Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Lennox Shuman has been suspended to enable an investigation into allegations against him.
A statement from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs yesterday said that a petition signed by at least one hundred and twenty five persons being residents of St Cuthbert’s Mission on the Mahaica River was received by the Minister on January 12th 2017.
The Minister in accordance with Section 28 (1) of the Amerindian Act of 2006 appointed a committee of three persons to carry out an investigation into this petition under Section 27.
The committee was named on January 27th 2017 following consultation with the National Toshaos’ Council and the Region Democratic Council Region Four.
In accordance with the Amerindian Act of 2006 on 27th January 2017 the minister issued an order suspending the Toshao and appointing the Deputy Toshao to perform the duties of Toshao until the determination of the matter.
This was communicated in writing to the concerned parties by the Minister.
The statement also said that prior to the receipt of the petition under investigation, a number of written complaints against Shuman, a pilot by profession, were received by the Minister.
Subsequent to the receipt of the said petition, another petition and a number of other written complaints against the Toshao were also received.
The statement added that the Minister was an invitee to the General Village Meeting on 29th January 2017 where he outlined the above facts to the gathering.
The statement added that the investigation will take its normal course and progress to its logical conclusion. Thereafter, the Minister shall in accordance with the Amerindian Act of 2006 determine the matter.
On his Facebook page on January 30th, Shuman, a remigrant from Canada said:
“On January 29th, 2017, there was yet another history making event in St. Cuthbert’s. The potential impeachment of me as Chief. As dictated by Law, I stepped aside to give way to an investigation.
“First and foremost, I am encouraging my community members to kindly conduct yourselves in a dignified manner and continue to uphold the laws.
“Secondly, please look at your neighbours with love and not suspicion. It has destroyed civilizations and ours is no different.
“Thirdly, please speak to each other with respect and don’t say things that you or your neighbour will regret. It leads to deep division when unity is what is needed and desired.
“Fourthly, please respect my family’s privacy. We are people just like you and we also are deserving of that.
“Lastly, please please don’t act in a manner unbecoming of you.
You are strong, positive, and loving.”
