…leaders acknowledge Guyana’s grave ethnic relation problem
By Lisa Hamilton
With the intention of improving ethnic relations in Guyana, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), on Monday, kickstarted its Virtual National Conversation on Improving Ethnic Relation inviting representatives of various ethnicities to speak of the challenges that affect peoples of Guyana and possible remedies that can be applied.
The event was made possible through the ERC’s collaboration with the United Nation’s Resident Co-ordinator’s Office and the University of Guyana (UG).
In brief remarks at the opening of the programme, Chairman of the ERC, John Smith acknowledged that ethnic relations in Guyana are not favourable and have, in fact, eroded over time. However, he expressed that it is the duty of the ERC to facilitate and encourage conversation among all ethnicities on the challenges faced and possible solutions.
“Various factors over time have contributed to the erosion of ethnic relations in our country. Along the way, our nation must gather to repair that erosion. All challenges and perils must be resolved when we meet at the table as one Guyanese nation…,” he said.
Smith encouraged frank and open discussions on factors that impede ethnic harmony and encouraged all Guyanese to share their views despite their cultural, religious and political affiliations. Ultimately, he assured that the contributions made, inclusive of recommendations, will be summarised and submitted to the National Assembly and other stakeholders for review and implementation.
UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka said that Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections sparked a major reflection, once again, on the country’s ethnic relations.
Tanaka said that it has also led to questions about the contributions of Government’s, rule of law and politics that can divide, exclude, oppose and incite hate. “Reflecting on the brutality and inhumanity of the multi-century history of how Guyana’s ethnic diversity was formed, it is perfectly understandable that ethnic relation is still a challenge decades after independence,” she said.
“I hope that this national conversation, facilitated by the Ethnic Relations Commission, enables that much needed dialogue between political parties for the common national interest. At the same time, all of us have to be aware and responsible for own discriminatory and disrespectful attitudes and behaviours and strive to promote constructive, respectful and compassionate interactions in our immediate social environments.”
Remarks came too from the Vice Chancellor of UG, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martins. She said that the University of Guyana regards itself as a key player in the national development of the country and must therefore show its full support in such and initiative that works to build much needed ethnic harmony.
She raised the December 2019 incident at the University whereby a student made racist remarks which sparked national outrage and noted that this led the University to develop a Human Relations Course which must be taken by all students and eight modules for staff which would help to build ethnic relations.
“It’s that data that we’re analyzing to see how best education and projects like these can help shift every negative, destructive stereotypes and held beliefs that can actually undermined the progress and stability of nation building,” Dr. Mohamed-Martins said. In the next few months when the data is released, it will be refined for and opened out other agencies willing to take the course.
Seeking to ensure the inclusivity of all representatives of the peoples of Guyana, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon was also invited to speak. Harmon said that the pursuit of ethnic harmony, though many may think so, is not elusive but possible beginning with such national conversations. However, he said that these discussions must give credence not only to ethnicity but to various elements that make Guyana diverse.
Harmon said: “Ethnic intolerance and economic inequality are still strongly embedded in the structures of our society. I therefore recommend urgent national action to address these situations.”
