President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr. Kester Hutson today, June 18, urged members of the private sector to utilise their influence and public platforms to combat hate speech and foster inclusivity.

Mr. Hutson was at the time addressing the launch of the ‘National Campaign on Hate Speech’ at the National Library, Georgetown. The campaign launch coincided with the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, and is a collaborative effort between the United Nations (UN) and the Ethnic Relations Commission.

The GCCI President stated that hate speech is a poison that fuels discrimination, violence and social unrest, and the eradication of this social scourge requires collective action. “As private sector leaders, we have a unique platform to promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect. We can leverage our influence to create a culture of empathy and understanding. We can use our marketing channels, social media, and community outreach programmes to spread positive messages and counter hate speech,” he posited.

The GCCI is committed to its role of countering discrimination and promoting inclusivity. In 2023, the Chamber and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Guyana, which included an agreement to enlist the private sector as a critical advocate of the elimination of hate, and the promotion of human rights.