Life of ERC comes to an end
• many ethnic disputes remain unresolved
Kaieteur News
May 7, 2007
The life span of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) expired on Saturday.
The ERC, a non-political body established to promote ethnic harmony and security in Guyana , was a Constitutional body chaired by Bishop Juan Edghill.
The Commission was established by Constitutional Amendment Act No.11 of 2000 which amended Article 212 of the Constitution to provide for the establishment of an Ethnic Relations Commission.
Because it was an amendment to the Constitution, the passing of the Bill establishing the ERC required the votes of no less than two-thirds the majority of the members of the National Assembly.
On March 8, 2002, the ERC was established. It was recognised for several interventions into reported issues of racial discrimination, in both governmental and non governmental entities, as it sought to promote ethnic harmony within the Guyanese society.
With the absence of the ERC, however, it is likely that the levels of racial discrimination in the Guyanese society may escalate, causing greater racial segregation.
There may also be a more feeble sense of security among the ethnic groups, without the invariable encouragement of the commission.
Additionally, the society may perhaps suffer without the voice of that authoritative body fostering equality opportunities for all races and harmony and good relations between such persons.
The religious community, which has seen some level of tolerance from society, also stands to suffer without the pertinent encouragement from the commission, which created a certain level of respect and broadmindedness for the different religions and cultures in our multi ethnic society.
The ERC was optimistic of an informed and educated society, more predisposed to tolerate, respect and accommodate the diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities that constitute the Guyanese society.
The genesis of the ERC resides in the Herdmanston Accord, signed on January 1, 1998, which provided for the establishment of a Constitution Reform Commission (CRC).
Among the matters addressed by the CRC were measures and arrangements for the improvement of race relations in Guyana , including the contribution which equal opportunities legislation and concepts, drawn from the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society, could contribute to the cause of justice, impartiality and advancement in Guyana .
The CRC was composed and in its Report to the National Assembly on July 17, 1999, recommended that the Constitution establish an adequately-funded, suitably broadbased Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), comprising representatives of religious bodies, the Labour Movement, the private business sector, youth and women.
The entities of each group identified one nominee and one substitute to serve as their representatives on the Ethnic Relations Commission.
Its functions, which were set out in Article 212(d) of the Constitution, were all embraced and divided into 24 categories by the commission, which were further grouped as investigative, conflict resolution, education and public awareness groups, along with the research and development strategies.
Among its 24 functions listed in Article 212 (d) were the provision of equal opportunities between persons of different ethnic groups and the promotion of synchronisation and good relations between such persons.
It also sought to investigate complaints of racial discrimination and made recommendations on the measures to be taken if such complaints were valid; and where there is justification, therefore referred matters to the Human Rights Commission or other relevant authorities for further action to be taken.
Additionally, the ERC was to recommend to the National Assembly criteria to be considered for the purposes of deciding whether any person has committed acts of discrimination on the ground of ethnicity.
Further, the Commission consulted with other bodies and persons to determine and specify the perceived needs of the various ethnic groups for the fostering of harmonious relations, while training and enlisting the aid of such persons and acquired facilities which the Commission deemed necessary to accomplish its functions.
Promoting and encouraging life acceptance and respect by all segments of the society were also on its long list of functions.
• (Alex Holder)