Wikki/Calcuni Toshao says village laws must be respected following clash with WIN party
Toshao of Wikki/Calcuni, Kevin Seegolam, has emphasised the importance of respecting Indigenous village governance following an incident on Sunday involving the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which is led by United States-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed.
The situation, which unfolded during a local female cricket match, drew social media attention after a video footage surfaced showing a confrontation between Seegolam and supporters of the WIN party.
According to Seegolam, the matter was not about politics, but about upholding the laws that govern Indigenous communities under the Amerindian Act of 2006.
“This is not political,” he said. “This is about respecting the laws and traditions of our people.”
The Toshao made it clear that proper procedures were not followed. “No one is above the law. Our Amerindian Act clearly outlines that anyone wishing to conduct activities in our village must first seek and receive permission from the village council,” he stated, referencing Part 2, Section 5 of the legislation.
Seegolam claimed that Mohamed and his team entered the village without prior notice or approval, turning what was meant to be a community fun day into a political spectacle.
“This was a day for sport and unity, not for campaigning,” he said. “Mr. Mohamed came with flags, tried to give speeches, and disrupted the event without consulting anyone.”
He described the scene as tense and said he felt provoked. “One of the supporters had a WIN flag in my face. I removed it and placed it on the ground. I was not under the influence, as some claimed. I was trying to de-escalate the situation.”
Seegolam said he initially approached Dr. Mark Defrance, who was part of Mohamed’s team, to ask them to leave. As he tried to speak directly to Mohamed, he said he was pushed and jostled by supporters.
“They shoved me across the field, waved flags at me, and some even threw bottles. That kind of behaviour is unacceptable anywhere, especially in our village.”
The Toshao insisted that regardless of his political preferences, the law must be upheld. While acknowledging his support for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), he said that it did not influence his actions that day.
“I am a supporter, yes, but this was not about politics. This was about protecting our rights as Indigenous people.”
He added that he is open to future engagement with Mohamed’s team or any other organisation, but only if proper steps are taken. “Everyone is welcome here, but they must first seek official permission and get authorisation. That’s how it works.”
Seegolam also dismissed calls for an apology, saying he expects one instead. “I will not apologise. Mr. Mohamed must apologise for breaching our rules. I can’t go to his property uninvited, so why should he do that here?”
As it stands, Seegolam maintains that the incident has reinforced the need to protect Indigenous laws and customs. “We are Guyanese like everyone else. Our communities must be treated with respect, not walked into as if they are fair game for campaigning.”
