The municipal governance of Mahdia, the capital of Guyana’s Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), has been plunged into a leadership crisis following the resignation of its Deputy Mayor, Akita John. Her decision comes merely days after Mayor Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain tendered her own resignation, creating a significant vacuum in the city’s administration.
In an official resignation letter addressed to Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, Ms. John cited overwhelming personal reasons for her departure, effective February 7, 2026. She articulated that the immense demands of the office had severely encroached upon her personal life, making it unsustainable to continue. “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,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to prioritize her well-being and personal responsibilities.
This move mirrors that of her predecessor, Mayor Romascindo-Hussain, who stepped down on February 1, 2026. The former Mayor also attributed her resignation to the detrimental impact the role had on her health, describing her three-year tenure as “very challenging” and detrimental to her physical and mental stability in a letter to Ministers Manickchand and Junior Minister Pauline Sukhai.
The consecutive resignations had fueled widespread speculation of potential political interference, particularly targeting Junior Minister Sukhai. However, in a decisive public statement, former Mayor Romascindo-Hussain vehemently denied any such influence. She dispelled the rumors as “false information” and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). She explicitly commended Minister Sukhai’s support, stating, “I have always been supported by the Hon. Minister… and have never had any interference when it came to the work of the council.”
Both former officials expressed their continued support for the development and progress of Mahdia amidst this period of governmental transition.