Campbelltown residents sign petition to oust Toshao, Village Council

Residents of Campbelltown/Princeville, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) have handed over a petition to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai to have their Toshao, the Deputy Toshao and the Village Councillors removed.

Villagers have accused Toshao, Ms. Marabel Thomas of several wrongdoings. They have also petitioned for her deputy, Ms. Samantha John to be relieved of duty.

Villagers voiced their concerns to Minister Sukhai during her recent visit to the community. After that meeting, several attempts were made to contact Toshao Thomas, all to no avail.

However, the villagers forged ahead and signed the petition to have her removed from office. The petition was signed by 135 of 183 residents who attended the meeting.

Minister Sukhai said the Toshao started serving in April 2018 after the village elections, which were reportedly “marred by irregularities”.

The villagers had even sought an intervention from the then Minister; however, the matter persisted.

“The council was not properly installed. In fact, the elected Councillors were set aside by the Toshao and the then REO, who was the returning officer, and the Toshao was allowed to hand pick friends to form the council,” Minister Sukhai said.

The Ministry possesses correspondence documenting complaints about the Toshao spanning two years.

Minister Sukhai will now proceed in accordance with the Amerindian Act, to write the Toshao and give her the opportunity to respond to the allegations against her.

The matter is expected to be resolved by the first week in November.