-Jagdeo says, as Indigenous Peoples’ Commission sworn-in
As next year’s general elections near, President Bharrat Jagdeo says the reconstitution of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is necessary to guard against race-based campaigning.
Addressing reporters at the Office of the President after the 10-member Indigenous Peoples’ Commission (IPC) was sworn-in yesterday, Jagdeo said as “we approach the elections, it is important that no party campaigns based on race.” In this vein, he said that the ERC would be in a pivotal position to ensure that no campaigns are undertaken along ethnic lines.
He said the disagreements between the parties involved in the setting up of a newly constituted ERC lies in the opposition’s desire to stick with an “older group of nominees” to sit on the body. He said the government is proposing that the body not only include the various religious groups but nominees from other groups such as the Rastafarian community.
The main opposition PNCR had called on the public to boycott activities organized by the ERC in May this year. It said that the ERC is a constitutional body governed by Article 212B, which states clearly how it is to be constituted and which groups should be invited to elect a substantive and alternate representative for appointment to the commission.
The PNCR argued that the only constitutional role for the President in the process “is to appoint the elected commissioners,” representing the Christian religion, the Hindu religion, the Muslim religion, the trade unions, the private sector organizations, youth organizations and women’s groups. In this light, the party maintained that the ERC, as currently constituted, is illegal and it would not recognize it. It also accused the President of extending the life of the old commission to facilitate its Chairman Juan Edghill, in violation of the constitution.
Meanwhile, Jagdeo said yesterday that it is anticipated that the newly-constituted IPC will work closely with the Executive to discuss matters relevant to the body. He said the administration is working to ensure that the Amerindian people and their culture are recognized and that in the years gone by this was hardly the case. He also noted that Guyana is the only country which has an Amerindian Affairs Ministry and the fact that several cabinet members are of Amerindian descent.
The ten persons appointed to sit on the IPC are: PPP/C MP Norman Whittaker, David James, Patricia Singh, Dr George Norton, George Simon, Captain Gerald Gouveia, Damian Fernandes, Father Malcolm Rodrigues and Toshaos Yvonne Pearson, Marco J De Souza and Doreen Jacobis.
The IPC is one of four rights commissions established in accordance with the Constitution and among its primary functions are promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous people, raising awareness of their contributions and the problems affecting them and to make recommendations on economic and education policies to advance their interest.
