The finalisation of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was put off on Wednesday, after the scheduled meeting of the Committee of Appointments was postponed until next week.
Chairman of the Committee, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton, told Guyana Times that there was no meeting since none of the Opposition members showed up. However, A People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, who also sits on the Committee on Appointments, explained that the opposition members were unavailable. He himself was preoccupied at the Public
Social Cohesion, Minister Dr George Norton
Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting.
Among the items on the agenda for Wednesday’s Committee on Appointments meeting was the ERC, which is currently before the Committee for finalisation of nominees selected.
The ERC plays an integral role as a constitutional entity which serves to protect and preserve the interests of all stakeholders as far as creating an atmosphere of tolerance and harmony among the different races and ethnic groups in Guyana’s diverse society.
The Commission initially comprised of representatives from seven different constituencies but in 2015, it was increased to 10. ERC members represent the three main religions – Hinduism, Islam and Christianity – and are drawn from labour, the Private Sector, the youth and women’s affair organisations. The three new additions, which fall under a new category – the Cultural/Ethnic Group – comprise of one representative each from the three major ethnic groups of Guyana; that is, the Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese and the Indigenous Guyanese.
Subsequently, the National Assembly was informed that the Committee consulted the approved list of entities for nomination to the ERC; and those entities met, and later submitted their nominations between April 30 and June 6, 2014.
Among those chosen by the Appointments Committee were Pastor John Smith from the Christian community; Rajkumarie Singh, the Hindu Community; Sheikh Moeen-ul-Hack from the Muslim community; Norris Witter from labour; Ravindra Dev, the Private Sector representative; Gomattie Kalicharran for youth organisations; Ruth Howard for women’s organisations; Peter Persaud for Amerindian groups; Barrington Braithwaite for African groups and Neaz Suban for Indian groups.
However speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Dr Norton explained that at the last Committee meeting on ERC in 2016, there were some issues relating to the one of new groups. He noted that there were three entities that had to make an appointment amongst themselves to represent the Indian groups and up to that time, no consensus was arrived at.
But this publication was told the issue was sorted out; however, since the Committee had not met since then, this was not communicated.
The next step in the process, after finalising the 10 nominees, is for the Committee to submit the names to the National Assembly for approval via a motion. It is required that there be a two-thirds majority approval before the nominees can become official and presented to the President for swearing in.
The ERC is a constitutional body established under the Herdmanston Accord. It works with persons and agencies to promote harmonious ethnic relations. The Commission also deals with complaints, promotes training in racial harmony, and fosters a sense of security, among all ethnic groups.
The Commission has been virtually dysfunctional since 2011, when then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin, has secured an injunction against the body, barring the Chairman and two Commissioners from taking any decision, recommendation or issuing any direction on behalf of the constitutional body.
