The ERC itself needs more training on how to be impartial

Nov 13, 2024 Letters

---

Dear Editor

Whenever, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) comes out of hibernation for ‘high profile’ cases I am reminded of my own interaction with this entity.

For the ERC to be seen as a credible and impartial body by ordinary Guyanese it must treat all cases with the same level of commitment and importance. After all, for the sake of optics the ERC should be a ‘One Guyana’ entity.

In July 2020, I approached the ERC about a workplace matter. In fact, after trying all other avenues to get my simple problem resolved without success the ERC became my last resort. For many years, I experienced discomfort (to put it lightly) at my workplace and although I sought a transfer on more than one occasion from the relevant education officials my transfer was denied and my predicament worsened. My concerns were not addressed, I was being gaslighted, discriminated against, emotionally abused and pushed to the brink of tendering a ‘voluntary’ resignation.

The education officers who were responsible for/assigned to the school where I was stationed never addressed my complaints although I approached them on numerous occasions. Hence, the situation deteriorated to the point where I faced several hurdles when I attempted to become a trained teacher although I had been teaching for a number of years and the Ministry of Education’s public position on training is that it fully supports teachers who want to become trained.

Despite the challenges, I was able to complete my programme, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Guyana (UG) which is equivalent to the training teachers receive at CPCE and entitles one to a subsequent upgrade in status to that of Trained Teacher if one is equipped with a Bachelor’s degree only. However, the application process required a letter from the headmistress (HM) of the school, Ms. Cindy Crandon stating that I did not attend classes at UG when I was supposed to be on duty. Classes for the programme were held on Saturdays only and I was not required to work on weekends. Also, all personnel I spoke with at the MoE said that they were aware of this fact yet the HM refused to give me the necessary document and the officials insisted that it was a requirement although I informed them of the HM’s refusal. I even complained in writing to an education officer at the DoE Region 4, the then CEO at the MoE and the GTU but received no communication from anyone.

From November 2019 to July 2020, I was given the runaround. A simple phone call to the HM instructing her (their subordinate) to give me what I requested which was one of her administrative duties would have solved my problem but alas, that apparently that would have taken too much effort. After, becoming frustrated by not having my plight addressed by the relevant officials I informed the personnel manager that I was going to complain to the ERC. My intention was still not potent enough to elicit positive actions from him.

In July 2020, I formally complained to the ERC about the headteacher’s discriminatory behaviour towards me which was hindering my professional advancement. Copies of my letter were sent by registered mail or hand delivered to the then CEO Dr. Hutson, GTU Rep., then REdO Ms. Harvey, the HM and HR Manager. Nobody contacted me about my complaint.

At the ERC, the investigator, Mr. Smith handled my matter and I can’t say that I was satisfied. In fact, I feel that the ERC officers need more training on how to be impartial. I went there and gave my prepared statement along with additional documents and was interrogated by the investigator. I don’t know whether the HM was asked to give her statement. However, it wasn’t until September 2020, two months after my complaint that the HM sent the required document to the ERC. When Mr. Smith handed it to me my reaction was impassive and I reminded him that it was the HM’s duty and not a favour.

A few days later, Mr Smith called me and requested that I visit the ERC urgently. On arrival, he told me that the HM sent my file which was kept in her office instead of responding to my complaint. I was told not to touch or read the documents within the file and was never given copies. Mr. Smith then proceeded to read them and asked me to respond to the ‘charges’. For instance, I was asked why I didn’t stay after the school had dismissed for a meeting in 2013 and why I ‘protested’ sometime in 2016 when my table was used as a bag bay and someone took my chair! Luckily, I was saved from this charade by a fumigation team that told everyone to leave the building.  Soon after, Mr. Smith called me and demanded that I return to respond to the rest of the ‘charges’ or some sort of action would be taken against me if I didn’t comply.

I realised the absurdity of the situation and how I was being manipulated by this man. I informed him that I would write to the commissioners of the ERC which I did. Copies of my letter were either hand delivered or sent by registered mail to the HM, GTU Rep., ACEO and REdO. Among other things, I questioned whether my file, which I was never given access to, was the property of the HM and if she had the authority to send it to the ERC. Also, I requested to view it and have my responses recorded as well.  I received no communication from anyone apart from Mr. Smith in October 2020. It was a brief letter stating that my new complaint would be investigated and nothing further was received. For the ERC to be seen as a fair and credible entity it needs to treat all cases equally and employ the same level of efficiency. I await an update from the ERC in the near future on my complaint.

Yours faithfully,

Narissa Deokarran

(The ERC itself needs more training on how to be impartial)

---

• Diploma in Education, Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), University of Guyana, workplace matter

---