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Dear brothers and sisters of Guyana
On behalf of the Commissioners and Staff of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), I take this opportunity to extend best wishes for a successful and productive 2021.
Despite the challenges of COVID 19 and the undesirable negative impact on ethnic relations brought about by the political impasse in 2020, the Commission was able to make some strides in trying to deliver on its constitutional mandate. Clearly there is more to be done and the Commission will continue to work to the best of its ability to help realize the collective goal of national harmony. As we continue along this journey, we count on your invaluable support, for together we can remove the barriers that divide us. While a New Year can bring new challenges, we hope that all will be able to draw upon characteristic resilience and strength to mitigate what may confront us.
The Commission in December, 2020 launched its inaugural virtual National Conversation on improving ethnic relations in Guyana with the theme “Understand, Respect, Unite-Bridging the Ethnic Divide”. Part One of the conversation focused on how we can collectively improve ethnic relations which allowed for Guyanese across all sectors of society to participate.
The ERC sees much need for the continuity of these frank and honest conversations which has formed part of its work program for 2021: the desired outcome is that the suggestions and recommendations captured and submitted to the National Assembly and public, will cultivate a collective approach in frontally dealing with matters affecting race relations.
I wish to express our profound gratitude to our partners, the UN’s Resident Coordinator Office and the University of Guyana for their support on this much needed initiative.
The ERC, with a constitutional mandate for the promotion of harmony and good relations as agreed to in Parliament by the various political Parties, solicits your assistance for you to do your part and to encourage all to be civil in your daily interactions, including social media, which we should strive to keep free of any utterance which can impact negatively on national harmony and good relations amongst Guyanese.
This is vital, given it’s a task the Commission cannot accomplish on its own. All Guyanese and sectors publicly condemning racism is a shared desire and is essential to the efforts of building and sustaining a cohesive nation with a common destiny.
As we set our goals for 2021, let us together challenge ourselves to remove whatever barriers of togetherness and humanity that confront us and endeavor collectively to promote harmony, unity and good relations.
Let us also use this opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood and work to ensure that we work together to celebrate those things that make us a unique people, proud and free.
Regards
ERC Chairman
Bishop John Smith
