CONSTITUTIONAL reform brought with it some explicit fundamental insertions and should they be enforced, can secure advancement in human development.

One such is the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which in itself represents acknowledgement that such is deserving of dedicated attention if we are to fulfil our aspiration as One People, One Nation, One Destiny, which clearly shows respect for the equality of man. Last month, the National Assembly approved the appointment of the new ERC 10-member commission, after six years of non-operation.

The ERC is an agency of the state. Its mandate is far-reaching and most of its work to help the improvement of our system of governance will be reliant on feedback from the people, buttressed by research and guided by universally acceptable principles, the constitution and Laws of Guyana. Ours is a diverse society. Diversity brings with it inherent conflicts, views and interests and managing these consistent with common understanding and mutual needs is an on-going process.

It means that conversations have to be frank, honest, credible and open in order to realise and maintain the infrastructures of peaceful co-existence. Out of necessity, it will require emotional growth on the part of the condemned and critiqued. It expects of us respect for the fundamental right of persons to fearlessly articulate their realities or positions on any issue, whether such conform to, deviate from, or reject the status quo.

When persons cannot express how they feel, others won’t know their feelings. When we don’t have conversations, we won’t be able to achieve common understanding, which is crucial in addressing mutual needs.

The ERC has the scope to recommend that infrastructures be put in place for the development of all groups. Such an aspiration cannot be held hostage to forces of intolerance, deceit or fear. He who exercised the right to criticise must be equally prepared to accept same when the circumstances have changed, for we do our development a disservice by accepting the contrary.

We would recall that the ERC under Juan Edghill’s leadership ran into serious problems, due to disregard for universally acceptable principles and the respecting of rights. The first case that came before this commission was Dr Kean Gibson’s book, “The cycle of racial oppression in Guyana.”

A complaint was made by what was then the Indian Arrival Committee, that the book was creating racial hatred in the society. Rather than seek to examine the merit or demerit of the charge, the commission attacked Dr. Gibson’s scholarship, calling for the book to be banned, and some forces moved to have her dismissed from employment, which constituted an attack on academic freedom and the right to work, intended to send a message of the likely consequences for those who do not conform.

To proclaim the desire to work for improved relations or argue the absence of good relations and society’s underdevelopment is due to ethnic division, will necessitate the preparedness to listen to others, recognise their concerns and sensitivities, and act in a manner thereafter that will improve rather than stymie or hinder such relations. Ours is a society where excuse has been found to alienate and discriminate against on the pretext that the fundamental right to self-determination is selective and not universal, which is contrary to Article 147 and 149 of the constitution.

For instance, groups will continue to vote according to ethnic interest. A progressive ERC would recognise the importance of protecting this fundamental right, equally as safeguarding the right not to be discriminated against for exercising such association. Advocacy and support to recognise this will come not only from research and arguing the respect for our laws, but also submitting to the government (executive and legislature), the necessity to realise legislation to give meaning to Articles 75, 76 and 77 in the constitution.

Democracy is not only about elections. It’s a continuous process that recognises the desires, roles and responsibilities of the people, including government by, of and for the people. This can only be achieved in an environment where the right to expression is held sacred. At the same time, it is not lost on me that this right carries corresponding responsibility, but such does not include denial of dissenting or alternative views.

There is also need to be mindful that a disservice is not done to ethnic relations,if the view is held and want to be imposed that racial identity should be ignored and what must matter only is being Guyanese. One’s geographic birth is not necessarily the same as inherent physical characteristics.

It is not counter-productive celebrating both or addressing matters that affect the latter as a requirement of human development. The United Nations has so recognised the premium of this and continues to honour same through calendar dedication and calls to action. We stand to benefit from such.

I wish the commissioners well. Their job is cut out for them. There’s no doubt where there exists respect for rights, laws and universally acceptable principles, the society will be behind this body.