The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) issued 37 warnings to Facebook users over ethnic hate speech between June 20 and July 28, while three new complaints were received during the period and 13 matters remained under active investigation.
According to the Commission’s report for July, the number of warnings represented a marginal increase over the 34 issued during the corresponding period last year. All 37 infractions were recorded on Facebook.
Ten cases involved racially derogatory statements directed primarily at Indian and African Guyanese, while eight involved racial stereotypes and another eight concerned standalone racial slurs.
The ERC’s Media Monitoring Unit also recorded five cases involving racially prejudiced or insensitive remarks, two involving racially hateful comments and two concerning religious intolerance.
One case involved racially divisive content, while another related to xenophobic remarks directed at persons of Hispanic origin.
Separately, disparaging remarks about religion posted on TikTok were referred to the ERC’s Investigative Unit for further attention.
The Commission said its consolidated register contained 86 matters dating from 2022 to 2026. These comprised three carried over from 2022 and 2023, 14 from 2024, 49 received during 2025 and 20 recorded so far this year. Three of this year’s matters were received during the reporting period.
Of the 86 matters, 51—or approximately 59.3%—have been closed, while 13 remain under active investigation. Six are awaiting legal advice and another six have been completed.
Four complaints were withdrawn, three matters are awaiting review by a subcommittee, two are at the conciliation stage and one remains listed as pending.
Meanwhile, the ERC said it undertook several activities following the sinking of the MV Barima. It issued a statement of solidarity on July 19 while search-and-rescue efforts were continuing and indicated its readiness to support those affected.
On July 22, a team of commissioners and staff led by Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack travelled to Region Two to meet and provide support to grieving families gathered there.
The following day, the ERC convened a National Service of Prayer and Reflection for the victims. The service brought together commissioners, representatives of other constitutional commissions and members of the ERC Secretariat.
The Commission also maintained a public awareness booth at the National Toshaos Council Conference, held from July 20 to 24 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. It said the exercise facilitated direct engagement with toshaos, village councillors and residents of Indigenous communities.
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