On Monday June 19, 2023 the National Toshaos Council issued via a FaceBook post a letter calling for an independent investigation into the allegations of rape by a sitting Minister of Government of Guyana.
This letter comes after social media posts of someone purporting to be a young Amerindian girl alleging that she was sexually assaulted and sodomized by Minister Nigel Dharamlall, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on December 23, 2022. She described in graphic detail the encounter while her brother was on the lower level of the house while she and the minister were in an upstairs bedroom. She also said that she was given $20,000 to pay for the hotel room she was using during her stay in Georgetown, and $100,000 to buy things for herself and brother.
Minister Daharmlall has also been accused by several other young girls of untowards sexual advances and communications.
Meanwhile members of the government and other prominent figures in Guyana remain silent in the face of the damning allegations.
Letter from the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥
𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The National Toshaos Council of Guyana, representing the interests and concerns of indigenous communities across the country, hereby demands an independent and impartial investigation into the deeply distressing allegations of rape made by a young indigenous girl against a sitting Minister of Government.
The National Toshaos Council, as the legitimate representative body of indigenous peoples, recognizes the importance of upholding justice, safeguarding the rights of victims, and ensuring accountability among public officials. It is our solemn duty to advocate for the well-being and protection of our indigenous brothers and sisters,
particularly the vulnerable and marginalized members of our communities.
The gravity of the allegations cannot be understated, as they strike at the heart of trust and integrity within the government and compromise the safety and well-being of our indigenous youth. It is crucial that these allegations be treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency, as they demand a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the truth and deliver justice.
The National Toshaos Council appeals to the relevant authorities, including law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, to establish an independent and impartial investigative body that operates with the highest standards of transparency, objectivity, and professionalism. We call for the involvement of experts experienced in handling cases of sexual violence and ensuring the rights and well-being of victims.
In addition to the investigation, we urge all parties involved to respect the principles of due process and uphold the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Nevertheless, we emphasize the need for a fair and expeditious legal process that protects the rights and dignity of the victim, ensures the accused faces appropriate consequences if found guilty, and reassures the public that justice has been served.
The National Toshaos Council is committed to supporting and standing in solidarity with the victim, her family, and all those affected by this deeply troubling situation. We implore the government, civil society organizations, and international partners to collaborate in providing the necessary support services, including legal aid, counseling, and healthcare, to victims of sexual violence.
This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address gender-based violence and protect the rights of indigenous girls and women in Guyana. We call upon the government to prioritize the implementation of robust policies, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives that promote gender equality, combat violence against women, and empower indigenous communities.
The National Toshaos Council of Guyana remains committed to its mission of safeguarding the rights, culture, and well-being of indigenous peoples. We will continue to advocate for justice, equity, and inclusivity for all, striving towards a society free from violence and discrimination.
