Campbelltown councillors received copy of petition for removal on day before start of probe

Marbel Thomas

Members of the Village Council of Campbelltown, in Region Eight, have voiced their disappointment at only being presented with copies of the petition seeking their removal one day before investigation into several allegations against them made by residents commenced.

On October 20th, Earl Gildharie and a few residents of the indigenous community handed over a petition, signed by 130 residents, to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai seeking the removal of Toshao Marbel Thomas, her deputy, Samantha John, and other councillors of the village council on the allegation that the council was only allowing certain residents and foreigners to conduct mining activities in the community.

After receiving the petition, the ministry announced that it would examine the petition in detail and seek to address it in a manner that provides for natural justice. The statement added that the Toshao would be notified about the petition and would be told of its contents, including the allegation that the council was improperly installed.