THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has accepted the apology of University of Guyana Student, Brian Kayume, for his use of racist slurs against the afro-Guyanese community back in November.

Kayume’s remarks, which went viral, had led to him being summoned by the ERC, – the body responsible for ethnic harmony in Guyana. In a public apology disseminated to the media, Kayume said that he regretted his actions and only hopes that the public would one day forgive him.

“On November 5, I made a video and uploaded it to Instagram in which there was some money on the floor and I had placed a leaf on it. I had said that a black person would come pick it up because [Indian] people wouldn’t do that. It wasn’t my intent to make it very offensive although it came off as offensive. To the people that were offended by my derogatory terms, I did not mean it and I didn’t mean to offend you, your families or the President of this country who also happens to be afro-Guyanese as well. To all of you, I respect you a lot and I offer you this apology. In time I hope that you forgive me but this is from the heart. You must not forgive me now, but in your own time. I will do everything in my life to show you that I am not the person of that video,” he stated.

In response, ERC Chair, Reverend Dr. John Smith, reminded that racism and racial intolerance have been strictly prohibited by the country’s laws and must not be allowed to fester in society.

He pointed out that Article 212 (d) of the Constitution arms the commission with the authority to function as a body which regulates equality of opportunity amongst the different races and promotes harmony and good relations among people.

Smith said that while the Constitution does not make it an offence for anyone to foster racial violence or hatred by their words or comments, the Representation of the People’s Act Chapter 103 and the Racial Hostility Act 23:01 have listed these offences as criminal.

“Racial prejudice is not merely a wrong doing against morality but it is conduct contrary to the laws which were instituted to abolish and eradicate the…disruptive and divisive weapon of racism. The Ethic Relations Commission condemns any form of racial insularity. It’s mandate under the Constitution encourages mediation undertaken to amicably resolve issues in the most tranquil manner, whenever necessary,” he said.

He stated that punishment is not only about restitution but rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Smith said that guided by these principles, the commission has accepted the apology of Kayume for his use of racist slurs. The ERC Chair said: “Mr. Kayume understands the social, cultural and political magnitude of his behaviour and the negative ramification it has had on national building and unity. He is therefore using this platform to express his deep regret and to discourage persons for thinking, saying or doing anything which has the ability to foster hate amongst our people on the foundation of race.”