THE atmosphere at a usually quite State House on scenic Main Street, was transformed into one tinged by children’s laughter and delighted screams, singing and the sound of feet moving to the pulsating vibes of live bands and cultural performances.The undertones of seriousness were brought to the fore by President Donald Ramotar, who, in welcoming hundreds to the annual fun day organised in honour of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, reminded that the incumbent Party remains a Party of the people.

“The PPP (People’s Progressive Party) has always stood with the people; the workers; the farmers; ordinary people, everyone,” he said, repeating his call for the people to stand with him and the ruling Party come May 11, when the nation returns to the polls.
His call was met with thunderous applause, cheers and whistles from the hundreds who had an opportunity to interact, air their views and be photographed with the Party’s leadership. In time for the formal cultural programme and speeches, many took advantage of the seating arrangements on the lawns of State House, with many others standing on the sidelines to catch a glimpse of the Head of State, while others yet opted for the comfort of the lawns itself.
Mr Ramotar, also the presidential candidate for the ruling Party, noted that the celebration of Dr Jagan’s life and work comes at a critical juncture in the history; the lead-up to one of the most consequential General and Regional elections since 1992.
The choice, come May 11, he explained, is a clear one; a choice between a Party with a proven track record of delivering a better quality of living to the Guyanese people and a party that sees the upcoming polls as a means to only one end: Grabbing the reins of power.
The President stressed the importance of every vote. “Every vote must be counted,” he said.
Mr Ramotar reiterated his call for the Guyanese people to stand with the PPP, in the same way the Party has stood with them, and ensure that progress, peace and prosperity continue, via a majority win at the polls.
“We must not only win the Presidency, we must win the majority…the choice is clear…we must move Guyana forward,” he charged.
THE YOUTH VOTE
The Party’s prime ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper, reiterated similar sentiments, and, taking advantage of the large number of youths at yesterday’s fun day, she urged that they recognise their role in determining the future of Guyana.

“Everyone has a stake in our development,” she said, adding that the efforts to consolidate the gains made in the last two decades must not be lost.
“You must build on the foundation that has already been laid,” Harper urged.
The many families at the Dr Jagan’s memorial fun day also received the attention of the Party’s prime ministerial candidate.
She underscored the importance of families, calling them the “bedrock” of social and, by extension, economic progress that benefits all Guyanese.
“Go out and vote for the right Party, the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic),” she urged, with specific focus on the youths.
Her calls engendered wider smiles from hundreds of young faces painted with flowers, butterflies and a host of animated images.

STAYING THE PATH
Adding to the undeniable optimism and enthusiasm that marked yesterday’s event were comments from the PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, who hailed Dr Jagan as one of the greatest men who walked Guyana’s soil.
The ideals of Dr Jagan, he reminded, still guide the PPP, which he founded decades ago.
On that note, he called for the support of the Guyanese people to ensure that the ruling Party is reelected to office.

“This is no time to go backwards…PPP is battle ready. We are ready for the battle, not only ready for the road…the battle lines have been drawn and Guyana is at a crossroad. We must go forward not backward,” Rohee said.
The PPP General Secretary added that the Party remains a strong one and remains committed to all Guyanese people.
“We are a Party that has stood the test of time,” he said, adding that while the naysayers want to “turn back the clock” the PPP will continue to march forward in sync with the beats of peace, progress and prosperity.
His reminders and assurances were welcomed by the massive crowd, that also took advantage of the assortment of food, drinks, craft stands, games, a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, trampolines, inflated castles, the offer of henna designs, toys, paintball shooting competitions and prizes – a combination that added to the excitement that that tangibly felt in the air.
In addition to members of the public, Party members, representatives of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), government ministers and officials and prominent private sector figures were present at Dr Cheddi Jagan’s memorial fun day, which was organised by the Party he founded.