Dear Editor,
The Ethnic Relations Commission has taken note of the misleading statements made by Mr. Anthony Vieira on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 on CNS Channel Six.
Contrary to what was stated, it is not the sole duty of Bishop Juan Edghill or any of the other Commissioners to serve on the Ethnic Relations Commission. However, we leave it to the Bishop to respond to the statements made about him under his other portfolios.
This statement is to address the erroneous and misleading statements made about the Ethnic Relations Commission.
About the only factual thing said by Mr. Vieira in relation to the ERC was that it was conceived out of the Constitutional Reform Process.
The ERC wishes to state unequivocally that it has never been, is not, and will never be, manipulated by the Government, the Opposition, politicians or political aspirants, nor is it a Commission seeking support or Office.
The ERC emphatically states that its only agenda is in keeping with its mandate as handed to it by the people of Guyana through their representatives in the National Assembly.
The ERC further states that its legal status as a Commission is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana and its existence was as a result of a Parliamentary Motion tabled on May 10, 2007 and passed on August 9, 2007 that was acted on by President Bharrat Jagdeo.
Contrary to what was stated by Mr. Vieira, records will show that a vast number of Guyanese support the work of the ERC. Within the last six months alone, the ERC attracted over 11,657 participants through its Film Festivals which were conducted in 92 schools.
Through Workplace Meetings the Commission engaged with 637 persons from 20 institutions.
Through its Public Lecture Series, the Commission registered the participation of 385 persons coming from some 60 organizations and 94 communities in Region Six, 320 persons coming from 76 organizations and 64 communities in Region Three, 288 persons from 66 organizations and 30 communities in Region Ten and 485 persons from 108 organizations and 112 communities in Region Four.
These numbers are only for those who registered their participation, many others did not register. There was participation from Regional Chairmen, Government Ministries, the Regional Democratic Councils in the Regions, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, women organizations, religious, cultural and youth groups, schools, Trade Unions and workers from various public and private sector agencies.
In addition, for Culture Fest which was organized by the ERC in collaboration with multi-stakeholders, there were 16 organizations involved in the planning of the event in Region Three. On the day of the activity there were over 2000 persons from 19 cultural groups and 13 youth and sports clubs who participated in the cultural programme and various sports. In addition students from seven schools and youth groups participated in the Impromptu Speech Competition.
Likewise in Region Two, seven groups and organizations including Regional Officials were involved in planning the activity. On the day of the activity over 1500 persons from some 35 organisations representing cultural, youth, women, religious and sports groups participated along with other residents.
Again, in both Regions, there were representatives from the Regional Democratic Councils, religious and cultural groups, women organizations, youth groups and schools.
These numbers attest to the support the ERC has been able to earn for itself and its multi-stakeholders. Such support has been earned through hard work, objectivity, impartiality and fairness.
The ERC calls on Mr. Vieira to name another organization that matches this record.
Despite the best efforts of Mr. Vieira to derail Media Encounter 2011, 80 persons from some 38 media and publishing houses participated.
It is clear that the ERC is facilitating dialogue among the people of Guyana. The people have trusted the ERC even while pointing out its shortcomings.
It is ironic that Mr. Vieira made these statements shortly after the ERC successfully hosted a Public Lecture in Region Four at the Guyana International Conference Centre where extra chairs had to be brought in and there was still an over-spill of participants who came from the Regional Democratic Council, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, women organizations, religious organizations, schools and youth groups and a number of workers from various public and private sector entities in the Region.
Yours faithfully,
Yolanda Ward
Head, Public Education and Awareness Unit
Ethnic Relations Commission
