Nigel Dharamlall, a prominent figure in Guyanese politics, faces allegations of sexual assault for the second time in less than a year, following his resignation last July over separate accusations.
Economist Sarah Aneesah Hakh made the accusations during an online press conference held in Georgetown, claiming that Dharamlall sexually assaulted her in 2020 and 2021. The first alleged incident purportedly occurred during a business meeting when Dharamlall served as Guyana’s senior minister of regional development.
Hakh expressed disbelief that Dharamlall remains within his party despite the allegations. Dharamlall, considered a political power broker, was recently appointed to the executive committee of Guyana’s ruling People’s Progressive Party and has been seen in photographs alongside Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
In response, Dharamlall vehemently denied the accusations, stating on his Facebook page, “I wish to categorically and most vehemently deny each and every one of the allegations made.” He accused Hakh of attempting to tarnish his reputation, alleging that her attitude changed after he rebuffed her advances.
Dharamlall resigned from Guyana’s cabinet and parliament last year following allegations of rape by an indigenous teenage girl, which he also denied. Although the girl later withdrew the claim, questions about the handling of the case by authorities fueled speculation of government corruption.
Hakh, during the press conference, detailed her alleged assaults by Dharamlall. She described being forcibly subjected to oral sex without her consent during a meeting in 2020 and a second incident where Dharamlall allegedly attempted to remove her clothes during a meeting in 2021.
Despite the incidents, Hakh did not initially file a police report due to concerns about police corruption and potential repercussions within her family, which had business ties with Dharamlall. However, she eventually filed a report in May 2024.
Hakh emphasized her decision to go public with her allegations, stating, “I need to give victims the strength to know that they’re not alone, and that there is no shame in what happened to them.”
The accusations against Dharamlall add to the ongoing debate about sexual assault and accountability within Guyana’s political landscape.
