Disappointment in non-passage of the ERC Motion

Dear Editor,
Guyanese breathed a sigh of relief after the Minister of Social Cohesion made headlines, including in your publication, on the likely appointment of Commissioners for the Ethnic Relations Commission. But this headline lost its vigour in the same way the Minister lost his vigour to present the motion. To not present the motion was a shameful act.
The motion appeared on the agenda of several sittings of the Parliament; unfortunately, it never made it through. Guyanese are unsure if it ever will, considering the pending matters Parliament has to address when it reopens.
The competence of the Minister is once again at stake. Many would recall that this Minister once held the portfolio of Public Health, but for many reasons, he was removed. He has a chance to shine in this Ministry. It is appalling that a simple motion as this he was unable to influence his colleagues on its importance, thereby garnering support that would have resulted in the motion moving up the Order Paper. Is this an indication of his ability?
Guyanese are watching his performance.
The need for such constitutional body can never be overstated. Only recently, a disturbing event made social media headlines as it related to the discrimination meted out to some Chinese who were victims of a robbery. With all the tension in the country and rising feelings of discrimination, the ERC is needed more than ever. The ‘pageantry’ activities promoted by the Ministry cannot solve our problem as a nation.
The big questions remain: Do this Government and the present Opposition really want this body? Was money budgeted for its formation? When will the motion be tabled? Can we expect one before the year comes to an end?

Yours truly
A William