Eight persons were on Tuesday sworn in as the new members of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).
Ten persons were nominated from religious, youth, women, labour, cultural and ethnic groups to be part of the commission which focuses on monitoring and eliminating racial discrimination. However, only eight took their oaths of office on Tuesday.
The members who were sworn in are Pandit Krishna Deo Sharma, Sheik Moeen ul Hack – who has been appointed chairman of the commission – Norris Emanuel Witter, Dwayne Adams, Chandrowatie Sarran, Ashton Simon, Deon Dick and Neaz Mohamend Subhan.
The two yet to be sworn in are Reverend Rodwell Porter and Charles Ogle.
All members will serve for three years.
In brief remarks, President Irfaan Ali reminded that the ERC plays a crucial role when it comes to identifying and addressing ethnic discrimination in Guyana as well as eliminating racial discord in society.
He urged the new members of the commission to carry out their duties with honesty, integrity, fairness, and a clear conscience. This, he says, is crucial in order to increase the public’s confidence in the Commission.
“The work of the Commission is non-partisan.
It must rise above sectarian interest and work for the common good of our society. In doing so, its work will attract greater confidence,” he said.
The President added that the government will continue to work towards eliminating all forms of racial discrimination.
“We take seriously, any attempts to instigate racial animosity and all racial violence within our country. We severely condemn attempts that provoke racial conflict in our society and will ensure that those guilty are subject to the sanctions imposed by law,” he said.
He went on to call on Guyanese to reject all threats and slurs intended to instigate hatred.
“Diversity is an asset we must value and cherish. Greater inclusion and equality are goals to which we must continuously aspire,” he stressed.
