Ethnic Relations Commission Seeks Stronger Powers in Constitution Reform

Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission is urging constitutional reform to give it stronger investigative powers, saying it needs clearer authority to compel attendance and avoid delays. At a consultation in Greater Georgetown, the ERC also presented a draft glossary of ethnically sensitive terms and gathered public feedback to help shape its report to the Constitution Reform Commission by the 2026 deadline.

Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall says the Constitutional Reform Commission has received just over 20 written submissions, a low turnout that could slow the start of public consultations on rewriting the constitution. The commission wants input on issues including rights, Indigenous peoples, elections and anti-discrimination measures, and is urging citizens and groups to participate.

Guyana’s Constitution Reform Commission has received only about 20 written proposals since inviting public input several months ago, far fewer than expected, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said. He warned that low participation from civil society and political parties could slow the reform process, which is meant to review issues including rights, elections, and governance.