IAC condemns ‘racial slur’ by President’s Press Officer

– says incident yet another reason for establishment of ERC

The Indian Action Committee (IAC) has said it has taken note of the media reports of alleged racial utterances purportedly attributed to the President’s Press Officer, Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett.
“Given the uneasiness that such alleged comments can precipitate and the negative impact it can have on the fragile fabric of social harmony, the IAC reiterates it’s another reason for the urgent establishment of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC),” the IAC said in a statement.

The IAC, while welcoming the investigation reportedly launched into the incident, said it was gravely concerned given what was in the public domain. It, therefore, urged that the investigation be conducted thoroughly, unhindered, swiftly and its findings made public soonest, for such incidents can have national ramifications especially given its reported source.
The IAC said it wished to unequivocally state its condemnation of anyone who resorts to the use of racial slurs and racial bashing in reference to and during engagements with others. “In addition, these alleged utterances unnecessarily bring to bear humiliation on those targeted,” it posited.
The IAC said such actions have no place in society and have over time proven their potential in the sowing of discord. The IAC calls on all organisations to ensure its members, agents or representatives do not indulge in such actions, and they should be expelled if found responsible.
The IAC believes that mixed messages were being sent through the alleged transgression by someone with direct access to the Head of State who established the Ministry of Social Cohesion with its mandate an administrative priority.
The IAC also reminded that all, especially those who hold public offices, have a national responsibility not to engage in any activity or place comments in the public domain that threaten peace and harmony.