Dear Editor,
The Amerindian community of Capoey is divided on many issues. In the village council elections of July 21, 2015, there was said to be a tie between two candidates for Toshao. It is alleged that 7 new voters were then added to the list, none of whom had been living in the village for years, and they broke the tie. From that day on the village was divided into two factions, and the conflicts are frequent, especially over a new cricket ground which was developed in the old worked out sandpit, and some young girls who won several games and trophies for Capoey.
There is only one cricket ground behind the school which is being utilized by one section of the youths across Capoey Lake. The others live on the other side of the sandpit area, and for them to have access to the playground behind the school, they have to cross over the lake by paddleboat and then journey back at night the same way. This is a dangerous trek so they decided to use the abandoned sandpit as their playground. This seems to have offended a village official, more especially because this official was not supported by the sandpit youths.
Two weeks ago, a fundraising activity was planned to raise funds to buy materials and construct a pavilion at the old sandpit. They prepared flyers and advertised the fundraising activity one month beforehand. They hired a music box, cooked meals, and bought drinks from a wholesale dealer to sell. On the day of the activity the official turned up and prevented them from holding it; they had to abandon their plans and all their food was spoilt, and since they had to pay for the music set in advance they couldn’t retrieve their money. The stocks had to be sold to a shop in the village.
It is evident that these two village factions will not live in harmony anymore, because the nature and depth of the conflicts is becoming greater every day. A number of techniques need to be employed for reconciliation between these two groups, although a more representative village council will empower everyone.
The politics being played is that of divide and rule. The Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs should not sweep this issue under the carpet, with the pretence that he does not know what is happening in Capoey. At the same time, it must not be seen as an insoluble problem. What needs to be done is to recognise the problem and implement certain reforms contained in the Amerindian Act. Those elected in Capoey must find a means of cooperation, including power-sharing with other Amerindians living in the community; partnership needs to be broadened at all levels.
This matter was brought to the attention of the Regional Chairman, Mr Devanand Ramdatt, by me and he promised to look into it before it escalated.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
