The ERC wakes up when it wants to

Dear Editor,

A release from the Ethnic Relations Committee stated, “The ERC is again urging citizens to promote tolerance and understanding, especially towards those of different ethnicities, for a better country.” The Ethnic Relations Committee has commenced legal proceedings in the court against eight perpetrators accused of exciting hostility or ill will on the ground of race, under the Racial Hostility Act and for causing racial or ethnic violence under the Representation of the People Act. This is commendable of an organisation whose objective should be to prosecute defaulters who are callous and careless in the abuse of communication with the malicious intent of hurting any group of people, physically, verbally, sociologically or psychologically. The ERC’s claim of wanting to work vigorously to stop the spread of racial incitement among Guyanese, especially on social media, is again applaudable. This should be in keeping with the aims of the statutory body whose job is to promote peace and avoid violence for ethnic stability in society. Guyanese cannot help but to be wary of the ERC functionality whose activities seem to fit a reason for a season. The ERC wakes up when it wants to; the ERC is a divided entity.

The ERC is not a true representative of equality, justice or fraternity. It is incapable of calling a spade a spade. Its paper trail has established a journey of favouritism. The ERC’s silence on the last Election fiasco raises eyebrows and opens the door for questions, queries and a “pussyfooting” quagmire. Cooperation, coordination, consolation and consolidation are not the pillars of a solid foundation for the ERC. Issuing statements which do not concur with a unified voice is dangerous, irresponsible and reprehensible. Its ultimate meaningfulness has dissipated and its significance has subsided. Refusing to investigate, traverse and peruse the audacious, reckless, irresponsible and damaging behaviour and speeches by Opposition politicians last year during the turmoil in Berbice, confirms curry favoured biasness and challenges the reasonableness and fairness of this body.
Like the statutory bodies comprising GECOM and GRHC, the government needs to revisit the usefulness, sincerity, devotion and commitment of the components of the ERC. It is time for action in action.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.