VIDS rejects appointment of new ‘management team’ at Bigi Poika

The Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs in Suriname (VIDS) wants to have words with the Ministry of Regional Development (RO) over the fact that the ministry failed to consult the VIDS before deciding to appoint a new management team at the Indigenous village of Bigi Poika which is located in the Para District. The new management team which is chaired by chief Ivanildo Ijoenakame was appointed last week.

Theo Jubitana, chairman of the VIDS and village chief of Hollandse Kamp, made it clear that it is in fact the task of the VIDS to announce new elections in the Indigenous villages before sending the necessary paperwork to the Ministry of Regional Development. The elections are held after the minister gives his approval. According to the VIDS, the ministry skipped this procedure for tribal affairs. Jubitana pointed out that last year the Sustainable Development of the Indigenous in Suriname Directorate discussed possible elections in the village with Minister Edgar Dikan. After the talks new elections would be held in association with the VIDS and the electoral committee at Bigi Poika. The chairman pointed out that ‘this is the umpteenth time that the ministry failed to consult the association before making important decisions’. The members of the association are fed up with this attitude and plan to take action this week.

Jubitana pointed out that the association had sent a letter to the minister after the elections had been announced. The chairman complained that the minister has not responded yet.