PPP/C Presidential Candidate urges supporters to prepare for polling day

PPP/C Presidential candidate Bharrat Jagdeo has urged supporters to ensure their National Identification Cards are in order and in cases of new registrants, that these are uplifted so that they would be ready to support the Party at the General Elections. He was at the time addressing public meetings at Canal No. Two Polder and Wales, Region Three.

“I know for a very long time you have been with the Party, for a very long time. You have seen the trials and tribulations and you know our task is unfinished. But there is only one way to continue this task and that is why come August 28, I know you will come out and ensure the PPP/C has another resounding victory,” the Presidential Candidate said.

He told his supporters that they have the power in their hands to preserve the gains of this country including freedom. Mr. Jagdeo noted that his Party is not like the others that want to be reelected to Office so that personal material gains could be accumulated. Rather, the PPP/C seeks to continue the legacy of Cheddi Jagan and that is to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. “I don’t want us to lose focus of this message…we are far from finished. So I don’t want to hear people say they don’t have to come out and vote because the PPP/C already win. Comrades, we should not become complacent,” he urged.

Speaking extensively on the developments under the PPP/C 14-year rule, Mr. Jagdeo pointed to major leaps in the social and productivity sectors. PPP/C accomplishments include increased benefits for pensioners, investment for the bauxite, rice and sugar industries, additional houselots, advancements in the education, health and information technology sector, construction of the country’s first stadium and convention centre and the permanent headquarters for CARICOM, as well as repayment of US$1.2B in external debt. The building of the Berbice River Bridge would start shortly. The government has also secured US$20M to restructure the Guyana Police Force to better tackle crime.

“These Elections are about the future. It is a serious decision. I want you to judge us based on our record in office and we have a clear record, and what we have done in spite of many difficulties,” he said.

He told supporters that his Party has a plan for every sector and many of them are already being implemented. He criticised the manifestoes and plans being outlined by his competitors, noting that many of these are extracts from the PPP/C plans.

Mr. Jagdeo said the PPP/C cannot afford to marginally win the Elections as this would prevent the Party from having the majority of seats in the National Assembly. The Party would then be forced to form a collation Government. He recalled that in 1964 the PNC and the United Force formed a coalition government which ousted the PPP from Office for 28 years.

Also addressing the crowd was PPP/C candidate Komal Chand, who hailed the many improvements in the labour movement and workers conditions over the years. Speaking about the economic progress, he noted that the 28 years of dictatorship under the PNCR regime that ended in 1992, has ruined the country’s infrastructure, economy and social life, among other variables.

August 11, 2006

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