ERC denies Kaieteur News report
Guyana Chronicle
May 9, 2007
THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has rejected what it said were inaccuracies in an article [ please note: link provided by LOSP web site ] headed `Life of the ERC comes to an end’ in the Monday edition of the Kaieteur News newspaper.
In a press release Monday, the ERC reiterated that its life has not come to an end, adding: “The commission continues to perform its function in the areas of public education and awareness, investigation, conflict resolution and research.”
The ERC said it strongly condemns any attempt to undermine its efforts to encourage citizens to make accommodation for its cultural diversity and embrace its racial multiplicity. It stated strongly that it wished to express its disapproval of any effort to arouse feelings of insecurity among the populace.
The commission said it is urging all Guyanese to maintain the amity, goodwill and harmony which have begun to take shape within the society.
The ERC said it is a permanent constitutional body enshrined by the Constitutional Amendment Act No. 11 of 2000, which amends Article 212 to provide for the establishment of an Ethnic Relations Commission.
“The Constitution does not state that the life of the ERC will be altered or concluded”, it noted, but said it makes provision for the duration commissioners should serve on the ERC.
“Article 212 B (4) (a) outlines that a majority of these members elected to serve on the commission, shall be appointed, in the first instance, for four years, and thereafter shall be deemed eligible for a three-year re-appointment on the commission”, it said.
The ERC expressed concern that neither the Editor nor any reporter of the Kaieteur News sought any comment from it on this matter in order to validate the information, nor to give balance and objectivity to the news story, which is a basic journalistic requirement.
The ERC said it wished to advise the general public that the commission is, and will continue to be a permanent constitutional body mandated to promote harmony and good relations in Guyana.
It added that its focus for 2007 is building partnerships and strengthening relationships established throughout last year.
The commission said it is also currently researching the undercurrents shaping the ways in which Guyanese relate to each other and consultants have been commissioned to conduct scientific research to acquire information from private and public agencies on the existence of specific policies and practices.
These, it said, include and provide for the equitable distribution of employment, land allocation, award of contracts, educational opportunities, loans and other types of capital finance.
The commission said this investigation will allow it to carry out one of its functions -- to monitor and review legislation and administrative acts, or omissions relating to, or having implications for ethnic harmony and equal opportunities.
The ERC said that, as part of its outreach work, it made its inaugural regional visit for 2007 in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) where the Chairman, Commissioners and Programme Officers conducted meetings with the Regional Democratic Council, the public, religious leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, while continuing its public education and awareness programme.
While there, ERC Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill urged regional executives to continue the camaraderie which stimulated the peaceful elections environment last year.
The ERC said he noted that irrespective of the non-violent 2006 elections, efforts to foster racial harmony and social cohesion should continue in order to maintain good relations among the ethnic groups.
Religious leaders from across the region met in caucus, discussing issues pertaining to religious tolerance, it said.
The ERC Chairman, it added, thanked the religious community for the role it played in fostering the peaceful atmosphere which pervaded the national and regional elections last year.
The Chairman said the ERC will continue to engage religious leaders to explore ideas which can inspire religious tolerance and understanding in Guyana.