The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has publicly condemned remarks made by social media personality Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as the “Guyanese Critic,” describing them as racially stereotypical and derogatory while concluding that they did not cross the legal threshold for criminal prosecution.
The Commission’s findings follow an investigation into a series of comments made by Rodrigues that came to the attention of its Media Monitoring Unit. Although the ERC determined the remarks were harmful to ethnic relations and contrary to its constitutional mandate, it said they did not amount to racial incitement under Guyanese law and therefore would not be referred to the Guyana Police Force.
“The remarks in question relied on broad ethnic generalizations that demeaned citizens on the basis of their ethnicity, including by disparaging the character and worth of one community, and by drawing divisive and derogatory distinctions within another,” the Commission said in a statement issued Friday.
The ERC declined to repeat the specific language used by Rodrigues.
Seeking to explain its decision, the Commission said it distinguishes between conduct that violates its mandate and conduct that constitutes a criminal offence.
“For the benefit of the public, the Commission wishes to explain that it draws a careful and deliberate distinction between conduct that is contrary to its mandate and conduct that meets the criminal threshold under the laws of Guyana,” the statement said.
The Commission noted that matters meeting the legal threshold are referred to the police, while complaints that do not are addressed through alternative dispute resolution, public education, engagement with the parties involved and, where appropriate, public condemnation.
“On that basis, the Commission unreservedly denounces the use of racially stereotypical and derogatory language, whether presented in earnest, in jest, or under the guise of ‘explanation’ or ‘strategy.’ Language that diminishes the dignity of any ethnic group has no place in the national discourse of a modern, diverse Guyana,” the ERC said.
According to the Commission, the matter was first flagged by its Media Monitoring Unit before being referred to its Investigative Unit, which reviewed the content, prepared an assessment and sought legal advice on the applicable laws.
Rodrigues was subsequently notified in writing and invited to respond. The ERC said he later met with officers of the Investigative Unit and provided his account of the statements under review.
The matter was then considered by the Commission’s Investigative Sub-Committee of Commissioners, which determined that while the remarks were racially derogatory and inconsistent with the Commission’s constitutional mandate to foster harmony among Guyana’s ethnic groups, they did not satisfy the legal requirements for prosecution under the country’s racial incitement laws.
The Sub-Committee recommended that the Commission issue a public denunciation of the remarks.
Established under Article 212D of the Constitution, the Ethnic Relations Commission is mandated to promote harmony and good relations among Guyana’s diverse ethnic communities, investigate complaints of racial discrimination and discourage racial hostility.
The Commission concluded its statement by reminding public figures, content creators, social media influencers and citizens that public discourse carries significant responsibility.
“Words carry the power either to build bridges or to deepen divides,” it said, urging greater care in public commentary on ethnic issues.
The ERC also disclosed that several other matters relating to public statements and ethnic relations remain under active investigation.
