Social Cohesion Ministry more divisive than bringing people together

Dear Editor,
In a country like ours that is racially divided, the need for social cohesion is essential for long-lasting stability and growth. Long before the Ministry of Social Cohesion was established by the Granger Administration, I have been a strong advocate for the promotion of social cohesion. Years ago while living in New York, I designed and printed thousands of bumper stickers with the words “My race does not matter… I’m Guyanese and proud of it.” These were brought to Guyana for distribution.
Historically, our two main ethnic groups have been divided by racial conflicts and mistrust of each other. So uniting our people will be nothing short of a herculean task that requires real commitment and dedication. It requires leadership that is perceived to be fair, objective, and who truly understands the importance TRUST plays in bringing these ethnic groups together. For this reason, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) was established under the PPP/C Administration in 2003. It is a constitutional bi-partisan body established as an undertaking by the Herdmanston Accord and by Constitutional Amendment (#2) Act of 2000. Its members require a two-thirds majority vote by Parliament to serve on that Board.
It is intended to serve all Guyanese and other persons living or working in Guyana, including those who believe they were discriminated against based on their ethnicity and persons who believe others were discriminated against because of their ethnicity. It also has as its mandate the promotion of harmonious relations between races and the powers of sanction against persons who discriminate.
Unfortunately, this Commission has been destroyed by the PNC, and is now dormant. The establishment of a Ministry of Social Cohesion allows the Granger Administration to secure recognition and grants through friendly
international agencies to finance social cohesion programmes, and gives them the incentive to continue subverting the ERC.