Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes is awaiting a response from Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) following his recommendation that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) cease describing African descendants as “negro” in their official documents.
Hughes has called on the ERC to issue a directive to the police force, advising that the law enforcement agency “cease the use of the term ‘Negro’ and any other derogatory language when referring to individuals of African descent. “This directive should be disseminated widely within the force to ensure compliance at all levels,” he said.
Hughes further recommended that a monitoring mechanism be established to ensure adherence to the directive. “Any breaches should be met with appropriate disciplinary action to reinforce the importance of respectful conduct,” Hughes advised.
Hughes’ appeal to the ERC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Gomin Camacho, came less than a week after his client, Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member Kidackie Amsterdam, complained that the police force’s description of him as a “negro” was met with strong objection and eventually the police changed it.
In his letter, Hughes emphasized that the term “negro” had its roots in colonialism and slavery, where it was used to dehumanize and subjugate people of African descent. “Its usage today is not only outdated but also perpetuates a legacy of racism and exclusion,” Hughes declared.
However, Attorney General Anil Nandlall was by no means happy with Hughes’ recommendation. Earlier this week he referred to Hughes as a lawyer was attempting to score cheap points by raising objections to the police force’s use of “negro” while United States Congressman Jonathan Jackson was visiting Guyana.
“For over 180 years, the Guyana Police Force has been using ‘Negro’ to describe Afro-Guyanese, ‘East Indian’ to describe Indo-Guyanese, ‘Amerindian’ to describe indigenous Guyanese, etc. in their investigative documents without any objection whatsoever from any quarter.
However, as a result of the presence in Guyana of a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Jonathan Jackson and in a deliberate effort to stir the ethnic and racial broil, this Attorney-at-Law suddenly finds the use by the Guyana Police Force of the term ‘Negro’ highly objectionable,” Nandlall said, noting that Hughes was silent on Amsterdam’s utterance.
Hughes pointed out that under international human rights law, to which Guyana is a signatory, the use of derogatory language by state officials violates the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which Guyana ratified in 1977, obligates the state to condemn and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Article 4 of ICERD requires state parties to take immediate and positive measures to eradicate any incitement to, or acts of, racial discrimination, including the use of derogatory language by public authorities.
Hughes also referenced the United Nations’ Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted in 2001, which emphasizes the role of education and public awareness in combating racism and promoting respect for diversity. He noted that the declaration calls upon states to ensure that law enforcement agencies adopt measures to eliminate racial profiling and discrimination in their practices.
In addition to his appeal to the ERC, Hughes has recommended that the commission implement mandatory training programs for all police officers on cultural sensitivity, diversity, and the importance of respectful language.
These programs should emphasize the historical and social context of derogatory terms and their impact on community relations. “By taking these steps, the Ethnic Relations Commission can play a pivotal role in promoting a culture of respect and inclusion within the Guyana Police Force.
This will not only enhance community-police relations but also uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination that are enshrined in our Constitution and international commitments,” Hughes added.
By highlighting these historical and contemporary perspectives, Hughes aims to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment within Guyana’s law enforcement agencies. His call for change underscores the ongoing need to address and rectify historical injustices while promoting present-day equality and respect for all citizens.
The controversy surrounding the use of the term “negro” by the Guyana Police Force has brought to light the broader issues of racial sensitivity and historical legacies within the country.
As the nation continues to grapple with its colonial past and strive for a more equitable future, the resolution of this issue will be a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive society.
The response of the Ethnic Relations Commission and the subsequent actions taken by the police force will be closely watched as indicators of Guyana’s commitment to upholding the principles of equality and non-discrimination (WiredJA).