The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in a statement said it has summoned academic and Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance, Dr. David Hinds; and wrote Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton.
According to the ERC, two (2) recent complaints were referred to the Guyana Police Force for further investigation over alleged breaches of the country’s cybercrime laws. The complaints were made following statements or remarks arising from the undermentioned:
- A post by Mr. Albert Morgan on a Live Facebook broadcast hosted by Dr. David Hinds, titled Politics 101. The Commission, having reviewed the post, found it to be a serious threat to life and sought the assistance of the Guyana Police Force for further investigation. Having been advised by the Police that Mr. Morgan was taken into custody, the Commission provided two statements reflecting its concerns and its firm belief that the said post transgressed the Laws of Guyana, including the Cybercrime Act. Dr. Hinds was also written to and asked to appear before the Commission given that he failed to condemn the post and/or disassociate himself from it.
- The Commission would have also reviewed a Live Facebook broadcast purportedly from the profile of one Norman Browne. The Commission, having found the contents of the said broadcast to be racially divisive and included threats to life and a transgression of the laws of Guyana including the Cybercrime Act, wrote seeking the assistance of the Guyana Police Force for further investigation. The video in question is believed to be broadcast sometime on the evening of Monday, June 12, 2023; Local Government Elections Day.
Further, the commission said, similarly reviewed was a video recording of a recent public meeting during which the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton, addressed the gathering and made comments referring to the first lady Arya Ali. The ERC said it is of the firm view that the context and explicit reference were unnecessary, demeaning, provoking and not in keeping with the esteemed Office of the Opposition Leader. “It outlined in its letter that it was necessary to advance an atmosphere of respect and responsible behaviour during public discourses which are tenets vital to the promotion of peace and harmony.”
According to the ERC, also received were two complaints pertaining to comments allegedly made by Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye at a public meeting in March 2023 at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, a matter which is currently engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force.
Additionally, the ERC said, several complainants have opted not to pursue their respective matters for complaints which were received by the Secretariat in 2022. Several other complaints are currently under review and the necessary action will be instituted.
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Persons wishing to contact can do so via the ERC’s website @ www.erc.org.gy; email @ ethnic.relations@yahoo.com or through a walk-in process.
