Ethnic hate speech surges online

Sep 04, 2026 News

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…ERC issues 48 warnings in August

(Kaieteur News) – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) issued 48 cautionary warnings for ethnic hate speech on social media during its latest monitoring period, marking a sharp increase from the 37 warnings recorded in the preceding period.

The warnings were issued between July 29 and August 24, 2026, as the Commission continued its monitoring of online content amid persistent concerns over racially abusive and divisive statements, ERC said in a press release on Thursday.

The 48 infractions included 18 standalone racial slurs, 12 racially prejudiced remarks, nine racially derogatory statements, four racially hateful remarks, two racially divisive statements, two xenophobic remarks and one instance of racial stereotyping. The latest figures bring the number of cautionary warnings issued by the ERC’s Media Monitoring Unit since January to 270, compared with 194 during the corresponding period last year.

Standalone racial and ethnic slurs remain the most common violation, accounting for 77 cases so far this year. These were followed by 58 racially prejudiced or insensitive remarks, 45 racially derogatory statements and 21 instances of xenophobic content. The ERC said the increase in warnings reflects, in part, the Unit’s expanded monitoring capacity and more systematic coverage of digital platforms.

However, the Commission warned that the figures also highlight the persistence of ethnic abuse in Guyana’s online space. It stressed that social media is not exempt from the standards of decency and mutual respect expected of citizens in wider society.

87 matters on ERC’s books

The Commission’s Investigative Unit currently has a consolidated caseload of 87 matters, including cases carried forward from previous years. Three matters date from 2022–2023, 14 from 2024, 49 from 2025 and 21 from 2026. Of the 2026 cases, one was received during the latest reporting period.

The ERC said progress has been made in clearing its caseload, with 51 matters, or 58.6 per cent, closed, while seven have been completed and three withdrawn. Nine matters remain pending Sub-Committee review, eight are under active investigation, five are awaiting legal advice and two remain pending. One matter is awaiting a statutory decision, while another has successfully completed the conciliation process.

Children taken on ‘Harmony Tours’

Meanwhile, while the online environment continues to generate concern, the ERC in August also intensified its efforts to promote racial and cultural understanding through its annual Harmony Tours.

The initiative brought together children between 10 and 15 years old, along with parents, community representatives, religious leaders, Commissioners and ERC staff, for visits highlighting Guyana’s diverse cultural, religious and historical heritage. Three tours were held during the month—Demerara on August 17, Essequibo on August 19 and Berbice on August 21.

Participants visited masjids, mandirs and churches, as well as monuments, museums and communities representing different aspects of Guyana’s ethnic heritage.

At places of worship, participants were introduced to the beliefs, customs and practices of different faith communities, with the ERC promoting greater understanding of traditions outside participants’ own cultural and religious experiences. The Commission said the tours were intended to demonstrate how meaningful interaction can foster appreciation, tolerance and respect among Guyanese. The ERC also participated in the Emancipation Expo at the National Park, where it engaged members of the public on its constitutional mandate, complaints and investigative procedures and its ongoing harmony-building programmes.

DEI training continues

The Commission also continued its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training programme, engaging 31 staff members of the Guyana Energy Agency on August 28. The session focused on DEI principles, respectful workplace practices and greater awareness of the ERC’s constitutional responsibilities.  The ERC said it remains committed to promoting harmony and good relations among Guyana’s ethnic groups. The Commission is urging persons who experience or witness ethnic discrimination, hate speech or conduct likely to incite ethnic hostility to report such incidents. Complaints can be made to the ERC at its offices at 66 Peter Rose and Anira Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown, by telephone on 231-6265 or 231-6281, or via info@erc.org.gy.

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• ERC, Ethnic, hate speech, social media

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