ERC engages Port Kaituma stakeholders, supports families affected by MV Barima tragedy

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) held an interactive stakeholder engagement on Wednesday at Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), bringing together more than 70 residents, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the Matarkai Sub-region.

The delegation was led by ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack and included Commissioners Norris Witter, Ashton Simon, Rev Rodwell Porter, Ras Khafra (Mr Deon Dick), Chandrowtie Sarran, and Pandit Krishn Sharma, alongside Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oma Devi-Sukhu.
The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to share concerns, experiences, and perspectives on matters affecting ethnic relations, community development, and social cohesion. The Commission also used the opportunity to provide information on its constitutional mandate and functions while hearing directly from residents about issues affecting their communities.

Support for families affected by MV Barima tragedy
A significant component of the Commission’s visit was its engagement with family members and other persons affected by the MV Barima tragedy. The Chairman and Commissioners listened to their concerns and offered support as they continued to cope with emotional and economic challenges following the loss of loved ones.
As part of this outreach, the Commission distributed hampers to bereaved families and other people affected by the tragedy, providing practical assistance while reinforcing the ERC’s commitment to supporting affected communities during this difficult period.
The ERC will continue to engage affected families as part of its follow-up efforts, including facilitating further engagement where necessary and assisting with matters that fall within the Commission’s mandate.
Chairman Shaikh Hack, who is also a member of the Hope, Empathy, Aid, Resilience, and Trust (HEART) Initiative, a national framework established to provide long-term, sustained support to survivors and bereaved families of the MV Barima tragedy, noted that continued support will also be provided through the initiative.

Harmony Clubs
The stakeholder engagement followed a series of educational and community outreach activities conducted by the ERC earlier in the week.
On Monday last, a team from the Commission’s Public Education and Awareness Unit (PEAU) visited students at Falls Top Primary School, where they provided information on the ERC’s constitutional mandate, functions, and role in promoting harmony and good relations among Guyanese.
This was followed by the launch of a Harmony Club at Port Kaituma Primary School on Tuesday, which saw more than 30 pupils participate in activities focused on tolerance, mutual respect, and appreciation for Guyana’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Headteacher Leslyn Bobb welcomed the initiative and expressed support for the establishment of the club.
The District Education Officer (DECO) for the Matarkai Sub-region, Oshelle Bartrum, speaking on behalf of the Education Ministry, also welcomed the Harmony Club as a complementary initiative that encourages students to develop positive relationships with their peers, families, and wider communities.
The Port Kaituma launch represents another step in the ERC’s expanding Harmony Clubs programme, which has now reached hundreds of students across participating schools nationwide.
Following pilot initiatives in the capital city of Georgetown at Stella Maris, St Gabriel’s, Comenius, St Ambrose, and North Georgetown Primary, the programme has expanded to Mahdia and Micobie in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Kamarang in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Kuru Kururu in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); and now Port Kaituma.
Through the initiative, the ERC seeks to equip young people with values of tolerance, mutual respect, and appreciation for diversity while encouraging them to carry these principles beyond the classroom and into their homes, families, and wider communities.
The ERC will continue its regional outreach and stakeholder engagements as part of its constitutional responsibility to promote harmony, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and good relations among all Guyanese.