t allow one rotten apple to spoil the whole barrel.”

Honourable President, all Guyana is watching how you are responding to this front-page story. Mr. President, you will get high marks if you fire this Minister. Mr. President, the school children are watching, our girls and women are watching, the parents are watching, Civil Society is watching!

It’s good that a few have expressed outrage at this incident. Others must speak out now.

Sincerely,

M. Singh

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• allegations, M. Singh, Minister, presidency, Ramotar

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