NTC opposes election of convicted child molester

Kamarang’s new Toshaos

– to seek redress on legal breaches

The National Toshaos Council (NTC) is at a loss as to why a convicted child molester was elected to the office of Toshao in the village of Kamarang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and the Council is contemplating its options to correct what it deems a legal breach.
The body’s stance on the matter was confirmed by its Chairman, Joel Fredericks, who told Guyana Timeson Wednesday that the NTC will be officially writing Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Alicock on the matter as it seeks a joint investigation to address the issue.
“The NTC’s position is that it’s breaking the law. No one who has a criminal record should be elected as a Toshao and that is something we need to investigate because how [could] the residents allow that to happen? The Returning Officer should have also looked at it,” Fredericks told this publication.
He confirmed having received an official complaint from a resident in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni district. Fredericks indicated that the representative body cannot support Luther Krammer, who is the embattled Toshao that was recently elected.
“The National Toshaos Council condemns that; it’s not right. We would have to seek some legal advice,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valarie Garrido-Lowe confirmed to Guyana Times that the matter is under investigation. She however declined on giving a time frame, having only received a letter of complaint in recent days. She indicated that the Ministry will make public disclosure once the matter is concluded.
“We can’t say how long the investigation will last; we only received the letter two days ago. We have to work on that, it’s a serious allegation. When we are in a position, we certainly will issue a statement,” she told this newspaper.
Meantime, Amerindian People’s Association (APA) Executive Director, Jean La Rose has also expressed her displeasure over Krammer’s election, saying any person with a serious criminal record should not be elected as Toshaos or Councillor.

Guyana Times first reported that residents were shocked when the Returning Officer declared victory in favour of Luther Krammer. It was related that he was accused of and found guilty of molesting a nine-year-old a few years ago and was sentenced to 18 months in jail for the offence. The newly elected Toshao was only released from prison last year.
As per the Amerindian Act of 2006, nominations were held for the Office of Toshao where a fellow villager nominated Krammer who accepted the nomination. Following the nomination, several villagers approached the Returning Officer and questioned the nomination, only to be met with silence.
This publication understands Krammer has been living in Kamarang for most of his life and prior to his sexual molestation conviction, he was a teacher at the Kamarang Primary School. Having been dismissed as a teacher, Krammer now works in the mining industry. The villagers are meanwhile calling for another election since they feel Krammer would be an inappropriate person to represent their interests.
Some of the functions of the Village Council includes providing planning and development of the village; managing and regulating the use and occupation of village lands; and provide strategic direction and advice to the village.
During the 2016 Local Government Elections, a similar controversy erupted when it was revealed that A Partnership for National Unity-approved candidate for Constituency 13 (East and West Ruimveldt Georgetown), Winston Harding, was charged at least two times with child molestation, though he was never convicted for the offence.
Harding was elected as representative of the Constituency and currently holds the post of Councillor in the Georgetown Municipality. Following the allegations, Harding’s party withdrew its support.