See full statement from the Ethnic Relations Commission:
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) wishes to inform the general public that it had no involvement in the prosecution or subsequent remand of Mr. Daniel Wharton, also known as ‘Baby Skello.’
The Commission had publicly issued two formal invitations, on May 14 and May 23, 2025, urging Mr. Wharton to appear before the ERC to discuss concerns regarding his recent song, which has been widely criticized for disparaging a Hindu goddess. These appeals were made in response ERC receipt of formal complaints from the Hindu community.
Despite the ERC’s well-publicised efforts to initiate a dialogue, Mr. Wharton did not respond or present himself for an interview. As the Commission does not possess subpoena powers, it was unable to compel his attendance or further engage with him on this matter.
The ERC press release dated May 14, 2025, stated, inter-alia that…………. “The Ethnic Relations Commission has also noted that Baby Skello was arrested by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in relation to his recent song which contained blasphemous content against the Hindu religion. The ERC respects the independent actions of the GPF to investigate and address this matter within the full extent of the law. However, 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. While the ERC has referred several matters to the police based on completed investigations, that is not yet one such case.”
In another statement on May 23, 2025, the Commission said, inter-alia “The Commission also takes this opportunity to correct inaccurate media reports which suggested that the ERC was responsible for the arrest of Mr. Daniel Wharton, also known by his stage name ‘Baby Skello.’ The ERC wishes to inform the public that a letter was dispatched to Mr. Wharton, requesting his presence at the Commission in relation to a song released by him that has raised public concern over its derogatory content. To date, Mr. Wharton has not made contact with the Commission. The ERC reiterates its call for Mr. Wharton ‘Baby Skello’ to come forward and make contact with the Commission urgently to address this important matter.”
Following the release of the song by ‘Baby Skello’ the Commission issued a statement on May 8, 2025 condemning the content of the song. The ERC release issued on May 8, 2025 stated inter-alia…… “The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) strongly condemns the recent circulation of a song by the performer known as Baby Skello, which portrays the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in a vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous manner. This content constitutes a deeply offensive act that strikes at the heart of the Hindu community’s religious beliefs and is wholly unacceptable in a society that values mutual respect and coexistence.”
The ERC remains committed to fostering mutual respect and understanding among all ethnic and religious groups in Guyana.
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