ERC takes sensitisation campaign to Annai, surrounding villages

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has completed a sensitization exercise in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Tuesday, September 22nd, wherein it has met with stakeholders of that region at the Bina Hill Institute in Annai.

Toshaos, Councillors and residents of Toka, Surama, Kwatamang, Aranaputa, Wowetta and Rupertee were able to participate in this stakeholders’ engagement, wherein attendees were edified on the roles, functions, work plans and efforts of the Commission in the furtherance of its constitutional mandate.
Stakeholders, including regional representatives from the health and law enforcement sectors, were able to engage the ERC Commissioners in meaningful discussions on concerns relative to their respective villages.

Taking the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to promoting harmony and good relations among all the people of Guyana, the ERC Commissioners called on the stakeholders for help in this regard.
The ERC delegation was led by Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, and was comprised of Commissioners Ashton Simon, Norris Witter, Chandrowtie Sarran, Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), Rodwell Porter and staff members of the ERC secretariat.

In his remarks, the ERC Chairman noted that at the end of this Commission’s tenure, in 2026, the Commission would hope to see “that we looked at every issue from a Guyanese perspective, and not from a racial perspective; but rather from a perspective of what is good for my country, what is good for the people of Guyana.”
The visiting team also engaged students from the Annai Primary and Secondary schools, and stressed the need for tolerance, respect, love and harmony. An impromptu meeting was also held with residents of Aranaputa, who raised concerns affecting them.
Since being reconstituted in March of 2023, the ERC’s Board of Commissioners have engaged regional officials and stakeholders across Guyana.