ERC referred 58 cases for investigation in 2025

…issued warnings on 303 divisive social media posts

The Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Media Monitoring Unit recorded 717 matters during 2025 arising from traditional media, election campaign coverage, and social media activity. In a release to the media on Monday, the ERC said that of these, 356 concerned media mentions of the Commission and were circulated for information, while 303 matters were addressed through cautionary statements aimed at discouraging divisive content. A further 58 matters were referred to the Investigative Unit or an Investigative Sub-Committee for more detailed review. The body noted that the most frequent issues involved racial slurs, racially prejudicial or insensitive remarks, racially hateful statements and religiously intolerant content, highlighting the ongoing importance of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention. The release added that the Commission’s Investigative Unit continued to manage both legacy and current cases. Matters from 2022 and 2023 were largely resolved or at advanced stages, while the 2024 caseload achieved a 64 per cent resolution rate, closing or completing 28 of 44 cases. In 2025, the Unit received 98 complaints, with 53 remaining active across stages including investigation, review, legal assessment and statutory determination. During December, 25 cases were closed, 12 completed and others were transferred, referred, withdrawn or scheduled for conciliation. These outcomes reflect steady progress in addressing complaints while upholding principles of fairness, due process and accountability.
Alongside monitoring and investigations, the ERC advanced its public education and outreach initiatives. The Public Education and Awareness Unit (PEAU) led the Annual Nationwide Christmas Toy Distribution Exercise from December 1 to December 23, reaching all 10 administrative regions. Special focus was given to rural, riverain and hinterland communities. Toys were distributed to nursery and primary school children, children in institutional care and children living with disabilities, with the final distribution taking place in Region Four at the Amerindian Hostel, Eiripan, and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities. The exercise also included public education components through newsletters and engagement with educators and community leaders.
The ERC said that hosted Unity Festival 2025 on December 14 at the National Park, Georgetown, featuring music, dance and drama performances that highlighted national unity and Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage. On December 8, the Commission facilitated a Religious Exchange Exercise for students of the Stella Maris Primary School Harmony Club, exposing participants to Islam, Christianity and Hinduism under the guidance of ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack and Commissioners Reverend Rodwell Porter and Pandit Krishn Sharma. The PEAU also partnered with the non-governmental organisation (NGO) You Sponsor My Education to support anti-bullying initiatives, engaging children in discussions on tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.
Through its combined efforts in media monitoring, investigations and nationwide public engagement, the ERC on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The Commission said it remains focused on strengthening partnerships, enhancing public trust and advancing its mandate in the year ahead.