Deputy mayor of Mahdia resigns, former mayor denies ministerial interference

Last Updated on Sunday, 1 February 2026, 19:19 by Writer

The deputy mayor of Mahdia, Akita John, has resigned, following on the heels of the resignation of mayor Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain last Thursday, but denied that her move was as a result of political interference.

According to Ms John’s resignation, which takes effect from February 7, 2026, she was leaving office because of the adverse impact of the job on her personal life. “After careful reflection, I have determined that the demands of the position have become increasingly challenging and are taking away significantly from my personal life. In order to maintain a healthy balance and attend fully to my personal responsibilities, I believe it is in the best interest of all concerned that I step aside at this time,” she said in the letter to local government minister Priya Manickchand.

Ms John said she remained “supportive” of the continued development and progress of Mahdia, the capital of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Similarly, then Mayor Romascindo-Hussain, who stepped down from February 1, 2026, saying the job was not suitable for her and she must prioritise her well-being. “During my three years of work at the council was very challenging and continued to be causing my physical and mental health to be unstable,” she said in her resignation letter dispatched to Ms Manickchand and junior local government minister Pauline Sukhai.

Amid speculation about whether Ms Romascindo-Hussain’s resignation was politically motivated, she issued a statement as mayor appealing to unknown persons to stop spreading false information.

She reiterated her commitment to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) and denied political interference by Ms Sukhai. “I would like to state that I have always been supported by the Hon. Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Hon. Pauline Sukhai and have never had any interference when it came to the work of the council and carrying out the duties of the Office of the Mayor,” she said.