SHE gracefully took to the stage and delivered to the women of Linden. “I am proud to stand before you, representing all facets of the Guyanese woman,” said Elisabeth Harper, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)’s Prime Ministerial Candidate.Proud woman that she is, she told the gathering she can relate to what they want to achieve as women, stressing that it can only be done under the PPP/C. “We have always recognised the empowerment of women; and this is what the PPP/C stands for, and abides by,” she said.

She started off her conversation by listing the many achievements and developments the country has seen under the PPP/C Government. “I am here today to tell you about my vision for this country; a vision that will build a strong and stable Guyana,” she said, adding: “And it is also the vision of the PPP/C and President Donald Ramotar.”
And then she told them what they wanted to hear; what the PPP/C plans doing on resuming office. Empowering women, she said, is vital. “We will review all the laws that will encourage and promote women’s rights and equality,” she said. “We must exercise zero tolerance on domestic violence.”
Domestic violence, she said, is the bane of every woman, in that it destroys who we are, and everything we stand for; and that as a community, we should take a stand against it. “I encourage our men to participate in this fight also,” Mrs Harper said, adding:
“Single parents will be able to also further their education; training and day-care services will be provided; child support will be mandatory by the court.”
As she told her audience, the PPP/C Government has always looked out for women. “The rights of women; our rights in all aspects of the country; our right to an education more importantly.”
Another concern of the government, she said, is the issue of teenage pregnancy. “It’s a big problem, and our Manifesto will address these issues also,” she said, adding: “If you had to leave school early, you have another chance to continue your education and provide for your family, opportunities will be available to support you.”
She alluded to the many facets of the PPP/C’s Manifesto for the upcoming May 11 General and Regional Elections, explaining that one of the major components she will be looking at is the empowerment of women.

The PPP/C, she said, is about building national pride, and has an unwavering commitment to building Guyana through the development of the various sectors, such as housing and water, and health and education.
She highlighted that the Manifesto also speaks at length about plans for Linden; such as a Linden Special Development Fund that will be patterned after the Amerindian Fund; a regional sport facility; ICT; new equipment for health centres and clinics; and a regional diagnostic centre.
She noted that presently, more attention needs to be given to job creation for our young people, and that in accordance with the PPP/C Manifesto, “We will make sure jobs are created and more development and a number of new initiatives for job creation opportunities will be embarked upon.”
In closing, she said: “With these new initiatives, many more people will be able to enjoy a higher standard of living in this country. Our Manifesto will talk about housing for young people; a vision that is geared to creating a Guyana with a great future; with more interacting and dialogue and facilitate our decision-making within this sector.”
As a parting shot, she said: “The PPP/C remains steadfast to advance the development of all the communities across this country. My fellow Guyanese, let progress continue with the PPP/C, and the cup of prosperity.”

By Rebecca Ganesh