ERC conducts stakeholder engagement in Moraikobai Village

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, conducted a stakeholder engagement in Moraikobai Village, Region Five, with participation from residents and village leaders.

Held under the Moraikobai Benab, the engagement formed part of the Commission’s ongoing mandate to promote harmony and good relations among all Guyanese. It provided an opportunity for residents to engage directly with the Commission on matters affecting ethnic relations, community development, and social cohesion within the region.

The ERC team was led by Commissioners Mr. Ashton Simon, Ras Khafra (Mr. Deon Dick), Ms. Chandrowtie Sarran, Mr. Norris Witter, and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Gomin Camacho, provided an overview of the Commission, including its mandate and composition, before inviting stakeholders to share their concerns and perspectives.

Welcoming the Commission, Toshao of Moraikobai, Mr. Derrick John, noted that it was the first visit by the ERC to the community.

Responding to issues raised, Commissioner Ras Khafra emphasized the value of stakeholder engagements in guiding the Commission’s constitutional mandate and noted that indigenous communities often experience a higher influx of migrants from neighbouring countries, making concerns relating to social integration and possible xenophobic tensions more pronounced in these areas.

Commissioner Khafra also highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacity through training and skills development so that community members are better positioned to participate meaningfully in projects within their communities. He added that the Commission can make policy recommendations to the relevant authorities to encourage greater involvement of indigenous community members in development initiatives undertaken within their villages, thereby supporting local empowerment and sustainable community growth.

Commissioner Sarran, who represents Women on the ERC, indicated that the constitutional body will engage the relevant Ministries and agencies on matters affecting the continued development of the Moraikobai community. She also met with women in the community regarding the establishment of a women’s group aimed at identifying concerns and creating opportunities for guidance and support, with feedback to be channeled through the Village Council under the leadership of the Toshao.

The outreach commenced on the evening of Friday, April 17, with a community film screening at the Benab. Scores of residents, including many children, gathered to view locally produced Guyanese short films from the Commission’s 2025 Film Competition. The curated selection focused on themes of ethnic tolerance, peace, and mutual understanding, using storytelling to reinforce these values.

The Commission remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that the voices of all communities are heard as part of its constitutional mandate to promote harmony and good relations.