Georgetown, Guyana – Police on Monday night arrested Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, as investigations continue into allegations of sexual assault of a 16 year-old girl.
In a brief statement, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that it “wishes to confirm that an investigation has been launched in relation to an allegation of rape against the Minister of Local Government, Mr Nigel Dharamlall.
“As a consequence, on Monday the 19th day of June, 2023, Mr Dharamlall presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his attorney, where he was told of the allegation and subsequently arrested,” the GPF statement said, adding “the probe is ongoing”.
Earlier, the law firm representing the embattled minister said that they had denied involvement in any sexual assault of the 16-year-old, who is reported to be now in the care of the Child Care and Protection Agency
“All the allegations are denied,” said the law firm of Hughes Fields & Stoby, which is headed by prominent criminal and civil attorney Nigel Hughes.
“Mr Dharamlall remains willing and disposed to assist in a full investigation of the matter,” said Hughes.
On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali said that he has “no problem” with a request made by Dharamlall, to proceed on leave to facilitate the investigation.
“The minister has requested leave for a full probe into the allegations and I have no problem with it. I have agreed,” Ali told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) in a telephone interview.
He made it clear that his administration “will not stand in the way of any probe” insisting also that “I was never ever formally informed of it (the allegation).
“I was never written to, I have never received any formal letter,” said Ali.
Hughes has appealed for an end to the speculation, particularly on social media, regarding the embattled minister, saying no further statements will be issued by or on behalf of Dharamlall. (CMC)