The Giftland Group of companies on Saturday apologized to its customers for selling items branded with the prejudicial phrase “All Lives Matter.”
The phrase, which has been used the world over as a counterpoint to the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM), seeks to derail the specific conversation about racism against Black people.
“The contents do not reflect the company’s views and position on the Black Lives matter movement,” the Group said in a statement, while explaining that the face masks branded with the phrase were purchased in bulk and their placement on store shelves was an oversight.
The statement was issued in response to a social media posts which highlighted the offence and called for a boycott of the company.
The Giftland Group subsequently accepted culpability, while stating that it agreed with the criticism it received.
“We have got this wrong and we agree that even if its unintentional racism needs to be eradicated wherever it exists. We apologize to those offended and we apologize for not explicitly stating our stance. We must and will do better as an organization,” it said It has used the occasion to express support for the BLM movement, stating that it stands in solidarity with its condemnation of police brutality, acts of racism and other acts of which supremacy which target black communities.
“As a multi-cultural company, we actively work to be ant-racist and provide equal and fair opportunities to our employees and patrons,” the Group added, while noting that its record of community work and outreach stand as testimony of their support of all Guyanese.
