The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) has been invited to a meeting scheduled for today January 10th, 2025, by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). The meeting aims to discuss how to collaborate and safeguard the interests of the African Guyanese community (AGC) during what is expected to be a highly charged and turbulent election year.
ACDA in a statement said it acknowledges the urgency of this initiative, given Guyana’s historical challenges with ethnic tensions and political conflict, especially during elections , and any effort to avert such turmoil is, in principle, commendable.
However, ACDA has serious reservations about the current ERC’s ability to achieve meaningful outcomes for the African Guyanese community. The organisation said its concerns stem from the following critical points:
A. Inaction on Election Violations
During the last general elections, there were numerous reports of violations of the code of conduct established by the former ERC, particularly relating to racial discrimination and inflammatory comments. Despite these violations being documented and several perpetrators being identified, the current ERC has failed to bring these cases to any form of resolution.
The body feels the failure to act decisively on the named violations has emboldened those who perpetuate racial prejudice and continues to undermine the integrity of Guyana’s electoral process.
B. Denial of Access to AGC Communication Platforms
ACDA noted that more recently, a platform was established for communication between the AGC and its representative to the ERC. However, shortly after its creation, ACDA was unjustly denied access to this platform. In the aftermath, ACDA observed statements being made on behalf of the AGC at international forums, including the United Nations, which did not reflect the true position of the AGC.
ACDA feels the exclusion from meaningful participation in discussions that affect the AGC’s welfare has further damaged its trust in the ERC’s ability to genuinely represent and protect the interests of the African Guyanese community.
C. Unaddressed Racial Incidents and Abuse
ACDA sees the ERC’s failure to hold accountable those responsible for racial violations has allowed for a disturbing rise in incidents of racial aggression and discrimination against the AGC.
Among the most alarming cases are:
- The Racial Attack on Policewoman Shawnette Bollers
- The Discriminatory Treatment of the People of Mocha and Hill Foot, including the unjust dismissal of Lashonda Ellis
These incidents are not isolated; they are symptomatic of a larger, systemic problem of racial inequity, and the lack of an effective response from the ERC has only deepened the sense of marginalization within the AGC, the African cultural organisation noted
In light of these unresolved issues, ACDA has called on the ERC to take immediate and substantive action to address the following:
- Revisit Unresolved Violations from Previous Elections:Â The ERC must urgently revisit the unresolved cases of racial misconduct and violations from the last elections. A decisive response to these issues will signal to the nation that racial turbulence and conflict will not be tolerated and that a commitment to peace and national cohesion must be upheld.
- Publish Full and Transparent Agreements: ACDA insists that any agreements or decisions resulting from the ERC’s meetings, including this upcoming one, be made fully public. Transparency is critical to ensuring that the Guyanese public can engage, interrogate, and ratify a fair and inclusive code of conduct for elections—one that genuinely reflects the needs and interests of all ethnic communities in Guyana.
The cultural organisation makes known it remains steadfast in its commitment in advancing the rights and interests of the African Guyanese community.
ACDA said while it is open to constructive engagement, it firmly believes that true progress can only be achieved if the ERC acts decisively, transparently, and impartially in addressing the racial challenges facing our country.
To this end ACDA urges the ERC to take their recommendations seriously and demonstrate genuine commitment to reconciliation, justice, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, in the lead-up to what will undoubtedly be a tense election period.
