ERC slams offensive social media rants, renews call for respectful public discourse
…distances self from prosecution, remand of “Baby Skello”
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has condemned the offensive comments made by one Jennifer Ally on Facebook, directed at the late Adrianna Younge and her grieving family. The Commission expressed outrage that, during a time of mourning, such vile and hateful expressions were publicly shared, further inflicting pain on a family already burdened by loss. According to the ERC, these actions by Ally violate the basic standards of decency and mutual respect that are essential to maintaining harmony in Guyana’s multi-ethnic society.
Jennifer Ally who has been called in by ERC
As a result, the ERC has officially opened a formal case into the matter and said it intends to engage Ally. She has been requested to report to the Commission to address the content and intent of her remarks.
The Commission also reminded the public that while freedom of expression is protected, it must be exercised responsibly. The use of social media to spread hate, incite division, or cause psychological harm, especially during times of bereavement, is unacceptable and contrary to the values enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana.
The ERC stated that it continues to monitor the matter and will act in accordance with its constitutional mandate to promote harmony, prevent ethnic or racial hostility, and encourage respectful public discourse.
Daniel Wharton, popularly known as “Baby Skello”
Recently, various individuals, including key officials such as Education Minister Priya Manickchand, criticised local artist Daniel Wharton, popularly known as “Baby Skello,” following his remand on a charge of blasphemous libel.
Only last week, Manickchand condemned what she described as a troubling disparity in how the justice system handles gender-based violence and cybercrime against women compared to other, less serious offences. Her comments came in light of Wharton’s arrest and remand.
Meanwhile, the ERC has clarified that it had no involvement in the prosecution or subsequent remand of Daniel Wharton.
Wharton has been charged with blasphemous libel and was remanded to prison after making his first court appearance on Friday at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman. The matter is set to be called again on July 1.
The charge stems from a song Wharton released on social media, which contained several vulgar lyrics referencing the Hindu deity, Maha Lakshmi.
Adrianna Younge had gone with relatives to the poolside of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Wednesday, April 23, but disappeared shortly after. Her body was found the following day in the hotel’s pool. A post mortem examination by three international pathologists revealed that she had drowned.v
