THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has indicated that it will be addressing a number of issues of concern to Orealla Village residents when a team led by Permanent Secretary, Nigel Dharamlall visits next week.

Guyana Chronicle recently sought clarification on this matter following a Kaieteur News article on May 6th 2013, titled “Orealla residents call for removal of Toshao” following claims that Presidential Grants were misappropriated.
In an invited comment, Permanent Secretary Dharamlall indicated that the ministry is quite aware of all the issues and he will be leading a team to the riverine village to bring a solution to the problems.
He stated that some of the issues would have to be sorted on an individual basis since personal matters cannot be taken onboard community development considerations. Former Toshao Carl Peneux had written to the ministry venting his frustration regarding activities of the village council and the residents’ distrust of the Toshao.
Sometime last December advisor to the minister, Ms. Yvonne Pearson, had visited the village and was briefed in the presence of the villagers on the prevailing issues.
Peneux said that Pearson had listened to all that was said and told the gathering that she was sent to listen and would be reporting back to officials at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.
The villagers were satisfied at that time as they had placed their trust in Pearson, a former Chairman of the Toshaos Council and had represented them at various forums.
However, after months passed and there was no action from the ministry, the residents were all up against the toshao in his management of the village and vented their dissatisfaction to the media.