THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has embarked on a course of action, having taken note of the recent developments in the country that are contributing toward increased ethnic tensions and heightened fears and insecurity.
The ERC says it is concerned about the nature and patterns of communication from public platforms as well as in the printed and electronic media and is calling on all parties concerned to "tone down the rhetoric".
According to the Chairman of the ERC, Bishop Juan Edghill, the stalling of the constructive engagement process, the absence of a process that facilitates direct communication between key leaders, and evidence of hardening positions, are not helpful.
"We urge leaders and their supporters to adopt a constructive approach that promotes a sense of interdependence and focus on proactive resolution of differences," Edghill urged.
"All Guyanese are urged to help create and take responsibility for an enabling environment that will give people hope instead of despair; trust instead of mistrust. Such an environment is necessary for the effective functioning of the organs of the state and the ERC," he asserted.
The ERC in a statement pointed out that the Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2000, article 212D (o) and (u) assigns to the ERC the responsibility to "promote cooperation between all bodies concerned with the fostering of harmonious ethnic relations;" and to "consult with other bodies and persons to determine and specify the perceived needs of the various ethnic groups for the fostering of harmonious relations."
To this end, the ERC said it will hold special consultation meetings with invited key institutions that are committed to peace building and peace education, to discuss ways to accelerate and support initiatives that aim at social cohesion.
The ERC is committed to promote and facilitate safe spaces for deeper understanding, respect and acceptance of one another.
Each one in this country has a story to tell of what was done to us, what we have done and what we have neglected to do. "It is time to start hearing each other," Edghill posited.
It must be noted too that according to the Constitution (Amendment) (No 2) Act 2000, article 212D (g), (h) and (p), the ERC has a function to "promote...and establish mechanisms fro arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace"; and "investigate on its own accord or on request from the National Assembly or any other body any issues affecting ethnic relations."