I strongly support the stance that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is taking in relation to the Orealla-Siparuta elections and dealing with the “John King Issue”.

I was appalled at the way a few persons behaved, picketing and protesting in front of the Ministry. This act displayed a high level of ignorance and was uncalled for.

Minister Sukhai stated that all the elections that were run were deemed to be highly successful generally.

The disqualification of John King was the right thing to do, since residents in his area claimed he had not been living there consistently for the last three years, prior to the elections, and this being mandatory under the new Amerindian Act for the elections, was grounds for him being removed as a candidate.

He refuted this claim by stating he “goes and comes”, but has a house in the Orealla-Siparuta area. However, this place of abode turned out to be his parents, and by no means, his own property. And since the elections were done by the Amerindians themselves, they saw it fit to make the decision of removing him from the elections. So how then, can the protestors blame the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for this course of action?

Besides, the party which John King belongs to was given the opportunity to nominate another candidate before the elections began, and this they failed to do. So it is highly impossible to say that this group was not treated fairly.

Even if these persons felt it was unfair, why did they not see it fit to approach the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on this issue? Why did they take their complaints and voice them to the AFC party, and seek representation from them, instead of the Ministry?

From the inception, the protestors should have realized that in order to be heard properly, they need to talk with the Ministry and not other agencies or parties. The AFC should not use the issues of the Amerindian people as excuses for trying to divide persons and instigate problems.

The disgruntled group of persons has not even had the decency to officially send their complaint to the Ministry, however, the Minister acknowledged receipt of a copy of the complaint from the AFC. How can the members of this group expect to gain satisfaction, when they are not approaching or even contacting the Ministry on this issue?

Minister Sukhai was correct in saying that if the group wants to go elsewhere, they cannot stop them, however, the Ministry will only respond when these persons come directly to them. Also, there is a three-month grace period, after such elections to allow for complaints and issues to be raised, and the matter will be dealt with in due time.
STEFANNA SANKAR