PPP/C well on its way to victory – Presidential Candidate tell Barticians

 

With fifteen days to go before General Elections 2006, the Peoples’ Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is well on its way to victory. This was the statement made by Presidential Candidate Bharrat Jagdeo while addressing a gathering of more than 2,500 during a rally held at Peter Ramnauth Square First Avenue, Bartica.

“With your love, demonstration and support, the PPP/C will win victory come August 28. Your energy invigorates us and we will continue the hard work to improve your life,” he said.

He assured Barticians that once the PPP/C is reinstated into office, they will work with the communities at a grass root level to ensure that residents’ issues are adequately addressed.

“If you vote for them, you will not see them until another five years but, I want to promise you that once the PPP/C is in office we will continue to work in your communities,” Jagdeo said.

He noted that Barticians are smarter and will not be bribed with money or food stuff being distributed by some of his political counterparts.

The Presidential Candidate urged voters to turn out in large numbers on Elections Day and ensure they have their Identification Cards in order so that they can mark their X twice, one for the Presidency and the other for the regional representative, next to the Cup.

He pointed out that the PPP/C is the only nationalist party and views Guyanese children not as PPP or PNC children but rather as Guyanese working together for a common, bright future.

Mr. Jagdeo said there are some signs of development in every area of the country.

“The cake is small but one thing that characterizes us in the PPP is that we have been fair in sharing the cake and today we are in a better position to share that cake,” he said, referring to the $2.1B debt that the PPP inherited from the PNC/R.

According to the President, the PPP had to pay back the PNC’s debt, even though they did not spent it or inherit any fruit from it. However, it has managed to repay $1B of that debt and had reduced the debt servicing payment from 94 to 12 percent.

He noted that several achievements have been made in reforming Guyana’s economy and it is no longer in a dilapidated and rundown state. Among these, he said are low interest and inflation rate and a better housing programme, in which more than 70 000 house lots have been distributed. This is in addition to improved education and healthcare delivery and enhanced spending on every sector including security.

The President acknowledged that there are still things to be done but they have to be done one day at a time and in the context of Guyana’s ability.

Commenting on the Bartica situation, he said government has secured funding for every part of the country including Bartica, which is reflected in the $800M allocated for roads to convert the area into a secondary town. In addition, there are several other projects being funded in the area.

Mr. Jagdeo urged residents not be persuaded by lies spreading by PNC/R members in the area including the Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, along with a Member of Parliament, who were urging persons not to attend the rally.

He added that the PPP has been fair to every Guyanese.

“And that is why we are winning support these days because our message is true and that is a message of bringing every body together,” he said.

The President told supporters that the PPP/C is not just fighting for victory because retaining political power is not an opportunity to full their pockets in the PPP/C but it is about serving the people.

The President condemned the PNC/R-1G advertisement, which depicts a child writing to Robert Corbin that he has Amerindian blood.

According to the President, this appeals to racism and because of this persons should not support it. He pointed out that the PNC cannot destroy the progress and that is why they have embarked on a rumour campaign.

The President informed residents of several plans to develop Bartica including a yachting industry and other areas in the tourism sector.

He urged the older folks to teach the younger ones to vote, about the struggle and why they should vote for the PPP/C.

Additionally, Mr. Jagdeo said Guyana is working to change its image internationally and will be hosting the RIO Group Meeting. Guyana would be the first English speaking country in the Caribbean to host this meeting.

Guyana is also Chairing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Boards and is a member of the South American Communities of Nations. Guyana is also hosting a leg of the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.

“Our profile internationally is changing and Guyana is no longer remembered for the Jim Jones story and food shortages of the past,” he said.

He added that there have been restored audited accounts and although it cannot be guaranteed that there would not be corruption, there are systems in place to deal with these.

Meanwhile, he said “We will defeat them with our love and I am counting on you to move forward on the best victory in Guyana on August 28, the only day to vote for elections,” the President underscored.

He noted that that have been several changes and this was verified by new candidates on the list, including Ms. Jasmine Dass, who is a Bartician. She said under the PPP/C, three new housing schemes and a new secondary school were established in the area along with several developments for youths.

The Bartica population is about 7,500 persons, of which 30 percent is under the age of 30 and the President has been working to develop their interest through several youth programmes.

Ms. Jennifer Westford also attested to the strides made in the health sector in Bartica including the transformation of the Bartica hospital, better maternal health care delivery and several other health programmes.

New entrant to the PPP list, Dr. Desrey Fox, an Amerindian linguistic expert noted that it is important for persons to vote for the PPP/C since it is the only party that is cognizant of the multiculturalism in Guyana. This, she said has been reflected on the list.

She noted that in this era and time, Amerindians have experienced so much development in remote parts which is especially evident in education delivery and health facilities.

Also addressing the gathering was Odinga Lumumba who noted that every five year residents are faced with a critical decision and August 28 represents that decision. He said it is a time when they will decide whether they will go back 14 years to witness a dilapidated Guyana or to vote for progress.

Clinton Collymore in his address recalled his first meeting in Bartica 30 years ago where people were not given freedom of expression and where the PPP/C meetings at that time were broken up by PNC/R touts. However, today there is freedom to pursue anyone’s political interest, he said.

He cautioned residents that they need to vote overwhelmingly for the party since the Party needs more than 51 percent of the votes to ensure that they have the majority in the national assembly.

Prime Ministerial Candidate, Samuel Hinds who also addressed the gathering echoed the development in every sector with particular emphasis on electricity, mining and telecommunications. He noted that government has enhanced the provision of electricity and recently signed a deal for hydro power in the country.

He urged that they vote for the PPP/C because that is the only way progress will continue.

 

August 13, 2006

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