AS a Christian leader, I am appalled that the leader of the PNCR and Member of Parliament Mr. Robert Corbin can be so hostile to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).
The ERC since its establishment has dutifully met with us each and every year. At these meetings the ERC always provides full and honest reports on what the Commission has been doing.
As leaders, we are also given the opportunity when we meet with the ERC to make our inputs on what we think the Commission ought to be doing and very often we see our recommendations being implemented. Many of my colleagues have made objective criticisms.
The ERC is known to travel to all regions of Guyana even the more remote, to meet with Guyanese and elected representatives. Every year the Commission goes all across Guyana engaging people from all walks of life in discussions on how Guyanese of all races, religions and cultures can live together in peace and harmony. This work is beginning to bear fruit and as we approach an elections period, it is even more necessary that the ERC be allowed to continue its work.
As a Christian leader, I am satisfied with the work the ERC has been doing.
I have checked with leaders of other religious groups and they all expressed their support for the work of the ERC and have confirmed that they have and were given the opportunity each year to meet as a group with the ERC.
This is more than the followers of Mr. Corbin can say. How often does he go back to his supporters to report on what the PNCR has done and get their views on what the party should be doing? More likely than not, his supporters only see him when an election is around the corner and he needs their votes.
Mr. Corbin would do this nation a service if he should let the ERC be. It has served Guyana well in bringing racial and ethnic unity among the people and I know this is what is really irking Mr. Corbin. He wants to get out of the way the competent people with responsibility for dealing with racial and ethnic animosity and hatred, so that he can play out his racial brand of politics.
Guyana has no space for this brand of politics and I urge all religious leaders to condemn outright any move to stymie the progressive work of the ERC.