Dear Editor,

IS there partial or impartial ethnic disparity in the composition of the 10 learned members of Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, notably only two ladies versus eight gentlemen? Looks and names can be misleading and deceiving and are not a perfect representation to qualify or quantify the individual’s ethnic identity. A person’s political affiliation can also influence the ethnic opinion on any conflagrating controversy not demanding a unilateral or biased summation.

Traversing one step backwards to analyse the background and backbone of this institution, it is rather interesting to characterise the individuals employed to administer the functions of the day-to-day operations of this institution. Is there unprejudiced employment practices exercised in the hiring process and equitable distribution in ethnic components which are relatively essential and paramount to truly identify and represent the significance of this meaningful body?

Are the faces a manifest of Guyana’s six races? Does a need arise to increase or decrease the staff in order to have an even keel to replicate indiscrimination? Is this organisation highly overstaffed or grossly understaffed? Is the budgeted dollars compensative or a waste of taxpayers’ dollars? Can the production of this organisation be measured for justification purposes? Is the output satisfactory or deplorable, acceptable or repulsive? Are the attitudes of the members arrogant or tolerant? At this stage, Guyana is bombarded with curious enquiries and passionate questions with an alacrity for clarity and answers.

Two commissioners and the chairman have been embroiled in the dissemination of information and the urge to establish the truth, reveal the lies and dissociate themselves from the reckless propensities the ERC has postulated. The minutes of some of the meetings have exposed the recorded transactions and speak volumes. Facts cannot be changed, figures do not lie and numbers do add up. Confirmation has intimidated speculation. Guyanese are not surprised by this quandary and are only further embarrassed that “religious leaders” are caught up with defamation. There have been pronouncements from a Muslim cleric and a Christian cleric. Guyanese need to hear the voices of the Hindu Pandit, the Brahma Kumari representative and any other member of any other faith who is a commissioner.

There have been statements, confessions and declarations from Afro Guyanese and Indo Guyanese. Guyana needs to read about divulgence and utterances also from the other ethnicities on this Committee. There has been no published communication from the female compatriots of the ERC. Taxpayers have a right to learn about their acknowledgements and admissions. It takes courage to succumb to honesty and integrity. Do these remaining committee members have the gall to satisfy the public, or, will they simply have the temerity to fade away in the background, remain in deep and disturbing silence and continue to be paid handsomely for a job not well done? These members can provide the water to calm this blazing inferno. Can they face the fire and step up to the plate?

While Guyanese suffer in poverty and misery, would you not share $150,000 free money with those in dire and real need at a time of peace, joy and happiness? Isn’t there a reason for the season? How can you even consider the humungous figure of $200,000 as a bonus when you know to your conscience that you did not lift a finger to earn one dollar? Where is the sense of justification? The good books teach not to be greedy. Are you not God’s teacher? All Guyanese householders are receiving $25,000 as a COVID-19 relief package. What makes you think you are above the law? Who gave you the right to bless yourself with $150,000?

Even the past president, Mr. Granger lauded this initiative. He received $25,000 and not $150,000. There was no “curry favour.” Instead, he generously donated his amount to a worthy cause. Did the godly man as a leader exemplify such nobility and answer the call to serve instead of being served? Who in their righteous minds refused to stain their hands with such promiscuity and did not accept such a debauchery? The true colour of character is tainted with stain.

The house of worship warns, “Waste not, want not.” Why indulge in unnecessary extravaganza, only to burn good money to ashes? To utilise immediate funds in order to make more funds available or to quantify a means and qualify a cause? Window dressing is for a decorative purpose only. The ERC is a transparent window from being dirty inside and dark outside! The ERC has dishonoured its sense of virtue and has desecrated the sanctity of its ultimate purpose.

Most of the members have failed to live up to Guyana’s expectations and have allowed themselves to be made fools and be used. Only two so far can hold their heads above water and walk the streets with straight necks and not cower with heads touching their chests. The ERC needs time out, or, its time is up. Perhaps there is a need for mutual concession from all the members to resign and not wait for their contracted time to expire. If you cannot get the job done correctly the first time, then it’s time to move on.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall.