Internal disputes within the traditional authority of the Matawai area were settled on Sunday during a krutu (traditional meeting) at the residence of granman Lesly Valentijn. Captains and basjas from villages in both the upper and lower reaches took part in the consultations.
Several traditional authorities who had previously publicly expressed criticism of the granman, and according to the traditional authority had done so in an inappropriate manner, offered their apologies during the meeting.
After hours of consultations, the differences were resolved. Granman Valentijn accepted the apologies and said he wanted to work with all those involved on the further development of the Matawai area.
According to the paramount chief, a situation in which traditional authorities, in his view, speak disrespectfully about the traditional authority must not be repeated. He stated that such remarks are not only damaging to mutual relations, but also send the wrong signal to the community.
Valentijn called on those present to preserve unity within the Matawai area and to prevent differences of opinion from leading to prolonged division. According to him, development can only be achieved when the traditional authority and the various communities act jointly.
“Only through unity, respect and cooperation can we, as a Matawai community, move forward and work on the further development of our area,” the granman stressed.
In addition to granman Valentijn, the consultations were attended by district commissioner Ruth Beely and Raoul Abisoina, adviser to the granman.
