Ramjattan among 55 wanted for racially-insensitive comments

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, is among 55 others who are currently wanted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for spewing racially insensitive comments. The ERC, on Sunday, took to the four daily newspapers, issuing ‘Persons of Interest’ Notice, in which they illustrated the photos of 56 Guyanese, Ramjattan included, who are wanted for racially insensitive comments that were made on Facebook.

Ramjattan was a former Vice President and the Minister of Public Security, under the Coalition government. One of the functions mandated under the Constitution of Guyana states that the ERC must investigate complaints regarding ethical discrimination. With this in mind, the notice explicitly states that Ramjattan and the 55 others have until October 23 to contact the commission.

The ERC warned that failure or refusal to do so will result in the imposition of legal consequences without further notice. Attempts to contact Ramjattan Sunday for a comment were futile. Even while the ERC plans to take action against citizens who have uttered hate speech, the body refuses exercise their powers against ERC Commissioner, Roshan Khan. During the mass protests on the West Coast of Berbice, which were ripple effects of the gruesome murders of teen cousins Joel and Isaiah Henry, Khan made a post on Facebook in which he urged East Indian residents in the area to arm themselves against protestors. His full statement had said: “Indians in Berbice need to create their watch and protection groups. Equipped with batons and sticks for selfdefense only. Be firm and clever but never be the aggressor. Protect minorities in your communities.” (Kaieteur News)