– Justice Kennard
RETIRED Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard, speaking at the sixth lecture in a series being hosted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), said citizens have a legal and moral responsibility to help prevent and combat crime. The lecture at the Anna Regina Town Council boardroom on Thursday was held under the auspices of the ERC Secretariat and addressed the topic, “All stakeholders working together to combat crime ensures ethnic security and harmony.”
Speaking at the opening, Peter Persaud, Commissioner of the Women and Gender Equality Commission said the lecture series is part of the ERC’s strategic work programme for 2011. “The ERC is a constitutional and non-political body, established to promote ethnic harmony and security,” he said.
According to Persaud, since its establishment, the ERC has never taken a rest but has vigorously pursued its constitutional mandate so that Guyanese, regardless of their race, colour or creed, can live together in harmony and security.
The commissioner said it is the unshakeable belief of the ERC that an informed and educated society stands ready to tolerate and accommodate the diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities that constitute the Guyanese society.
Before addressing the topic of the lecture, Justice Kennard sought to clarify the conditions under which the ERC Secretariat was holding the lecture. He noted that a recent Order of the High Court relates to three Commissioners and does not prevent the ERC from functioning. “The holding of the lecture should not be seen as a breach of the court Order,” he said and added “there is a Secretariat established by the constitution and work of the commission must continue until the matter is resolved in court.”
Justice Kennard said people have a legal responsibility to help in combating crime and pointed to Article 32 of the Constitution which states, “It is the joint duty of the state, the society and every citizen to combat and prevent crime and other infractions of the law and to take care of and protect public property.”
He also drew attention to Section 18 of the Police Act which provides for members of the police force to enlist the assistance of any person in the execution of his/her duties. According to the retired judge, any person refusing to render such assistance can be charged and placed before the court.
Justice Kennard stressed that citizens should not feel it is the duty of the police only to fight crime and that the police cannot be everywhere, and as such, citizens have a civic duty also to assist.
Justice Kennard, who is the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, acknowledged that some members of the force are engaged in corrupt transactions and these are unworthy of being members of the force.
Acknowledging that people have lost confidence in the force, Justice Kennard said this came about because of the ‘bad’ elements within. He said most of the members are honest and hard working, but there are a few, especially the younger members, who join the force to ‘catch their hands’, citing traffic cops as an example.
Justice Kennard said there are ‘umpteen’ cases of police harassing civilians, but people are afraid to come forward because they fear victimization. He lauded those brave ones who have come forward.
According to Justice Kennard, unless persons come forward and provide information, the force will not be able to get rid of the bad cops. He noted that senior members of the force are doing their best but they cannot be everywhere.
He also addressed the upcoming elections and the need for a secure and peaceful environment, and called on persons to make a special effort to ensure peace and stability prevail during the period.
The effect of unemployment and migration were also addressed by Mr. Kennard, who noted that jobs have to be created for young people. He opined that persons who cannot find jobs may resort to crime.
During the interactive session, 17 participants took the opportunity to share their observations, make comments, and ask questions.  
Many acknowledged the need for a peaceful environment for the holding of the elections. They lauded the work of the ERC at the last polls and called for a repeat of such efforts.
However, there were concerns that some politicians use the elections to stir up trouble. One participant noted that most elections disturbances are confined to the Georgetown/Region Four area, and seldom spill over to other regions, and suggested that the ERC hold a special session for politicians.
Another participant noted that some media officials incite racial offences and also suggested that the Commission hold a session with the army.
One participant used the opportunity to seek information on how to report a case of racism to the ERC, and what strategies the ERC will use to ensure this does not recur.
The call for all Guyanese to work together for the development of the country came from several participants. They suggested that Guyanese be more conscious and work towards the goal of the nation’s Motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
Responding to comments from the floor, Justice Kennard agreed that elections problems are mostly within Georgetown. “If the politicians should be more mature and tell the people how to behave, we are not going to have street protests,” he opined.
There were over 260 persons at the lecture. Information from the ERC is that persons came from 63 organisations and 42 communities, including the Amerindian Villages of Wakapau, Lake Mainstay, Mashabo, Moruca and the Pomeroon River.(GINA)