President Ali to name replacement for local minister

Georgetown, Guyana – President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday said he would soon announce a replacement for his embattled former local government and regional development minister, Nigel Dharamlall, who stepped down from office after being accused of sexually assaulting a school child.

Dharamlall resigned as a Member of Parliament and cabinet member, saying the interest of the government was important to him and he would not want anyone to bring the government into disrepute.

In June, the 16-year-old schoolgirl claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Dharamlall, who denied the allegation and had proceeded on leave to facilitate the investigations.

Dharamlall was arrested and placed on one million dollars bail, but last week, the schoolgirl indicated that she no longer wanted to pursue the matter.

Following this, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised she would not proceed with any charges against Dharamlall.

Speaking at a news conference, President Ali told reporters that he would announce Dharamlall’s replacement by the end of this week.

The President said he had not considered hiring Dharamlall in another capacity and neither had Dharamlall requested alternative work.

Ali reiterated that the welfare of women and children was of utmost importance to him and his government and these issues would not be put on the second or third burner. (CMC)