PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS Minister, Gail Teixeira, has decried that too often ethnic insecurities, real or perceived, and race are used opportunistically in the political arena to deliberately manipulate issues in a manner that promotes and fans sentiments of fear, tension and racial feelings.

Minister Teixeira made the observation during an address to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) on behalf of the Guyana Government on Thursday.

The Special Meeting of the UN ECOSOC was held under the theme ‘Reimagining Equality: Eliminating racism, xenophobia and discrimination for all in the decade of action for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)’.

“Despite some advances made over decades of struggles, racism, racial discrimination, ethnic insecurities continue to be sources of conflict and inequalities among people of all regions around the world. These inequalities are evident in the levels of disproportional poverty rates among different ethnic groups, unequal access to power, justice, education, health, social services, jobs and promotions.

“In Guyana, we speak proudly of being a nation of many peoples and celebrate our diversity. In fact, our people seamlessly participate in each other’s religious and cultural festivals and traditions. In many ways we have the potential to be a wonderful example in the world,” the minister told the UN forum.

She added: “… unfortunately, too often ethnic insecurities, real or perceived, and race are used opportunistically and expediently in the political arena… social media whilst a powerful tool to inform the people has been added to the arsenal of those who want to exploit ethnic insecurities and racial discrimination.”

Teixeira stressed that it is only with collective will and commitment that the scourge of racism can be eradicated, while emphasising that “the Government of Guyana will continue to do its part.”

Teixeira assured the meeting that “…efforts will continue to be made nationally to prohibit all forms of racism, racial discrimination and to address ethnic insecurities by fighting poverty and marginalisation and ensuring that there is inclusive development with equal access and sharing in Guyana’s wealth.”

ONE GUYANA COMMISSION

The UN ECOSOC Special Meeting was informed of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana Commission”, which was announced during his address to Parliament on February 12, 2021.

“The work of the commission would be countrywide, and it would listen to the free expressions of all voices, concerning ways in which every Guyanese can honour their ancestral heritage while giving the highest regard to our uniquely blended Guyanese civilisation,” the President had said.

Teixeira pointed out that in addition to strengthening Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, one of four constitutional rights bodies, the establishment of the One Guyana Commission will commence an innovative measure towards building trust and confidence and removing the divisions caused by race and politics.

She pointed out that a day later the President initiated a “Corridor of Unity” between villages comprised of different ethnic groups along one part of the country, which has historically suffered over the decades with ethnic tensions, insecurities and violence.

She concluded that the UN ECOSOC Special Meeting was a timely reminder that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the overarching objectives of eradicating poverty, protecting the planet and building a peaceful world cannot be achieved without confronting all forms of inequality.

“This year, 2021, is a very significant year as we begin the decade of action for accelerating efforts towards achieving the sustainable goals in the midst of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on every nation of the world,” the minister stressed.

The ECOSOC Special Meeting was intended to address the links between structural racism, inequalities and the SDGs. The Council focussed on policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts. It is also expected to contribute to the thematic reviews, by the UN’s High-level Political Forum, of SDG10 on reducing inequalities and SDG16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.