ERC urges Guyanese to demonstrate added sense of tolerance and respect

Dec 24, 2018 News

In wake of the no-confidence motion passed in the National Assembly last Friday that saw the fall of government, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has called on all Guyanese to nurture and demonstrate an added sense of tolerance and respect for each other.
The ERC stated that the debate on the no-confidence motion is indicative that the democratic process of our nation is at work. “It also exemplifies that, despite sharp political differences, democracy was made foremost. This is extremely healthy for our nation and its people.”

President David Granger (fifth from left) the day he swore-in members of the Ethnic Relations Commission (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

The Commission acknowledged that the debate and safe passage of the motion is unprecedented in Guyana and precipitates specific constitutional requirements regarding the holding of General and Regional elections.
“Our nation’s history is unambiguous in reminding us of the inherent challenges that unfortunately surrounds our electoral process. Clearly, the results of the said motion present another delicate period for our country and which uncompromisingly must be managed with utmost maturity through responsible leadership by all,” the Commission said.
It continued, “The ERC is cognizant of the potential for sensitivities to be heightened during this period and urge that the pronouncements and actions of all are not injurious to the process of fostering harmony and good relations. The Commission therefore wishes to encourage every Guyanese in all strata of our society to demonstrate an added sense of tolerance and respect for each other and the processes, which will soon unfold.”
ERC was keen to note that such efforts of respect and tolerance are vital to the sustenance of Guyana’s democracy and presents an opportunity for Guyanese to collectively rise to the challenge of placing first the welfare of the nation and its people.
The ERC said that it is heartened over the sentiments expressed by political leaders thus far calling for peace and stability and for the carried motion not to be a reason for civil disruption. “This is the maturity and leadership that are necessary and which must be sustained and holistic in the national interest.”
The Commission said that it is also heartened by the transparent and peaceful conduct of the November 12 Local Government Election and which, barring a few hiccups, was commended by all. “It demonstrates that elections, which will always be a fixture in our democracy, must not be a mechanism to divide but one that becomes routine without fear of the process and eventualities as reflected in our history. As we endeavour through these sensitive moments, all are encouraged to resist being overcome by emotions and to disallow the infusion of hatred. Let us remain mindful that all are sons and daughters of this dear land dependent on each other for the creation of the mutually desired future. It therefore becomes imperative that each play their part responsibly.
The ERC, through its constitutional mandate, remains ready and committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that peace and togetherness prevail during this process.”
The ERC is intended, inter alia, to promote good relations, harmony, peace, tolerance and understanding between our peoples; provide equal opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups, and proscribe ethnic discrimination.
After an eight year hiatus, President David Granger swore-in members in of the ERC in February of this year.
Those appointed to the ERC are Dr. John O. Smith, the representative for the Christian Bodies; Sister Rajkumarie Singh for the Hindu Bodies; Roshan Khan for the Muslim Bodies; Norris Emanuel Witter for the Labour Movement Bodies; Major-General (Retd.) Norman Mclean for the Private Sector Organisations; Deodat Persaud for the Youth Organisations; Ruth Howard for the Women’s Organisations and for the Cultural/Ethnic Bodies; Barrington Braith-waite representing Afro-Guyanese; Neaz Subhan representing Indo-Guyanese and Ashton Simon representing Indigenous/Amerindian Bodies.

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