The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continued to advance its constitutional mandate to promote peace, harmony, and good relations among all Guyanese during the month of December 2025, through sustained public education initiatives, national outreach activities, media monitoring, and investigative actions undertaken across its three core operational units.
During the reporting period, the Public Education and Awareness Unit (PEAU) led several flagship initiatives, most notably the Commission’s Annual Nationwide Christmas Toy Distribution Exercise, which remains a defining feature of the ERC’s outreach during the Christmas season and a practical demonstration of goodwill, inclusion, and social cohesion.
The 2025 Toy Distribution Exercise, conducted from December 1 to December 23, was implemented across all ten administrative regions of Guyana, with particular focus on rural, riverain, and hinterland locations. Through coordinated outreach efforts, the ERC distributed toys to nursery and primary school children, as well as to children in institutional care and those living with disabilities, ensuring equitable national coverage. The final distribution was held in Region Four at the Amerindian Hostel, Eiripan, and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity and equity. In addition to the distribution of toys, the exercise provided opportunities for public education through the dissemination of ERC newsletters and engagement with educators and community leaders, further promoting values of compassion, unity, and shared national responsibility.
As part of its broader public engagement efforts, the Commission also hosted its Unity Festival 2025 on December 14 at the National Park, Georgetown, aimed at promoting national unity, cultural appreciation, and social cohesion. The event featured stage performances including drama, music, and dance that reflected themes of harmony and Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage.
Moreover, the ERC facilitated a Religious Exchange Exercise on December 8 for students of the Stella Maris Primary School Harmony Club, led by ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack and Commissioners Reverend Rodwell Porter and Pandit Krishn Sharma. The initiative exposed students to Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, reinforcing interfaith understanding and mutual respect. The Unit also supported anti-bullying initiatives in collaboration with the NGO You Sponsor My Education, engaging children in discussions on tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
In completing its monitoring activities for the year, the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) recorded 717 general matters arising from media observations, election campaign monitoring, and social media activity. Of these, 356 instances related to media mentions of the ERC and were circulated
for information, while 303 matters (42%) were actively addressed through cautionary statements aimed at discouraging divisive and harmful discourse.
Additionally, 58 matters (8%) were referred to the Investigative Unit or Investigative Sub Committee for further review. The most frequently recorded infractions involved racial slurs, racially prejudicial or insensitive remarks, racially hateful statements, and religiously intolerant content, underscoring the continued importance of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention.
The Investigative Unit (IU) continued to manage both legacy and current caseloads. Legacy matters from 2022–2023 are largely resolved or at advanced stages of investigation. For 2024, the Unit achieved a 64% resolution rate, closing or completing 28 of 44 cases.
For 2025, the Unit received 98 complaints, of which 53 remain active at various stages, including investigation, review, legal assessment, and statutory determination. During the reporting period, 25 cases were closed, 12 completed, while others were transferred, referred, withdrawn, or scheduled for conciliation. These outcomes reflect steady progress in addressing complaints while upholding principles of fairness, due process, and accountability.
Through sustained outreach, nationwide engagement, vigilant media monitoring, and structured investigative processes, the Ethnic Relations Commission reaffirmed its commitment in December 2025 to fostering national unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence throughout Guyana. The Commission remains focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing public trust, and advancing its mandate in the year ahead.
