– to focus full attention on upcoming elections
THE Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), during a meeting on Saturday last, has agreed to postpone the holding of the party’s 30th Congress which was constitutionally due this year in order to focus its full attention on the upcoming elections. A motion to this effect was unanimously approved by the Central Committee, according to a statement yesterday from the PPP.

The Central Committee, on Saturday, also heard addresses by President Bharrat Jagdeo and its General Secretary and Presidential Candidate Mr. Donald Ramotar.

“This was followed by discussions which centered around the need to work hard towards victory in the up-coming elections,” the PPP statement said.

The Central Committee also expressed satisfaction at the growth in the Guyanese economy, despite a very unfavourable international economic environment. “It was also satisfied with the great achievements in the social sector and in the political stability in our country,” the PPP said.

The Party said its Central Committee also assessed the situation prevailing in the world at large and the local political, economic and social conditions in Guyana.

At the international level, the Party noted with great concern the downgrade of the U.S credit rating and its likely impact on the global financial markets.

The meeting noted that already there are indications of turmoil in the markets which could have adverse effects on the economies of the developing world and on the lives of ordinary people.

The volatile financial and economic situation in a number of European countries more notably Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain resulting in drastic cuts in spending was also a grave concern. The crisis in Europe is spreading to Italy and UK, where riots have broken out.

The meeting expressed great interest in the grave situation in the Middle East. At this time the loss of lives in Libya, Yemen and Syria due to internal conflicts and in the case of Libya, due to the intervention by NATO is extremely distressing. The Party also extends its solidarity to the forces fighting for peace and democracy while it condemns the outside interference in the civil war in Libya.

At the local level, the Party noted with satisfaction the fact that more than seven thousand persons have been registered by GECOM during the thirteen days reopening of its Claims (10 days) and Objection period. “This has fully vindicated the PPP’s position on the reopening, despite strong objections from the opposition parties, in particular APNU and the AFC,” the PPP stated.

The Party said it is also heartened by the fact that it was mainly responsible for ensuring that such a significant amount of eligible persons in all regions registered in that period.

The PPP alluded to the fact that it fought for universal adult suffrage and said it views this as one of the main pillars of democracy.