The Nigel Dharamlall saga

Jun 22, 2023 Editorial

Kaieteur News – Innocent until proven guilty should be more than a watchword, far beyond a concept, it must be something held as precious, and what has universal application, without a single exception. What each one of us wants for ourselves, the same also belongs in all of its large and small aspects to embattled PPP/C Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall.

Despite the flurry of speculations, the raging conclusions, Nigel Dharamlall stands innocent until charged and proven guilty in a court of law. Thanks to a million dollars in bail, Dharamlall is not confined to jail. It is important to note that he was arrested and questioned in the company of his attorney, but he was not charged with any crime. An investigation is in its early stages, and the process of gathering evidence and interviewing citizens is underway. All of these must be allowed the time and space, so that all the pertinent facts can be identified and professionally assembled. This is to facilitate authoritative conclusions arrived at relative to the besieged minister’s guilt or innocence with what has been attached to his name.

If all the information indicates that he did the crime, then he must do the time. Minister Dharamlall is out of office at this stage of the matter, and he is free to walk the streets. He must also have his day in court if matters come to that necessary place. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that whatever work that the Guyana Police Force is engaged in, it must be of the most credible and persuasive character. The victim, the family, the Guyanese people, all deserve nothing less. By the same token, so does Nigel Dharamlall, regardless of any of the misgivings, any of the speculations, that we may entertain about his involvement (or non-involvement) in what has been alleged, and which has since taken on a life of its own.

On a broader note, we at this paper take the position that too many incidents, allegations, and reports of serious misconduct by officials attached to the PPP/C Government have been swept under the carpet, given kid gloves treatment. What was conspicuous in prior PPP/C Government administrations is even more pronounced in the PPP/C Government of today. Too often, too many of its comrades and agents have been fingered in what can only be described as blatant criminal infractions, only for nothing to be done to bring before the bar of justice, so that society’s conscience can be satisfied. It is our hope, our wish, that none of this is seen, or thought, to be in operation in the highly publicised and highly sensitive matter swirling around Nigel Dharmalall.

Far too often, the interpretations of many Guyanese are that there is one standard of the law and justice that applies to PPP/C Government insiders and friends, and another to the regular citizens of this country. As such relates to alleged PPP/C violators of the law, the processes and standards are believed to be lax, and delivered to a way less stringent degree of urgency and seriousness. There have been issues involving the use of firearms, the battering of domestic partners, and reports of drinking and driving, and others of varying levels of severity.

There is another vital point of consideration that has its merits. It is that although Nigel Dharamlall has compiled a dubious record in certain respects, and is left with few well-wishers outside of the protective government and party flock, such must not be held against him. Only what actually happened, what is clean and fair, has relevance gets proper traction.

The eyes of almost all citizens in this nation are riveted to every single development in the troubles surrounding Minister Dharamlall. Government ministers have come out with the right attitudes and words to match. Probes and discussions have been initiated, with the appropriate institutions of the State closely involved. This is what should be, and all the stops should be pulled out to get to the bottom of this sordid affair. No expense should be spared, no corners cut. Wherever the chips have to fall, let them fall. This is what is due to the alleged victim, to the minister, and to the Guyanese people.

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Editorial, Government, Nigel Dharamlall, ourselves, saga

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