THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has its genesis in the Herdmanston Accord which was signed on January 17, 1998 by the then President Mrs Janet Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Mr Hugh Desmond Hoyte, then Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress.

The ERC has a constitutional and national responsibility to promote cooperation, arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution between all bodies concerned in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace. The ERC’s integral role encompasses intervention to mitigate social tension derived from political impasse, which if unresolved, will impact negatively on ethnic harmony and peace.

Since the tabling of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018, the commission has not been unaware of the ensuing political impasse and how Guyanese have seemingly become more divided along political lines. Despite rulings at various levels of our judicial system, the impasse seems no closer to being resolved and, as is evident from some public utterances and through social media, tensions have unfortunately been exacerbated from all sides. The commission remains encouraged by the response and the peaceful conduct of recently held elections and wishes to once again commend all involved. However, it would be remiss if the commission did not state how concerned it is over the ongoing political impasse.

The commission respects the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as safeguarded in the constitution. The ERC therefore urges patience as GECOM executes its mandate to arrive at a date for elections. In the interim, the social fabric of the society will undoubtedly be severely tested, more so along political lines. The ERC, not unaware of this challenge, urges the relevant authorities to work assiduously to have elections within the shortest possible time in keeping with the Constitution and the rule of law.

Guided by the history of the political climate that engulfs our electoral process and period, the commission reiterates the need for a collective effort of all to place Guyana first and to ensure that hate speech, racial and other forms of incitement have no place in our public discourse. Despite our right to disagree, disagreement is not a reason for hostility and division. The ERC therefore appeals to our people to remain calm and resolute and calls on our fellow Guyanese to embrace peaceful, harmonious and good relations in this testing period.
Regards
Ethnic Relations Commission