“Ethnic division in Guyana does not just happen, but is made; and, oftentimes it is hidden in plain sight, and it must be confronted with frankness and serious commitment.” So said the Alliance for Change (AFC), in a release, with its meeting with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). It is the party’s belief doing this would be the best way for a more harmonious Guyana to be realised.
The Party posited that it is in the economics of the Guyanese reality that ethnic division rears its ugly head and where it takes on very subtle and sometimes outrageously flagrant forms. In light of the foregoing the party is urging the ERC to do more profound studies on how the resources of the State are being presently distributed.
The AFC stressed that this would go a far way in appreciating the real causes of ethnic division. Education at homes and schools on tolerance and respect are ways to ensure lessened ethnic division, the party advised. “This will also help the ERC to be seen as being independent and help it to gain legitimacy.”
The Party also discussed the role of the commission in discouraging discrimination on ethnic grounds and fostering tolerance among ethnic groups.
According to the AFC, the meeting was cordial and members on both sides agreed that much work needs to be done to discourage discrimination on ethnic grounds, and to foster tolerance among ethnic groups in Guyana. The party shared that such “effort needs to come from all Guyanese inclusive of political parties, which during elections season, have accentuated interests to exploit ethnic divisions for political outcomes.”
The meeting was held at the Party’s Headquarters on Railway Line, Georgetown on 14th September, 2023. Present on behalf of the AFC were Leader – Khemraj Ramjattan, Chairperson – Cathy Hughes and Executive member, Diana Rajkumar. The Ethnic Relations Commission team comprised of its Chairman, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Commissioners Deon Dick (Ras. Kafra), Rev. Rodwell Porter, Norris Witter, Pandit Sharma, Chandrowtie Sarran and CEO/Secretary Gomin Camacho.
