The Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) is being accused of refusing independent legal representation to the 16-year-old complainant at the centre of the rape allegations against Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall.
According to sources, the mother of the child requested that the girl’s rights be protected by a lawyer and the names of two were suggested. However, so far, no lawyer has met with the child.
Attorney-at-law and former government minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, last night related that he was contacted by the mother of the teen to be present when she was signing her statement and he agreed. However, when he arrived he was barred from providing any legal assistance.
Given his experience, he said that he has since informed the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).