Moruga resident Eric Lewis says he is consulting with his attorneys after the Indigenous Peoples International Court recently ordered the cancellation of a coronation ceremony bestowing on him the title—Grand Chief of the First Peoples Sovereign Nation.
On Thursday, the court granted a preliminary injunction filed by four indigenous peoples leaders against Lewis and Roman Catholic Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon from proceeding with the ceremonies.
“Having carefully examined the motion and as well as comments made by Eric Lewis to various media organisations in Trinidad and Tobago regarding his intent to proceed with ceremonies for the coronation of himself at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on 9 August 2023: The Indigenous Peoples International Court (IPIC) grants the request for a preliminary injunction against Eric Lewis and orders the cancellation of the ceremonies for the said coronation of Eric Lewis for the contested position of Grand Chief of the First Peoples Sovereign Nation until a hearing is held by the Indigenous Peoples International Court (IPIC) on 25 October 2023.”
Lewis told Guardian Media yesterday in a telephone interview that his legal team was reviewing the document.
Earlier this week, members of the local indigenous community raised several concerns with the process used to elect 38-year-old Lewis, who is known as the “Prince of Moruga”.
Head of the Partners for First Peoples Development Roger Belix contended that there was no consultation on the matter and questioned the motive behind the move.
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,” she said.
The indigenous court has prohibited all activities related to the coronation pending a virtual hearing carded for October 25.