THE Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) yesterday congratulated President Donald Ramotar on his first anniversary as President of Guyana.

“The Women’s Progressive Organisation offers our congratulations and reaffirms our unstinting support for our Head of State President Donald Ramotar on the occasion of his first year in office at the helm of our nation,” a press release stated.
It noted that President Ramotar has successfully advanced the nation’s development on all fronts in a challenging political atmosphere.
The WPO said it particularly recognises his focus in drawing attention and addressing social issues, particularly those affecting women and children.
“Apart from increases in the Old Age Pension and Public Assistance, the Donald Ramotar led administration also successfully piloted a bill which gives spouses and children of common law unions more legal rights,” the release pointed it.
According to the WPO statement, the amended law for the first time in Guyana’s history now accord to a spouse in a common law union, the right to access benefits afforded those that are legally married, under the Marriage Act.
The release also mentioned that this significant initiative by the President will greatly benefit womenfolk.
It also recognised that the President has led the way on a number of critical social issues including the issue of Domestic Violence.
“On June 30, 2012 he participated and signed a resolution during a men’s walk against domestic violence organised by the Men’s Affairs Bureau which was set up within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security,” it stated.
In addition, it noted President Ramotar’s recent participation at the WPO’s 16th Triennial Congress and address to hundreds of female delegates hailing from all across the country where he called on members to play an active role in safeguarding Guyana’s democracy and promoting women’s development at all cost.
“The WPO reaffirms that with President Donald Ramotar at the helm of our nation we are confident that women’s development will be advanced and safeguarded,” the WPO reiterated.