THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), on Friday night, launched its harmony campaign, by unveiling six posters, two billboards, launched its new website, brochures, harmony challenge and the harmony song.

The event took place in the Savannah Suite, Pegasus, where invitees were updated on the completion of the production of a number of related materials, including a national unity song, public service announcements (PSAs), posters and billboards.

The production of these pertinent educational materials is in keeping with the ERC’s constitutional mandate to promote harmony and good relations across Guyana.

The ERC firmly believes that in collaboration with all stakeholders, the dissemination of the captured messages is vital and relevant to its work.

Speaking on behalf of the government was Dr. George Norton, who conveyed messages from President David Granger who endorsed the process of promoting peace and harmony for a united Guyana. He told the large gathering that he was pleased with the developmental steps taken by the ERC to promote its educational harmony campaign, since the vision of social cohesion can be realised if Guyanese unite as a people.

Dr. Norton added, that with unity, there can be a socially cohesive Guyana; but, for this to materialise, music must be incorporated. He was therefore pleased that a unity song was also launched.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the opposition was Juan Edghill, who apologised for the absence of Leader of the Opposition, Dr Bharat Jagdeo who was unable to attend due to some pressing matters at hand.

He said that the ERC’s educational harmony campaign was a step in the right direction and it was the intervention needed to correct some issues. He added that voluntary compliance for behaviour change must be embraced.

Edghill further stated that; for a united Guyana to become a reality, the ERC’s efforts to promote harmony across Guyana must be supported by all. He added that he would like the ERC to enhance its diligence in monitoring reports via social media and investigate all complaints, so that issues affecting Guyanese can be addressed and the nation can move forward.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the ERC, Reverend Dr. John Smith, said that the organisation was geared towards fulfilling its constitutional mandate of the promotion of harmony in Guyana and steps were being taken to ensure that.

However, in giving an overview of the of the materials that were launched, Commissioner Neaz Subhan said that 11 months ago the ERC was re-constituted and it initiated several projects through its Projects Sub-Committee.

He related that all projects completed would be thoroughly promoted via social media and the organisation’s 10 commissioners. He urged every Guyanese to become involved in spreading the messages of peace and harmony.

Subhan added that the ERC’s app “My ERC” can be downloaded and complaints of discrimination can be filed via their website www.erc.org.gy.

He stated that the ERC challenge will be taken across the country and the two large billboards would be appropriately placed.

Commissioner Barrington Braithwaite, an artist, assisted in the design of the Harmony Passport, among others and was instrumental in other projects.