Ethnic relations body concerned over political impasse
-urges constitutional adherence and swift resolution
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is expressing its concern over the ongoing political impasse and urges Guyanese to be patient as GECOM executes its mandate to arrive at a date for elections.
The ERC in a press release yesterday issued a reminder that the commission has a constitutional and national responsibility “to promote cooperation, arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution between all bodies concerned in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace.” It added that its integral role “encompasses intervention to mitigate social tension derived from political impasse, which if unresolved, will impact negatively on ethnic harmony and peace.”
The ERC had its genesis in the Herdmanston Accord which was signed on January 17, 1998 by the then President Janet Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Hugh Desmond Hoyte, then Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress.
The Commission says it is fully aware of the ensuing political impasse since the tabling of the NoConfidence Motion on December 21, 2018, and how Guyanese have “seemingly become more divided along political lines.”
It has also observed that despite rulings at various levels of the judicial system, this impasse seems no closer to being resolved, adding, “… it is evident from some public utterances and through social media, tensions have unfortunately been exacerbated from all sides.”
The ERC noted the peaceful conduct of recently held elections and commends all involved but is deeply concerned about the “ongoing political impasse.” Further, it emphasised its respect for the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as safeguarded in the constitution and therefore urges patience as GECOM executes its mandate to arrive at a date for elections.
In the interim, the Commission remarked, “the social fabric of the society will undoubtedly be severely tested more so, along political lines,” and in acknowledgement of this challenge has urged the relevant authorities “to work assiduously to have elections within the shortest possible time in keeping with the Constitution and the rule of law.”
The ERC stated that “it is guided by the history of the political climate that engulfs our electoral process and period,” and reiterated the need for a collective effort of all to place Guyana first. It emphasised that “hate speech, racial and other forms of incitement have no place in our public discourse. Despite our right to disagree, disagreement is not a reason for hostility and division.”
The statement appealed to all Guyanese to remain calm and to “embrace peaceful, harmonious and good relations in this testing period”. Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday, a handyman was fined after he admitted to collecting a woman’s money and bicycle and not returning with the items she sent him out to get.
Shasti Danasar admitted to Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty that on September 4th at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, while being solely entrusted with $4,700 by Sharmein Saffi, which was to be used to purchase drinks and water, he failed to comply and converted
same to his own use.
According to the facts that Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman presented in court, both Saffi and Danasar have been acquainted with each other for five years. Danasar is known in the neighbourhood for doing odd jobs. He asked Saffi to borrow her bicycle, which cost $12,500, and so she decided to entrust him with the money to go and buy water and drinks. He left to purchase the items but never returned.
Saffi reported the matter and Danasar was eventually arrested and told of the allegation. He was also cautioned, during which he admitted to the allegation.
After listening to the facts in the matter, the magistrate fined Danasar $40,000 with an alternative of four months in prison.