The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) has raised urgent concerns over the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) handling of ethnic representation in Guyana, calling for an immediate meeting to address the issue ahead of the Fourth Session of the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent. The session will be held from April 14-17, 2025
In a letter dated March 20, 2025 addressed to ERC Chairperson, Ms. Comacho, Olive B. Sampson, CEO of IDPADA-G, expressed frustration on behalf of the organisation’s member bodies, which represent African Guyanese communities. The letter requests an urgent meeting to discuss the delegation to the upcoming UN forum, stressing the importance of ensuring that African Guyanese voices are properly represented at such a significant event.
The letter comes amid growing discontent with the ERC’s selective approach to managing ethnic relations in Guyana. Critics argue that the Commission, tasked with fostering national unity and managing ethnic diversity, has been inconsistent and at times biased in its handling of ethnic issues, particularly those affecting African Guyanese. This selective approach, critics say, not only exacerbates existing ethnic tensions but also contributes to the ongoing marginalisation of African Guyanese in both social and economic spheres.
The ERC’s failure to adequately address concerns from the African Guyanese community has raised alarms that such neglect undermines efforts to bridge ethnic divides and promote national harmony. While the ERC has made strides in certain areas, its inability to provide a balanced platform for all ethnic groups, especially African Guyanese, has led to accusations of partiality. The absence of African Guyanese representation, as identified by the ethnic group, at high-profile international forums like the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, further intensifies frustrations.
Sampson’s letter highlights the urgency of ensuring that African Guyanese communities are adequately represented at the upcoming UN forum, an important international platform for advancing the rights and recognition of people of African descent worldwide. As the forum approaches, the lack of a clear, inclusive, and transparent process for selecting delegates has left African Guyanese organisations questioning whether their concerns are being truly heard by the ERC.
The implications of this situation extend beyond the realm of representation. The economic marginalisation of African Guyanese, compounded by ethnic tensions, further fuels discontent within the community. The ERC’s failure to address these issues head-on risks deepening ethnic divisions, leaving African Guyanese communities feeling sidelined in both the political and economic landscape of the country.
IDPADA-G’s call for a meeting is not only about ensuring adequate representation at an international level; it is a broader appeal for a more inclusive, fair, and transparent approach to managing ethnic relations in Guyana. With ethnic tensions running high and economic disparities continuing to widen, the ERC’s role in fostering unity and addressing these systemic issues has never been more critical.
The response to IDPADA-G’s request for an urgent meeting will likely reveal the Commission’s commitment to a truly inclusive and equitable approach to ethnic relations in Guyana.