Jesse Ramdeo
Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Plans for a coronation have sparked concern and controversy among local indigenous groups.
Eric Lewis’ plan to take up a leadership position is being contested by members of the First Peoples community who claim the proper process was not used to select the 38-year-old Moruga resident.
In announcing plans for the coronation, Lewis said International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9 will be particularly significant for him.
“I am the Prince of Moruga and I am transitioning to His Majesty Grand Chief of Trinidad and Tobago and Sovereign Nations of First People,” he said.
In an interview at the Grand Hall located behind the National Cocoa and Chocolate Museum in Moruga, Lewis detailed his year—long journey to become the Caribbean’s latest cacique following the death of his close relative Paul Navarro, the Grand Chief of the First Peoples in Moruga. Navarro passed away at the age of 102.
He said indigenous communities locally and regionally have recognised his claim to the throne.
“The process is an entire year and it gives the council time to vote and change their vote and remove people, so some people have been removed. I did have one objection from one group and an official email came in and was shared with the council and they ignored it,” he said.
Lewis outlined a series of traditions which he claimed formalised his ascension.
The coronation will include a ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port-of-Spain followed by a procession to the Red House.
However, after invitations were sent out for the event, local indigenous groups expressed concern.
Roger Belix, head of the Partners for First Peoples Development, said the selection process disregarded traditional protocols. At a press conference yesterday, Belix described Lewis’ election as illegitimate.
Spokesman for the Warao nation, Rabina Shar said there should be an inclusive process that reflects the will of the people: “This person is not schooled in our traditions. He wasn’t brought up in this so he is breaching the traditions itself and we are sorry to recognise his ignorance in this area.”
The group has applied to the Indigenous Peoples International Court for a preliminary injunction to prevent Lewis from proceeding with the coronation.
Santa Rosa First Peoples Community Chief Ricardo Bharath Hernandez told Guardian Media that historically there are chiefs that lead community groups. However, a Grand Chief of T&T is unheard of and not applicable.
He explained; “That applies for places like Canada where there are several different indigenous nations, even in Suriname, and the various chiefs of these communities will come together if they need to elect one person as a chief for voicing concerns on behalf of the wider indigenous community.
“No such consultation took place with Santa Rosa from Eric Lewis and his team.”
In response to the concerns raised by the indigenous groups, Lewis called for consultation and peace.