GEORGETOWN – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Friday said that it is disappointed that hours before the Jamaican dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel, is to perform here, it has not received a response from the event organisers urging that the singer does not perform a song “deemed offensive to the Christian and Hindu communities”.
In a statement, the ERC said that Vybz Kartel is due to perform here on Saturday and that it had formally written to the event organisers, Hits and Jams Entertainment, requesting to meet on the matter.
“Regrettably, as of the date of this statement, the ERC has not received any response from Hits and Jams regarding this request.
“In addition, the ERC has written to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) referencing provisions under the Broadcasting Act. The Commission urged the GNBA to prohibit the broadcast of the song ‘Good Like Jesus’ by Vybz Kartel across radio and television platforms due to its offensive and divisive nature.”
The ERC said that it had also called on “Vybz Kartel to issue a public apology to the people of Guyana, particularly the Christian community, for the offensive and insensitive content contained in the referenced song”.
The Commission said that it notes “with deep disappointment the increase in religiously and ethnically insensitive content being produced and disseminated.
“Therefore, the ERC calls on all stakeholders to think and act more responsibly in the generation of content that is circulated in our plural society.
“The ERC remains committed to its constitutional mandate of promoting harmony and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Guyana. The Commission continues to urge all stakeholders, including entertainers and broadcasters, to act responsibly and with consideration for Guyana’s rich ethnic diversity and commitment to national unity.”
The ERC said that it also wanted to correct what it termed “inaccurate media reports” which suggested that the Commission was responsible for the arrest of Daniel Wharton, also known by his stage name ‘Baby Skello’.
“The ERC wishes to inform the public that a letter was dispatched to Wharton, requesting his presence at the Commission in relation to a song released by him that has raised public concern over its derogatory content. To date, Wharton has not made contact with the Commission.
“The ERC reiterates its call for Wharton ‘Baby Skello’ to come forward and make contact with the Commission urgently to address this important matter,” it added. (CMC)
