K
Citizens must fight NEWS back against Govt. on - Int’l Financial lopsided Exxon contract expert
Sunday Edition
AIETEUR
July 02, 2023
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
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If Govt. says it wants to renegotiate terms of oil deal, Exxon and partners
will come to the table
- Raphael Trotman
FRONT PAGE COMMENT
The Court Must Decide the Fate of Serious Allegations
I
Dharamlall rape case…
APA demands investigation into conditions school girl was kept by the authorities
n a case that has galvanized public attention, an allegation of rape was made against a government Minister. The police conducted their investigation and the file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions who subsequently advised further investigations. In a dramatic twist, however, the complainant, a teenager, has reportedly withdrawn her complaint. Some believe that this effectively ends the matter. We however beg to differ. We believe that it is for the court to determine the validity of the accusations against the Minister and to determine also whether the complaint can be withdrawn. The role of the State – police, DPP and the courts – is to ensure that justice is served. There is an allegation of a crime and that crime is not only alleged against a person but, if true, also represents a crime against society. The fact that the complainant does not wish to proceed further, does not mean that the investigations should be discontinued. The withdrawal of a complaint does not invalidate the seriousness of the allegations. It is well known
that victims of sexual assault may experience immense pressure, fear, and societal backlash, leading them to retract their accusations. In such cases, the justice system must ensure that every possible avenue is explored to provide justice to victims, particularly young teenagers. Many years ago, the publisher of this newspaper imported a quantity of footwear. A senior army official, Col. Godwin McPherson, who was later to become Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, was fingered in the larceny of the footwear. The publisher of this newspaper, Mr Glenn Lall, made a report to the police, and McPherson was arrested. The matter was investigated. When it was clear that he would soon be charged, the accused made an offer to pay Lall for the shoes. Lall consented and subsequently supplied a statement to the police asking that the complaint be dropped. However, the then DPP would have none of it and said that a crime had been committed and charges should be laid and the court should decide. McPherson was charged and placed before the court.
The fact therefore that a complainant has been withdrawn does not bring an end to the investigation of the allegation of sexual misconduct against the Minister. It is, we believe, for the court to decide on whether to accept the withdrawal of the complaint or to proceed with charges. Justice cannot be solely determined by the willingness of a complainant to proceed. It must be a collective responsibility, with the court acting as the final arbiter, weighing all available evidence and ensuring a fair trial. By empowering the court to decide whether to proceed or dismiss charges, we reinforce the principles of due process and prevent the potential of manipulation or misuse of the legal system. By allowing the court to decide the fate of the charges, we will be upholding the principle that no individual, regardless of their social status, should be immune to the consequences of their actions. Our legal system exists to protect and serve the interests of the public, particularly the vulnerable. Therefore, the court needs to examine the evidence, consider the circumstances, and reach an unbiased judgment.
One year later... VP Jagdeo yet to be investigated for
corruption allegations in hydro deal, oil sector