The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continues to engage Guyanese in its ongoing Neighbourhood Conferences being held countrywide with the general objective of enhancing dialogue and building social cohesion in Guyana.Bishop Edghill addresses one of the neighbourhood conferences. The Commission, on September 16, last, commenced the second phase of the Neighbourhood Conference Project.The first conference was held at the Kawall Primary School,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, Canal No. 2 Polder,China Jerseys NFL Wholesale, for residents within Canals Polder/West Bank Demerara NDC.A press statement issued by the company stated that approximately 33 persons within the Industry/Plaisance NDC attended the second conference held at the Plaisance Primary School on September 18, while 55 persons within La Grange/Nismes attended the conference at Nismes Primary School.The theme of the conferences is ‘Enhancing local capacity for participation in governance and the development of initiatives to resolve conflicts and contribute to community security’; while the specific objectives are to encourage active participation by community members in the establishment of effective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, to enable community members to develop the capacity and skills to work together for the good of the community and to equip communities with dispute resolution skills.Chief Executive Officer of the ERC,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, Col. Christine King, explained to residents, the genesis of the ERC which lies in the Herdmanston Accord.The accord,Cheap Soccer Jerseys, brokered by the CARICOM Mission that included Sir Shridath Ramphal, Sir Alistair Mc Intyre and Sir Henry Forde, sought to provide a peaceful solution to the political impasse that had gripped the country following the December 1997 Regional and General Elections.The ERC was mandated to execute 24 functions which can be grouped as Investigative, Conflict Resolution,Bryan Bickell Jersey, Education and Public Awareness and Research.According to the Private Sector Representative on the ERC,Wholesale Jerseys From China, Mr. L. John P. Willems, the ERC should not be seen as a political entity but rather a Constitutional Commission that reports directly to the National Assembly.Commissioner Willems told the gathering that the ERC commenced the Neighbourhood Conference project in July this year and has so far visited numerous communities informing the residents of the work of the Commission and advising them on what can be done at their level to foster community development.Meanwhile, in his remarks, chairman of the Commission, Bishop Juan Edghill, pointed out the main focus of the Neighbourhood Conferences which he explained is to encourage active participation by community members in the establishment of effective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and to equip participants with Dispute Resolution and Conflict Negotiation skills.The Neighbourhood Conferences are also meant to create a safe space where participants come together and agree on strategies for overcoming ethnic and other differences and to focus on how best they can contribute to the development of their respective communities and the country as a whole.The recommendations/suggestions and views expressed at the conferences are documented and will be sent to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and other local government bodies within the respective areas to apprise them of the needs of the communities and those that the residents have prioritised.This will also equip the ERC with answers to deal with the issues that fall within its mandate.