Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said it is up to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to decide who will replace Nigel Dharamlall as Local Government Minister. Dharamlall recently tendered his resignation following a “no further action” statement from a 16-year-old Indigenous schoolgirl, who claimed that the minister raped her last year at his home.
Jagdeo, during an interview today, praised Dharamlall’s performance, stating, “Nigel Dharamlall has been a good minister. He’s a very efficient person. I’ve worked with him for a long time and he is committed to national development. I’ve seen him work very, very hard. I must say that today, he’s been a great asset to the PPP in its work.”
Regarding Dharamlall’s resignation, Jagdeo expressed his belief that the matter had taken a toll on the ex-minister, his “psyche”, and his family.
“I think he needs time to recover from this and that’s why I think he offered his resignation,” the VP said.
Dharamlall was extracted from the geographic list of candidates for Region Two, leaving three individuals on the list. Jagdeo confirmed that there are three individuals on that list now.
“So, the [new] Member of Parliament will have to be one of the three,” he confirmed.
Jagdeo also clarified that the appointed person will not take up the substantive position of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development.
“That will be a matter that will be discussed, and is a matter for the president,” the VP declared.
Dharamlall found himself in hot water last month when the teen made several posts on social media accusing the ex-minister of rape. The child eventually withdrew from the matter, forcing the Director of Public Prosecution to advise the police to take no further action.
