into GECOM’s hiring practices
– Team expected to wrap up investigation before LGE
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Monday said it was currently in the process of investigating employment practices at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and has assembled a team to do so.
In a statement from the Commission, it was announced that a special investigative team has already begun work on the case. The team is being headed by retired Justice Stanley Moore, who served as a Home Affairs Minister under former President LFS Burnham. It also includes former Deputy Commissioner of Police Lloyd Smith and human resource consultant Jairam Petam. According to the ERC, the team was given a period of three weeks to complete their investigation and submit a report. But it is understood that during the process, they requested an extension, which has been granted.
In a brief interview with this publication, ERC Chairman, Dr John Smith noted that the team was looking to wrap up its work before Local Government Elections (LGE). Local polls are expected to be held on November 12.
GECOM Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn had written a letter of complaint to the ERC. They contend that there is an ethnic imbalance at GECOM, and hiring practices are being manipulated in favour of one group. The ERC has since met Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and the matters were raised. The entity also met with President David Granger.
At a recent press conference, GECOM Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson had said that qualifications ultimately trumped race when filling vacancies. When asked whether deliberate efforts to achieve racial diversity were being made, Patterson contended that deliberate efforts were being made to get the best people and he has “no apologies” for that.
Other work
Besides its work on the GECOM case, the ERC confirmed that it has met with senior officials of the Guyana Defence and Police Forces and the Fire Service. Meetings were also held with Councillors of Regional Democratic Councils across Guyana.
“The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), since it was re-established earlier this year, continues in its efforts to engage national stakeholders across the country. Councillors of the Regional Democratic Councils of Regions Two, Three, Five and 10 were also visited by the ERC at their respective offices at Anna Regina, Essequibo, West Demerara, Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice and Mackenzie, Linden,” the Commission explained.
“Meaningful discussions on the promotion of harmony, unity, and good relations were held and agreements reached for collaboration on this national venture. Related suggestions were also offered for the ERC’s consideration in delivering its mandate. Similar meetings are planned for other Regions this month.”
The ERC is a constitutional body established under the Herdmanston Accord. It works with persons and agencies to promote harmonious ethnic relations. The Commission also deals with complaints, promotes training in racial harmony, and fosters a sense of security, among all ethnic groups.
It is understood that since its resuscitation, the ERC has been flooded with requests. Some of the earliest issues that engaged the Commission’s attention were the now resolved allegations of discrimination at Mae’s Schools and claims of ethnic imbalance at GECOM.
The Chairman had informed this publication a few months ago that the Commission was in the process of refining its work plan, looking at its legal framework, and recruiting to bring its staff complement to working strength.
Retired Major General Norman McLean, one of the members of the Commission, had said that despite the challenges, the Commissioners are committed to working as a team to ensure that social cohesion was truly realised.
This, he had said, is the main objective of the work programme that is being drafted.
Similar sentiments were also expressed by the other Commissioners.
