ERC Clarifies Arrest of Reshie Mangal

-Distances Commission From Police Matter

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued a clarification following the arrest and subsequent granting of bail to Mr. Reshie Mangal, amid widespread circulation of a video suggesting the arrest was linked to a matter before the Commission.

In a statement, the ERC said it has taken note of the video currently in the public domain in which an individual alludes to Mangal’s arrest being connected to an issue under the Commission’s purview.

The ERC categorically denied this claim, stating that it did not refer the matter currently engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force and has not referred any other matter involving Mangal to the police.

According to the Commission, the matter involving Mr. Mangal that is presently before the ERC is separate and distinct from the issue being handled by the Guyana Police Force.

Additionally, the ERC reiterated its public call for Mr. Mangal to make contact with the Commission in relation to racially derogatory remarks reportedly made on his TikTok platform.

The Commission also reminded the public that its primary approach to addressing complaints is through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, arbitration, and reconciliation.

The ERC noted that it reserves the right to refer matters to the Guyana Police Force only where there is evidence of an offence under the Racial Hostility Act, Chapter 23:01, Section 18(1)(e) of the Cybercrime Act, or other legislation relevant to its mandate.

The Ethnic Relations Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all peoples of Guyana.

See full statement here:

“The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has taken note of a video currently circulating widely in the public domain following the arrest and subsequent bail of Mr. Rishie Mangal.

In the said video, the individlual speaking alludes to the arrest of Mr. Mangal being linked to a matter before the Ethnic Relations Commission.

The Commission wishes to categorically state that it has not referred the current matter engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force with regard to Mr. Rishie Mangal nor any other matter involving him.

The matter involving Mr. Rishie Mangal that is presently engaging the attention of the ERC is separate and distinct from the matter currently before the Guyana Police Force.

The Commission therefore calls on all parties to desist from misinforming the public and creating unnecessary confusion regarding the role and actions of the ERC.

Further, the Ethnic Relations Commission reiterates its public call for Mr. Rish Mangal to make contact with the Commission in relation to racially derogatory remarks reportedly made on his TikTok platform.

The ERC also reminds the public that its first and foremost approach to addressing complaints is through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, arbitration, and reconciliation
The Commission reserves the right to refer matters to the Guyana Police Force only where there is evidence of an offence committed under the Racial Hostility Act Chapter 23:01S. 18(1) (e) of the Cybercrime Act and other legislation relevant to its mandate.

The Ethnic Relations Commission remains committed to promoting harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all peoples of Guyana.”