The return of First Alcalde Marcus Canti to Indian Creek has eased tensions for some residents, but it has also reopened old wounds. Today, the spotlight turned to the deep divisions still shaping the village, as Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Dr. Louis Zabaneh weighed in on Canti’s return. He acknowledged the ongoing rift between competing leadership structures and outlined government’s efforts to finally resolve the long running governance dispute. What happens next could determine the future of leadership in the community.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs
“We were always praying for his safe return and we thank God that has occurred. Through my colleague Minister Mira, we are waiting to hear back what the police investigation will reveal. We hope that we come to a good understanding of what transpired and move from there.”
Paul Lopez
“Does the circumstances raise any questions for you?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“Not personally, but the whole setting there we have always been in discussion with them to keep the peace, because they live among each other because they are a family and they live in that village and the process that we agreed with he MLA, TAA to address the consent order from the CCJ is coming to its close. So, yes they have waited for a long time, but it is just a few more months and we hope we can allow that process to unfold.”
Paul Lopez
“Is the government not adding fuel to this division by further empowering the village council?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“I don’t know about further empowering them? They have powers from being elected members of the village council and the alcalde system is in place. And they have been operating side by side. We have met with them, both alcalde and village council together. And we have talked about how we move forward and we hope we can continue to do that.”
Additional Police Deployed to Ease Tensions in Indian Creek
But even as Alcalde Marcos Canti recovers, the mystery surrounding his disappearance remains. Investigators say they’re still piecing together what happened during the time Canti was missing. The incident has shaken the community, with residents calling for answers and accountability. Police confirm several people have been detained and questioned, but no charges have been filed so far, pending Canti’s official statement. In the meantime, additional officers have been deployed to help ease tensions in the village. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero explains.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crime Investigation Branch
“Yesterday police went to Indian Creek where he was from. At a house in Indian Creek, he complained that he was in pain and had some small bruises. He was brought for medical attention and since that he has received treatment and now he’s being – I mean he’s given his statement and that is being done at this time.
We are carrying out a thorough investigation and so we’ll have all the facts when his statement is concluded today. So that is all I know at this time.”
Reporter
“Is police investigating anyone in relation to this?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“We had several persons that were detained from Indian Creek. They were interviewed, questioned and released. And then we have one more person and then he’s being interviewed likewise. But so far, no one has been charged and we will await that statement today and see where we go from there.”
Shane Williams
“Have additional boots been sent to ease tension apart from this?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yes. Additional police officers are in Indian Creek monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation.”
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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