No exceptions, rules & laws are not for ornament- Ramotar on Karimbaksh Rape Probe
October 15 2026
Former President Donald Ramotar has called for a thorough investigation into rape allegations against Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh, stressing that established procedures must be followed and that no one should be exempt from the rules.
Ramotar expressed disappointment at the public handling of the matter, particularly reports that the female police officer who made the allegations has been subjected to ‘slut-shaming’ on social media while Karimbaksh remains on active duty.
He expressed that his views are not secret on the matter- “I think he should be thoroughly investigated,” noting that it is pertinent to follow principles to deal with such issues.
– “Thats my position” – Ramotar posited.
He also stated “I dont want to presume anyone is guilty before they are presumed or tried -but I think there are procedures laid down to deal with these matters and they should be followed.- I dont think there should be any exceptions on these things”
He further stressed the importance of respecting the law and the rules governing the handling of serious allegations.
“You have rules and laws and they are not for ornament”
Ramotar said that if sending Karimbaksh home is necessary while the matter is being properly investigated, then that step should be taken.
He acknowledged that he was not fully certain of the procedures governing the situation but maintained that the rules must be followed diligently to ensure a proper investigation.
Asked about the removal of former Health Minister Bheri Ramsarran under Presidency, Ramotar said procedures had been followed in that case.
He explained that Ramsarran was cautioned and, after breaking the rules again, was asked to resign in keeping with the same principle of accountability.
Ramotar’s position is that the matter must be handled according to established rules and procedures, with the seriousness of the allegations recognised and without prejudging the outcome.
Ramotar’s comments come as investigators move forward with allegations made by a female police officer against Karimbaksh.
On Wednesday, October 7, detectives from the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department reportedly formally put the rape allegations to the senior officer.
The woman has accused Karimbaksh of raping her on two occasions and threatening to kill her, including allegedly placing a gun to her head.
BIG Smith News Watch was reliably informed that Karimbaksh denied the allegations and told investigators he would submit a statement through his attorney-at-law.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier allegations resurface
The case has also drawn attention to previous allegations of sexual misconduct reportedly made against Karimbaksh.
A five-page report dated March 23, 2020, reportedly detailed allegations of unwanted sexual advances towards female police recruits in 2019. The report described claims that young officers were approached for their contact information and subsequently received calls and messages from the senior officer.
A separate sexual allegation was reportedly made against Karimbaksh by another female police officer in 2016. According to the account provided, that officer said she received no justice in the matter.
These earlier allegations remain allegations and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.
With the current rape allegations now formally put to Karimbaksh, the question of whether he should remain on active duty while the investigation proceeds has become a point of public concern.
