The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has denounced remarks by social media personality Mikhail Rodrigues better known as the `Guyanese Critic’ as racially stereotypical and derogatory in nature.
In a statement yesterday, the ERC said “The remarks in question relied on broad ethnic generalizations that demeaned citizens on the basis of their ethnicity, including by disparaging the character and worth of one community, and by drawing divisive and derogatory distinctions within another”.
It, however, said that the remarks did not meet the threshold for referral to the police as racially inciting.
“For the benefit of the public, the Commission wishes to explain that it draws a careful and deliberate distinction between conduct that is contrary to its mandate and conduct that meets the criminal threshold under the laws of Guyana. Where a matter is found to meet that threshold, it is referred to the Guyana Police Force for appropriate action. Where, as in this instance, remarks do not meet the criminal threshold but are nonetheless contrary to the Commission’s mandate and harmful to ethnic relations, the Commission responds through alternative dispute resolution, education, and, where warranted, public denunciation.
“On that basis, the Commission unreservedly denounces the use of racially stereotypical and derogatory language, whether presented in earnest, in jest, or under the guise of `explanation’ or `strategy.’ Language that diminishes the dignity of any ethnic group has no place in the national
discourse of a modern, diverse Guyana”, the ERC stated.
The ERC chose not to repeat the specific language used.
The Commission’s Media Monitoring Unit had identified a series of remarks made by Rodrigues and in keeping with the Commission’s established procedures, the matter was referred to the Investigative Unit, which conducted a review of the content, prepared an assessment, and sought legal advice on the applicable law.
Rodrigues was then formally engaged by the Commission through written correspondence and afforded the opportunity to respond. Rodrigues met in person with officers of the Investigative Unit, during which he provided his account of the statements in question.
Following this process, the ERC said that the Investigative Sub-Committee of Commissioners (ISC) considered the matter in its entirety and determined that the remarks were racially stereotypical and derogatory in nature, and contrary to the Commission’s mandate, though they did not meet the criminal threshold for racial incitement under the laws of Guyana. The Sub-Committee accordingly recommended the issuance of this public statement.
The Commission reminded all public figures, content creators, influencers, and citizens that words carry the power either to build bridges or to deepen divides.
The ERC said that several matters remain under active investigation.
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