IN a significant outreach effort, Commissioners and staff of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) travelled to Paramakatoi, Region 8, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, to engage with residents and share the Commission’s mandate.

According to a press release, that marked the ERC’s first visit to Paramakatoi
since its reconstitution in March 2023.

It was a lively and interactive stakeholder engagement that allowed the Commission to connect directly with the community.

The release said that residents from surrounding areas, including Bamboo Creek, Bashville, and Taruka, gathered at the Paramakatoi All-Purpose Hall for the one-day event.

The session was led by ERC Chairman, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, alongside Commissioners Mr. Norris Witter, Mr. Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), Ms. Chandrowtie Sarran, the Chief Executive Officer/Secretary, Gomin Camacho and other ERC
staff members.

As outlined in Article 212 of the Constitution, one of the primary functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission is to conduct public education and awareness initiatives, ensuring that all communities are informed about the Commission’s roles and responsibilities.

The stakeholder engagement in Paramakatoi provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, with ERC representatives listening to the concerns of the residents while providing clarity on the Commission’s work.

During the session, Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack emphasised the importance of dispelling misconceptions about people of Amerindian descent and urged attendees to reject the use of derogatory or incorrect terms.

Although some issues raised fell outside the ERC’s mandate, the Commission assured the residents that those would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action, the release said.
The engagement also served as an opportunity to educate stakeholders about the current composition of the ERC and its broader mandate to foster national harmony and promote good relations among all ethnic groups in Guyana.

As part of the outreach, ERC representatives also engaged with learners at Paramakatoi primary and secondary schools, delivering valuable lessons on respect, peace, and tolerance.

“These sessions reinforced the Commission’s commitment to fostering positive values and understanding among the youth,” the release said, adding that thanks to the generous donation from His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the ERC was able to distribute toys to over 300 children, adding a festive touch to the visit.

Additionally, more than 200 youths received school supplies, courtesy of the
Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG).

Considering the remoteness of the location, the residents expressed deep appreciation for tokens of joy and cheer that the team brought to their
community.

The release said that, to date, the ERC has successfully engaged with stakeholders in all ten of Guyana’s administrative regions, with some regions visited multiple times to ensure broad and inclusive participation.

The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to promote tolerance, combat discrimination, and advance peaceful co-existence throughout Guyana, it added.