ERC series of culture fests begins April 3
THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) will host a culture fest in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) on April 3, from 13:00h, at Anna Regina Multilateral School on the Essequibo Coast. The announcement was made at a recent planning meeting in Anna Regina, by ERC  Chairman, Bishop Juan Edghill.

He told participants, mainly from religious organisations, that the ERC decided to stage a series also in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) during this year.

Edghill said the aim is to get people to play together .

“We must learn to win and win gracefully,” he stated, adding that the idea will be taken to sports clubs, mandirs, mosques and churches.

According to him, a task force is currently working on the sporting aspects of the culture fests and the April 3 programme will include booths occupied by religious groups, mainly Hindus, Christians and Muslims but not excluding other religious denominations, all showing off their different cultures.

“We believe that, if we learn and know more about each other’s cultures, we can be more tolerant,” Edghill said, noting that a cultural fest is an environment that promotes harmony among people and creates an atmosphere where other people’s views will be respected.

The occasion will also involve a joint cultural platform where all the various groups will perform to showcase Guyanese talent and, at the same time, to get audiences to appreciate the various cultures displayed in the stage performances. (Rajendra Prabhulall)