– reiterates that it is a ‘non-political body established to promote ethnic harmony and security in Guyana’
RESIDENTS of Kwakwani, Region Ten turned out in their numbers on Thursday last to participate in the first Neighbourhood Conference hosted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The conference attracted over 80 participants ranging from youths to senior citizens and also included members of the Regional Administration of Region Ten. According to a statement from the ERC, the participants were engaged in discussions for hours where several issues were brought to the fore.

The evening’s programme was chaired by ERC Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill who explained the main objectives of the conference and highlighted the fact that the ERC was not moving around the country scoring political points for one political party or another.

“The ERC is a non-political body established to promote ethnic harmony and security in Guyana”, the audience was told by the Commissioners.

Since its establishment the ERC has been working assiduously to promote harmony and good relations among Guyanese through consultations with political parties, civil society, youth, women’s organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders.

During the opening of the programme, Bishop Edghill informed the gathering of the work of the ERC and some of its achievements since its establishment in 2003. The Chairman pointed out that the ERC should not be perceived by anyone as a political body since it does not report to the Government but to the National Assembly.

The theme of the conferences is ‘Enhancing Community Dialogue and Social Cohesion’ while the specific objectives are to encourage active participation by community members in the establishment of effective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, to enable community members to develop the capacity and skills to work together for the good of the community and to equip communities with dispute resolution skills.

These conferences are also meant to create a safe space where participants can come together and agree on strategies for overcoming ethnic and other differences and to focus on how best they could contribute to the development of their respective communities and the country as a whole.

The Chairman’s remarks followed the presentation of two short films; Elbow Room, a film which showed ways to deal with issues at the work place without resorting to dispute and conflicts and ‘Guyana’, a skit which carries the message of peace, love, cooperation and unity for the development of Guyana.

After the presentations, the Chairman initiated a discussion with the gathering on their understanding of the films and the messages behind the stories. The programme also facilitated an Open Discussion, where residents informed the Commission of their community problems, their suggestions on solving these problems and what are some of the qualities they would like to see in their community leaders among others.

Chairman Edghill pointed out that the recommendations/suggestions and views expressed at the conference will be compiled into a report and sent to Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and other local Government bodies within the respective areas for them to know the needs of these communities and those that the residents have prioritised. This will also equip the ERC with answers to deal with the issues that fall within its mandate.

The participants were also part of a Role Play, through which they gained Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills. During this exercise residents were placed in two groups guided by facilitators where a case study was presented. At the end, they were asked to report on what they learnt.

During the reporting session, the participants indicated that the knowledge and understanding gained through the exercise is priceless and they will put it into practice in their communities should a conflict arise.

This knowledge and understanding gained by residents through this exercise on how to resolve conflicts among themselves was complemented with a Fact Sheet distributed by ERC during the Conference on ways to deal with conflict should it arise in the family, community or anywhere else. They have promised to share this information with family, friends, neighbours and all those who are interested.

The meeting concluded with residents signing a personal pledge giving their commitment to ensuring peaceful communities, where the people live in love and unity and where everyone cooperates in developing their communities. The ERC also established a Complaint’s Desk at the conference. This will be apart of all the conferences to be held countrywide.

The Ethnic Relations Commission is a Constitutional, non-political body established by Constitution Amendment (No. 2) Act 11 of 2000, which amends article 212 D of the Constitution to provide for the establishment of an Ethnic Relations Commission.