–says party hopscotching around opportunity for a meeting
–Commission investigating 80 complaints

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), since its reconstitution in 2023 – approximately one year ago – has been trying to solicit the support of leaders of the various political parties to assist in the execution of its mandate, but has consistently failed so far to come to an agreement with the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Since the new commissioners were sworn in last year March, the ERC has written to all political parties seeking to secure such meetings with the leaders, but so far, only the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have responded positively.

As for the PNC, though, it’s not that they have not responded to the ERC, but there has been a constant “back and forth” when it comes to setting a date for a meeting, Chief Executive Officer Gomin Comacho told Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.
The ERC engaged with members of the media at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, to provide an update on the work and initiatives of the Commission as it marks one year since its reconstitution. The life of this Commission runs from 2023 to 2026.

In addition to writing to political leaders, the ERC wrote to all Members of Parliament, urging them to build on the united front that was evident during the recent period of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and reminded them of the influence they have on their respective supporters, as leaders were encouraged to lead by example.

Furthermore, the Commission, over two months, convened 10 stakeholder engagements with representatives of the various constituency groupings, namely, African, Indian, Indigenous, Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Women, Youth, Private Sector, and Labour, respectively.

It also visited and engaged the regional officials and residents of communities in Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Nine and 10. “The Commission solicited the concerns of each demographic and gained feedback and insights into areas in which the ERC could work towards addressing them.

The contributions from the various engagements were considered in the drafting of the Strategic Plan, which is being finalized,” ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack said in delivering his official statement.

For the past year, the ERC has acidulously pursued its mission to address and investigate ethnic and racial discrimination complaints that fall within the purview of the Racial Hostility Act and the Prevention of Discrimination Act.

With 80 complaints received, the Commission’s Investigative Unit has been instrumental in navigating these complex issues, achieving varying degrees of resolution: 11 complaints were withdrawn, indicating some disputes could be settled informally; seven investigations concluded, and three cases closed; meanwhile, 23 cases remain actively investigated.

Additionally, five cases required police intervention, and another 10 were directed to external agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each complaint. Twenty-six cases are awaiting investigation, with two resolved through conciliation.

Regarding those that require police involvement, Head of the Investigative Unit at ERC Faroud Khan told this publication that the Commission has concluded its investigations in all five cases which have been in relation to racial discrimination meted out on the internet.

“The Investigative Unit’s unwavering commitment to resolving discrimination issues has been clear throughout the year. Through meticulous investigations, resolution facilitation, and strategic collaborations, the Commission is dedicated to promoting an equitable society where every individual’s rights are safeguarded, highlighting our ongoing commitment to justice and the dynamic nature of our work in fostering an inclusive community,” Hack expressed.

Meanwhile, Comacho told Guyana Chronicle she believes that dealing with the backlog of cases has been the single most difficult challenge of the ERC.

On the bright side, she noted the most impactful initiative of the ERC over the past year has to be related to public education.
For one thing, the Commission has undertaken an intense campaign to tackle racism in its early stages through school engagements by instilling in the younger generation the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation for diverse ethnicities, according to Hack.

“Through a myriad of school outreaches, the ERC has taken its message of harmony and good relations to dozens of primary and secondary schools. Over the past year, we have reached over 8,000 students from coastal schools in the first phase, and this year the model will be extended to all other regions of Guyana,” he shared.

“These school visits have provided a crucial opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders and change-makers, equipping them with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to create a more harmonious and cohesive society. By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding from a young age, we ensure that diversity is celebrated and embraced,” Hack added.

Apart from the Chairman, Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle was present at yesterday’s meeting. The Commissioners who make up the ERC are: Neaz Subhan, Chandrowtie Sarran, Ashton Simon, Dwayne Adams, Krishna Sharma, Norris Witter, Rodwell Porter, Deon Dick. Dwijendra Rooplall serves as the Public Education Awareness Officer; Shemuel Fanfair as the Head of the Media Monitoring Unit; Nirmala Persaud as the Finance Officer; and Oma Devi Sukhu as the Administrative Officer.