AMIDST loud cheers and approving chants of “Harper for PM”, she took to the stage with customary poise. “Are you ready for another victory to let progress continue?” she asked. Needless to say the response that innocous little query elicited.

No doubt satisfied that she had the audience’s undivided attention and that they were on the same page, her next volley was, “Who will lead our country for the next five years? Are you ready to make that choice? Will you choose a leader and a Party that have brought so much progress? Are you ready for the Presidency of Donald Ramotar?” And again, the answer was a resounding “Yes!”
Speaking to the thousands of PPP/C supporters before her on the tarmac at Bath Settlement Tarmac, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper noted that under the strong leadership of the PPP/C Government, there was an expansion of Guyana’s economy in such key sectors as agriculture, health, education and housing.
She spoke with confidence of the achievements that were made a reality countrywide under the PPP/C Government. “In your community, you have more services in education, health and job opportunities,” she said. “You are now able to build your own homes with the help of the Housing Ministry. The agricultural sector improves even further under this Government.”
Speaking specifically to the young people who will be voting for the first time, she emphasised, “I want you to listen very carefully; soon, you might be standing on this stage and putting forward a vision… I encourage you to work hard and help to build this blessed country…”
BENEFITS FOR THE PEOPLE
The PM candidate spoke on the many aspects of the manifesto and the benefits for the people of Guyana. “Food security is at the top of our agenda, increased production and the diversification of our other crops, we will also continue to partner with the private sector to create more investment projects and jobs creation,” she related.
She also applauded the contribution of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and the excellent work they have been doing in Berbice.
DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR REGION 5
She noted that through the PPP/C manifesto, the Government will establish a special development fund for Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) that will encourage job and health creation activities. Harper told her supporters that education is a priority of this Government as she alluded to the many achievements of this sector. She noted also that with a better education system the country will have enhanced job opportunities by preparing the country for a high educational sector.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
Empowering women is vital, Harper noted, “We will review all the laws that will encourage and promote women’s rights and equality. We must exercise zero tolerance on domestic violence.” She explained that domestic violence destroys who we are and everything we stand for and we as a community should not encourage it. “I encourage our men to participate in this fight also.”
“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,” she pointed out, noting some of the opportunities that will be available to single parents.
She further explained that the PPP/C Government has over the years maintained “the rights of women, our right in all aspects of the country, our right to an education more importantly.”
Harper said further that teenage pregnancy is also a big problem and our manifesto will address these issues also. “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.”
With much disappointment she related a recent incident that took place at one of the PPP/C public meetings, noting that such vulgarity was acted out in full view of children. “If as women we cannot respect ourselves how can we expect other people to respect us.”
CREATING JOBS
Harper mentioned also that presently more attention needs to be given to job creation for our young people and in 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.”
“With these new initiatives many more people will be able to enjoy a higher standard of living in this country,” she said. “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,” Harper declared.
Harper also urged persons to “help us to uphold the Code of Conduct which we signed. We, as a party, can conduct ourselves with dignity and respect. This election is about making a great country even better. Let us vote for a resounding victory on May 11.”

By Rebecca Ganesh