THE Government Information Agency (GINA) yesterday reported that it has learnt of a recent complaint that was made to the Ethnic Relations Commission concerning controversial statements made by the General Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Lincoln Lewis.
GINA said this came in light of a report on the Evening News on January 21 when Lewis said: "I have said publicly they (the Government) are on a programme of economic genocide against the African community, and for such time as they have not changed (sic) I will continue to say that."
The letter is urging the committee to intervene in the matter as it is indeed disturbing that such a prominent trade unionist would fuel racial issues in such a visible and persuasive manner, the GINA statement said.
"We are asking you, that you use your good offices, in whatever way possible, to address this matter, and to impress upon Mr. Lewis the severe damage his sentiments can do to the racial unity that both your Commission and the Government are working so assiduously to achieve," the complaint further stated.
The Ethnic Relations Commission was established in May 2003 to promote harmonious race relations in Guyana.
Persons who feel that they have been discriminated against based on their ethnicity can file complaints to this independent body headed by Bishop Juan Edghill.