ERC spearheads several initiatives aimed at promoting harmony

…Heroes Avenue, Harmony Campaign 2.0 among projects

In a bid to promote harmony among Guyanese in a way that enhances equality and good relations between persons of different ethnic groups, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) plans to launch several initiatives during the tenure of the current body, which will last until 2026.
On Wednesday, Commissioner Neaz Subhan announced that the “Harmony Campaign 2.0”, the Harmony League football tournament across the country’s 10 administrative regions, a short film competition and a massive unity concert and cultural exposition, showcasing Guyanese talent and diverse cultural aspects, are among the plans.

According to Suban, the “Harmony Campaign 2.0” is the most significant project, since its sole purpose is to promote the importance of working and living in harmony during times when ethnic tensions surge.
As a result, the project will be launched ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections and this will see several high-level politicians taking the “I DARE YOU” pledge, designed to inspire positive behaviour among citizens.
“We are hoping that the politicians and public figures will take the “I DARE YOU” pledge publicly in an effort to encourage others and to influence people in a very positive way. That’s the intent of the campaign,” Subhan highlighted.
“Not because an election is coming we are doing a Harmony Campaign, I want to make that very clear. The Harmony Campaign is intended to be something that is there every day to remind us of why we need to work and live in harmony,” Subhan stated
Further, the commission will be establishing safe parks and recreational spaces around the country.
Subhan explained that the ERC was actively in talks with several stakeholders about creating an “Avenue of Heroes”, which will be used as a landmark area to educate Guyanese, especially youths about prominent persons that contributed to the country’s development.
He highlighted that schools and the public at large will participate in this initiative by suggesting persons they believe should be highlighted.
“We believe that if that is in the school system as a targeted subject, it will be able to remove ambiguities, it will enlighten people, education brings understanding and understanding can lead to tolerance and of course, tolerance can lead to unity.
“We have ideas where we want it to be, but permission has to be granted, so it’s a process we have to go through… As soon as all of these things are tidied up and we have confirmation of the location and first batch of heroes, we will let you know,” Subhan said.
The ERC is mandated to promote equality, harmony and good relations between persons of different ethnic groups, so as to eliminate all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.
It is also required to discourage and prohibit persons, institutions, political parties and associates from indulging in, advocating or promoting discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity.
On Wednesday during a press conference, the ERC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony and good relations, recognising the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration in achieving its vision for a harmonious Guyana. (G1)