The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has pledged to engage relevant ministries and agencies on concerns raised by residents of Wales and neighbouring communities during a consultation on Wednesday.
Community welfare, local development and relations among residents were among the issues discussed at the Toevlugt/Patentia Neighbourhood Democratic Council in Region Three.
The ERC said commissioners provided guidance and identified matters requiring further engagement or referral. Its release did not detail individual complaints or give timelines for follow-up.
Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle, who led the delegation, said the consultation was intended to help the commission understand residents’ experiences and hear their proposed solutions.
“The ERC is working to eliminate ethnic and religious discrimination, and meaningful engagement requires us to listen to you,” Ogle said.
“Where concerns fall outside our mandate, we will direct them to the relevant agencies for attention.”
Regional officials and members of the Guyana Police Force also attended the meeting, which formed part of the ERC’s ongoing community consultations.
Commissioner Deon Dick, also known as Ras Khafra, acknowledged that some residents may be reluctant to speak openly about difficulties in their communities. He said the commission could help connect them with institutions responsible for addressing those concerns.
“Whether a concern requires engagement with the Guyana Police Force, the NDC or another relevant agency, the Commission can help bring the appropriate stakeholders to the table,” he said.
He also highlighted cooperation with other constitutional bodies, including the Rights of the Child Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission.
Commissioner Chandrowtie Sarran said the ERC would engage relevant ministries and agencies on matters affecting the development of Wales and surrounding communities.
She also urged residents to be responsible in their use of social media, particularly when discussing ethnicity, religion and other sensitive issues.
“Disagreement is part of public life; what matters is that we disagree respectfully and avoid language that can demean others, encourage prejudice or create unnecessary divisions,” Sarran said.
The importance of teaching respect from an early age was another focus of the consultation.
Commissioner Norris Witter pointed to the ERC’s Harmony Clubs in schools as one way of encouraging positive relationships among young people.
“No one is born a racist. The attitudes we develop are influenced by our experiences, our surroundings and what we learn from others,” he said.
Ogle similarly emphasised the role of schools, churches and other community institutions in preventing prejudice through sustained public education.
Commissioner Pandit Krishn Sharma encouraged residents to support people facing difficulties and address harmful behaviour constructively.
“Building a harmonious society requires compassion, personal responsibility and a willingness to act for the good of others,” he said.
The ERC said it would continue consultations across Guyana to hear residents’ concerns, explain its mandate and promote respectful relations among communities.
