ERC urges respect for Chinese nationals

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is urging all state and private sector agencies to develop a policy of non-discrimination against Chinese and all other nationals living in Guyana.

This call comes weeks after President Bharrat Jagdeo met with Chinese nationals, earlier this month, and put systems in place to ensure that policies and administrative acts are non-discriminatory against Chinese. 

That meeting was held on December 3 at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. 

The ERC, in a statement, said it publicly supports this commitment made by the government. The ERC, on June 17, 2008, met with Chinese nationals, at which time several issues were raised. Those were recorded and listed in a report prepared by the commission, which was circulated to members of the National Assembly, the Office of the President and other stakeholders. 

Among the issues raised at that consultation were matters of immigration – citizenship/naturalisation, security/protection services and language – Chinese learning English and locals learning the Chinese language. 

Meanwhile, the commission is reminding Guyanese that, under the Representation of the People Act and the Racial Hostility Act, a person found guilty of discriminatory practices can be sanctioned by the ERC, with penalties imposed. 

As the ERC continues to execute its mandate to promote harmony and good relations, outlined in Article 212d of the Guyana Constitution, it is encouraging all citizens to ensure that tolerance and respect prevail among all ethnic groups, in keeping with the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” 

The commission is mandated to ensure equal access and equal opportunities for all, and as such welcomes the initiative by the president for the implementation of a standardised system of non-discriminatory and non-discretionary treatment that will see everyone being treated equally. 

At the meeting, President Jagdeo disclosed that Chinese nationals living legally and continuously in Guyana for no less than seven years will automatically qualify for citizenship; while the duration of a work permit will be three years. The head of state pointed out that the Chinese, like other ethnicities, form an important part of Guyanese history. “They must be able to enjoy a stay that is free of discrimination or harassment,” he maintained.