… as Minister Irfaan Ali assures the bright future ahead
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) is a national party and is proceeding with a very strong, vibrant, national campaign across the country, to reach out to as many communities as possible. Reflective of this mission are the successful public meetings being conducted by PPP representatives, in an effort to have their presence equally felt in every single community, by every single resident.
Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday evening, ventured to the communities of Cornelia Ida and Hague in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), where scores of residents gathered to support the campaign efforts and to listen to what the party has to offer in its run up to the 2011 General Elections on November 28th.
“I want to thank you for the responsibility you have shown to come out here this evening to listen to us, to understand the issues and the facts from fiction, and separate the reality from the falsehood, so that we can prepare our lives to make decisions that will impact your lives, that of your families and the future generations to come,” he said.
He reminded the gathering that the PPP/C has laid the foundation and has established the framework for paving the way for development sweeping across the country, compared to the position two decades ago.
Ali said, “Guyana is now moving away from being known today as one of the fastest growing and most stable economies in the Caribbean, to being on the threshold of becoming the strongest and greatest economic power in the Caribbean.”
According to Minister Ali, this rapid development and growth will only continue if the PPP/C is at the helm, and he also reminded that the growth will only continue if, come Election Day, they vote for PPP/C under the astute leadership of Donald Ramotar.
“This man (Donald Ramotar) fought for democracy and freedom all his life. He had the honour of replacing Dr. Cheddi Jagan as the General Secretary of the PPP, and later, he had the honour of mentoring young Bharrat Jagdeo in his early days of Presidency. This is the man we bring to you, Donald Ramotar, and we are convinced that with his humility, honesty and integrity, he will make an excellent president for Guyana,” Ali related.
Growth in the Region
As the evening progressed, even more residents joined to hear Minister Ali highlight some of the major developments Region 3 has witnessed under the PPP/C administration.
These include the construction of the technical institute at Leonora, the athletic track, and the plans for the expansion of the four lane road in Region 3.
As to the driving force behind the improvements, he said, “Look all across the country, especially in Region 3, they (the opposition) believe that everything must only be done for the urban centres and the rich. We will have them know that we are going to make investments all across the country, evenly, because we believe that every one must have equal access and opportunities to the development pie of this country.
He took the opportunity to highlight also the massive housing drive taking place in the region.
“Look around you, this housing scheme was developed under the PPP/C, so that you and your families and families like yours will be able to rest comfortably in your own homes. This was only possible under this government,” Ali asserted.
Despite these developments and the plans for future growth, Minister Ali pointed out that no one person or party is perfect and that the PPP/C will continue to learn from its mistakes and take corrective action to propel this country to greater heights in the future.
He said, “We are not saying to you that everything is perfect. I am not here to tell you that we have done everything right, all of us make mistakes. What is important is that we learn from our mistakes, so that we would not repeat them. That is what this government has been doing.”
In this regard, he urged supporters to educate the young people and to highlight the struggle so that they will not be “fooled and carried away” by false promises, and to continue to work with the PPP/C.
“Comrades I say to you that we must not squander this opportunity. Let us not destroy the strong foundation that Guyana is on. Let us be responsible as we make the choice of a new government and ensure that the PPP/C is returned to government. Let us ensure that Donald Ramotar is elected as president of this country, anything else would be a betrayal of your own progress and prosperity,” he stated.
Other featured speakers at Tuesday’s evening’s public meeting included Charles Ramson, Jr., who called on the residents to reflect on what the country was like prior to the PPP/C government, and to examine how their lives have improved under this administration.
Region 3 Chairman, Julius Faerber also addressed the residents gathered in the two communities.
PPP/C public meetings were also held in other areas in the Region, including Parika, Naamryck, Parfaite Harmonie, and Ruby Back Junction.