Harmony an important ingredient for unity – Min. Norton
─ ERC launches Harmony Educational Campaign
─ it is the vision of President Granger to build a socially cohesive Guyana
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, January 12, 2019
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) last evening launched its ‘Harmony Educational Campaign’ in an effort to foster a more united Guyana. Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton described the efforts of the ERC as encouraging, adding that it is the vision of President David Granger to build a socially cohesive Guyana.
The event took place at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston and saw the attendance of several Ministers and officials of Government. As part of the launch, the ERC unveiled their new website, five Public Service Announcements (PSAs) which broadcast will begin soon. It also introduced its ‘Harmony Challenge’, several posters, a harmony “passport”, brochures, a national unity song and a play titled ‘I am us’.
Minister Norton noted that Guyana’s multicultural society makes its diversity its strength. “Harmony is an important ingredient… this commission has certainly embarked, like never before, on a developmental trajectory promoting harmony in our dear land of Guyana”
The minister has endorsed the educational campaign as education is a key element in promoting harmony.
He highlighted that in an effort to foster unity, his ministry “has introduced a signature event labelled harmony village to encourage civil society, government ministries and other entities to demonstrate what harmony means for all of us. I believe that it is in the interest of all Guyanese to promote peace and harmony.”
Commissioner to the ERC, Neaz Subhan, in brief remarks, emphasised that the initiative is aimed at promoting unity through education.
The ERC was established as a constitutional body by Constitutional Amendment (2) Act of 2000, which was assented to by the then-President on August 11, 2000. It was recently reconstituted in April 2018.
The commission is also mandated to promote equal access, by persons of all ethnic groups, to all public or other services and facilities provided by the Government or other bodies.
By: Isaiah Braithwaite.
Images: Keno George.