The Government Information Agency (GINA) has drawn the attention of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to "economic genocide" remarks made by the General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Lincoln Lewis.
ERC chairman Bishop Juan Edghill told Stabroek News, "The Editor of GINA has written the commission drawing its attention to Lewis' statement on the Evening News' newscast aired on January 21." However, he explained that he has not read the letter as yet but had been informed of the contents of the letter and "[I} couldn't say whether it was in complaint form or what."
Informed of GINA's action Lewis, indicating his preparedness to defend his statements said, "I will continue to repeat my statement until such time as evidence to the contrary is presented."
He said that GINA is "a mouthpiece of the oppressors who are oppressing black people in this country."
A GINA release on Friday said, "It had learnt that a complaint had been made to the Ethnic Relations Commission concerning statements made by [the] General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, Lincoln Lewis." Edghill said that he was "not aware" that a formal complaint had been made.
The remarks in question were part of an interview with Lewis that was aired during the Evening News newscast aired on January 21. Lewis said, among other things, "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."
Lewis was commenting on remarks by the PPP in a statement it issued in which it described the PNCR's nomination of Professor Harold Lutchman to the Disciplined Forces Commission as a "breach of principle." It based its objection to Dr Lutchman on his being part of the TUC delegation which appeared before the Commission when according to the PPP, Lewis "in his usual aggressive and obnoxious manner accused the government of discrimination/ racism."
The GINA release said "the letter is urging the Committee (sic) to intervene in the matter as it is indeed disturbing that such a prominent trade unionist would fuel a racial issue in such a visible and persuasive manner."
"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 both your Commission and the Government are working so assiduously to achieve," GINA said the complaint stated.