33 warnings issued over racial slurs, derogatory remarks in 1 month – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) issued 33 cautionary warnings over content of ethnic concern between August 25 and September 25, 2026, as it continued monitoring publicly available material that could contribute to ethnic tension, hostility or intolerance.
The figure, the ERC said on Friday, is a decline from the 48 warnings recorded in August.
Of the 33 warnings issued during the reporting period, 12 related to racial slurs, seven to racially derogatory statements and five to racially prejudiced remarks.
The remaining matters involved racially insensitive, hateful and divisive content, along with individual instances of xenophobic, racially inciting and stereotypical content.
The ERC said it continues to encourage responsible communication, particularly on social media, and reminded members of the public to exercise care and restraint when expressing views that could affect relations among Guyana’s diverse communities.
According to the ERC, the monitoring activities are part of the Commission’s programme during September to promote harmony, good relations and mutual respect among Guyana’s diverse communities.

Consolidated caseload
Meanwhile, the ERC’s Investigative Unit currently has a consolidated caseload of 87 matters.
Of these, three from 2022–2023, 14 from 2024, 49 from 2025, and 21 were recorded during 2026 to date. One of the matters recorded in 2026 was received during the current reporting period.
The Commission said matters are being advanced through investigation, Sub-Committee review, legal consideration, conciliation and other statutory processes.
At the end of the reporting period, nine matters were pending Sub-Committee review, eight were under active investigation, five were pending legal advice, two remained pending, one was awaiting a statutory decision and one had completed the conciliation process.
The ERC also recorded 51 matters closed, seven completed and three withdrawn to date.

Harmony, tolerance & respect
During the month, the ERC participated in the Indigenous Heritage Expo at the Sophia Exhibition Complex from September 1–5, where its team engaged patrons and students on the Commission’s mandate and the importance of harmony, tolerance and respect for Guyana’s diversity.
The Commission also conducted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training sessions with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission and the Public Service Ministry on September 9 and 30.
The Commission also expanded its Harmony Clubs initiative, launching clubs at Kuru Kururu and Port Kaituma Primary Schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
According to the ERC, the initiative introduces young people to values of tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation for Guyana’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Community outreaches were also conducted in Kuru Kururu, Falls Top and Port Kaituma, where residents, educators and other stakeholders were engaged on ethnic relations, social cohesion and community concerns.
On September 23, an ERC delegation led by Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack visited Port Kaituma and met with more than 70 families, relatives and survivors affected by the MV Barima tragedy.
The Commission said the engagement provided an opportunity to hear concerns, offer immediate support and identify matters requiring continued attention and follow-up.
The Commission said it remains committed to working with communities, public institutions and other stakeholders to promote understanding, respect, peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations among Guyanese.