The ERC said in a press release yesterday that at no time did it put out a statement that there were perceptions of discrimination by 50% of the Guyanese population, as was posited in a PNCR document circulated at a meeting at the Office of the President on Tuesday and in the media.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said in response to claims of discrimination by African Guyanese it conducted a consultation with this group in November 2007 to determine what are its perceived needs, and the commission is preparing to dispatch the report on this consultation to the National Assembly shortly.

During the four years of its existence, the commission has been consulting with political parties and civil society – persons in leadership capacities and ordinary citizens – in all of the administrative regions “to identify and analyse factors inhibiting the attainment of harmonious relations between ethnic groups, particularly barriers to the participation of any ethnic group in social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political endeavours.”

And based on these consultations the ERC recommends to the National Assembly and any other relevant public or private sector bodies how these factors should be overcome. The commission to date has conducted five research studies which are in the public domain, the release stated.

The ERC also noted that in accordance with Article 212 D (d), it is mandated to foster a sense of security among all ethnic groups “by encouraging and promoting the understanding, acceptance and tolerance of diversity in all aspects of national life.”

It is also mandated to promote full participation by all ethnic groups in the social, economic, cultural and political life of Guyana.

According to the release, the ERC has been proactive in encouraging the acceptance and respect by all segments of society, of the social identity and cultural inheritance of all ethnic groups, in accordance with Article 212D (o).

According to Article 212D (t) the ERC is required to study and make recommendations to the National Assembly on any issue relating to ethnic affairs, including studies to determine whether race relations are improving.

The ERC reiterated its commitment to continue its work of promoting harmony and good relations among all Guyanese, adding that any citizen who feels that he/she had been discriminated against can file a formal complaint with the commission for the matter to be investigated.