The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has confirmed that it has summoned local artist Daniel Wharton, also known as “Baby Skello,” following his recent song, which contained what the Commission described as “blasphemous content” against the Hindu religion.

The ERC’s announcement comes days after Wharton was taken into Police custody after his song received a backlash from the public.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commission said while it respects the Force’s independent role in investigating the case under existing laws, it will also seek to address the issue within its mandate and has not yet referred the matter to the police.

“The ERC wishes to clarify that this matter is also being addressed at the level of the ERC, and Baby Skello has been summoned to face the Commission,” the release stated.

The Commission further disclosed that artists Richard Singh and Vision Clake, known for their controversial song “Chiney don’t know who’s we,” have also been summoned to appear before the ERC.

The video, which features a staged robbery of a Chinese supermarket accompanied by lyrics appearing to glorify looting and defy security, has been widely condemned as racially insensitive and dangerous.

“We work towards addressing these issues within our mandate to promote harmony and good relations among all peoples of Guyana,” the Commission said.

The ERC has in the past referred several cases to the police following completed investigations, but clarified that none of the current matters have yet reached that stage.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, last evening disclosed that the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has written to the Director of Public Prosecutions, copying him, asking that the DPP review and recommend criminal charges against Wharton. 

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The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued a condemnation of Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel for his song “Good Like Jesus”, which the body says contains “blasphemous and deeply offensive statements” about Jesus Christ.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ERC described the content as “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities” and a threat to the spirit of reverence and harmony foundational to Guyana’s multicultural society.

“The Lord Jesus Christ is not only central to Christianity but is also respected in Islam and Hinduism. Any content that demeans such a universally revered figure risks offending multiple faith communities and threatens inter-religious harmony,” the ERC stated.

While the Commission acknowledged the importance of artistic freedom, it noted that such rights are “not absolute” and must be exercised with “responsibility and respect for religious and cultural values.”

It called for the banning of the song from Guyana’s airwaves and digital platforms, urging that all public dissemination of the track cease immediately.

The ERC further disclosed that it will be engaging the promoter of an upcoming concert featuring Vybz Kartel to ensure that the event does not contribute to spreading “offensive content that undermines interfaith harmony.”

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