THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will be holding its 30th Congress from August 2nd to 4th, 2013 under the theme – ‘Strengthen the Party, Build Unity and Advance Democracy’.

On Tuesday, the PPP/C held a press briefing at Freedom House in New Amsterdam to enlighten the Berbice public about the upcoming event which promises to be a democratic process that will aid in directing the PPP/C towards improved governance.
At the congress, members will exercise their right to express their views internally and make suggestions which will be open for discussion and consideration. There will be discussions on matters that were documented by the Central Committee, after a comprehensive report by the General Secretary, President Donald Ramotar.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, who is also the Chairman of the PPP/C National Congress Committee, along with Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, Berbice Supervisor, Harrinarine Baldeo and Chairperson of the local Congress Committee, Faizal Jafarally were present at the briefing to share some of the main activities that will take place at the congress.

ACTIVITIES
On Friday August 2, at 1:00 pm there will be a public session where reputable persons and the media will be invited for an opening declaration, which will be followed by the official business session of the congress, involving delegates and observers and will close with the report of the general secretary.
On Saturday, the report of the general secretary will be discussed in five workshops which will also focus on economic, political and government matters along with the international situation and for the first time, parliament and elections will be examined.

YOUTH FORUM
There will also be a youth forum that will address issues on youths in the party and the young people will also gather to discuss the work and future of the PPP/C. At the end of the sessions, reports will be issued to the plenary for discussions.
On Sunday, there will be discussions on amendments to the constitution and programmes of the party, a political declaration and a democratic election of a new 35-member Central Committee.
A commemorative service would also be held in remembrance of Balram Kandhai, who was shot and killed on the final day of the last congress held in Berbice.

BRIEFING MEDIA
A small team has been assigned to disseminate information to the media on the events at the congress, so as to ensure that there is accuracy in reporting by sections of the print and electronic media.
Minister Rohee said: “At the end of the three days, the newly elected Central Committee will evaluate the work of the congress and determine whether or not a statement would be issued to the press.”
As the PPP/C works towards executing a successful congress, Rohee warned against the infiltration of persons who may pretend to have the interest of the PPP at heart.
“There is a lot of interest in the congress; there are many from the outside who would try to influence the outcome of the congress through sections of the media and this has always been the case with the PPP’s congress.”
It was revealed that security would be beefed up throughout the three days to ensure the safety of the approximately 1,300 persons, including those from the interior, diaspora, fraternal parties and guests, who are expected to be in attendance.
The venue for the 30th Congress is the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.