ERC to address challenges facing Indigenous people

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has committed to addressing and finding solutions for challenges affecting the indigenous people.
Officials of the commission recently convened a meeting with representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC) at the ERC headquarters in Georgetown, with firm commitments from both parties to further collaborate in

2019.
The two-hour long consultation focused on challenges which were brought forth by the IPC members. These were primarily related to language barriers and social ills which have been prevalent for some years and continue to remain in society.
Being the last meeting of its kind for 2018, new stakeholders of the ERC were given firsthand experience on such issues and the way it can be addressed.
Ever since the resuscitation of the Commission last February, several consultations were facilitated with other governing ethnic bodies.
In July, the re-constituted ERC met with representatives of the Indigenous, East Indian and African Guyanese constituents to get an account of issues confronting members of the various groups.
During those engagements, important concerns were raised; suggestions were offered, and commitments were made to work together to promote harmony and good relations across the country.
The ERC is in the process of spreading and fostering awareness of its functions listed in Article 212(D) of the Constitution, and seeking possible input from stakeholders in support of the execution of its mandate.
To date, the ERC has met with President David Granger; Leader of the Opposition, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; the Private Sector Commission, the Ambassador and team from the European Union (EU), Ambassador and representatives of the ABC diplomatic community, and representatives of the three major religions. Other meetings were also recorded with the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) and representatives of Women and Youth Constituents.