ERC calls on Joint Services to re-establish law and order

WCB protests

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has called on the Joint Services to ensure the East Coast and West Coast Berbice corridors are sanitised, blockades removed and law and order restored.
The ERC made this call amid the challenges and complexities that resulted in protest action which erupted following the deaths of Isaiah and Joel Henry, and later those of Haresh Singh and Prittipaul Hargobin.
“The Commission congratulates the Joint Services for exercising considerable restraint while encountering rising adversity in its efforts to restore normalcy. However, the ERC remains deeply concerned at the atrocities being committed during those protests which have been unhelpful to efforts of improving race relations in Guyana,” the ERC stated in a release.
It added that the Commission noted that worthy of praise were the public appeals made by President Dr Irfaan Ali and People’s National Congress Chairman Volda Lawrence, and even the father of one of the victims against the spiralling cycle of violence and destruction which has claimed more lives.
“The ERC believes the efforts of the Joint Services can reassure citizens of their safety and well-being while serving to reduce tensions and hindrances to the Police conducting investigations. The Commission also calls on the hardworking men and women in uniform to urgently conduct more effective patrols along the affected roadways, including aerial reconnaissance of the situation on the ground,” the constitutional body said.
Meanwhile, the Commission said it empathised with the grieving families in their calls for justice and reiterated that it would take the necessary course of action within the confines of its constitutional mandate to assist in the de-escalation of tensions.
“The body also remains committed to taking whatever course of action it deems necessary to promote ethnic harmony and good relations throughout Guyana.”
The ERC, being a non-political body, reminds all to demonstrate tolerance and appreciation towards fellow citizens, regardless of ethnic background in this very challenging period.