The poison online

Jul 11, 2026 Editorial, News

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Editorial…

(Kaieteur News) – The internet has become Guyana’s largest public square. Every day thousands of Guyanese debate politics, race, religion and national issues across Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media platforms. It has given ordinary citizens a powerful voice. But with that power, has come a dangerous abuse that is steadily poisoning public discourse.

The latest report from the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) should concern every Guyanese.

During June alone, the Commission issued 34 cautionary warnings for ethnic and religiously offensive social media posts. That is an increase from 27 warnings in May, suggesting that instead of becoming more responsible online, sections of society are becoming even more reckless.

The numbers tell a disturbing story.

Ten warnings related to racial slurs. Nine involved racially derogatory remarks. Six concerned racially prejudiced or insensitive comments. Three involved outright racially hateful remarks. There were two racially divisive statements, one racial stereotype and three warnings for religiously intolerant remarks.

These are not harmless jokes or heated exchanges that disappear with the next news cycle. Every racist insult, every hateful stereotype and every religious attack chips away at the fragile fabric of national unity. They reinforce suspicion, deepen prejudice and encourage others to respond in kind.

The greatest danger is that repeated exposure to hate speech eventually normalises it. Language that would once have shocked people becomes routine. What begins as insults on a screen can eventually spill into communities, workplaces and even political life.

Guyana’s history should have taught us that ethnic division carries enormous costs. The country has endured decades of political mistrust, racial polarization and social tension. At a time when unprecedented oil wealth presents opportunities to transform the nation, Guyanese should be building bridges instead of digging trenches.

The ERC deserves credit for not simply policing offensive content but attempting to address the deeper issues. Its National Symposium, “Guyana at 60: Unity, Diversity and the Path Forward,” brought together government representatives, the parliamentary opposition, diplomats, civil society, faith-based organisations, private sector representatives and young people to discuss ethnic relations as Guyana celebrates 60 years as an independent nation.

Importantly, the Commission has invited the wider public to participate through an online questionnaire, with responses expected to help shape a national report for the National Assembly. It has also continued Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training across workplaces including EdYou FM, Banks DIH, the National Commission on Disability and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

These initiatives recognise an important truth: prejudice is not defeated by investigations alone. Education, dialogue and sustained engagement remain essential if attitudes are to change. The report also reveals that the ERC is carrying a substantial investigative workload.

There are 83 active matters covering the period 2022 to 2026. While nearly 40 per cent have reached some level of closure, dozens remain under investigation, pending review or awaiting legal advice.

That backlog reflects the complexity of ethnic complaints but also highlights the need for continued institutional support so that cases are resolved promptly. Justice delayed can easily become justice denied, particularly where racial tensions are involved.

Still, the responsibility cannot rest solely with the ERC. Political leaders must set a better example by refusing to exploit race or religion for partisan advantage. Civil society organisations must continue promoting tolerance. Religious leaders must speak firmly against bigotry regardless of whom it targets. Schools should expand digital citizenship education so young people understand that online behaviour carries real-world consequences.

Social media users themselves must also exercise greater discipline.

Before posting, forwarding or commenting, every Guyanese should pause to ask a simple question: Does this contribute to understanding, or does it inflame division?

Too many people hide behind anonymous profiles or keyboards to say things they would never dare utter face-to-face. The internet does not erase responsibility. A racist comment typed in seconds can inflict lasting damage on individuals, families and entire communities.

Freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democracy. Citizens have every right to criticise governments, oppose policies and engage in robust political debate. But freedom of expression was never intended to become a licence for racial abuse, religious intolerance or deliberate incitement.

Guyana is entering one of the most important periods in its history. The country’s future will depend not only on how wisely it manages its oil wealth but also on whether its people can live together with mutual respect despite political, ethnic and religious differences.

The ERC’s latest report should therefore serve as more than a statistical update. It should be a national wake-up call.

The online space does not have to become a battlefield of hatred. It can instead become a forum where disagreements are expressed with civility, facts overcome prejudice and dialogue replaces abuse.

That transformation begins with each of us. Every post matters. Every comment matters. Every share matters.

If Guyanese truly aspire to build “One Guyana,” then the journey must begin not only in Parliament or conference halls but also on our phones, tablets and computer screens. The internet should unite a nation, not become the place where its divisions are deepened.

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• Editorial, Ethnic Relations Commission, poison, racism

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