…says President Jagdeo
HUNDREDS turned out on Saturday evening to celebrate with Government functionaries as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) celebrated its 60th Anniversary, with a dinner at the Princess International Hotel, Providence.
The evening was filled with reflections on the party’s struggle and sacrifices to obtain independence – one of the many significant developmental achievements under its leadership over the years. President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed appreciation for the support and confidence given by Guyanese to the party during its tenure in office.
He noted that the anniversary celebration was to observe 60 years of struggle for a better way of life for society. While boasting of the many achievements in each sector of the economy, the Head-of-State alluded to his recent visit to Suriname, indicating that Guyana’s rice industry compared to that of its eastern neighbour has blossomed since 1992.
Recalling the struggle, President Jagdeo said that persons were once treated like second class citizens.
“Our past leaders had a vision to change that and to change the condition under which our people lived. The PPP, which was the first political party in Guyana, did that and will continue to ensure that our people’s best interest is addressed,” he said.
This, he said, was done under several principles, namely that the country must be internationalist in outlook, belonging to all people, regardless of race or religion.
“Today, we are fighting a different form of struggle; our party now is in power and the struggle does not end when you assume power. It intensifies, because now you have the ability to make policies to make changes in people’s lives,” he posited.
President Jagdeo pointed out that because the party has been firm in its outlook, it is now capable of confronting challenges that are oftentimes faced.
While speaking of the country’s achievements, he stated that most of the Caribbean countries that were doing far better than Guyana did not have the fiscal room that is now enjoyed by this country.
The Head-of-State, in conclusion, stated that while the party now faces new challenges, it will remain positive and steadfast to further improve the lives of the people it serves.   
PPP/C General Secretary, Donald Ramoutar, while lauding the support the party has received, said that the future of Guyana is linked to the PPP since the country was still not free when the party took office in 1992.
He stated that freedom and social liberation are two of the conditions dealt with under the party’s fight for fundamental human rights that people now enjoy.
“Many of our people take for granted some of the freedoms we have today. In the entire crisis that we have had, our country has managed to avoid the worst circumstances of the financial and economic crisis and that is due to the democracy that we have entrenched in society.
We provided correct leadership and we were rewarded with the confidence and support of you, the people. As we go forward to build our country and as we realise the potentials, we once again look forward to your support,” he noted.
After the ceremony, the President took the opportunity to greet and mingle with those in attendance. (GINA)