In an attempt to examine the barriers to ethnic harmony in multi-ethnic Guyana, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is hosting a virtual National Conversation on improving ethnic relations on December 14 and 15.
According to an ERC press release issued on Thursday, the main sessions will run from 9:00hrs to 13:00hrs each day. A youth forum, representing the largest bloc of the population, will also run from 18:00 to 20:30hrs on the first day. The ERC, in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and the University of Guyana, is hosting the first session, which will also be broadcast on television during the opening day.
Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), Reverend Dr John O Smith is urging Guyanese at home and in the diaspora to participate in the virtual event, which he informs is the first of its kind in Guyana. He is hoping that the original event will set the tone for more planned conversations in the near future.
The release also states that Guyanese presenters, residing here and abroad and reflecting diversity will be a main component of the conversation. Guyanese following the event are invited to ask questions or give suggestions to address their concerns after each presentation. The conversation will be launched with a general discussion on “How can we improve ethnic relations in Guyana?” and Guyanese who are unable to join the conversation can inbox the ERC on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn with their suggestions on the topic before Monday, December 14.
The President and Opposition leader have been invited to give keynote addresses while Mikiko Tanaka, UN Resident Coordinator and Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin, UG Vice-Chancellor, are also slated to give brief remarks at the forum.
The ERC is optimistic that the varying points of view of presenters and participants can serve in some measure, as a blueprint for possible solutions. A cultural presentation, showcasing Guyana’s different cultures will conclude the two-day conversation, the release added.
