THERE are unsung heroes behind great political movements across the world. As Guyana’s 2015 General and Regional Elections kick into high gear ahead of Monday’s vote, the crowds attending public meetings and rallies have been growing exponentially. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is hailed as Guyana’s oldest political movement and following its dismal performance at the 2011 Elections, it was recognised that the party’s legendary ‘networking machinery’ had failed. The 2015 campaign, however, has seen a marked difference in the performance of the party’s network machinery and this is credited in large part to the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), the youth arm of the PPP/C.

‘BACKBONE’ OF PPP/C
It is evident that much focus has not been placed on this youth arm but they are nonetheless, the ‘backbone’ of the PPP/C for upholding the party’s agenda and ensuring there is a smooth flow throughout the party’s campaign trail.
The PYO is divided into groups throughout the regions of Guyana where they are tasked with developing their community in numerous ways, such as cleaning drains, painting roads, and developing health centres, among other contributions.
In relation to the upcoming elections, the organisation has been contributing enormously on the campaign trail. They have been mounting the stage and speaking beside Ministers and Executive members of the PPP/C at the party’s public meetings and rallies.
Additionally, they have been helping with the verification of proxies, ensuring that every citizen is aware of the procedures of voting by sharing out sample ballots. They also visited villages and plastered posters and put up flags showcasing the party’s determination for continuous progress in its reign.
PERFORMING ‘EXCEPTIONALLY WELL’
Spearheaded and chaired by no other than the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, the organisation has been drastically evolving with his guidance and leadership. In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, Ali said that the PYO has been performing “exceptionally well” and is proud to be spearheading their every movement as they aim to keep the progress of the PPP/C intact.
“I am proud to say that the PYO has been performing exceptionally well for the nearing Regional and General Elections. They have been outlining the vision of the party and improving access to housing as well as advancing cultural education and mobilising the people to support progress,” said Ali in high spirits.
It is important to note, however, that one-third of the youths in the organisation are candidates for both the General and Regional Elections.
The Guyana Chronicle took the initiative to approach several PYO executive members who all shared similar sentiments in relation to their activities on elections day.

Amelia Ali, head of the Leonora PYO group and a candidate for the Regional Elections, disclosed that the group will be in full gear to assist persons in voting, especially those with physical disabilities who will need transportation and guidance at the polling stations.
PATRIOTISM
With a sense of patriotism and volunteerism, the PYO has been equipping youths to be future leaders for more than six decades. From the time of its formation, youths were seen as a vital section of the population to be effectively mobilised if the ultimate success of freeing Guyanese from the shackles of colonialism and persistent oppression was going to be achieved in a lasting manner. Thus, work began to create a youth arm.
This is, however, the first youth group that courageously and fearlessly brought youths to the forefront of the struggle for national independence. The organisation continues to build on its policies to produce future leaders of Guyana.