ERC MONTHLY PUBLIC UPDATES

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continues to advance its mandate of promoting peace, mutual respect, and understanding among Guyana’s diverse peoples. This report outlines key activities carried out in November 2025.

In November, the Public Education & Awareness Unit (PEAU) maintained its nationwide outreach through school engagements and diversity-focused training for adults, with a strong emphasis on shaping young minds, strengthening community ties, and promoting coexistence, respect, and cross-cultural understanding.

A major highlight of the month was the successful launch of five Harmony Club pilots in partnership with the Ministry of Education: Stella Maris Primary on October 29, 2025; St. Gabriel’s Primary on November 14, 2025; Comenius Primary on November 19, 2025; St. Ambrose Primary on November 20, 2025; and North Georgetown Primary on November 28, 2025.

These clubs create safe, structured spaces for pupils to learn about Guyana’s ethnic groups, major religions, cultural traditions, and the value of respect. By fostering understanding, they promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen cross-cultural friendships, and build a generation that values unity. Early enthusiasm across all five schools suggests strong long-term impact.

On November 11, 2025, the Unit delivered DEI training to 16 public servants at the Public Service Ministry’s Training & Development Department. A second session on November 17 engaged 21 staff from the Bureau of Statistics. Both sessions emphasized cultural awareness, eliminating workplace discrimination, and understanding Guyana’s shared identity.

To protect public discourse from divisive rhetoric, the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) reviewed traditional broadcast media and major digital platforms from September to October, analyzing hundreds of broadcast hours and public social media posts. The unit flagged 31 instances of racially or ethnically offensive language and addressed them according to ERC protocols, including issuing cautionary statements. Its aim is not censorship but promoting respectful, constructive dialogue. During this period, the MMU also forwarded one matter to the Investigative Unit for review.

The Investigative Unit (IU) remained a key channel for citizens reporting race- or ethnicity-based discrimination. In 2025, 95 complaints were lodged, including four in November, reflecting increased public engagement. Of these cases, 29.5% (28) are under active investigation, 23.2% (22) have been closed, 12.6% (12) are completed, and 13.7% (13) await initial processing. Additionally, 10.5% (10) are pending Sub-Committee review, 3.2% (3) await legal advice, while smaller proportions involve transfers to external agencies (3.2%), referrals (2.1%), withdrawn complaints (1.1%), and pending statutory decisions (1.1%).

As part of its constitutional mandate under Article 212D, the ERC continues to prioritise peaceful and constructive approaches to resolving concerns brought before it. The Commission remains firmly committed to the use of mediation, conciliation, dialogue, and other recognised conflict-resolution mechanisms, which are regarded as effective tools for fostering understanding and preventing the escalation of disputes.

While the ERC plays a vital national role in promoting harmony and addressing issues related to ethnic relations, it is important to note that the Commission is not empowered to prosecute individuals. Instead, its strength lies in its capacity to guide parties toward amicable and lasting resolutions, and, where necessary, to refer matters to the appropriate authorities. This approach reflects the Commission’s enduring commitment to maintaining peace, upholding fairness, and supporting national cohesion.

Major upcoming activities include the ERC Annual Toy Distribution and the highly anticipated UNITY FEST 2025 on December 14, 2025, at the National Park, Georgetown.  The event will be open to public, free admission to enjoy cultural, food, performance and more from all ethnic groups of Guyana. Come out and join us for a cultural extravaganza.

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Ethnic Relations Commission

5 December, 2025