ERC Chair calls for unity in fight against racial discrimination

– commission marks international day and its second anniversary

The fight against racial discrimination is far from over, declared Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, as the Commission commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and its second anniversary on Saturday, at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply proud of the progress we have made. Yet, our journey is far from over,” Hack told attendees, emphasising the Commission’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity.

“The fight against racial discrimination is an ongoing one, requiring constant vigilance, adaptability and collaboration among all members of society. It is not a battle that the ERC can fight alone; it requires the participation of every citizen. Let us stand united in our resolve to build on our achievements and continue promoting peace, tolerance, and ethnic harmony across our beautiful country,” he urged.
The event brought together ERC’s local and international partners, constituency bodies, and stakeholders, to reflect on progress in promoting unity and addressing racial discrimination in Guyana.

ERC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gomin Camacho, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to its mission.
A cultural showcase underscored the significance of unity, with the National School of Dance delivering a performance symbolising Guyana’s cultural diversity. The evening also featured performances from the top three winners of the ERC Jingle Competition—Adaiah Griffith, Alcesa Grenville Wong, and Bill Rogers—who shared creative messages of inclusion and harmony through their music.
UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana, H.E. Jean Kamau, addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of global efforts in eliminating racial discrimination.

“The United Nations (UN) remains committed to supporting Guyana’s efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination. We stand ready to collaborate with the Government, Constitutional and statutory bodies, and all stakeholders to jointly undertake measures so that racism and discrimination have no place in our societies,” she stated.
Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, stressed the need for bipartisan efforts in tackling racial discrimination. “We remain committed to bipartisan collaboration and coalition building to cultivate racial harmony and national unity. Our fight against racial discrimination is not just about rectifying historical wrongs. It is about securing a just and equitable future for generations to come; we must act now,” he remarked.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, acknowledged the progress made, while urging continued efforts.
“We must not disparage the progress we made as a people. We must encourage it and encourage more persons to do better, so that we continue to build a harmonious, culturally diverse, ethnically diverse, religiously diverse society. Let us consciously work together to ensure that prejudices, whether ethnic, religious or race, are reduced, and each one of us play a role in stopping it where it comes up in our society and our communities, even in our families.”
The event underscored the ERC’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and ethnic harmony in Guyana. As the Commission moves forward, it remains focused on strengthening unity and ensuring that racial discrimination has no place in the country’s future.