The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continues to engage Guyanese in its ongoing Neighbourhood Conferences held countrywide with the general objective of enhancing dialogue and building social cohesion in Guyana.

The Commission on September 16, 2009, commenced the second phase of the Neighbourhood Conference Project. The first conference was held at the Kawall Primary School, Canal No. Two Polder for residents within Canals Polder/West Bank Demerara NDC, and attracted 30 persons.

Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill addresses the meeting at the Plaisance Primary School.

Approximately 33 persons within Industry/Plaisance attended the second conference at the Plaisance Primary School on September 18, while 55 persons within La Grange/Nismes attended the conference at Nismes Primary school on September 18.

The theme of the conferences is ‘Enhancing local capacity for participation in governance and the development of initiatives to resolve conflicts and contribute to community security’; 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.

Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill addresses the meeting at the Plaisance Primary School.

Addressing participants during the opening of the Conference, Chief Executive Officer of the ERC, Ms. Christine King, explained why the ERC was established, noting that it is a Constitutional Commission with the mandate of promoting harmony and good relations in Guyana.

The CEO spoke of the genesis of the ERC which lies in the Herdmanston Accord signed on January 17, 1998, by Mrs. Janet Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte of the People’s National Congress.

The accord, brokered by the CARICOM Mission that included Sir Shridath Ramphal, Sir Alistair Mc Intyre and Sir Henry Forde, sought to provide a peaceful solution to the political impasse that had gripped the country following the December 1997 Regional and General Elections. The ERC was mandated to execute twenty-four functions which can be grouped as Investigative, Conflict Resolution, Education and Public Awareness and Research.

According to the Private Sector Representative on the ERC, Mr. John P. Willems, the ERC should not be seen as a political entity but rather as a Constitutional Commission that reports directly to the National Assembly.

Commissioner Willems told the gathering that the ERC commenced the Neighbourhood Conference project in July this year and has so far visited numerous communities informing residents of the work of the Commission and advising them on what can be done at their level to foster community development.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Commission Bishop Juan Edghill pointed out the main focus of the Neighbourhood Conferences is to encourage active participation by community members in the establishment of effective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and to equip participants with Dispute Resolution and Conflict Negotiation skills.

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

The recommendations/suggestions and views expressed at the conferences are documented and will be sent to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and other local Government bodies within the respective areas to apprise them of the needs of the 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.