The Leader of the Opposition today stepped up the opposition’s call for there to be a national plan of action to root out ethnic discrimination, and simultaneously promote inclusion and equality among the people of Guyana.  

In a statement, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition vowed to continue the fight for racial unity, dignity and equality.

Predicting its return to power in 2025, the opposition said under ‘a new coalition government,’ a multi-stakeholder national action on race relations, equality of opportunity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination, will be crafted.

“We see such a plan not only as a moral imperative, but also as a key driver of economic growth and social progress. When all Guyanese have the opportunity to reach their full potential, when all Guyanese feel respected and included, we all benefit from their contributions to society,” the opposition said.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition said it is time to shift from rhetoric and talk shops to the formulation and implementation of concrete plans.

According to the opposition, its proposed plan, will address the need to boost the capability and impact of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), the Public Procurement Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the Indigenous Rights Commission — through increased funding, prompt appointments and re-appointments of commissioners, and the facilitating of international technical support. These agencies must become true change agents.

It also intends to implement ethnic impact assessments, and revamp the Fiscal Transfer Act to “provide for the formulation and implementation of objective criteria for the purpose of the allocation of resources to local democratic organs”, thereby reducing discrimination against communities regardless of their voting patterns or social profiles.

Focus, the opposition said, will also be placed on social services, the issuance of contracts, transparency and accountability and the introduction of multi-ethnic studies in lower schools.

The opposition noted that as its stands, the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government continues to foster racial and political conflict, and the discrimination, victimization, and exclusion of citizens, communities, ethnic groups, civic society organizations, and other political parties.

“Not only Afro-Guyanese citizens, communities, and entities have come under assault, but Indigenous People too face the PPP’s disrespect and discrimination because of their race/ ethnicity and social status. Indo-Guyanese too face the PPP’s intimidation and discrimination when they choose to support a party other than the PPP or come from the lower class,” the opposition said.

It, however, assured that it will work towards the realization of a Guyana that is free of racial discrimination, and a society that is just and fair, where all Guyanese have equal access to economic opportunities and can live with dignity and respect regardless of their race and ethnicity and other differences.

The PPP Civic Government has repeatedly dismissed the accusations of racial discrimination and has promoted itself as an inclusive government.

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