THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) began a strategic assessment process on Tuesday at Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.
It is being undertaken with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Enhanced Public Trust, Security and Inclusion Project. The Chairman,  Bishop Juan Edghill said the ERC is seeking to assess its performance and impact with the strategic objective of developing new plans to cover the period 2010 to 2015; seeing it strengthen its capacity and address priority issues facing the nation, as it pertains to ethnic relations.
Present at the Tuesday forum were representatives of the private and public sectors, who gave mixed reviews about the ERC’s effectiveness in promoting racial harmony and good relations amongst Guyanese.
ERC Commissioner, Mr. John Willems, responding to some comments, said the aim of the exercise is to get feedback and to try to solve the problems that exist.
For the purpose, the ERC has contracted Mr. Lawerence Latchmansingh as a consultant. He has a Masters in Business Administration, with expertise in the promotion of governance and peace and specialises in the areas of elections, civil society and conflict resolution.
The public discourse Tuesday was the first step in the assessment process and the ERC will discuss their findings and, eventually, produce a final report for stakeholders.
The consultations will continue today.