THE People Progressive Party (PPP) has commissioned a new $11M ‘Freedom House’ in the commercial centre of Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.

Speaking at the Old Year’s Day ceremony, General-Secretary Mr. Donald Ramotar said the two-storey concrete and wooden building was built in the spirit of the late founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

According to Mr. Ramotar, the office, which was opened on the eve of the party’s 60th anniversary, shows the strength of the PPP.

Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Alli Baksh, who is a member of the Central and Executive Committees, said the edifice should be dedicated to the memories of the late Dr Jagan and his deceased wife, Mrs. Janet Jagan.

Baksh, who played a big part in the construction, said the office will function as the central point of operations during the upcoming local government and general elections.

Another executive member of the PPP, Mr. Navin Chandarpal challenged supporters to continue strengthening the party.

He said the place must be used to foster greater unity among Guyanese.

Other party stalwarts, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta and Mr. Isahack Basir admonished party comrades to care the newest Freedom House, as the PPP will stay in Essequibo forever.

First Secretary of the Party in Essequibo, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo said work on the structure began on June 15, 2009, by local contractor, Mr. Bajnauth.

Samaroo said the funding was by gifts and fund-raising activities.

The upper flat will house the offices of the Progressive Youth Organisation PYO and Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), both arms of the PPP.

In attendance at the function, too, were senior party organiser and Parliamentarian, Mr. Parmanand Persaud; Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Kellawan Lall and Permanent Secretary in his ministry, Mr. Sewchand.