THE Santa Rosa Village Council has publicly stated that it did not authorise a planned visit by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to the community on August 5, 2026, saying the date conflicts with a previously arranged engagement involving President Irfaan Ali.

In a statement signed by Toshao Raul Hendricks, the Council said it had proposed an alternative date to Mr Mohamed’s representative, MP Deon La Cruz, but understood the visit was proceeding regardless.

The Council described this as disrespectful and said it amounted to a breach of the Amerindian Act of 2006, which requires outside parties — including politicians — to obtain a Village Council’s permission before entering an Amerindian community.

The Amerindian Act of 2006 gives Village Councils authority over who enters their titled lands, a protection intended to safeguard community self-governance.

Toshaos across the country have invoked the law repeatedly over the past year, and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) has previously issued a statement expressing concern about individuals entering Amerindian communities “under the pretence of being invited by residents” without formal council approval.

The Santa Rosa issue is not an isolated episode. Mohamed has been accused previously of entering villages without approval.