ALLOW me a little space in your newspaper to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for visiting Essequibo and putting on such an informative lecture. I would also want to say ‘Thank You’ to the Lecturer, Justice Cecil Kennard. It is not often that we Essequibians are exposed to such things and for the ERC and Justice Kennard to travel all the way up here to give that lecture was truly remarkable.
Justice Kennard was quite honest in his comments about ethnic security and what he said about all Guyanese having a responsibility to help prevent crime is so very true.
What I especially liked about his lecture is the way in which he addressed the concerns we have with the Guyana Police Force. He did not try to gloss over the corruption or other negatives of the police but addressed it head on and he was right when he said it is not all members of the Force who are bad.
But more importantly, Justice Kennard cleared the air for me and for all the others who were at the lecture on the legal status of the ERC.
He made it clear that nothing in the Court Order prevents the ERC’s Secretariat from continuing its work. This coming from a man who was once the Chancellor of the Judiciary is very important. I don’t think there is anyone who would want to argue with him on that matter. He has the knowledge and experience and I know we can trust him to put into correct perspective and understanding what the position is with the ERC.
If there was any question as to the ERC not being legal, then he would not have agreed to give the lecture. I don’t think Justice Kennard would support an illegal body. This is important for people to understand.
I urge my fellow Guyanese to attend these lectures or any of the ERC activities when they are in your area. There is a lot you can learn, then you will be better able to determine what is right and sensible as against forming an opinion based on what you hear in the media.
Once again thanks to Justice Kennard and the ERC for not forgetting Essequibo.